More hardcore than parkour.
After watching Thursday’s The Office for the first time, I didn’t really like it, but I couldn’t put my finger on why.
Was it because there wasn’t much Jim and Pam? No, I don’t mind less Jim and Pam. The Injury is JAM light, and it is my favorite episode of the series.
Was it because suicide jokes aren’t funny? No, suicide jokes are very funny.
So, I watched it again.
I still didn’t like it. But, I think I’ve figured out why.
It felt supersized — but it was only 22 minutes long.
“I’m gonna kill Jim Halpert.”
Five long Thursdays to think about that statement. Would Roy tackle him? Would Pam warn Jim? Would she cry over his broken body and confess her love? Hell, no. This is not Friday Night Lights. Before Roy could get in one punch, Dwight took him down with an impressive amount of pepper spray.
Back on the comedy track.
I am not a violent person, peeps. But when super-spy Sydney Bristow was still hunting bad guys each week on “Alias,” I secretly hoped for a chance to kick someone’s ass in a red wig and high heels, too. Say what you will about my violent tendencies back then, but I blame J.J. Abrams.
He directed this week’s episode of “The Office” and, as a result, cranked up the action meter on our friends in Scranton.
Before I start this review, I must make a confession.
I’ve never seen Firefly or Serenity. I’ve watched one episode of Buffy and maybe five episodes of Angel. I’m ashamed. I’m naked before you. But, now that I have admitted it, I vow to rent Firefly A.S.A.P. I want a brown coat like the other cool kids. (Did I get that wrong?)
I’m confessing this sin, of course, because Joss Whedon directed this week’s episode of The Office. I’ve read it was a coincidence this episode featured a rogue bat and Vampire!Jim, but I think it was just a sign it was meant to be.
I thought this was a fantastic episode. Michael was a lovable lunatic, we got great character moments, and — it had a bat! What is that?
This week, Phyllis wed Bob Vance (that’s PHYLOB to you.) If you’re like me, you were probably reduced to a shaken martini glass of emotions by the end of the half hour. Despite the happy occasion of a wedding, we were served a healthy spoonful of pathos mixed in with our Thursday night comedy.
When I clicked off my TV after Thursday’s “The Office,” I heard rumbling in the stillness of night. Rumbling that sounded a lot like people throwing Dwight bobbleheads at their televisions.
But I’m here to say there is no reason to be upset, because from office, to warehouse, to Bob Vance Refrigeration, love is in the air at our favorite Scranton business park.
Psycho Ass (Andy’s new title this week) was one Large Tuna of a catalyst for a long-awaited return in this week’s episode.
I’m not talking about the return of Oscar, back from “gaycation.” (Poor Kev — three agonizing months waiting to say that.)
And I’m not talking about the return of Dwight. OK, he was technically only gone 22 minutes. Still, it was enough for all of us to mourn his absence, including Jim. (“Thank you, Universe. You win.”)
I’m talking about JAM.
Because let’s face it peeps, this season has suffered a JAM drought …
This week the characters of NBC’s The Office took on The Amazing Race. Alright, it wasn’t anything like The Amazing Race, but what do I know? I got my information from Michael Scott. Instead, at the suggestion of Andy (who will now be known as Doompadee Dumbass), Michael decided to pair up the sales team for a little “friendly” competition. Stanley took “The Kid” (Ryan), Phyllis (I love her) teamed up with Karen, Doompadee kissed Michael’s ass, and Dwight was forced to work with Jim.