The Office Season 5 spoilers and news

1,649 comments

1. I can hardly contain my excitement over the 30 episode order! What a testament to the success of our beloved show! Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Office! May there be many more awesome milestones ahead for you!

2. YES! 30 Episodes!! Of course they ordered 30 for this season as well… Glad it’s actually going to happen!

   I wonder if they’ll experiment with hour episodes again.

3. Christ, 30 episodes! That must be to make up for the massive amount of episodes lost due to the strike.

4. YES!!!! 30 EPISODES!!!!!!! Hopefully some will be hourlongs, and maybe a Michael/Jan baby?

5. If they do hourlong episodes, I will KILL myself. Like “Romeo and Juliet.” …The Claire Danes one.

   Seriously, a few (i.e. Christmas, the finale, and so forth) is fine, but cramming them all in together this season was just not pleasant.

6. Whoo hoo – 30 episodes! I was so excited about the idea of a 30-ep Season 4, and so disappointed when it didn’t happen. I’m especially stoked for the one Steve is going to write. Just thinking about that concept makes me laugh!

7. Please, no more hour-long episodes.

   Or if they are hour-long episodes, make sure they’re actually funny. An hour long season 2 episode would have been paradise, but now… eh…

8. Please please please do not let there be an actors’ strike! Didn’t we suffer enough during the writers’ strike?

9. -When I heard he was on jury duty I was certain it would be in the show somehow.
   -I really hope that there isn’t an actors strike, but it’s nice to know that 30 episodes have been ordered.

10. You’ve got to be kidding me. What do the ACTORS have to complain about? I think we have suffered enough through those four long months of Office-less-ness, and we don’t need our 30 episodes shot down again.

11. Ah – I take it back! Our season 5 could get split in half! I swear if there’s another strike I’m going to get so mad. The actors really need no more money. I can’t say I’ll support them in this.

12. Oh man I can’t wait for that Jury Duty episode. I hope Steve goes through with writing that and it gets filmed. Imagine Michael on a jury, lol x 100.

13. How could they do Jury Duty? Cameras aren’t allowed in courtrooms…Arrested Development was shot in a similar way, and the cameras always had to leave the courtroom when they had episodes in which they went there. Maybe an episode where Michael is inspired by Jury Duty, and tries to have an “Office Courtroom”?

14. If I have to live through another strike I am going to die. GAH!

15. It seems like if a strike were to happen with actors, God help us, it’d probably end much sooner than this one did. Hollywood had some scripts backed up for the strike, but how can they make anything if they have no actors. They’d definitely want a quick end to things.

16. I’ve been lacking in the participation on Officetally for a few months, since there was nothing really new to talk about. But! I found this page, and I can’t believe it! First, that they’re talking about next season already, and second, that it IS season FIVE!!?!?!?!?

    Totally hard to believe–and just another congrats to you Tanster, especially since people will continue flocking back to the site seeing that we’re ONE MONTH away from the “Dinner Party!!” YAY! No strike, everyone is back to work, and it’s almost Spring! I think I’ll be prepared for the summer break, seeing that I actually survived the strike without my Dunder Mifflin pals!

17. Regarding Christine #14 – Cameras are only barred from federal courts. As to individual states, it would depend on the state and the judge as to whether they allow cameras or not. So it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

18. 32 EPISODES [maybe]???????? SQUEE.

19. All I can say is I am very very happy!!! Go Office!!

20. 30 episodes, nice. I can’t believe that there’s talk of a SAG strike. We’ve already suffered enough.

21. SAG strike? This is the first I’ve heard. Please God of TV…please no. *head keyboard* sdfl;avj xckzlvmc

22. I just looked over the upfronts for NBC, and on the serious, all the shows I watch are on NBC… cosmic.

23. Was that Squee in 19 a pottercast listener?

24. @ 24- You caught me. LMAO.

25. oohhh no … another strike??? that would not be cool!

26. Is shooting starting earlier than normal?

27. Shooting seems like it’s actually starting later than usual… last year it was earlier, right?

28. Hey Tanster,
    My wife is started serving on Jury Duty today. And I have an idea for Steve (not that he needs any) for this Jury Duty episode. This is like her 5th. time.. and she was sayin’ how do I get out of this? I said to her..”This is how you can get out of Jury Duty everytime. Just tell them (pointing at them with your hand shaped like a pistol) “I know how to pick out the guilty ones every single time.”…I don’t think she used it though…
    But it could be a great line for Dwight or even Creed to say in that episode…Don’t worry not a WGA member so that one’s on the house.

29. Does anyone else hope that Jim and Pam
    will be married by the 5th season? i sure do.
    aren’t they the best couple ever. Dwight is
    so lonely without Angela.

30. Ah! I hope that when we come back, Pam is the future Mrs. Jim Halpert!

31. #32: I, for one, do not hope they are married when we get back. That would be highly disappointing. I am with you on the whole cliche JAM wedding episode, I’d be fine without it, but I kind of feel like we already got cheated out of watching a good relationship unfold because of the writer’s strike. I’m not ready to watch them be a married couple quite yet. I hope they don’t start Season 5 like that.

    30 episodes though! I already can’t wait for that DVD. Amazing.

32. Just for all the people that think Jim and Pam will be the spin-off: NOT going to happen. They will not take any of the main characters off the show, and that includes Michael and Dwight too. Mark my words, these characters are crucial components of The Office, and it would be a shadow of what it has been if any one of these people left.

    I trust my writers/producers: they are smarter than that.

33. It would be awesome if the ‘documentary’ started airing sometime this season.

    I was hoping that Jan’s lawsuit would play out in The Deposition but after the episode it was clear that the case was dropped. But this season we will have an even better Ryan scandal. This is going to be a good story-arc and I’m excited to see it play out.

    I think Jim and Pam will be engaged in the premiere, not already married. I would actually prefer not to see their wedding though.

34. I’m scared Pam is gonna find someone new being away from Jim for 3 months. Why oh why did Andy have to ruin it?!

35. i just got into the office a few weeks ago and i love it!

36. I am so sad the proposal didn’t happen-they better make up for it by having it in the season opener!!

37. I really hope the actors don’t have to go on strike.

38. i really hope that jim and pam are not married to start off season 5. that would not be good, i think that they should be engaged within the first 5 episodes of season 5, and i don’t think they should get married until the finale of season 5, or early in to season 6. i think it would be stupid for the writers to make them married from the beginning of season 5 because that would take away all the suspense, and make the show less interesting to watch. and i really really really hope andy and angela do NOT get married, and there can be a dwangela renunion lol

39. The proposal has to be in a regular episode for it not to be predictable, IMO.

40. The Pratt Institute has a campus in Utica. What if Pam ends up their by Karen?!

41. If Pam and Jim do not tie the knot, I will stop watching the show. I started watching this show about 2 weeks ago and I just finished watching every episode. I am rooting for Pam and Jim to work out in the long run. This has got to be one of the best shows I have ever seen.

42. I absolutely love this show. It’s the best thing to ever hit television and i just started watching it last month. Any hints about season 5?

43. I would LOVE it if Rashida Jones came back as Karen and took over Ryan’s corporate position. I’m not sure if her show “Unhitched” was renewed.

    Anyone with me?

44. i don’t think that unhitched did get renewed (it wasn’t very good) and my FIRST thought for ryan’s corporate job was karen. all jam drama aside, i think that her character would play well off of michael’s character. ultimately that is the most important aspect of the jan or ryan character – how do they interact with michael.
    i do not think that pam will “find someone else” i think that doesn’t make sense. it is total sitcom drama but doesn’t fit AT ALL with their characters or their story. i think people are just fearing the worst but i doubt those fears will come true.

45. [from tanster: please proofread and re-post. thanks!]

46. [from tanster: please proofread and re-post. thanks!]

47. I would be cool if we didn’t see the the JAM proposal…but I really want to see the wedding. Perhaps the spin-off will be Jim and Pam in NY…Jim lands Ryan’s corporate job and Pam is there for school…that might be fun?!?

48. JAM in New York would be boring, because there’s no conflict and not much opportunity for humor.

    Creed will get Ryan out of prison, in exchange for his third chair.

49. This may be a stupid question – but does season five deal in real time? Meaning that when September rolls around and season five starts up, the show will account for the four month time gap? Or will there be no time gap and will deal with summer and everything and go from there?

50. [from tanster: please proofread and re-post. thanks!]

51. #51

    There will most likely be a time jump. The season 3 and 4 premieres took place 3 or 4 months after the previous season’s finale.

52. creed really does need to be in the show more.

53. Question: If Pam does this art institute thing and everything won’t that mean she’ll be leaving The Office to pursue a career in design?

    Maybe they’ll get her pregnant and she’ll have to drop out of design school or SOMETHING. I mean, no, we don’t want her to hold back and be a receptionist forever, but where can they go from there?

54. I still can’t beleive Andy ruined it for Angela’s lame replay of “OK”.
    I felt Pam’s pain when she tried to smile for the pic with Toby.

    And poor Michael, getting sucked into his toxic relationship with Jan.. again!
    I’m hoping her and Holly duke it out over michael in Season 5 after she’s baked that bun in the oven. Holly seems so good for him. They mesh and she was giving him vibes… MICHAEL NOOOO!!!!

55. Pam could stay in Scranton, but get promoted to a title like “Advertising Coordinator”, where she handles all of the advertising and graphic design.

    But most importantly:

    CREED MUST GET HIS THIRD CHAIR!

56. As much as a love JAM, I would never watch that spin-off. I mean, I even cried at the finale because they didn’t get engaged. But a spin-off? That’s a little too jammy for me.

57. i seriously hope the spinoff won’t be about jim and pam. it would be too boring. while they are great on the show, i don’t think the two of them would be able to carry a show on their own. the spin off will be about ryan…i’m almost sure of it

58. i would be SHOCKED if the spin-off is about pam and jim. plus, aren’t these writers always surprising us? i doubt they would set up something that neat and tidy and obvious. i am sure they know we are putting 2 and 2 together with pam in new york and ryan’s corporate job open. we are playing right into their hands!!
    i am going all in that pam and jim are not the spin off. and i am usually right on about my predictions so yeah… i’m pretty good.

59. spinoff is Ryan in jail. if Karen was the spin-off, i would definitely NOT watch it! i don’t know why, but i do not like watching season 3 because of Karen. She just bugs me (but I love Rashida Jones-I know it’s weird)

60. Yea I totally agree. I disliked Karen even BEFORE she called Pam the b-word. Her character is just too uncomfortable and selfish. I absolutely LOVE Rashida, though.

61. I hope Holly’s coming back! She seemed so sweet.

62. the spin off CANNOT be jim and pam.. that would totally suck.. i mean, they’re great on the show.. but without dwight, michael, and practically everyone else in the office.. they’re a pretty boring couple..
    creed IS hilarious.. and i can’t wait to see what happens with dwight and angela…
    they MUST get back together!

63. Love Rashida – Hate Karen. I can’t help but be a little happy that “Unhitched” was cancelled – only because I’m still seeing it as “Karen” was cancelled, haha!

    NBC, PLEASE don’t make a JAM spin-off. It just won’t work!

64. #44 – Congratulations on choosing to watch the best show ever made! Welcome to the fan-cult of all that is Office.

65. I’m surprised nobody has commented on the fact that NBC said it would be “The Office”‘s “15th and final season”. A joke? A typo and they meant 5th and final season? I wouldn’t be able to stand it if it was the final season! I am SO freaking out! I hope it was just a joke and not for real. Is this the first time something like this has been mentioned or hinted at?

    [from tanster: read the release again.]

66. Sarah, ER is going through it’s 15th and final season. Unless they just corrected it, that’s what the news posting says. I missed the “er” part the first time I read it too :).

67. Oh thank God The Office isn’t going anywhere. You scared me there!

68. so is that saturday night live thing that was going to air after the office not happening anymore? if kath and kim is on after the office now what does that mean for the spin off? or is there no spin off at all?? hmmm…

69. i understand completely, large tuna (61).

70. I have to disagree, Large Tuna. I liked Karen, though I knew that she was the rebound girl. Although I wish they had kept the Pam and Karen as friends plotline that would have been really interesting.

71. on wikipedia it says the first episode of season five is called The Bowling Match, and the description says:

    “To promote sportsmanship after Ryan is charged with the possession of drugs, Michael takes the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch bowling to honor him. Pam returns from the graphics design school with a surprise for Jim. Kevin pursues a relation with Holly at the bowling alley.”

    what do you guys think? Fake?

72. CJ
    That summary sounds fake simply because they don’t have it written yet and Ryan was charged with fraud. Although the cops probably would charge him wih drug possession if they found coke on him during the arrest.

73. I found this quote on Wikipedia’s The Office page:

    “Additionally, actress Rashida Jones has been contracted to write and guest star in a season 5 episode, reprising the role of Jim’s former girlfriend Karen Filippelli.”

    Anyone else heard this? I didn’t know Rashida was a writer? It’s here.

74. 75: It’s Wikipedia (and the article they cite says nothing about that). They have that fake “Bowling Match” as the S5 premiere, still.

75. I wonder now that Unhitched is canceled, if we’ll see some more of Rashida next season.

76. wow, ryan will be back next season. i am really curious how they will be bringing him back. it seems pretty certain he wouldn’t be working at dm anymore. i can’t imagine someone being arrested for fraud and then getting their job back? sooo curious!

77. it appears that all references to the bowling episode and rashida jones’ reappearance have been removed from wikipedia.

78. I hope Rashida comes back next season. I’ve missed Karen!

79. I think Michael will hire Ryan back as a temp. Too much man-love there for them to be parted for long.

80. I don’t think they’ll rehire Ryan. I’ve never heard of a company rehiring an employee who committed a massive fraud. I would like to think the writer’s could come up with a more creative way to deal with Ryan.

81. I would love for Holly to come back! I am also curious to see where Pam’s character goes because once she goes to art school she won’t be DM receptionist anymore!

82. Perhaps Ryan will be back in a tax break/hire a convict manner a la Martin.

83. I HATE that we have to wait until September to find out what happens!! I just can’t stand the SUSPENSE!! I want the office to stay the same, I don’t want Jim/Pam to leave!! And I want them to be together FOREVER!!!

84. Trouble with not keeping Ryan is that they’ll have to introduce ANOTHER new character to be Michael’s boss!

    I do miss the old Ryan though, him and his Short Round impressions!

85. The new HR girl and “Special” Kevin got to hook up! Go Kev! Here’s to fat CPAs!

86. i really hope they don’t do a spinoff— with any of the characters missing it wouldn’t be the same. it wouldn’t be as entertaining without the character dynamics and their quirky interactions!!

87. Ryan will be in jail during season 5. He will be doing 8 months.

88. Here is what Netflix says in a synopsis about Season 5:

    “The dysfunction continues for delusional boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell) and his crew in the fifth season of this Emmy-winning sitcom about Pennsylvania paper company Dunder Mifflin. Once again, control-freak Dwight (Rainn Wilson) attempts to pull off hilarious power plays, Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) wrestle with their relationship, and Michael tries to keep the team united and productive with his “innovative” methods.”

89. Maybe Ryan will return to the show as an employee at Vance Refrigeration. :-P

90. Booooo, where are the spoilers?! I feel like last year we had a ton RIGHT after the finale…

91. There were so many plot twists in the last episode I honestly had to double check the TV listings to make sure that I wasn’t watching Lost. LOL.

92. [from tanster: please proofread and re-post. thanks!]

93. For real….I need to watch season 4 on dvd to catch up! I can’t get enough of The Office. My family and I are total addicts! Will Ryan and Pam get married?

94. I really doubt Ryan and Pam will get married. :p

95. so i have been trying to figure out how we will see ryan again next season after he was arrested for fraud (couldn’t really see him getting his job back…) what if he and kelly start dating again! the darryl/kelly thing never really went anywhere and there is definitely a weird draw between ryan and kelly. there is a deleted scene in branch closing where ryan says he “can’t explain” the power that kelly has over him and in the season 4 episodes there is clearly a spot of jealousy when it comes to kelly and darryl. and we all know how kelly feels. me and my wild theories but i am putting it out there!!

96. Here is an article from the Winnipeg Sun that suggests Amy Ryan will be back, along with saying all the main actors have signed on for three more years at least.
    http://winnipegsun.com/Entertainment/Television/2008/06/18/5909136-sun.html

97. You know how Jim was followed by the cameras when he went to Stamford and David Brent from the UK The Office was followed even after he was fired? Maybe the documentary will follow Ryan in jail and when he gets out, even if he isn’t at the Office.

98. 97- i don’t think that will happen, or at least it shouldn’t happen. following jim to another branch is one thing. plus he still had contact here and there with scranton so it was relevant. plus the branches were going to merge one way or the other. they filmed david brent in the special after the series ended like a “where is he now” kind of thing and that special aired a while after the original series ended. there was a purpose to it. following ryan would be weird because there would be no reason to, it wouldn’t relate back to the original documentary at all.

99. i have a weird feeling ryan will do a COMPLETE 360 turnaround and will be back in the scranton branch working below michael again…and pam will go to new york and jim will stay behind and visit her sometimes, and yes the cameras will follow her…and that will postpone the engagement OR just speed it up (possibly a romantic proposal under the city lights? maybe.) and the michael/jan/amy situation is wayy too complicated for me to do any kind of prediction upon.

100. I already miss TOby. :*(

101. YES! YES! Amy is coming back! But why only 5 episodes?

102. Re: 98 | tuna tuna tuna

     You’re right. Fired employees shouldn’t be “followed” by the documentary crew. Nobody followed Devon after he left, or Karen. They only appeared again because the current employees interacted with them again. We also only kept seeing Jan because she was living with Michael. Let’s face it, the show barely spends any time in the actual office anymore…. the documentary premise shouldn’t be stretched further by following Ryan if he is no longer an employee of Dunder Mifflin.

103. What about Jan and the baby twist! Michael says he’s kind of going to be a daddy. I mean there is so much fun to be had there. Plus, the Andy/Ice Queen marriage. It’s already the best comedic writing on tv. Hands down.

104. What I find surprising is that as of the season finale, Toby is gone and Ryan is in jail. Note- both actors are also writers. Will they really leave? Thoughts?

105. b.j. novak has already said that we will definitely see ryan on the office next year so, no, he is not really gone. toby, i am not as sure. paul is exec producer now so he is definitely going to be doing more behind the scenes. but i also feel like there were some open ended things with toby so i could see him making an appearance again, even in a reoccurring guest spot or once or twice. i hope so cause i love toby!

106. whoa! we WILL see toby again. wow. i wonder in what context?? is it september yet, seriously!

107. Ugh, after Creepfest ’08, I have no real interest in seeing Toby ever again.

108. “seemingly” arrested? Now what does that mean? That seems like an odd word to add in.

109. I’m sure they’ll throw in some sort of Pam-Toby thing just to give him his chance to express how he feels and tie up that storyline. Ugh. I’m not the biggest JAM fan out there but seriously, how much more relationship drama can they take?

110. I miss when Ryan and Toby were the voices of reason in the office. Glad that we might see a little more of Toby. And “seemingly” means Ryan will be back too.

111. Season 2, which is generally lauded as the show’s greatest season, had two episodes set in a Chilis, one in Michael’s condo, one in New York, one at a Hooter’s, one at Jim’s townhouse, one at a Northeastern Pennsylvania sales meeting and one on a party boat. So I think the show except in Season One has always gone outside the narrow confines of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton office. I don’t think that was a new dynamic in Season 4.

112. you know jim and pam haven’t really had an unreasonable amount of relationship drama. she was engaged and then he had a girlfriend. then when pam got the guts to tell him how she felt he thought about it, broke up with karen, and asked her out to dinner. they have been together for almost a year and he plans to propose, having been foiled once. i think we all feel so protective and worried that the writers will break them up we are hypersensitive to anything that even feels like drama.

113. I was hoping we’d seen the last of toby.Why the writers made him all creepy from Season 3 onwards,i’ll never understand.

114. “Seemingly” Arrested? what’s that supposed to mean? Were the police just getting him to question him or something? Toby coming back doesn’t surprise me much I was always suspicious about them killing his character.

115. I don’t think the “seemingly” arrested wording is as weird as Toby “disappearing.” Uh, he went to Costa Rica, because he’d wanted to for years. Not exactly “disappearing.”

     That said, when they bring him back, I really hope it’s so Michael can make more hilarious comments at his expense.

116. “seemingly”?? and when she says tying up those stories I hope she doesn’t mean ending the story of their character. I want at least Ryan around. So please tell us that we haven’t seen the last of Ryan, either.

117. Re: #102-Callan and #98 tuna tuna tuna

     I respectfully disagree….

     What about the crew following David Brent after he was let go in the BBC version? And Dawn after she moved to the U.S. I think there is some validity to it. Just my opinion though. Either way, I can’t freaking wait until September!

118. Personally I wouldn’t care if Ryan and Toby were gone for good.

     It might be funny to have it look like Toby is going to come back just to torture michael but actually not have him come back.

     Time to move Ed Helms into the credits, cut back on the amount of storyline and plot and just get back to season 2 style office antics.

119. Hearing that Toby might come back is the best news I’ve heard all day. Toby is my favorite character, so having his sad face around again makes me smile.

120. #117
     the original british series was presented very much like an actual documentary on the bbc and after the end of the second series (season) ricky jervais said that was the end of the show and there would be no more. the christmas specials (where they film david brent going around and dawn in america) were shown a year later as a “where are they now, life AFTER the documentary” special. it did not immediately follow the original series nor were those people being filmed in their separate lives while the rest of the documentary was still being made. so i feel that is totally different. but i do agree that i can’t wait for september!

121. Re 120 | tuna tuna tuna

     Agreed. The British series followed a much stricter documentary format, and the Christmas specials were just a “Where Are They Now?”. Because of the length of the American series, the documentary format had to be relaxed a little. However, I don’t see the point in following around Ryan and Toby if they don’t work for Dunder-Mifflin anymore. In fact, I’m kind of over keeping up with Jan too… she used to be the most together female character on the show, and she’s practically unrecognizable now.

122. Yay! Yay! Yay! Toby will be back. I wouldn’t read too much into Mindy’s words – I think she’s just trying to keep up the suspense. And I wouldn’t count out Toby and Ryan both continuing to work for Dunder-Mifflin in some capacity in the new season.
     P.S. I agree with Troy’s Magical Riddles – The Office crew has also been shown outside of the office itself, and some of my favourite episodes (e.g. The Dundies) have taken place elsewhere.

123. 122

     Ryan will not be working for DM ever again. He was arrested for fraud. It would be way too unrealistic for DM to keep him around. He may still be on the show in some capacity, but just not working for them.

     Toby may come back if they decide to have a fight/break up with JAM just to make some PABY (Pam+Toby) moments :)

124. why has no one discussed the whole angela/dwight/andy relationship? who will she end up with?

125. my prediction – ryan comes back because he and kelly get back together.
     in case you haven’t noticed, the season 5 spoilers section is my favorite!

126. Haha! PABY – I would have gone for TAM (Toby + Pam), but I think I like PABY better!

     Dwangela, I think people haven’t been discussing your namesake because there is only one logical conclusion – she MUST end up with Dwight, right? Or maybe there’s a “Team Andy” out there that I’m not aware of? Can we get T-shirts made up again?

     P.S. I’m starting to get nervous for Season 5 at all, based on the most recent news about the SAG negotiations.

127. Although I love the Office, I really wished the show would revert more to the Season 2-esque format. Although, yes, the characters went outside the office, there were plenty of episodes where the storyline was contained for the most part in, or around the office (“The Fire,” Sexual Harassment,” “Drug Testing,” “Conflict Resolution,” etc). I can’t say the same about the fourth season. Almost all of them took place for the majority of the episode outside of the office.

128. I want another Dundie’s episode. I thought it was Dunder Mifflin’s annual award show. Now I am not saying do one every year, but they could do one every couple years.

129. i agree about going back to the season 2 style. i liked how they kept all of the relationship storylines more subtle. and i think another dundies would be great, but could they keep it original enough?

130. 123 Long Tim: Rewatch The Convict.

     I want Toby back, but I won’t stand for a Toby/Pam/Jim love triangle. I’ve never been a fan of the Toby loves Pam storyline, so I hope it’s buried next season.

131. I have to agree- the show should find its way back to a season 2/ early season 3 format. They kept it simple, the Jim and Pam story was still a little foggy, just flirting and the Roy conflicts were great.

     I don’t know where they will take the Jim/Pam story from here. Season 2 finale- Jim confesses love then leaves. Season 3 finale- Jim returns to Scranton to date Pam, and Season 4 finale- they almost get engaged. Where else can they go from there?? What’s next?

132. 130: While “The Convict” is a good argument that D-M will hire back Ryan, Martin wasn’t arrested for fraud against the company that hired him. I still think D-M will hire Ryan in some way, but I don’t know how… and I think there will/should be some amusing Ryan in jail/on trial episodes.

     I don’t think Toby loves Pam at all (the way Jim did in S2), it’s just a creepy crush.

133. The key to getting back to season 2 is to stop having shock value and exaggerated comedy (exaggerated in the purest, broadest sense) dictate the story. The best episodes are simple, character-driven episodes that are painfully dead-pan (kind of like…*cough*…an office!!). Also, you have to bring in other creative ideas from outside sources as some of the writers seem tapped out a bit, relying on contrived mustaches to sell comedy.

     If they can get to basics, we’re in for a great season 5, full of deeper characters. If not, season 6 will mark the series finale.

134. Has anyone entertained the idea that Dunder Mifflin will be affected as a company because of Ryan’s fraudulent behavior? Like layoffs and branch closings, or worse. Does anyone think that will actually be a storyline? I guess I don’t, but it’s a possibility.
     On another note, if Jim goes to corporate, I’m going to cry. Discuss.

135. Oh my god…. Mindy Kaling’s comment is killing me. I will be in suspense for the rest of the summer.

136. Mindy’s comment has made me a very happy person today! I hope the resolution she speaks of is going to be in the form of a proposal and not that they’re already engaged. I’m still waiting to get my ass kicked, Jim!

137. omg, omg, omg, I am SO EXCITED! Thank you, Mindy!!! How will we ever stand the wait??? Go, JAM, go!!!

138. that’s an interesting theory, anise. DM is already on the rocks for selling “limitless paper in a paperless world.” I wonder, though, if that story line would be too close to the story line of season 1 and the beginning of season 3? Also, it doesn’t make sense to send Jim to corporate. He didn’t go the first time because of Pam and unless Pam goes with him, I can’t see why he would be willing to go. But since Ryan is likely gone from DM, or at least from the corporate position, who will take over for him? Will Jan be rehired or maybe will Toby take his place?

139. That interview makes me happy for PB&J! Never have I ever been so upset at fictional characters in my life lol.

140. same here 139:)

141. Ah damn.
     Toby is coming back. Glad he left…

142. Nice, can’t wait.

143. Ahhhhh, I am very very excited!!! Only two more months!

144. i think karen will take over ryan’s position. i think that makes sense and her interaction with michael would be funny, sort of a throwback to jan and michael in earlier seasons, plus it would be interesting to the jim and pam story.
     i really don’t think that toby would take over. a lot of people have suggested that possibility but he is human resources, guys. that is a totally different skill and experience set than a management position. it wouldn’t make sense, realistically. in the real corporate world they wouldn’t randomly hire the h.r. guy from one of the branches to oversee all the sales offices in the northeast.

145. YES! xD

146. I can NOT wait until September 25th…I am in SUCH suspense!!! I am VERY happy for JAM…I just REALLY hope the romance continues to be STRONG!!!!!!!! :)I LOVE PB&J!!!!! :)

147. YAY YAY YAY!!! More Amy, and Mindy basically stated a JAM proposal!!

148. 144

     Rashida Jones still has a contract with NBC so it is possible that Karen will return! I would love to see her in the corporate position.

149. Mindy, if you are pulling a Jenna on us and not giving us the whole truth I am going to put Kelly’s copy of OK! with the Holy Twins in Jello.

150. 148 – yeah i know. there seems to be speculation that means she will be in the spin off but my money is on her returning in the corporate position! i think that would be great.

151. The spin-off (if it ever actually exists) could be Corporate, but as much as I like Karen, she’s far too boring to be anything but a secondary lead (so I don’t get yelled at, the same is true for Jim and Pam).

152. [from tanster: please proofread and re-post. thanks!]

153. arrghh! the spin-off rumors are true. I hope it has ‘something’ to do with Ricky Gervais … or I could see that being a disaster. Everything he touches is genius.

     Looking forward to seeing Toby return. Say what you want about Kevin, Oscar, or the others, Toby has a lot more potential for interest than the other office characters for storyline. To be fair, most of them have already had their own success in that regard – anything more might just be regurgitation. Really, who wants to see Karen and Pam go at it again over Jim?

154. I can see Jim moving to NYC to replace Ryan if Pam is attending design school there. (How has no one mentioned that yet?)

     Maybe they move to NYC together and then get engaged, that way Andys proposal to Angela is a non-factor in the JAM saga.

155. that’s a thought, jim. But I personally think the dynamic of Jim and Pam won’t work as well outside of the office. I don’t think they would be as interesting and as obvious as normal people if they weren’t surrounded by Kevin, Dwight, Andy, and Angela. That’s why I think it’s unlikely that the writers will send them off on their own. Anyway, Pam is only going to be in that art school for 3 months.

156. #155 that theory has actually been talked about a lot, especially right after the finale. i tend to agree with #156 and think that they will definitely not have jim move to new york and follow their story there. not only would it be less interesting outside of the office, it also would also have the effect of the beginning of season 3, trying to follow stories in 2 places, which makes the episodes more disjointed. and there would be no point, unlike season 3 where the branches were going to merge back together.

157. I think that we will see Ryan because Michael started blubbering like a baby going on and on about how his best friend was going to jail, and I think Michael will visit him in jail. On another note I think that Jim will propose to Pam in the office because he said in the finale that he met fell in love with and had his first kiss with Pam in the office so why do it any where else but the office? That’s all I have to say on that matter and as for Toby honestly I hope he never comes back.

158. Seeing what happens what over the summer?

     Congratulations, universe, you win.
     I’ve died without seeing the premiere.

159. I am THRILLED about Season 5! I can hardly wait to see what happens with Jim/Pam…they are SO “real”…I love that they’re TRULY “soul-mates”…the entire show is hilarious…I know the premiere will be amazing! :)

160. We should remember that Pam won’t be in the office in the summer episode since she’s at Pratt. That should make things very interesting..

161. SQUEE SQUEE. Christmas episode!!

162. Now that the cast and crew are back to work, I’d like lots of leaked photos, please. That way we can spend the next 7 or 8 weeks dissecting every little tidbit. Isn’t there some Tallyhead out in sunny CA who can sneak on set and grab a few snapshots? It’s for a good cause…

163. If an actor from Mad Men guests on The Office does that mean that they can’t reference Mad Men on the show? Because I saw Michael as a Mad Men fan.

164. I love Rich Sommer! He’s so adorable, and Harry is definitely one of my favorite characters on Mad Men. I’m really, really excited to see what the Office writers will do with him. Great casting choice!

165. I’m so excited about Rich Sommer guesting on The Office! Mad Men is my second favorite show after The Office and I love Rich’s character, Harry Crane. Can’t wait to see what he brings to Dunder-Mifflin!

166. Maybe he’s Jan’s baby daddy.

167. Rich Sommer? Who could he be? 167… maybe!

168. Could he possibly be Ryan’s replacement?

169. I hate/love the words “surprise twist.” As long as the aforementioned twist has nothing to do with JAM, bring it on.

170. Dwide-
     I think he’s the temp who fills in for Pam while she’s at art school. We’ll get to find out if Michael gets man crushes on all male temps or if Ryan was the only one.

171. hmm..I’m sort of nervous about this “surprise twist.” All I can say is that I really hope everything with JAM is solid! But yeah, I agree with what 171 said about Rich Sommer being Pam’s summer replacement…I really hope that is true and that he’s not some new best friend she meets at art school. :/

     Anyway, super excited for the premiere!!!

172. [from tanster: please proofread and re-post. thanks!]

173. JAMforever-
     Just remember that these TV spoiler writers at TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly have a tendency to exaggerate. They’re basically covering for the fact that they know as little as we do.

174. As far as the blatant cross-promotion… is Pam gonna be a part-time secretary for Jack Donaghy to make some money while she’s in NY? Heh.

175. I bet the cross-promotion in the premiere episode has something to do with The Biggest Loser. Both shows are produced by Reveille Productions.

176. Oh tell me they have another line of products that are gearing up to tie in with the season premiere!

     As usual, Ausiello’s spoilers are of absolutely no help.

177. While I would love the cross promotion to be with 30 Rock, it’s more likely to be the Biggest Loser.

178. 177, 178: Oh yeah, that makes sense, considering what the S5 premiere is about. Duh.

179. Wow, I hate NBC so much. This cross-promotion idea is horrid. I mean the green week was one thing, but this is just pathetic…

180. i’m confused by this whole “cross promotion” thing- please explain, someone?

181. JumboChalk-
     Cross Promotion is when a TV show has a cross over to another show. But given that spoilers say that the premiere will be about a weight loss competition I think The Biggest Loser will be mentioned heavily.

182. I think Ausiello was being tongue-in-cheek about the whole cross-promotion with the Biggest Loser. I think it’s just something that popped into his mind. It’s hard to imagine it being a blatant attempt by NBC to force the writers to promote another NBC show. (And as far as the whole Green promotion episode, I loved Survivor Man, and the main message was nature=bad.) And weight loss is a very real plot with so much potential for being hilarious. We’re always having weight loss challenges at my office (and some evil skinny coworkers who aren’t involved in the total hell that goes into attempting to lose ten pounds suddenly materialize into great treat-bakers and candy-sharers so there’s temptation everywhere).

183. For the record, it’s actually the Pratt Institute. Just fyi ;)

184. Squeeee!!!!

     Look at the wording carefully in the title of Kristins’ article drawRINGS :O)

185. Double Squee! I am so excited! Did anyone read Kristen’s section? Does anyone else think that the “metaphor” about Pam losing her way means that maybe she and Jim are taking a break? So, when she “finds her way again,” maybe she “finds her way” back to Jim? I can’t wait until September 25th. Thank you for posting, Tanster!

186. I think that it will be Devon who comes back.

187. maybe Roy

188. Toby anyone? Ryan seems too obvious a choice.

189. The Office spinoff is off the table?

190. Dunder Mifflin Character gone that is coming back.

     I would naturally think Toby or Ryan. But now I am thinking Karen…

191. Devon!

     Eh…probably not.

     I can’t see Karen coming back to Scranton, now that she’s RM at Utica.

     I definitely see Toby returning to work and Ryan staying in the show somehow, maybe even having to work his way back up from Scranton again.

192. The employee who is coming back is Tom from accounting,he haunts his old corner in accounting.

193. So they’re not doing the office spinoff anymore???? Please, let it be true. As long as they’re doing the Amy Poehler show, I will be happy.

194. My vote is Roy

195. Roy is way too obvious.

196. Oh it must be Roy. Toby and Ryan are too obvious and we’ve seen Karen, so we know she’s not really “gone”.

197. it’s SO roy. or karen

198. I think it’s Karen – the story line is about a weightloss competition between the branches, so it’s not completely difficult to assume Utica is included in it.
     Though I would love to see Roy again. I felt like his closure with Pam in The Negotiation was a really great scene and I’d love to see them catching up.

199. I’m telling you all, it’s going to be Tony Gardner. We all know he’s quite the portly fellow and maybe there’s a chance he was hired by another branch.

200. Spinoff is off the table? Do they mean the spinoff isn’t happening? I thought it was supposed to be debuting after the Super Bowl. My guess is Ryan or Toby is coming back. I’m really hoping it’s not Karen.

201. Maybe it’s one of the old Stamford transfers. Someone like Martin or Hannah… or Tony Gardner!

202. I think these TV Spoiler writers know as little as the rest of us and saying someone is coming back we never expected to see again covers a whole host of characters, Toby, Roy, Ryan, Karen, Devon, Packer, or a smaller character like Mose.

203. Guys, it’s gotta be Devon who comes back! It would be…pure win.

     and thanks headphone! I thought that’s what it meant, but I didn’t want to make a fool out of myself if I was wrong (:

204. Ok guys still in Afghanistan till September can’t wait till the season premier but talk to me about this “spinoff” What is it and are we getting it or not? We can’t be slackin at the office…..LOL!

205. Also I’m thinking our mystery comeback will be Roy or Packer.

206. I really hope it isn’t Karen.

207. Well here is my thought on Karen, I think she’ll be around as she is pregnant, and invited Michael to her Lamaze class. (I think I spelled that wrong). She may not be a main character but I think she’ll definitely be there. As for Ryan that was left open ended and I believe we’ll see more of him.

208. Sorry retard moment(hence Special K….LOL), I always get Karen and Jan mixed up when I haven’t seen them for a few months. Who knows if Karen will be back.

209. My guess…Roy is coming back!

210. Wait. Am I missing something?? Why is the Office spin-off “off the table”? Did it get cancelled/moved? I don’t remember seeing anything saying as such.

211. it was karen the last time ausiello mentioned the return of a character in season 4. i’m voting it’s karen this time, too.

212. The only characters I don’t see coming back are Michael’s old manager and the chair model, because they are dead. Actually, I’m not even totally convinced it won’t be one of them. (I admit, my first thought was Roy too!)

213. i think when they say the office spin-off is off the table they are NOT talking about the show with amy poehler, they are talking about this alleged other show that was a more literal spin-off (which i am not convinced ever existed).
     the amy poehler show is debuting at a later date because of her pregnancy.
     and my vote is karen. as the new ryan. although the return of roy or devon would be amazing. i don’t think todd packer falls into the category cause i for one didn’t’ think i would never see him again.

214. ROY IS COMING BACK!!!

     I just know it. I hope so! And I’m confused. So both the spinoff and the non-spinoff are off the table??

215. My guess? Tan Monster.

216. If you take the statement literally, then it is a Dunder Mifflin employee who is returning. Now, Roy is not a DM employee anymore; neither is Toby, Devon, Jan, Hunter, or any of the Stamford people who quit in season 3. Maybe Todd Packer, but he never really left, just appears occasionally as a recurring character. So, unless I’m overlooking someone, that leaves Karen as the only current DM employee who left the show (or at least left Scranton branch). Then again, I’m not sure what Pam’s status is. The spoilers seem to indicate she will indeed be going to New York for art school. Whether that involves quitting DM or taking a leave of absence remains to be seen.

217. Toby? fell on hard surface? maybe he fell off a cliff or something

218. The natural progress of the storyline would seem to indicate a little bit of a rough patch for JAM in season 5…which honestly, they’re like PB&J together, sure, but I wouldn’t mind seeing a few waves.

219. Dang it Pam! Jim is the one you love not this other dude.

220. I wonder why the cameras would follow Toby to Costa Rica?

221. I wonder if Toby hurt himself surfing? I bet Michael would get a laugh out of that one!

222. I agree with 223.

     Boo.

223. As long as Jim and Pam end up together in the end, one episode where she flirts with another guy makes no difference to me.

224. Noooo, Pam! Don’t forget about Jim!

225. I think I was right earlier! I said that the “metaphor” Kristin was talking about when Pam gets lost and eventually finds her way was about her rethinking things with Jim. I bet that Rich Sommer’s character gets her to doubt things. I am hoping that Pam eventually “finding her way” means that she “finds her way back to Jim.” Oh my goodness, I love this show!

226. I’m supremely tired of the forced plot twists on this show, especially because I thought Jim and Pam got together to end that BS and get back to the workplace-based comedy.

227. Michael went to Costa Rica and shot Toby. And Rich Sommer is Pam’s male Karen??

228. #230 I agree. Boooooooooooo

229. 218 – no just the “spin-off”. it even mentions the amy poehler show in the full article. that show is still happening it just is not going to debut after the superbowl (cause she is preggers!)
     also, i really don’t think that the writers will follow some total cliche in the pam and jim story. i have faith! remember what mindy said – people who wanted some resolution from the finale will be “very happy”.

230. No more Jam misadventures! I’m tired of that. My vote is that Karen returns in Ryan’s now-vacant position.

231. My vote is that Karen returns in Ryan’s now-vacant position.
     234 | Troy’s Magical Riddles Tue. Aug. 12, 2008 at 11:42am

     that’s what i’ve been saying!!

232. Pam can have the new guy, as long as Karen comes back to Jim
     Team karen forever

233. my guess: Jim goes to art school to visit Pam and this new guy kisses her and Jim walks in on seeing that and leaves

234. Definitely not Roy.

     Not Karen – she can’t RETURN to Dunder Mifflin ’cause she still works for D.M.

     Well, it must be Ryan then, “a D.M. employee you think is gone for good,” I thought he was gone from D.M. for good because he was arrested.

235. Ausiello said “returning to Dunder-MIfflin” so I’m guessing Jan.

236. Devin is coming back.

237. Mmmmmmmm, Toby?

238. Maybe they’re just trying to mess with us and it’s a former employee from The Merger that we only saw for half an episode. Or Deven.

239. The returning character could be Jan, they need a new sales VP and as she is the most qualified, I put my bets on her.

240. Toby would be great to have back. I hope the fall knocks the weird Pam crush out of him.

241. I think these TV Spoiler guys cover for the fact that they don’t what is going to happen either.

242. Anyone can come back to Dunder-Mifflin (Scranton branch) as long as it’s not Karen. I never really liked her, even given different circumstances I don’t think I would have liked her. As stupid as this may sound, I never got the right “feel” from her. I just really, really, don’t want her to come back to Scranton.

     My guess is that Jan is going to get Ryan’s job.

243. His wording leads me to believe it’s Jan. I would have said Karen when I first read about it, but she already works at Dunder Mifflin, so she wouldn’t be returning to it.

244. I’m going to say that Ryan gets out of jail, loses his executive job, but is re-hired as a salesman in Scranton. But I’m not sure how this could happen.

245. #244 I agree with you. And it’d be a major surprise if she was rehired considering how she went out.

246. #231, too funny. I think Michael gives Ryan a second chance. His man-crush on Ryan is too powerful to overcome. Andd, after all, business is about people. It’s the most personal thing in the world.

247. I totally think it will be Katy! Just my guess.

248. My guess is that Jan is returning. Ryan would make sense, but I think they are going to milk him being in prison. Jan could always use the extra cash, so I’m assuming Michael pulled strings to use Jan as a temporary receptionist.

249. I would like for it to be Devon that returned….just to see how Michael would handle that situation

250. I bet Jan comes back. That’s my theory at least, and on the point of JAM, I would like to remind you all over Mindy’s spoiler on July 17. xD JAM ALL THE WAY!

251. Oh, and for all the people who think Pam met someone at art school, ask yourselves: Does Pam REALLY seem like the cheating type?

252. Well, Emma, she did kiss Jim while she was engaged.

     I just hope they know that the viewers won’t stand for Jim and Pam going through anything rougher than a long-distance relationship (ie, another guy/girl, big fights) just sucking. (And by the way, they do!)

     My vote is that Roy gets Ryan’s old position. Why not? I’ll give it 10,000 to 1 odds, which means you all should take it. :-)

253. Zip line? Uh-oh! Toby’s hurt! And maybe the person coming back is, like, Devin or something.

254. 253 I can totally see Michael doing that! How funny would it be to see a nine month pregnant Jan interacting wih Michael as a receptionist!

255. zip line!?!? SCARY!

256. Good point, Alex, but it was Jim, who could resist?!?!? xD

257. 253: that is my guess too, if they are talking about someone RETURNING to dunder mifflin (so not karen) i totally could see it being jan temping in reception which would be great for the interactions with michael (and everyone else) and also great for the michael/jan/holly triangle!!

258. oops – Alex(#257) already made that point. sorry

259. no. way.

     Toby can NOT compete with Jim. Seriously? The Office is a hilarious show, but this is not a joke. Only thing funny is he probably got hurt on a zip line. Now I love Toby, but do not mess with Jam. The backlash will hurt more than falling off that zipline.

     yes, I did just make a threat to a fictional character.

260. yea if they go the on again off again route with jim and pam just to prolong the series, i’ll kill someone. they know just about everybody is pulling for them, and if they mess that up, well then they are just stupid. and i really don’t think they are stupid.

261. Returning to Dunder Mifflin and gone for good…maybe Josh? Returning from Staples! :D

262. I think Jan is coming back. Yes – it would be funny if she was the receptionist. Also, it would be funny if Toby was Michael’s boss.

263. If Jim and Pam really are in a long-distance relationship for more than, oh, an episode, I’m really done with this show. It’s gotten cartoonish in its jokes, instead of the subtle humor of seasons 1 and 2, and if they keep strapping soap opera plot twists onto it, I’m truly done. Season 3/4 were tough to watch, but I almost don’t care how things work out at this point because I know they won’t work out for long before another artificial plot contrivance is brought back in. The fact that the returner could be Roy speaks to this problem.

264. #269 I hope the writers give you reason to continue watching what I think is the best comedy in television history. I am an Office fanatic no matter what happens to JAM or any other couple. I understand the way you feel. I prefer the whole crew to be in Scranton, doing funny things within the confines of the Scranton office. But I want to see how the writers handle the latest Jim-Pam situation before declaring that The Office isn’t what it used to be. I liked seasons 3 and 4, though, so I am easy to please.

265. 269-
     I’m going to be respectful about this but I don’t understand your criticisms at all. At least they’re not going to do the whole get them together/break them up cliche of TV couples. So far it’s been realistic and hey, real couples go through the strain of a long distance relationship. So if the long distance relationship lasts until episode 5.2 you’ll stop watching? Or will you keep watching and come on here and complain about how the show isn’t like it used to be?

266. Please keep comments focused on spoilers. Thanks!

267. the person coming back is NOT roy (at least according to ausiello)

268. So, it’s not Roy. And the spoiler says they’re returning to Dunder-Mifflin – Karen never left. Jan or Ryan is the obvious choice, but Ausiello says it’s someone we’re not expecting… Devon? Martin Nash? Josh?

269. Oh, and Jenna, as much as I love her, is prone to exaggeration. “We’ll learn something about Pam we never knew before!!!!” = Pam wears dorky glasses. I’m thinking the “long-distance relationship” thing is just the one summer episode.

270. I’m going to be so mad if something really bad happens with Jim and Pam. They already went through tough stuff and drama (Pam with Roy, Jim with Karen) They don’t need more of it. They should just be a happy couple now. If Pam develops feelings for someone else, that would completely ruin the strong connection between her and Jim for me.

271. Still going with Josh.

     Because my name is Josh.

     So, isn’t it obvious?

272. I completely agree with 276

273. Maybe I’m young and inexperienced but does three extra vacation days seem like a really crappy prize? Maybe it’s the way they’re all capitalized.

274. Maybe the person returning to Dunder Mifflin is Robert Mifflin BACK FROM THE DEAD!

275. this sounds great

276. I’m thinking there will be a minor contingency for the branch that loses the most weight. Michael will, with crayon, add: “The biggest loser will spend three days on a Sandals trip with me, myself, and I.”

277. Haha I hope the returning Dunder Mifflin-ite is Devin from season 2.

278. ahhh john cabrera! it’s like gilmore girls on the office! ok, not really. But I’m still waiting for Lauren Graham to get a part.

279. oh my, john cabrera is cute and was introduced to jenna? jam speculators, get to work!

     and for those not in the working world, 3 extra days of vacation (meaning 3 days you don’t have to work but still get paid) is pretty awesome. i would be into that prize, especially if i worked there. remember how pam could only wait until february before having to use her vacation time!?

280. tuna, tuna, tuna, could Dunder Mifflin afford to give an entire branch three paid vacation days? The company has always been portrayed as being in shaking financial straits. And there’s no telling how Ryan’s fraud will negatively affect the company.

281. I would love it if Hunter came back as Pam’s replacement while she is in NY. That would make everyting all right!

282. 277- JOSH! Didn’t even think of him. I agree.

     And since Pam’s not there… who will fill in for receptionist? (Last time I checked, there wasn’t a temp…)

283. 2nd ep? So Jenna isn’t in it for TWO episodes?! Grrr..

284. Jenna wasn’t there! Oh no she really IS being held hostage.

285. Dwight/Angela/Andy and Jan/Michael/Holly (I’m so on Team Molly) love triangles are good enough. I just hope JAM’s not a triangle.

286. Just b/c she wasn’t in the scenes they were taping today doesn’t mean she’s not in the episode. And she most certainly is in the premiere.

287. how long of a drive is it from scranton to new york? can jim visit pam on the weekends?

288. AHH! I’m so nervous for the new season! I really hope things are all right with Jim and Pam. I wonder why she’s not in the second episode? Jenna is, like, the best part of The Office!

     haha, the person returning is totally going to be Devon!

289. wait Ryan is a series Regular and she said everyone but Pam was there so is Ryan there

290. I don’t like Pam not being there!!!

291. Remember how Jim was in Stamford for the first seven episodes of season three it could be the same with Pam and art school. If so Jenna would be filming on a different set which is why she wasn’t there on set the day of the visit.

292. I was watching E! news and Kristen came on and she said that there were 2 new sets, one was pam’s art school (which we already knew) but the other was a costa rican hospital! I might be behind the times but this was new news to me!

293. That Summer Weight Loss Initiative sounds just like a plot line in the Frasier episode “Frasier-lite”. The only difference is that if Frasier and his KACL team shed the most weight, they win a trip to Las Vegas.

294. I’m putting my money on Josh coming back, as Ryan’s replacement maybe?

295. Come on guys, the person coming back is totally Ed Truck! You know, a human can go on living several years after being decapitated.

296. Ok let me get this straight…Pam should only have been gone during the summer (maybe a little longer) cuz design school is 3 months long….does she quit or take a 3 month leave? I’m confused….

297. Maybe Martin, Tony or the breastpump lady are coming back……probably not.

298. I hope we get more Todd Packer and Craigers from Albany this season!

299. #286 – headphone
     i do not know, but i am willing to suspend disbelief!

300. craigers! ha ha!

     i also like the idea of hunter coming back. i hope pam’s temporary replacement is either hunter or jan.

301. tuna, tuna, tuna
     I was speculating. They will have to deal with Ryan’s fraud. When that happens in real life a company’s stock goes down. It would add to the reality of the show to have the Scrantonites worry about how it will affect them and be a good source for comedy. Do I hear another Dwight investigation coming (or is that invetigation?)

302. DM needs a new sexy temp.

303. I think it’d be great if they had that kid from Job Fair stepping in for Pam as the Summer intern.

304. I am dying to know what happens between Jim and Pam! Can you give me any information about that relationship?!

305. [from tanster: please proofread and re-post. thanks!]

306. I think Jan will be coming back to Dunder Mifflin. Well after her baby is born I guess. Ryan is no longer at Dunder Mifflin (probably chilling somewhere in club fed) which leaves a certain Corporate position open. I know Jan and Dunder Mifflin didn’t leave on great terms what with her suing them for $4 million but ya never know. No one else has shown that they had what it took to get Jan’s job so maybe bring her back???

307. KENDALL!! We’re gonna finally meet Kendall!

308. Oh, I remember David Wallace making reference to the HR guy during Jims’ interview.

     I thought it was a great running gag that another boss doesn’t like another HR guy :O)

309. I am still stuck on the idea that Ryan will no longer be a quasi bearded douche bag and return as the smart, sexy temp this season.

     I think Ryan will be covering reception over the summer while Pam is away. “I mean, why wouldn’t he get the job? He’s smart, totally qualified, everybody loves him.”

310. Maybe Toby will be the HR guy, they did say someone would be returning to DM. Plus it would be hilarious for Toby to have a position of authority over Michael.

311. Toby is coming back as the new HR head…

312. I don’t think it could be Toby. If you read carefully, it says “yet to meet” and “introduce.” Therefore I think it is someone we haven’t seen before. Maybe John Cabrera plays the head of HR?

313. I’m so excited to meet Kendall. That bit in “The Job” where David Wallace complains about him like Michael complains about Toby just cracks me up. I love that, despite the HUGE differences between him and Michael, they managed to draw a parallel. I love these writers. Stay classy, you guys.

314. Kendall = Christopher Walken

315. Yay, Kendall! Stephen Colbert, perhaps, to play him?

316. Stephen Colbert would be awesome!

317. oh my god, if they got stephen colbert to play kendall i would be in heaven. office heaven.

318. If it isn’t Colbert, I will lock Rainn Wilson in a car.

319. if colbert is not cast as kendall i will burn utica to the ground.

320. If Stephen Colbert ever appears on The Office, in any capacity, my heart will explode with pure, unadulterated joy. And I will die happy.

321. I would also die if Stephen was on The Office! Oh man. If he DOESN’T get picked, I will be one unhappy camper.

322. Eeek! Stephen Colbert for Kendall!

323. tanster, can you make this happen? i believe in you!

324. OMG–Stephen Colbert would be PERFECT as Kendall!

325. The ratings for an Office episode with Colbert guest starring would be phenomenal!! If I were to see the day when Colbert could play a part on the Office, I would die happy :D

326. Judging from the latest spoilers it would be interesting if the entire branch got into trouble for not following HR regulations.

327. I don’t think Stephen Colbert should play Kendal. He’s too much of a cultural icon…to me it would make the show less realistic if The Colbert Report didn’t exist in Office-land. Does that make sense? Can’t you see Jim and Pam being into watching The Colbert Report? Or Michael not understanding Colbert’s shtick?

328. 334- I agree with you completely. While I would love to see Stephen Colbert guest on The Office, I don’t think that HR would be the place for him. I’d like to see him as a crazy stubborn client of Dwight’s or something of that nature. As for the role of Kendall, I think Ben Stein would be perfect for that role. He’s even more monotonous than Toby and with more authority.

329. sorry, tanster, i had a few typos!

     wait what about stephen colbert as gould? if i had to choose i think i would prefer him to guest star at some point as jan’s ex-husband!

     in response to #334 i think that trying to take that into consideration just gets a little complicated. i mean, in “night out” michael talks about watching ‘the wire’ and then amy ryan (who was on ‘the wire’) joins the cast. and as the viewer we just need to look past that because they are actors. i mean ed helms and steve carell were on ‘the daily show’ together. i could picture jim and pam watching that. i think that is a factor we just have to not worry about. steve carell himself is a movie star and cultural icon so i think it gets complicated when we extend the “documentary” thing that far.

330. re: Christine:

     I respect your opinion, but I personally think Stephen would be amazing as Kendall. Steve Carell himself has become quite the celebrity lately, and while watching him perform, everyone seems to forget The 40 Year Old Virgin. It’s just part of his magic. I’m sure Colbert could do the same, and I could die happy if I get to see him on The Office.

331. I don’t think they’ll ever have Stephen Colbert on The Office he is too famous. Plus it would be referencing The Daily Show and The Office has never done that meta referencing stuff.

332. in order for it to be meta-referencing colbert would have to do something totally random like say “oh hey guys, remember when we were on the daily show together?” which wouldn’t happen because that would have nothing to do with him playing the h.r. rep or jan’s ex-husband or any other character that would be on the office.

333. Did you guy see on the Free Jenna video with B.J his beard is completly shaven off- so what does that mean about his Ryan in season 5

334. Promo Pictures are up.

     Link

335. THANK YOU sorano!!

     John looks GORGEOUS, and Kevin in shorts! Wow.

336. i think those are his boxers, not shorts!

337. How come in the promo pics Meredith’s face is all splotchy and has rashes everywhere? Does anyone know? And in one of the pics does it look like Darryl and Kelly are breaking up?

338. Only one month from today!!! :)

339. Oh, Kristin! You keep us on our toes again!

340. I think Jan will fill in for Pam.

341. I can see Jan filling in for Pam leading to all kinds of levels of discomfort for the staff. Those who only heard about the dinner party will get the live show.

342. I hope Pam’s replacement is Jan or Ryan. That would be just too funny! Oh, and I think they want to keep us hoping that the ‘Save the Dates’ are Jim and Pam, but it is so Andy and Angela. I just don’t think the timing is right for anyone else. I wish it was my Jam, but they have to keep us on our toes, right? Thank you for posting all the latest, Tanster!

343. I think Ryan will be the new receptionist.

344. Kristin said there were three possibe couples that the save the dates could be for. I know two of them Jam and Angela and Andy, but which is the third couple? Darryl and Kelly? Does anyone know?

345. Maybe Michael & Jan for the third couple? Maybe it’s like a due date save the date?

346. Ooh! Jan as receptionist! Interesting! And I bet it’s a JAM wedding. It’s gotta be.

347. save the dates…

     i was actually thinking
     jim and pam
     angela and andy
     angela and dwight!

348. Angela and Dwight! Oh yeah I completely forgot about that possibility! Or maybe Darryl and Kelly… I can’t think of any others. Thank you Grace!

349. I bet the save the dates are in regards to Jan’s baby shower! Although, I wish it were for some JAM!!! ARGH!! CAN’T WAIT!

350. [from tanster: please proofread and re-post. thanks!]

351. Ryan as the receptionist would be funny. Just because of the conflict last season between Ryan and Jim. But would that mean that Ryan cut a deal to avoid jail time.

352. you said that pam would be replaced while she is gone to pratt… any chance you can give us a hint?

353. Dwight and Angela! Oh my gosh! YES!

354. Okay so Jan must be coming back to Dunder Mifflin or at least that’s what ausiello keeps hinting. Jan for reception! Yes!

355. How come no one is thinking Karen? Ryan should be in jail and someone has to take over his position….

     Plus I don’t think her new show did anything.

356. Okay, so, it’s just a thought, but could Jan be sitting in as a temporary receptionist while Pam is out? Maybe, that’s why the office will throw her a shower? And, also, if Pam is supposed to be gone for 3 months in NY, and the first episode of Season 5 is supposed to be 8 weeks during the Summer, does that technically mean that Pam will only be gone 1 more month? The suspense is killing me… Can’t wait for my questions to be answered! :)

357. Roy anyone?

358. 363 – yes, that is what my theory has been (and a few other tallyheads too). jan filling in at reception just has so much comic potential. and it totally makes sense. i can just imagine michael orchestrating that (and/or jan forcing him to) and i also think it will be great for furthering the jan/michael/holly storyline.

     i also have been a big proponent of the theory that karen will take over for ryan, i have been saying that since the season finale!

359. I think Ryan will be the new receptionist too. And the more I think about this season…I don’t know. I want Pam to move up in the world but I just think that if she doesn’t come back to DM, the whole office dynamic will be off. Not just with Jim but also concerning Pam’s interactions will Michael, Angela, and even Dwight. We saw what happened when Jim left in Season 3. BJ even said on the commentaries that he was glad when the Stamford branch storyline ended. I know the writers are good but still…

360. I’m excited to see Pam really figuring herself out, but I hope that we get to see that with Jim, too. He seems to have some unfulfilled dreams, as well. Remember “Second Life” Philly Jim? Will we get to see him grow this season, too? I hope…

361. I think the mystery character coming back is going to be Devon. Anyone else remember the deleted valentines day scene?

362. Ryan for reception.
     It’s so obvious.

363. I LOVE the idea of Ryan being on reception…but won’t he be in jail? Plus I don’t think corporate would go for it, it won’t be very believable. Karen getting Ryan’s job would be just too awesome. I can see some JAM tension arising out of that.

     I’ve been thinking – does anyone know how long John Krasinski plans to stay with the show? I know Steve is staying for 3 more years (while still doing film) but he’s the star of the show anyway. If John is getting loads of great film offers that he has to turn down due to The Office schedule, how long will he really be staying? Also Jenna Fischer has previously said that she is quite happy with a successful TV career rather than films so she’ll probably stay. But if John left, what would happen to JAM? Anybody else worried about this?

364. Laura, I agree 100%. I’m feeling pretty meh about the spoilers I’m seeing come down for this season. The pregnant!Jan thing seems really contrived to me, so I hope they quickly put that in the background. Jim and Pam have been through enough already – let’s not further strain their relationship for the sake of drama. I’d really like to see a shift back to subtle, office-based humor and a lot less plot-driven stuff.

     Here’s hoping!

365. I think that the Jim/Pam storyline will continue to move forward, but I hope that it takes a backseat in the show this season. I love the couple as much as anyone, but if the long distance drama is played up in every episode, I fear the storyline will get really old, really fast. I agree with what many have already said- let’s keep the humor as the main point of the show, and let the drama come second.

366. There was an article published stating that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was going to watch a scene being filmed of The Office that had Steve, John and Jenna in it so they are starting to film scenes with Pam, presumably, back at Dunder Mifflin. Here’s the link

     [from tanster: I saw that a couple of days ago and haven’t had a chance to post. thanks!]

367. Jessica – I agree, I think Ryan will be in jail, too.

     And I’m not worried about the actors leaving. I give this show another season, 2 tops.

368. why don’t we have high hopes and look forward to the season rather than start thinking of all the ways the writers could mess things up? i for one am just looking forward to my favorite show being back on the air!

369. Thank you tuna tuna tuna! That’s what I’ve been thinking. Quit trash talking the show! It’s great and the writers have never let us down before why should this season be any different? I can’t wait for the office to be on air again!

370. Sara in Philly – totally. also, I hope the writers don’t deny us a scene of Kelly visiting Ryan in jail. That would be comedy gold!

371. B.J. Novak … also stars.

     ..& no Melora Hardin. Maybe Ryan is, in fact, the new receptionist?

372. I think we need Todd Packer back. That’s what season 4 was missing. And I think he would work good at the reception desk. Otherwise the guy that Michael fired in season 1. I think his name was Devon.

373. I was not trying to try to trash talk the show by any means, if that was how my earlier comment was construed. I just wanted to say I really feel that the show will be off without all the characters present within the actual office. I think the show has always worked the best when all 4 leads are in the office. And I also hope they give Jim more to do than just miss Pam if she is going to be gone longer than a few episodes. He needs a good individual story arc. If Pam is “growing”, so should Jim. But don’t worry, I still love the show.

374. Weight Loss sounds awesome! Aw, Jim misses Pam. So I guess she will be gone over the summer, since the cameras will be filming over the summer this time. I can’t wait! Thank you!

375. unfinished business?

376. [from tanster: please proofread and re-post. thanks!]

377. Woo hoo! New official spoilers, thank God.
     So looking forward to Dwangela and Amy Ryan coming back.

378. At least we know JAM didn’t break up over the summer due to some BS reason, thank God. I trust these writers all the way, but I’m always paranoid.

379. I think the new receptionist will be Jan. She’s pregnant and jobless…and David Wallace seems to have a heart big enough that he might at least let her come back to be a receptionist!

380. It’s strange how it says “Jim misses Pam” and not “Jim and Pam miss each other. Is that just because there isn’t a camera on Pam all the time and there is on Jim? Or is it that Pam doesn’t miss Jim. I so hope it’s the camera time thing; maybe I’m just over analyzing :)

381. My theory is that Karen will get Ryan’s job and so both her and Pam will be in NY and somehow they’ll cross each other. And it will probably be awkward…

382. Hmm, Andy, Dwight, and Angela all attend to unfinished business? So does that mean that Andy finds out about Dwangela?

383. I hope Andy’s anger issues resurface this season, due to the Dwangela fling. He’s just so hilarious when he’s angry.

384. I’m positive it’s roy that’s coming back

385. what i think:

     jim gets ryan’s job and moves to NY with pam

386. NonPocketItalian – it’s probably just because “Jim and Pam miss each other” didn’t sound good along with everything else in the summary. They’re just trying to sell the ep (:

387. Katie- You just might be right!

388. 391, Annie: Except Ausiello said it wasn’t… I’m thinking it’s Ryan, but holding out hope that it’s Devon, which I think would be hilarious!

389. If Jim is in New York with Pam, why is she living at the dorms of her art school? Could he live there with her? I also hope they’re together.

390. Oooh, I bet he’s in the episode… or my name isn’t Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

391. I wonder who the new receptionist is in Pam’s place…Ryan maybe?

392. Remember in the Dinner Party episode, Michael briefly mentioned that Ryan fired Hunter before Jan played that horribly hilarious song? Maybe it’s Hunter who’s coming back in Pam’s place!

393. i know, i just really want him to come back. :)

394. I’m honestly surprised there aren’t more spoilers by now.

395. amen sara, i thought for sure there would be more spoilers by now. only 3 more weeks (yay) and i am waiting for a promo or some serious scoop from kristen or photos from the second episode. when did nbc start airing those summer vacation promos last year? does anyone remember?

396. tuna tuna tuna – about a week or so before the premier (which was the 27th if I’m not mistaken..)

397. Jan replacing Pam as receptionist? That’s my guess.

398. so is amy ryan going to be on for all of next season as a regular or a recurring? or is she just here for the 6-episode arc?

399. I bet that the returning worker will be Devon! And what about the Michael-Holly-Kevin love triangle (lol)?

400. I’ve been thinking, would it be so bad if Pam was no longer in the office? It makes sense that she would search for something better after going to Pratt. If she stays in a relationship with Jim, which is likely, we’ll still see her sometimes. Also, Holly is kind of like a Pam character in how sweet she is portrayed. If she is given a similar personality, we may not lose too much of the office dynamic we love, even if Pam moves on to bigger and better things. Any thoughts?

401. #407 i do hear where you are coming from but i would really miss her conspiring with jim, particularly when pranking dwight. i will say though that i am willing to be open to wherever the writers take the show. well, unless they break up jim and pam. then i am not on board.

402. Does anyone remember when Ryan temped at a receptionist?? maybe he’s coming back.

403. Sigh. We need spoilers. Too bad Kristin and Ausiello are not serving our needs.

404. Doesn’t anyone think that season 5 could use a little Todd “Fudge” Packer??

405. That’s terrific news regarding Stephen Merchant directing an episode! Thanks for the scoop.

406. Okay so he’s very tall…anyone care to speculate on what that might mean…?

407. Jan’s baby is HUNTER’S love child. Think about it…listen to the lyrics of his song Jan is infatuated with…

408. I still think The Office dynamic will be off if Pam leaves for good from DM, #407. I like Holly but she is no Pam. And like Tuna, Tuna, Tuna said, who would pull pranks on Dwight if she left? I can’t see the HR rep doing that- plus Amy Ryan has only signed on for what, a six episode arc? That being said, the only thing that would truly bother me is if they broke Jim and Pam up. That would just be totally contrived from my point of view.

409. Oh man, I love Merchant…and he is very tall. I wish he’d do a cameo type deal.

410. Stephen Merchant? Awesome! I’m sure that’s a real treat for the cast and crew.

411. Who would this source be? Jenna, Angela, Mike Schur?

412. Oh man, I love Stephen Merchant! I hope he and Ricky Gervais write some more too. “The Convict” is one of the most underrated episodes of the show. Everyone needs to go listen to his podcast with Ricky and Karl Pilkington. Unless you hate laughter.

413. i agree Laundry and Betrayal. i love the convict, it is one of my faves from season 3.

414. Yay! Stephen Merchant will make the premiere HILARIOUS! Somebody ought to take a pic of him with Angela. Haha.

415. Diapers-
     I don’t think Merchant is directing the premiere I think that one is already in the can as they say in Hollywood. Wasn’t he supposed to direct an episode last season but the strike happened?

     [from tanster: that is correct, they’ve already shot the premiere, plus I would guess, 3-4 other episodes as well? i know it’s been said it takes 5 days to shoot the half-hour eps, and 8 days to shoot the full-hours.]

416. YES! Stephen Merchant. Now, I know they don’t like it, and they probably don’t have time for it, but if he’s directing, why can’t he just write himself a tiiiny little cameo. And whoever said something about taking a picture with Angela is on to something. Just a quick scene with him and Angela would just rock my world.

417. Yay! My excitement level is so far off the charts now! Stephen Merchant is my hero.

418. Really hoping Josh is the mystery person. I just love the idea of that character, and it’d be awesome to see him again.

419. can’t wait for steve merchant!!!!!!!!

420. Whoops! Hmm. I’m super excited for him to direct an upcoming episode, then! The Convict is one of the best S3, IMO.

421. I think the third episode will be about Jan’s baby shower because I know the writers were hinting that Michael was going to throw one for Jan.

422. In the new Watch with Kristin vid, she talks about Pam going “bye-bye” and the two people discussing marriage plans.. one is Andy, and the other is NOT Jim. She says it’s a “real life movie star”. Michael, anyone?

423. hmmmm, so jenna has a costume too. does that mean that pam is back in the office by halloween??

424. I have to man squee at the idea of a Halloween episode. By the way, I go to Target like two or three times a week on my lunch break and they already have a Halloween display up! OK, I need to stop geeking out right now. I am a normal 28-year-old man. I am a normal 28-year-old man. I am normal 28-year-old man. I will keep telling myself this.

425. Hooray for a Halloween episode. If Pam is back by that time, I wonder if she and Jim would dress up as characters from a fairy tale?

     Also, I can’t wait to see what Michael comes up with this time around.

426. Does anyone remember Michael’s fun jeans from season 2 in the episode the client. I sooooooo want to see Michael wearing them in season 5! I want the fun jeans!

427. So Kristin just posted a new video with an Office spoiler and JAM fans are probably not going to like it too much. Another season of Jam angst, woo… sigh. It seems like she was indicating Michael might be getting married?

428. #431 lol! I just about squee-ed out loud too and I am not a squeeing girl, but the idea of a Halloween episode just made my day! :)

429. Ummm, so Kristin reported that Pam will take an internship in New York – that’s why she’s still not back!

430. HALLOWEEEEEEN!

     YAYYYYY!

     This. Is. Gonna. Be. Awesome!

431. The video has a different spoiler than 437’s comment, though Kristin also did just post that too.

432. 435 Laura, my computer isn’t playing the video. Can you summarize the JAM situation in it?

433. If this Mad Men guy messes with JAM, I will be one Mad…Lady.

434. Tanster got the summary up under September 7th. I just made my comment earlier before she posted it.

     But here’s the summary anyways: Essentially the video is Kristin saying there will be two men discussing their wedding plans this season. One is Andy and the other will NOT be Jim. :( She then went on to say that the other guy is someone who is a “real-life” movie star. So I came to the conclusion that maybe it’s Michael…?

435. I think I’ll throw a curveball out there and suggest something different. What if the “movie star” planning a wedding is Dwight? Hmm…

436. “World’s smalled Bluetooth”… are Jim and Pam just talking to each other all day via Bluetooth? Because that’s just adorable.

437. But who would Dwight be marrying since Andy is also planning a wedding?

438. There’s something about the new season in next week’s tv guide (9/15). It doesn’t really say much. There is a picture of Michael and Holly in there though. I have to go to work in a few minutes but I could send a scan later when I get home.

439. i feel like the other person is michael and the “real-life” movie star is a reference to “dan in real life”. i don’t need pam and jim to get married right now, in fact i think it would be unrealistic for them to do so given pam’s pursuit of her dreams and the distance between them. watching michael and andy try to plan their respective nuptials though? that sounds hilarious!

440. Maybe Jim isn’t discussing his engagement plans because he eloped with Pam. Or, he just isn’t “discussing” them in the office, but he has them. Who knows.

441. I would laugh if both Andy and Dwight thought that Angela had agreed to marry them.

442. I bet it’s Michael planning his and Holly’s wedding (with or without her consent.)

443. As long as Jim and Pam don’t actually break up (please no, too cliche!), I’m good. I agree with Tuna Tuna Tuna, it’s probably unrealistic with what Pam is doing right now…But hopefully it happens sometime! Until then, I cannot wait to see what Andy comes up with for his wedding plans to become Mr. Andrew Bernard. :)

444. Maybe the other “movie star” planning his wedding is Darryl. Craig Robinson has been showing up in quite a few movies lately.

445. They’ll be fine for the first five or so episodes? That has me worried. Please please don’t break them up :( it’s so cliche. Plus, I really think that wedding planning would be hilarious.

446. Michelle- i think the only reason kristen said they were fine for at least the first five episodes is that is what episode they were filming when she was there. she visited for the halloween episode so as of halloween jim and pam are fine but she can’t speak for what might happen in the future because, she doesn’t know! she didn’t see! so i wouldn’t read into it. it doesn’t mean anything.

447. Can I add my voice to the chorus and say that it would be very cliche for Jim and Pam to break up. It would much more realistic for them to have to go through the strain of a long distance relationship.

448. Pam and Jim must keep their relationship going! Real life is constant turmoil, turns in the road, setbacks, highs, and lows. It is great to watch The Office and relate to the characters. However, to have a Cinderella story in the middle of the office is fantastic! Everyone loves to dream of true love and see good times on television!!!!

449. WOW – this just in from Ausiello:

     Question: Got any scoop on Jim and Pam’s relationship on The Office? – Sara
     Ausiello: With a bigger budget comes…fake rain? Rumor has it that something momentous (and long overdue) takes place between the star-crossed lovers during a torrential downpour.

     SQUEEEEE

450. I think I just about died from the new spoilers from Ausiello. Engagement, anyone? It’s about time! And in the rain… aww. How exciting!!! Come ooooon September 25th.

451. now I’m not one to be overly obsessed with JAM, but WOW could they actually get engaged in the rain?!! that is so romantic. Okay enough gushing…I love the Office for the humor too.

452. Please get some new fancy Xerox equipment! I’d rather have more episodes set in the office, rather than a field trip every episode.

453. Wait so, I’m confused. It sounds like Jim is going to propose to Pam but will she say yes? Because the other spoiler about two lives discussing their wedding plans this season, it says one is Andy and the other is NOT Jim but a real life movie star? Can anyone clear this up?

454. Wow, it’s really weird seeing Ausiello answer your question but even more weird to see it posted on several other websites. And that’s the second question he’s answered for me in two weeks time! Cool. :)

455. The person returning to Dunder will be JOSH!!!

456. Gosh, I’d been hoping the writers would see some of the negativity from fans about the constant non-office settings and dial that back this season. It’s too bad they aren’t going to. I really find those “field trip” episodes much less interesting than office-setting ones.

457. So, might Jim and Pam get engaged during a downpour?? Awwww, something about that is very romantic. I nearly don’t care how it happens, I just want to witness it :)

458. Ew. The Office doesn’t need big production values or ridiculous field trips. The smaller the better!!!! (That’s what she never says)

459. So either they’ll get engaged in that rain, or, at long last, Jim will FINALLY tell Pam that Dwight got a hooker. ;)

460. Re Ausiello: *squee*

461. SQUEE, I hope! Am I reading way too much into it when I read the words “star-crossed,” which means destined by fate to be unhappy? I hope Ausiello didn’t mean anything by it. I hope it is the first thing that came to my mind…a wonderful, romantic marriage proposal in the rain! Pretty please, Office writers. I am just a little obsessed. Thank you for the scoop, Tanster!

462. i am guessing/hoping that ausiello doesn’t really know what “star-crossed” means. or he is referencing just the whole history of their relationship (she’s engaged, he’s dating, ruined proposal, long distance realtionship – they have been through a lot!)

463. i am guessing/hoping that ausiello doesn’t really know what “star-crossed” means. or he is referencing just the whole history of their relationship (she’s engaged, he’s dating, ruined proposal, long distance relationship – they have been through a lot!)

464. # 464 and 466,

     You’re exactly right. The Office used to be so good because it was so “small”. I also thought that after last year, the writers would get the hint and return The Office to the office. I’m not sure how many more field trips and big budget gimmicks I can take.

465. AHH!! Ohmigod I am literally jumping up and down in my chair right now smiling like an idiot! Torrential downpour scene.. um, can it get any more ADORABLE?!

466. Holy cow this is so awesome. However I like it better when they all stay in the office. Those are better episodes.

467. What I don’t understand is when people claim The Office used to be confined to the physical office and small humor in Season 2. To make that claim, you have to ignore the numerous trips outside the office that were taken that season. I can list them all, if you’d like.

468. Tuna tuna tuna, I hope you are right! Ha, ha…I thought I was reading way to much into it! Thanks for the input!

469. Crap! why did i read that!!! Now when I see a storm coming on the office, I think I know what is going to happen!

470. I hope bigger means better. Often times big budget doesn’t mean better. I love The Office and want to see some amazing writing go along with this bigger budget.

471. How’d I know people would ALREADY be complaining about the “bigger budgets?” Give it a chance, people.

472. I think the setting sun in the first fake proposal was so romantic it’s too bad it wasn’t the real thing. A rain storm doesn’t sound that romantic.

473. A bigger budget is always nice, especially with the costs of running a television show that’s been on air for a couple years now. It gives the show the option to use it. Let’s just wait and see what happens.

474. A scene with Jim and Pam in the rain?! I have easily the dorkiest smile on my face ever right now!

475. Oh man…I HATE it when they have episodes outside of the office. They just aren’t as good…except for Dinner Party. I hope there won’t be too many that take place outside of the office or I will be disappointed. I can deal with some, but not many.

476. A rain storm doesn’t sound that romantic.
     480 | Cindy Wed. Sep. 10, 2008 at 12:30pm

     may i suggest renting “breakfast at tiffanys” and watching the last scene. so romantic and sweet it will make your head explode!

     bigtunette (#479) – my thoughts exactly!!

477. I don’t like it when people jump on other people for stating their opinions. In my mind, seasons 1 and 2, when they did leave the office, did it in a different way. They didn’t do it for big plot points, they did it because it naturally flowed from the story. The show seemed smaller then and had a more focused humor, IMO.

478. I hope the scene with Jim and Pam in the rain is a positive one. I assume one could read the item as them having a fight because an argument is “long overdue.” It definitely reads that way, but I’m hoping my first thought of an event involving a shiny piece of jewelery is the accurate one.

479. Sigh. Please let this something momentous and long overdue thing be the proposal.

     These spoilers are driving me crazy. I swear, I’m obsessed!

480. Fake rain…interesting.

     But…star-crossed lovers? Torrential downpour? Not to mention they’re fine “at the very least for the first five or so episodes”? Call me “half-glass empty”, but I don’t like the sound of this.

481. I like the idea of a proposal in the rain. What would be kind of cool would be if it were perfect weather and Jim decided it was time to pop the question, but then it starts raining like crazy, but he still proposes! Ah, a life where Jim and Pam are engaged is a good one. September 25 hurry up!

482. I doubt Ausiello is talking about a fight. He usually doesn’t want couples, especially Jim and Pam, to break up and call it long overdue.

483. Jim proposes to Pam in the fake rain!!!

484. A proposal in the rain!? …SQUEE!
     okay sorry if that qualifies as squeeing/shouting…or both…i just couldn’t help myself.

485. 454 – That makes me feel better! haha :)

486. Proposal in the rain? All together, now-

     “Awwwwwwwww!”

487. okay while we are analyzing: “momentous” – that doesn’t sound like an argument, is an argument really momentous?
     that said, i am not going to assume it’s a proposal because i learned (finale, anyone?) that anything can happen. plus i want to be surprised (says the spoiler fanatic :P) also, I will reiterate I do not think we should read into kristen’s “first five episodes or so”, that is just her limited knowledge because she is only aware of what is happening for the first five episodes or so. at the point of that spoiler they had only filmed that far so that is all she is talking about.

488. #493 – i am glad :)

489. New Xerox machine! Sweet!
     ;p

490. A reminder to be respectful of other people’s opinions. If you belittle or insult opinions that are different from your own, your comment will not be posted.

     Thanks!

491. Fake rain? Does anyone else smell a proposal? (squee)

492. momentous |mōˈmen(t)əs; məˈ-|
     adjective
     (of a decision, event, or change) of great importance or significance, esp. in its bearing on the future

     just looked up a formal definition in case anyone’s interested.

493. Fake rain? Hmm…sounds like a John Cusack-in-the-rain moment is in the future ;-)

494. RAIN! I’m hoping a proposal!

495. Fake rain. Jim and Pam in the rain. Something big (proposal?) happening in the rain…Sounds like 90% of any fanfiction ever written.

496. I agree with Agree-er. I’ll just copy and paste his post.

     “In my mind, seasons 1 and 2, when they did leave the office, did it in a different way. They didn’t do it for big plot points, they did it because it naturally flowed from the story. The show seemed smaller then and had a more focused humor, IMO.”

497. Also- any word on the writer of Business Ethics?

498. OMG! New Promo featuring season 5 footage JUST aired on NBC during the “Dinner Party” credits

     _Michael talking to Jan’s stomach in ‘baby talk’ voice: “Who’s your daddy? You don’t know who your daddy is”
     -Jim talking head: “Michael made us believe he was the father…by telling us he was the father.”
     -Michael, Kelly, Creed, Holly, and probably everyone else (out of frame) in casual clothes doing what appears to be YOGA!
     -Holly raps!
     -No Pam :(

499. Here’s the link

500. One of the few things I didn’t like about season 4 was all the out of office stuff. This bigger budget isn’t good news to me. Generally, in my opinion, episodes are funnier when they take place almost completely in the office.

501. #508–Jesse, I couldn’t agree more. I love the humble episodes the most. Anyone have guesses about which actress plays the woman with short, blond hair in the earl/office promo?

502. THE OFFICE
     BUSINESS ETHICS
     10-09-2008 9:00PM

     LET’S GET ETHICAL– OSCAR NOMINEE AMY RYAN (“GONE BABY GONE”) GUEST STARS— Following Ryan’s (B.J. Novak) recent scandal at corporate, Holly (guest star Amy Ryan) must hold a business ethics seminar. The meeting gets out of control when Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) lets everyone speak freely about their unethical behavior at work. Meanwhile, Jim (John Krasinski) makes Dwight (Rainn Wilson) comply with the company’s “time theft” policy.

503. If Business Ethics is airing on October 9, does that mean there is no episode on October 2? Any ideas why not?

504. Just echoing Jeff’s comment: Is an episode airing on Oct. 2? If not, I wonder why not.

505. I really want Amy Ryan to stay on the show past her current committment. I get the same feeling I got when I first saw Ed Helms on the show- she is a missing ingredient to the dynamic of the characters.

     However, even if she does leave, and Toby displaces Holly as the HR Rep, just IMAGINE how much more Michael will hate Toby. It will be glorious.

506. I just want to add that, in the earlier seasons, it seemed kind of like a special treat to follow people outside the office (Michael buying his condo, the trip to the dojo, etc.). Now it’s routine, which means The Office isn’t really about the office anymore.

     As a girl, though, I can’t help but squee at the thought of a rain proposal.

507. #448 bigtunette – I agree! I’m sure Andy talking about wedding plans would drive Jim crazy. Jim, especially with Pam not there, might not be so open about his personal life with everyone. Besides, Jim knows how crazy Michael would get about news like that, so he’s be smarter to keep his mouth shut. I’m so excited!!

508. Oh! And, the Jim/Pam kiss in the Season 5 promo! It made me tear up. lol

509. “time theft” policy? What is that?

510. for those who fear the bigger budget (which i understand sounds a little off-putting), at least both of the episodes that we have summaries for so far take place in the office and focus on office-centic activities and plot. also, paul and amy talk about a robbery in the office, a baby shower in the office – so far most of what i heard (minus the big budget talk) sounds really promising.

511. No Kevin, Darryl or Jan in “Business Ethics”.

512. Business ethics sounds like comedy gold to me! I cannot wait any longer, even though Sept 25th is my 30th B-day and I’m dreading that, ;), having the Office that day will make it so much better. lol.

513. time theft is when employees “steal” from their employers by willfully wasting the time for which they are paid. examples are: late arrival or early departure, taking long lunch hours and breaks (if you are paid a salary you get the same money no matter how many hours you put in, but the money is based on the assumption that you are working 40hrs/week), slowing down the work pace to create overtime (people get paid extra for overtime), excessive socializing and personal telephone calls, handling personal business while at work or using company time and facilities to operate another business (like your agro-tourism business for example)

514. Boo to NBC for bumping The Office on October 2 for a vice presidential debate yet giving two episodes to My Name Is Earl that night. Not happy about that at all.

515. There’s no Office on October 2 because there’s a presidential debate (I think). And I think that it can often work when they leave the office, though I will agree it works better when all of D-M leaves as a whole (IE, Dundies, Booze Cruise). It’s like releasing the animals from the zoo into society… or something like that.

     God, I cannot wait! Make it September 25 now!

516. The vice presidential debate will probably have more laughs and uncomfortable moments than any episode of The Office :P

517. Some recent comments have mentioned the need to respect everyone’s opinions. I agree with this. But I do want to say that I am of the opinion that Season 3 and Season 4 were good seasons and that I don’t believe The Office has changed its formula dramatically from Season 2. I admit Season 2 is the Sgt. Pepper — the season that won’t ever be topped, but I give the writers a lot of credit for keeping the show fresh, funny and true to what made it great in the first place: Terrific characters, funny situations and brilliant writing. I can’t wait for Season 5!

518. Does spending half of your work day on Office Tally count as time theft. If so, I’m guilty.

     [from tanster: lol!]

519. well said! i do respect everyone’s different opinions (even though i have my own opinions and don’t always agree with everyone else) but i DO agree with troy’s magical riddles and am i very impressed with how the writers have continued to grow and develop the show and keep things fresh and still true to a unique voice and particular type of comedy. the office has changed the face and voice of the sitcom and continues to do so no matter how one season compares to another. but i think that, as fans, we all agree to a certain extent on that point.
     i also agree that it is a bummer we will miss a week of office but i am excited to see the debates, for the issues, and the awkward humorous moments!

520. Time theft? Jim must be super-bored without Pam.

521. september 25th better get here soon!
     “wikka wikka what?!”

522. It makes me so happy to read Episode Synopses, that means we’re close. So very close! WOO!

523. Bigger and better? Every bigger and better episode is worse than the one before it. The best episodes are the mundane office life ones. PLEASE no more sumo suits.

524. As I’m currently sitting INSIDE listening to the sounds of my own “torrential downpour” here in Kansas (courtesy Hurricane Gustav…we’re still feeling the effects in the midwest), I am struck with the thought that a JAM rain proposal might happen DURING a rain storm, but probably won’t be OUT IN the rain. A little less squee-worthy, but still romantic. Not to bust the bubbles of all the JAM fans, or anything. I just know that I was picturing the proposal OUTSIDE, actually IN the rain….and now I’m disappointed.

525. that blonde lady could be Michael’s mom- think about it she looks old enough

526. Haha Kaytor, Illinois is feeling Ike now. Yuck. It’s been pouring all day, but I hope the JAM proposal happens outside. I already have my hopes up!

527. Momentous? Long overdue? Rain? Combine that with Sept 7th’s news (two engagements this season, neither Jim’s), and I think it’s obvious that this is their first huge fight.

528. 535-

     I have never thought of it that way. However, that seems plausible indeed…sadly but indeed…

529. JamFan, I totally agree about the fight. I keep wishing it’d be a proposal in the rain but with Kristin’s news, I have to accept it’s not going to happen. Sigh.

530. 535: In the print edition, Ausiello said that the rain was like a “dark cloud with a silver lining,” which makes me think it’s something positive, not necessarily a fight.

531. Honestly, as bad as this sounds I’d like to see Jim and Pam fight. It would keep them realistic.

532. As long as there is no cheating or break-up for JAM, which it sounds like there isn’t, a fight could be good for them.

533. I feel like they’ll have a huge fight in the rain and then like get engaged. It seems to always happen in the movies..

534. So maybe with the rain, Jim proposes but Pam says no (dark cloud), it isn’t the greatest time for that right now, but maybe soon(ish) (silver lining). Still sad.

535. I’m not trying to insult anyone’s line of thinking, but why would Pam say no to Jim proposing, at this point? In Goodbye Toby, it became clear that she wants to start a family with him. No “silver lining” is going to come out of a rejected proposal. A fight makes more sense than her saying no to a proposal…

536. I like Sarah in Philly’s prediction. (:

537. I don’t want Jim and Pam to fight! They had enough angst seasons 1,2 and 3. Let’s see some more happy! :D

538. That chocolate sabotage sounds awesome! Kevin is totally going to try and get his hands on the candy! As for the rain thing I’m hoping Sara in Philly’s prediction is correct.

539. Diapers-
     I wouldn’t want to see them fight either. But Jim and Pam’s relationship has been very realistic so far that’s one of the reasons they’re one of the few couples on TV I can stomach. Real couples fight it would add to the realism. It wouldn’t have to be a cliched, relationship ending fight like with most TV couples. I would just want a normal fight all couples have at some point.

540. Sabotage…. yes….

541. OMG the whole jim and pam momentous rain scene has me jumping with joy…finally

542. Maybe they’re being “cute” like that mind-bender that says “you have two coins that add up to 15 cents, one of which is not a nickel – what are they?” And then the answer is a nickel and a dime, because even though one of the coins isn’t a nickel, the “other one” is. In this context, saying that there are two engagements in one season, neither of which is Jim’s, means the other engagement might be Jim’s (or Pam’s). My guess is they’re getting engaged, and are trying to obscure that fact to keep audiences surprised.

543. I thought it said jim wasn’t one of the two DISCUSSING an engagement, not that he wasn’t getting engaged.

544. i feel like season 5 is going to be jim’s development and growth, the way that pam grew when she was in the office without jim. i think that jim will have the same experience without pam. i feel like , with all the news of pam’s internships and being in new york, we all assume that this season is about growth for pam but i think that news serves as a red herring and the real growth this season will be for jim.

545. OMG!!!! I cannot tell you how happy I am over this Nashua news. I live in Nashua and have been to Swan chocolates before. I’ve just been waiting for my town’s big break! Haha.

546. I’m tired of exploring characters’ growth. Can’t we just watch amusing people working in an office without the contrived drama? I really hope Jim and Pam just get engaged and keep moving along swimmingly.

547. what if toby returns in some sort of advertising capacity. he was in advertising before dunder mifflin and if pam is interested in graphic design maybe he comes back in that role as an attempt to get close to her. as the new season approaches i am just throwing out random theories here! can’t wait to see what is in store!

548. Ryan’s hobbit (Troy) is taking Ryan’s old job. He says in the deleted scenes of Good-bye Toby that he no longer works for Ryan and that he works for David Wallace! He has to be the guy who’s getting the job at corporate. Plus I can’t imagine what kind of jokes the writers could get from Dwight and Troy reactions! I can’t wait for September 25th!

549. Brittany,

     I would love it if Troy got Ryan’s old job and we had a full season of the Dwight-Troy encounters. In fact, I took my current Office Tally handle from the very deleted scene you mentioned. Dwight chides Troy thusly: “Enough of your magical riddles.” I am so pumped for Sept. 25!

550. #544 – i think that is the major change from the first and second season of the office to now. in my opinion it is less a question of being more polished or ridiculous or going out of the office and more that what used to be a parody of office life is now a show about these characters that also parodies office life. most viewers, myself included, have become invested in these characters and each season we are rewarded by watching them grow and develop. i see where you are coming from but i also think we can have both! the office usually undercuts drama with humor which takes it out of cliche sitcom territory. we can watch these characters grow AND be entertained by the funniest show on television at the same time!

551. 552,

     Yay, Jim growth = Emmy nom!

552. New spoilers from Kristin

     Jennifer in Calabasas, Calif.: You said we’d laugh our butts off when we learned the identity of the new Dunder Mifflin receptionist on The Office. Is it Jan?
     Nope. It’s not Jan, and in fact, it’s not a girl character at all.

553. Whaaaat. So who was that woman answering the phones? a REAL cross-dresser?

554. Re: new receptionist-
     As we see in one of the promos, it’s an older woman…

555. Wait, didn’t we already see the new receptionist? And it was a girl. Confused.

556. But what about, “Dunder Mifflin, this is Ronnie”?

557. If Pam’s replacement is not a girl character, then who is that blonde lady in the promos?

     Anyway, if it isn’t a female character, that would be really funny if Troy was the receptionist for the summer and then he gets Ryan’s job.

558. Confused… is “Ronnie” not a girl. It sure looked like one in the promos.

559. The new receptionist: Ryan?

560. What if the new receptionist is Ryan? I remember hearing from somewhere that Ryan will still be around this season….

561. could the new receptionist be Hunter??!

562. I am confused by this last spoiler…wasn’t there a new women receptionist in one of the NBC previews? The woman in the blue shirt?

563. I think Kristin meant the new permanent receptionist. Maybe Ronnie will quit in a huff… in fact, I bet she will. I’ll LMAO if the new receptionist is Ryan, Hunter, or TOBY!

     One thing we’re all not taking into account: spoilers ain’t always right. Remember when Ausiello said the engagement subplot would be wrapped up by “Did I Stutter?”?

564. Anyone think that Michael fires Ronnie for the weight loss competition?

565. 572- Michael would totally do that! Hire someone “full figured” for the initial weigh in and then replace them with someone smaller to get ahead… say “hobbit-sized”? Or maybe she refuses to participate?

566. oh! #572, i bet you are right! my first thought was that ronni was really a man! it seemed a little soap-y.
     ha ha!

567. guys, maybe they have several trials for receptionist including Ronnie before deciding on one.

568. I want to throw this out here. Maybe Michael requested a large temp from the agency to skew the results of the competition. So that when Pam returns it looks like the branch has lost more weight than it actually has.

569. New receptionist has to be Ryan. Who else would we ‘laugh our butts off’ at?

     Pam can’t be gone for too long. In one of the promo’s there is what looks like a Pam talking head in the conference room. And when they made the promo they probably only had 3/4 episodes wrapped up.

570. I think “Ronnie” is a transvestite. That would be sooooo funny!!

571. I sure hope the new receptionist isn’t Ryan. That would be pretty unbelievable. Hunter would be funny…

572. Best temporary receptionist: Stanley. Got to be Stanley.

573. Oh boy Pam 4.0 Lover, and Sara in Philly, I’m so glad that my mind wasn’t the only one that went there with regard to the new receptionist!

574. headphone: what great speculation! and totally michael!

575. Oscar as the temporary receptionist!

     Not only does he not make any less sense than others mentioned (and its been said that there are 3 in accounting doing the work of 2), but it would make sense for Michael to put him with his “condition” in a position associated with WOMEN.

     Classic comedy.

576. COME ON PEOPLE!!!!! Doesn’t anyone think it’s gonna be TODD PACKER!!!! He was absent all of season 4(which left a big gaping hole in my opinion :) yeah).
     Otherwise it’s Devon.

577. New spoilers from Ausiello!

     Question: Any word on the direction of Jim and Pam’s relationship on The Office? I fear they are going to give us a Ross and Rachel swerve by breaking them up to make us want it that much more. — Cory
     Ausiello: Please. I already said too much last week with the rain thing. But I will tell you this: The show is casting a 30-50-year-old plain Jane who must be able to speak French fluently. And we all know how much Jim likes average-looking gals. Too bad Santa Barbara alum Roberta Weiss is so hot: She’s Canadian, speaks flawless French and in general kicks ass.

     Question: With that fake rain for Jim and Pam, is the “something momentous” happy or sad? — Laura
     Ausiello: Don’t be surprised if there’s some crying.

578. Sarah-
     The crazy thing is it would probably work. I’m speculating on no evidence whatsoever. But maybe Stanley is right and Michael is a secret genius.

579. Way to be all coy, Ausiello. I think because he’s saying there are tears, we’re supposed to think it’s sad, but it’ll really be happy…? At any rate, the situation might not be good (maybe it’s a fight?), but I think something good’ll come out of it (the “dark cloud with a silver lining” spoiler from last time).

580. Didn’t it take JAM like 5 years to get together? They were close friends/coconspirators most of that time. If one of them develops feelings for someone else after 8 or 12 weeks, it’ll ruin the show for me.

581. Blah. I need to stop reading spoilers. I’m looking WAY too far into them and this last one from Ausiello just depressed me.

     I’m swearing off spoilers until the show starts.

582. Woah- this is the THIRD week in a row that Ausiello has answered a question of mine! So cool! (Even if his news totally depressed me. Please don’t break them up!)

583. I hope they are tears of joy. But for some reason I don’t think they are. I think they might split-up in the rain and it will be so sad I will cry right along with Jim and Pam.

584. I’m hoping for tears of joy.

     Why the heck is Ausiello so vague?

585. A 30-50 year old plain Jane? For Jim?! No no no. They wouldn’t set him up with a woman that much older than him. 30 would be okay, but the fact that she can be anywhere in that age range makes me think that she would definitely NOT be the other woman in the Jim/Pam relationship. If anything, I’d see Jim going younger.

586. T-
     Ausiello is so vague just because his job depends on him hiding the fact that he knows as little as we do. Sorry if that sounds cynical.

587. Ausiello is being such a tease. I love it.

588. According to Ausiello, the only characters in the Office is Jim and Pam. Where is the love for the others?

589. #589:

     I’m totally with you Ashley, no more spoilers! Now I just have to train my eyes not to automatically stray to the ‘Notable Posts’ part of the page… so hard!

     (Don’t, it’s too obvious)

590. Please be tears of joy! Please!!!

591. Because Ausiello likes to freak us out. Sigh. I just wish we could know when the “rain” scene is happening. Hopefully we don’t have to wait too long. I’m fervently hoping for tears of joy too but I’m not that optimistic.

592. I’m sure it will be tears of joy. Remember, he said momentous (and long overdue). I don’t think anybody in this world feels that JAM breaking up is “long overdue.”

593. If he is trying to make us believe that Jim will be tempted to leave Pam for another woman, maybe he shouldn’t have said the casting parameter was for a 30-50 year old woman. 50? No offense to the cougars out there, but I think this comment was to make up for revealing too much with the rain comment.

594. My guess is that this casting information has nothing whatsoever to do with Jim/Pam (30-50??) and Ausiello put it in there to throw people off.

     I really don’t think the “something momentous and long overdue” can be anything but a proposal.

595. Come on, people – when the rain is first mentioned it says “something momentous (and long overdue) happens between the star-crossed lovers” and *then* crying is mentioned. Surely it’s tears of joy. Them breaking up is *not* something that would be described as “long overdue”

596. I hope you guys are right…I love this show and I would hate for it to turn in to a “will they/won’t they” situation. I’m also hoping for tears of joy #600.

597. Splitting them up would be ratings suicide. I just don’t see that happening.

     Since Jim has said TWICE that he’s in love with Pam, maybe the momentous and long overdue thing is Pam finally telling Jim she loves him. Mr. Sentimental would definitely cry at that moment…

     Ok, I admit, I’m trying to keep happy thoughts!

598. The new receptionist has GOT to be Toby. That poor man just can’t catch a break.

599. They may not split-up soon but I think they will later on. They did it on Friends and fans were mad but they still watched the show praying that in the next episode they would get back together.

600. I’m really tired of these “i know something you don’t know”-type spoilers. I’m not a huge fan of Ausiello, and I agree he does this stuff to annoy fans.

     I completely believe they’re getting engaged this season, and that folks like Ausiello know it. Because of that, they’re taunting fans thinking it’s “fun” and not “hugely obnoxious.” I wouldn’t worry. I think NBC knows better than to “Ross and Rachel” these two,.

601. no other part of the office has ever been like “friends”, why on earth would the pam/jim relationship be like ross/rachael?

602. 603- A breakup might be “long overdue” if you despise JAM and wish their relationship would die a fiery death. Just saying. :D

603. 610 – While I don’t doubt a handful of people out there feel this way, I’d be willing to bet that there would be humongous outrage if the writers broke them up at this point. More people are for JAM than are against them, and I don’t think the Office fandom would view a JAM breakup as “long overdue.”

604. okay maybe they will stay together for the rest of the series but I think something will go wrong or they will have a major fight or something.

605. It seems like Ausiello revealed too much last week and that is why his q&a was a bit more vague this time. I could see a Jim/Pam fight leading to a proposal, but I do think a proposal is coming. I hope it is explained WHY it takes so long for it to happen, though.

606. Sorry, at this point, IMO, a fight would be contrived drama. I can’t imagine what would cause them to get into a big fight. I’m not saying they wouldn’t be a normal couple and never fight, but a big almost-breakup fight? Odd. One followed by an engagement? Only in the movies.

607. #609 – good point. And i agree with whoever said i’m done with spoilers. They drive me mad…sadly.

608. Think happy thoughts. Of course they have to have a fight and there has to be tension, but this is Jim and Pam! I am trying to be optimistic and hope that the tears shed are tears of joy. The Office is the most “real” show and any relationship in real life has its highs and lows. I trust all of the Office writers. They know what they are doing.

609. I thought Ronnie was the new receptionist? She’s a girl…

610. i have a feeling that ryan is the new receptionist ;)
     that would be HILARIOUS!

611. What if Jim proposes and Pam says no????

612. Am I the only one not understanding the french-speaking woman thing? Is that completely random, or is it some sort of clue that I’m-for lack of a better word-clueless about?

613. I think the spoiler about the 30 -50 year old who speaks French fluently has more to do with Andy and nothing to do with Jim. Didn’t Andy mention in “Dinner Party” that he studied for a semester in France, which means that he must be able to speak some French.

     Besides, if the spoiler really does have something to do with Jim, why is it so important for the actress to speak French? As far as I know, Jim doesn’t speak a foreign language.

614. 619 If Jim proposed, why would Pam say no? She was ecstatic about a proposal in the season 4 finale

615. Wait.. how do we know that woman’s name is Ronnie?

616. I hope it’s good crying, not bad crying…

617. The new receptionist is Ryan on the work release program!

618. 623-
     In one of the S5 promos, there was a lady at the reception saying, “Dunder Mifflin, this is Ronnie”.

619. #623 – in one of the season 5 promos she says “dunder mifflin, this is ronnie”

620. Ausiello is obviously making it sound like JAM is breaking up because he knows they aren’t. I’m not worried.

621. dudes, check it out. ronnie is the nashua receptionist. the scranton one is a dude…maybe ryan….probably ryan. also i wanna say that i want karen back. nothing is hinting anything near that, i just want to see karen back and get the open corporate position…..it probably won’t happen.

622. I think Ausiello is just trying to mess with us. I worry about the strength of JAM in S5, but I don’t worry Jim is gonna fall for anyone else.

623. 620: I don’t think it has anything to do with JAM at all; I think Ausiello just knows about that casting info and wants to throw it in there.

624. Speaks French and kicks ass? I wonder if she plays Call of Duty.

     Not worried. JAM4EVER.

625. Maybe the french speaker is for the jury duty episode that Steve Carell said he was going to write based on his own experience?

626. response to the sept 15th spoiler…
     It’s ryan…It has to be Ryan :D

627. #634- oh yeah, didn’t he say it was a trial where they needed a translator for the two parties involved? i bet the french speaker has to do with that, would also explain why the age range is so broad.

     #629- ronnie is not at nashua, you can see her in the background when michael is talking to jan’s belly and she is also in the scene in the warehouse looking through the boxes.

628. Maybe the french speaking woman has to do with a prank on Dwight?

629. A week and 3 hours everyone!!

630. I am remembering that Karen spoke French. !

631. hey Tanster, I just saw this article. Could Amy Ryan be staying?!!

632. Concerning that article from 638, it will be funny when Toby comes back. They can throw “relationship obstacles” at Jim and Pam. That’s fine and normal for a relationship. But I hope, hope, hope they stay together (and get engaged if wishes come true). If Jim and Pam can’t stay together, who can? :)

633. I think the male receptionist is Hunter….after his music career failed

634. I bet the new receptionist is Hunter, Jan’s old assistant.

635. I’m not worried about it being Karen that’s the new girl who speaks French. It always seemed like Karen was his “rebound” from Pam and he never really felt for her like he did for Pam.

     I could be wrong, but they were never really lovey-dovey and never seemed like they had a lot of fun like him and Pam do. So I don’t see Karen as a threat at all.

636. Is there any info on Rashida Jones whether or not she will be on for season 5?

637. I don’t think Toby coming back will be a relationship obstacle for JAM. Pam never seemed to have feelings for him. She said he was cute, but she didn’t sound like she had a crush on him.

638. Dwight and possible birthing scenarios? “Baby Shower” is already one of the funniest episodes of all time!

639. This stuff will drive me crazy until Thurs.
     Actor Rich Sommer and John Cabrera will be Pam’s classmates (some possible flirting going on?)
     Pam is enjoying living in New York
     Toby will be in a Costa Rican Hospital, a possible zip line accident.
     A Character you think is gone for good will be on the season premiere and is returning to Dunder Mifflin (for good?) (Toby, Ryan, Jan)
     We will meet the head of HR (who?)
     Something will happen between Pam and Jim in the rain (better be good news)
     They are casting a 30-50 year old plain Jane that speaks perfect French (why?)

640. Could Rich Sommer and John Cabrera be a gay couple Pam is friends with? I think she has too much respect for Jim and their relationship to be flirting with two of her classmates. Flirting isn’t cheating, but it can be disrespectful.

641. Baby Shower sounds like a great episode! I can’t wait! Only 6 more days!

642. Baby Shower will be amazing! Amy Ryan + Dwight birthing scenarios= LOVE!

643. Just the synopsis for Baby Shower sounds like pure gold. All I can think of is Dwight playing the mother in labor and I am laughing already! Thanks for posting, Tanster!

644. I hope the thing that is happening with Jim and Pam in the rain will make us cry with joy not sadness.

645. Wait a sec, why is there no Oct. 2 episode?

646. Diapers – the prez debate

647. 652-

     The presdiential election is on Oct. 2 so I’m guessing that’s why the office will not be shown.

648. The presidential election is in November.

649. crying?!?!?! nooo!!!! don’t break them up. please, please, please. don’t break them up.

650. So I was very bored and was skimming the old comments from season 3 and 4. (I only found out what a wonderful show The Office was during the writers strike this year- had to borrow all the seasons, now I own them.) But anyways, I have to say how funny it is to read the comments. We overanalyze to such an extent and freak out over the smallest things. I’m totally guilty of it but I have so much fun doing it and also “talking” with everyone. What a great fanbase and yay for a new season!

     (I know this is irrelevant in relation to the spoiler section but there’s no better place for this comment)

651. 653/654:

     Oh, dumb moment for me. Whoops!

652. the new receptionist is hunter. it has to be, because that would tie in with the speculation that he is jan’s baby’s daddy. this will make like a mega quadrangle of love between michael and jan and holly and hunter. i’m just saying. this would be totally awesome.

653. 657- I recall one moment in particular, before “Did I Stutter?” came out, and I was convinced that Pam’s little secret was a stuttering problem. How silly we are! :)

654. AUG. 8: The Ausiello Files

     Could it be Devin?

655. Tanster, how many hour long episodes will there be this season? I know that Weight Loss will be an hour long, but will Business Ethics and Baby Shower be an hour, also?

     [from tanster: not sure …]

656. So I think the person that is coming back to DM is Tom from accounting. He will come back on the Halloween as a ghost. Or maybe Jan old assistant before she had Hunter.

657. #656- Crying could also be a good thing, as in crying for happiness. As in proposal. ;)

658. is there not going to be an episode on october 2nd???

659. Spoiler from Watch with Kristin!

     THE OFFICE: According to Mindy Kaling, this season of The Office is all about gettin’ jiggy: “This is definitely the most scandalous season of The Office, for a lot of characters. I, this past week, had so many makeout scenes I can’t even tell you. I can’t say with who, but my parents can’t watch this episode, because Kelly’s doing so much making out.”

660. New Spoiler from Watch with Kristin!

     THE OFFICE: According to Mindy Kaling, this season of The Office is all about gettin’ jiggy: “This is definitely the most scandalous season of The Office, for a lot of characters. I, this past week, had so many makeout scenes I can’t even tell you. I can’t say with who, but my parents can’t watch this episode, because Kelly’s doing so much making out.”

661. Is maybe Todd Packer coming back? I can sort of see him in the “business ethics” episode. Just a thought.
     Also, I think that Phyllis will keep Dwight and Angela’s encounter a secret, which will definitely have implications for the party planning committee.

662. Ok..so I don’t know if anyone else has thought about this or written about it, but Pam’s art school is supposed to take 3 months, right? Also, there is supposed to be a Christmas episode, right? And finally, the season starts on September 25th, 3 months exactly before Christmas 2008, which is also a Thursday…So to get to my point; anyone else foreseeing a Jim-Pam engagement during the Christmas episode? Would be pretty great television I think…

663. i have also thought that there might be a christmas engagement. however, the timing of her internship is not a factor because it is 3 months from when the finale happened, so basically the summer which will be covered in the first episode.

664. I think the engagement will happen during the fall sweeps. They need something big to happen (that’s what she said) and I think a Jam engagement would do the trick.

665. new article on e watch with kristen with ed helms talking about andy and angela

     http:

     //www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/index.html

666. I was watching the E! red carpet and Kristin Dos Santos said that there will be ‘3 wedding events’ (or something to that effect) in season 5.. interesting!

667. Jenna, you are all alone with your opinion! :)

668. Jenna wants Pam to have an interest outside her relationships? Uh… what’s this art school thing supposed to be then?

669. In the family reunion spoiler, is Pam trying to show her commitment to Jim because she did something bad? Her spoiler to USA Today and this one are disturbing me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

670. I was slightly disheartened to read that Jenna (a major part of the Jim/Pam dynamic that we fans love) is kind of rooting against Jim and Pam being together.

     I see Jenna’s point though with wanting Pam to have other interests and “come into her own” a little more. I think some of that will happen while Pam is at art school.

671. bigtunette:”Jenna wants Pam to have an interest outside her relationships? Uh� what�s this art school thing supposed to be then?” My sentiments exactly

672. I would like to think Jenna is messing with us, as she is wont.

673. Jenna Fischer is making me sad. 675, 678- I read you loud and clear.

674. Ahh! Finally, a glimpse at the Halpert brothers. I can’t wait! I can totally see Tug Coker being a younger brother.

675. Jenna has expressed that opinion before and I think she’s right…she is the only person in America who thinks that. Even the writers have told her “No one wants to see that.”

676. if something bad happens to jam, i’m 95% sure i will stop watching

677. #683 – I think I’m at 97%. If you really think about it, like all the JAM haters out there, all a breakup would bring to the show is more angst. I’d rather have a happy couple than two sad people separated. I don’t think it’s possible to have them separate now — it’d make the show dull and depressing.

678. 99% Enough with the angst!

     This is how I feel.

679. I REALLY hope you’re right 679

680. Well, Jenna and I can be in the miniority together then. I love Pam, and I love Jim, and hey, I love Jam too. But the show has become so much about them it’s gotten boring.

     As an aspiring artist myself, I’m thrilled that they’re playing up that side of Pam, and I find that much more interesting then watching her make goofy faces at Jim all the time.

     Also, Kelly doing a lot of making out? Could Kyan/my favorite dysfunctional couple finally be back together? *crosses fingers*

681. 687: the show can deemphasize JAM without breaking them up… PLEASE no JAM troubles tv gods, PLEASE

682. We’re finally going to get insight into Jim’s background. I wonder if there is some kind of rift in the Halpert clan.

683. Jenna darling, that’s what season 3 was! And art school! I see her point and it’s valid, but the way the show is constructed they cannot have Jim and Pam breakup, really. They can – and should – have big ups and downs, but their story is now “how do you make a relationship work?”

684. As much as I love Jenna, I wish she’d stop saying she doesn’t want Pam and Jim together!!! I mean people can come into their own and be with their soulmate, I mean come on!

685. Ok, Jenna is really starting to get on my nerves with this anti-Jim/Pam thing she has. And, now with the most recent statement, her opinion really doesn’t even make sense. I could see her point if Pam were still sitting at DM’s reception desk, answering phones. But, of all of the characters on that show, Pam is the one who, far and away, has gotten the most growth opportunities. Season 3, anyone? And, hello? She’s in freakin’ NYC at art school, which has always been her dream. And, at least in part, her relationship w/Jim is what gave her the confidence to even try for the internship. Seriously, what else does Jenna want??

686. I thought that around season 3 Jenna was saying that Jam were soulmates and that they should end up together…And why can’t you be in a relationship AND pursue your interests?

     I’m excited to see some Halperts!

687. 689, good point on the whole rift in the Halpert clan. For all we know one of Jim’s brothers is mean or annoying. Maybe Pam will only get along with one of the brothers. This could be what causes the reunion to go wrong.

688. I’m looking forward to seeing Jim’s brothers, I always love more cute John-lookalikes! I am confused though about the proposal. I thought it was happening? But it hasn’t by the fourth episode? Also, is Pam staying longer in NY? I’m confused.

689. 695)
     I had the same thought about Pam still being in NY. Maybe she got an internship or something. I wonder if it is going to be like when Jim was as Stamford for part of the season.

690. Pam in New York is like Jim in Stamford; she’ll still be on the show, but not in the office. The dynamics won’t be the same (not just for JAM) but for the show in general. I hated Jim being in Stamford, because of all the missed Dwight/Michael interactions. I hope Pam comes back ASAP.

691. 687, how’s the show “about them?” Most of the time, they get the B-plot in episodes. It’s no different than in S2 (which had no real overarching plot save “wow, Michael’s an idiot” and “OMG are Jim and Pam EVER getting together?!?!”, which are not as specific as the plots now) or S3 (where the angst was just ridiculous at times). It’s not like they’re Michael or Dwight.

692. Bad omen: Our office just got a big delivery of paper from Hammermill that says “JAM-FREE” on the sides of it.

693. Wow, Jim’s brothers! I wonder if the writers took a page out of fanfiction’s book and named one of them Jon, as he has become this sort of virtual character on The Office.

694. Wow, Jenna, tell us how you really feel. lol.

     I understand how fans are starting to worry, but after prolonged thought on the topic: I see Jenna’s point. And for the record: JAM is so close to my heart that the thought of them not succeeding hurts. But…we’ve had so many beautiful, touching, hilarious, tension-filled, powerful JAM moments – which, by the way, helped restore many people’s faith in THAT kind of love – and these moments are alot like life. They’re fleeting. Not forever. So no matter if/when they break up, JAM still prevails, right? And I would love to see Pam follow her dreams and take daring choices. Jim too.

     Sorry. Umm…to lighten the tone: Tug Coker = hot. For sure.

695. I think most everyone would agree that it’s a good thing Jenna Fischer isn’t a writer.

696. How does Jam still prevail if they break up, #701? If they do break up, where is the faith in “THAT kind of love”? If Jim and Pam can’t make it, who can? And I do get Jenna Fischer’s point. You want your characters to grow but to reiterate so many- why can’t you explore your interests and still be in a relationship? I never understood it as someone having to pick one or the other; it’s about finding a balance, which reflects how life works.

     Also, I think it is better if they stay together because then the audience can focus on other aspects of Jim and Pam’s life-such as art school. This, rather than being so preoccupied (as with for example Ross/Rachel)with when they would get back together.

697. 701: I’m not sure I understand some of your logic. “THAT kind of love” is often life long. JAM breaking up, with the relationship we’ve seen on the show, doesn’t make a lot of sense. Pam can be daring and be with Jim, he’s the one who helped her be daring and adventurous.

698. Squee! I am SO excited to see Jim’s brothers interact with Pam..

     It’ll be like John x 3.

     I also can’t wait to see what Meredith’s big natural disaster is.

     (:

699. Season 4 was less genuine than 1-3, and I know these spoilers are supposed to tease us, but it’s sounding like season 5 will be more like a soap opera… a pregnancy, 2 or 3 possible engagements, 3 or 4 possible “love” triangles… I hope I’m wrong

700. In the article Jenna goes on to say that puppies are stupid, polar bears aren’t worth saving and Santa Claus isn’t real. She is truly history’s greatest monster.

701. yes! i was wondering when we would meet jim’s family. poor jenna, she must know how unpopular her opinion is. i feel like she is just speaking from the perspective of the actress playing the role, she is really protective of pam and seems to really love playing her. the more pam grows and “finds herself” the more fun she must be to play. that said, i echo everyone else’s sentiments. the beautiful thing about finding your soulmate is that he gives you confidence and help you grow and improve yourself. hence going to art school when you were too afraid to do an art internship before cause that guy who WASN’T your soulmate didn’t support you… remember?

702. Okay, I want Pam to be confident and adventurous as much as Jenna Fischer does, but SERIOUSLY, she can do that and still be together with Jim. Jim isn’t the kind of person who would tie her down – in fact, wasn’t he the one that told her to apply for the graphic design thing (season 2 – Boys and Girls)? I don’t think the two will break up, just because the writers spent so long getting them together. There might be tension – but I’m not too worried…okay, maybe a little.

703. Does anyone else happen to think that the extremely short JAM swooping-kiss clip that NBC is running might be part of the momentous rain event? Looks like a pretty gray day to me…

704. Thank you tuna tuna tuna! I completely agree with your opinion! I’m guessing Jenna Fischer would be a bit down cast by some people’s comments on her Jam opinion. I still believe that Jam can stay together and Pam can still have her life changing finding her self stuff. Jam forever!

705. 708 tuna tuna tuna: THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE! Well said.

706. I love all the spoilers! I can’t WAIT 2 more days!

707. I disagree with Jenna….why can’t Pam have both a career and Jim?? If was him who helped her get there! I think it would be a huge mistake to break JAM up!

708. From what I’ve read, it sounds like Pam’s going to be out of the office for awhile. That bothers me more than ups and downs in Jim and Pam’s relationship.

     It’s called The Office, not Pam Goes to Art School.

709. I’m not going to lie, but I wouldn’t be surprised if JAM nearly falters over Pam’s newfound pursuit of her art (or graphic arts) career other than through Pratt institute.

     Here’s another thought: Jim will have no one to carry out his pranks on Dwight once Pam moves out of the Scranton branch.

710. 711 Brittany-
     I agree with you. Pam can grow and still be in a relationship. Maybe they’ll explore Jim’s growth a little. The show has suggested that he has unfulfilled dreams, remember his second life character and his reaction to it?

711. I’m not worried about a breakup, but I am worried about Pam possibly straying a bit with one of these two guest characters/ classmates… I think they clearly won’t break JAM up, but I’m worried they’ll do some cliched, contrived triangle. That would be totally unrealistic for her character and the relationship we’ve seen, but writers like to shake things up sometimes.

712. Mixed Berry-
     I don’t know if Pam will stray. But the show does have a history of characters doing things out of character(creepy Toby leg rub). I don’t think they will break up Jim and Pam that would be cliche. From the early interviews it seems as though they’ll deal with the strain of a long distance relationship which is more realistic.

713. I AM SO ANXIOUS… I need to get a life ;)

714. First of all, at #707, lol.

     I agree mostly with those who (begrudingly) anticipate strain in the realtionship, which is primarily due to the distance factor. So as the amazing JKras is always saying: JAM story lines are usually aiming for realistic more than other shows. The realistic nature of long distance relationship is that they’re difficult. Most of us would agree with JKras’ assessment…this brings me to JFisch’s comment: Considering that she experiences a close emotional attachment to Pam, I consider her feelings to be very realistic. When the future looming ahead of you is full of change (really exciting change), it’s hard to see yourself in a forever kind of relationship. Maybe that’s where she’s at??? Not that she won’t snap out of it and realize that change is not absolute and you CAN be who you want to be. That’s realistic to me, but maybe that’s just my (twisted) reality.

715. That quote from Jenna about Pam wanting to prove to Jim she’s committed to the relationship has me wondering: What if Pam ends up proposing to Jim?

716. #720-Mixed Berry:

     I am so with you on that. The anxiety I’m feeling over JAM is insane. I also need to get a life..

717. Okay so the spoilers are killing me! Does anybody know if they are going to show the Premiere online Friday on NBC? I am still without electricity (at home) from Ike and just the thought that I may miss this episode is killing me!! We aren’t supposed ot get power back until Sunday…that’s too late! Any thoughts?

718. I wonder if the “something momentous in the rain” thing happens during the Baby Shower episode. A lot of The Office’s episode names reference the A and the B plot lines.

719. OMG I cannot wait to see Jim’s brothers!!! I know I already love the Halpert clan :)

720. I love Jenna, but she just broke my heart a little bit….it was much more exciting when you knew Jenna and John were rooting for Jim and Pam. Somehow it made it more real. Does that sound weird?

     My little JAM heart is slowly shrinking….

     :(

721. #727, I don’t think you are weird at all. It made me a little disappointed to hear Jenna say that too. I absolutely love her, and it doesn’t change anything, but I always think of The Office as the most “real” show out there. Who wouldn’t want to find their soul mate in real life? I mean, she is already attending art school to pursue her dreams…why not be happy that it is all while having her soulmate by her side? I think there should be strain and difficulties for their relationship to overcome because in reality, there definitely would be, but I hope they can overcome it.

     By the way, tuna tuna tuna, I loved your comment! Thanks!

722. Grrr. One. More. Day. I can’t wait!

723. #727 Ditto. Jenna�s statement makes me so frustrated. When in S4 did Pam regress back to a doormat in the JAM relationship? In LOCAL AD she couldn�t even give poor Jim a ride home. BTW, I�d LOVE to see more Meredith/Jim moments while Pam is in NY. How I�d love to see Meredith�s stealing longing glances at Jim from across the room.

724. Jim and Pam will still be together in season 5, sounds to me like they’ll deal with a long distance relationship and all the complications that can bring.

725. Is there any way Jenna said what she said as a joke/ teaser? It just makes no sense if it wasn’t.

726. The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived! Only five and a half hours until the Office premieres. Thanks for keeping me occupied while I waited for season 5 tanster! :)

727. I AM GOING INSANE…jitters…pacing…sudden onset of restless leg syndrome;)

728. I am going to spontaneously combust.

     1 hour.
     7 minutes.
     !!!

729. I think something is going to go wrong with Jim and Pam. I don’t think they will break up or anything but maybe have a big fight or something.

730. 736 Big Haircut: I’m a little anxious, but I don’t think they’ll have any huge problems like cheating and definitely not a break-up. I think the proposal and the upcoming Halpert brothers reunion are signs of realism and stability for JAM. I hope the entire show returns to what it was the first 2 or 3 seasons (but no Roy-Pam or Karen-Jim, ofcourse).

731. i think that business ethics might be an hour. kath and kim premieres on the 9th but 30 rock doesn’t premiere until later in the month and when it does it comes will be in the 9.30 slot. so if kath and kim premieres at 8.30 after earl, doesn’t that make the office an hour?

732. The weight loss episode was totally awesome! Phyllis was hilariously funny! “Phyllis coming alive I like it!” Jim, Season 2. And Stanley and his biceps. . . wow. The writers have really outdone themselves this time. However, I’d have liked to know what happened with Meredith’s face, you could tell it was all blotchy for the first half hour, but then it was back to normal. Oh well, because of the Jam proposal I’m not as upset as I would have been.

733. Mixed Berry –
     OMFG…I think you’re right! John and Jenna pulled a fast one on us spoilery spoiler-lovers. They were trying to convince us that the proposal wasn’t a sure thing and if it were to happen, it would be in awhile. They sure had me! (twss)

734. Is Pam at art school for 12 or for 13 weeks? She was there for 7 of the 8 weeks in “Weight Loss.” Do we have 6 more weeks of her and Jim apart? Will October 2 count as one of those weeks even though there’s no episode? I want her to move ahead in life, but I want there to be some way for her to stay in the office.

735. could Angela be preggers?

736. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was with all of her emergency closet meetings with Dwight. Also do you think that the Kevin in his boxers promo picture will be in the deleted scenes? Because Kevin always had his pants on during the episode so maybe they had to cut out somethings. Like Meredith’s face fiasco… I know I’m obsessed with that.

737. How would they get the cameras in the jury room. Even though it is documentary format they wouldn’t let cameras in the jury room.

738. #738 tuna tuna tuna: I think there’s an SNL Weekend Update Election special after The Office until 30 Rock comes back on.

739. I’m noticing some subtle changes in Jim this season. I find he’s being a little more honest with Michael this season like in the conference room when Michael was being Michael Clump and he was saying how society was the problem with obesity and then Jim asked if Michael was the problem and not society. Well just thought I might say that. I have nothing better to do than talk about the office on a saturday night. :)

740. 738- tuna tuna tuna

     Business Ethics will be a half hour. After The Office NBC will start SNL Thursday Night Live which will focus on the election. I think it will air until 30 Rock premieres.

741. 746 | Brittany: Good point with Jim. I hope they evolve him along with Pam. I don’t want them to be different characters, just more evolved versions of themselves. I think there has been so much focus on Pam’s development while Jim has been her supporter. He hasn’t really found a passion other than Pam, perhaps he won’t and won’t need to, but some type of significant development…

742. I am mega-excited for more holiday episodes!

743. Take it easy, guys. It’s just the opinion of an actress, not of Pam or the writers.

     If the actors that aren’t writers start writing the show, I’ll get concerned. Until then, I trust the writers to keep doing the right stuff, ala the premiere.

744. So I think that Angela is preggers. But maybe not because that would be way to soap opera for The Office.

745. Woo hoo! A Michael-Holly date! Or should I say, Molly (Michael + Holly)!!!

746. Very interesting. Looks like Pam will be staying in NY. I wonder what this will mean for her and Jim, considering how anxious he got with her only being gone a month. Should be interesting. I am bummed though that we won’t see them on camera as much together.

747. Wow, Pam is still in art school at that time? I was hoping she’d be back for the Halloween ep. But I guess there’s still hope.

748. Pam gets a part time job at corporate! First step back into the Dunder Mifflin family?

749. Okay so if Pam is taking a part time job at corporate, will this still be within the time frame of her three month stay in NY?

750. It’s annoying that Pam will still be in New York at that point (and looking for a job, no less). Didn’t they learn from season 3 that fragmenting the show by putting its main characters in two different geographical locales is a bad idea?

751. 3 months is 12 or 13 weeks, 7 of those weeks were in “Weight Loss.” She would still be in New York a week or 2 into November on that schedule. The part time job doesn’t necessarily extend her stay, but, I hope, it will reconnect her to Dunder Mifflin.

752. Crime Aid is going to be AWESOME! This sounds like a Gene/Lee episode.

753. Hmm, do you sense the return of Volunteer Sheriff’s Deputy Dwight in ‘Crime Aid’?

754. Michael helps Pam get a job at corporate. He really does care about her.

755. Why are they telling us right now that Michael and Holly will be dating? So there is absolutely no secret or drama there. I have no idea why NBC told us that.

756. wait. is pam never coming back as a receptionist!? NO. that makes me so sad.
     we’ll never hear dunder mifflin this pam again!?

     i mean.. i’m happy for pam. i’m not happy for myself.

757. what if one of the well kept secrets of this season is that karen has a job at corporate and then she and pam have AWKWARD interactions after pam gets a job there? there must be some reason that they are giving pam a job there (aside from drawing her back into dunder mifflin) that could be amazing. i am surprised that we haven’t heard anything about ryan’s corporate replacement which makes me suspicious that it will be a big reveal.

758. wikipedia shows Business ethics is written by Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais, and Stephen Merchant

759. Pam will almost definitely come back to Dunder Mifflin, Scranton. As long as she’s at DMS and with Jim, I don’t mind if she’s a receptionist or not.

760. Hehe. NBC spoiled Michael/Holly for us! So I guess he and Jan are over??

761. Spoiler Chat from Watch with Kristin!

     Lisa in Cleveland: I love The Office! Got any more Pam and Jim goodies for me now that the engagement is underway?
     We kind of know this, but…Jim wants Pam to have his babies! That said, the separation is not doing them any good. As Jenna Fischer puts it, “We have to deal with real relationship problems.” Well, now, those don’t sound any fun. Nor does the news I’m hearing that Ryan will continue to be a thorn in Jim’s side for quite some time up at that receptionist desk and that Holly won’t be around the whole season.

     Thea from Indonesia: Can you tell me what’s in store for Andy-Angela-Dwight on The Office?
     The good news about Phyllis knowing about Dwangela is that when Angela and Andy set a date to get married, at least Dwight has someone whom he can (theoretically) confide in. And yes, did you catch that: They are setting a date. I see a hot monkey sex session in Dwight’s future! Still, I can’t imagine she’ll go through with the wedding, right?

     wow she is good 2 spoilers in 1 day =]

762. Vom – Well, that was actually one of the most compelling aspects of season three.

     And yeah, kind of pissed at NBC for the spoiler.

763. Diapers Shrute – i get the impression from the deleted scenes and the preview for business ethics that jan and michael are not together. she is taking advantage of his excitement about the baby to use him for errands and what not and he just thinks he gets to be the baby’s father. michael is pursuing a relationship with holly, he told jim he should have kissed her first, etc.

764. I see a JAM pregnancy scare for sweeps!

765. #771 -I’m so glad that you said that b/c I was thinking that, too! I didn’t want to say anything b/c I’ve already mentioned that I think Angela has a Schrute bun in the oven. I hate that there isn’t going to be a new episode this week… I need a new hobby. lol

766. 772-
     I totally agree with you! I can’t wait for Oct. 9! I really think we should demand that the vice presidential debate be postponed until Friday for all Office fanatics! I know I’m obsessed. :)

767. So am I the only one who happened to read the Watch w/ Kristin thing yesterday? What could Roy possibly say to Jim to make him feel insecure? You guys don’t think the writers would give us an engagement just to take it right back, do you? I’m getting worried…someone please talk me down from the ledge!

768. I had a thought:

     Michael and Holly Date Night+Amy Ryan doing only 5 episodes+The possibility of seeing the head of HR=The head of HR finds out about Holly and Michael dating and fires her.

769. #761-

     No kidding…either that or Michael is trying to pull Pam back to Dunder Mifflin…

770. Is Angela pregnant? With all her extracurricular activities, then at the weigh in where she said her doctor told her she needs to put on weight, I suspect a bun in the oven.

771. 774 SSE: What do you mean with roy, jim and insecurity? I haven’t read that.

772. My theory on the Roy thing: he’s in the October 23 episode, tells Jim something, Jim talks to Pam about her new buddy, she talks to her new buddy, he tells her of his feelings for her, she rejects him, it’s his last episode, October 30 is the Halpert reunion.

773. Now I’m confused. So is Michael not dating Jan again? He’s just taking the role of the father, but they aren’t together? I don’t get how he can date Holly suddenly, but even in weight loss he seemed to treat dating as an option in the near future as he was mad at Jim for making him lay a friendship base first.

774. “Amy Ryan doing only 5 episodes”

     only 5 episodes?not 6?

     “Amy is back home in New York, and has already finished shooting the initial agreement of six episodes.”

775. Thank you mixed berries…I read that article that was posted up here on Monday, I assume from your response that you have read it by now. I didn’t know that Oct. 23 was the last episode for the “buddy”. I’m all for realism and real relationship problems for them to have to deal with, but I want Jim and Pam to be happy…they can mess around with some of the other characters for a while.

776. the 5 episodes versus 6 episodes is probably the hour long which aired as one episode but is technically considered to be 2 episodes. so we will see her in 4 more episodes. which makes me think she will get fired for dating michael because 4 more episodes means the episode after crime aid.

777. 781- I think they meant 6 half hour episodes and they’re counting Weight Loss as two episodes. I wish she was in more episodes though.

778. Is there any way that Holly is pretending to be like she’s been to get on Michael’s good side to make her job easier? I hope not, but I think the other option is that Michael dumps Holly to be with Jan so he can finally be a dad :(

779. Oh…. Maybe Jan is the one to tip Corporate off, perhaps a little jealousy there

780. What are un-PC shenanigans?

781. To #787, “un-pc” means unconventional or unorthodox.

782. Oh god does the Ausiello thing suggest that Ryan is being promoted? Ehh.

783. 789 | Usher Jennifer Hudson Kapoor: Ryan’s hobbit drug dealer friend from New York

784. TROYYYYYYYY! Little person becoming a sales rep? Un-PC? Paper sales, hobbit style. Holler.

785. “Little person.” There’s a group Michael Scott hasn’t really offended yet. Bring it on!

786. Yes! Hopefully, Troy becomes a sales rep at DM Scranton to support his buddy Ryan, and that means hilarious Dwight-Troy magical riddles coming along..!

787. Bring on Troy!

788. If Troy is the new sales rep, then who is Michael’s boss?

789. i’m pulling for a college party in the halloween episode. halloween parties are always great, and if jim heads up for NY for it, it could be another window into his socially challenged life.

790. Remember when Ausiello said that they were looking for a female, aged 30-50, that speaks French? Maybe she’s going to be Michael’s new boss? It could mean more love triangles for Michael…

     Oh and #779- Yes. I totally agree with your theory. The Mad Men guy is only there for about 3 more episodes. He won’t be that big of a threat.

791. Ohhh. Well thank you, MIXED BERRIES. My day is just that much better now that I know Ryan has nothing to do with that. Yay Troy!

792. It would be cool to see Jim interacting with Pam’s new friends, but it will probably be an office Halloween party. I think the significance of Pam’s art school experience is going to be how insignificant it is overall (except for Pam’s personal growth & Jim’s growth through Pam). Not for relationship strain or as a diversion from the core of the show.

793. People might want to head over to eonline.com and click watch with Kristin. New spoilers…sort of. (You have to choose for yourself which ones you want to believe.) Good luck!

794. For the Watch With Kristin thing, I think 3 through 8 are true

795. OK..employee transfer?! Shocking news from corporate..could it be Holly’s transfering to another branch (Nashua) as good ol’ Toby’s returning to Scranton?

796. Not to rain on everyone’s JAM parade here, but I was counting out 13 weeks on a calendar (slow day at work, what can I say). The date stamp in Weight Loss for the week Pam left is July 7th. Even if she left at the end of that week, it would only put her Pratt term into mid-October. If Pam is still at corporate at Halloween, does that mean she’s staying in New York longer?? Perhaps I’m overanalyzing, but still! Scary thought!

797. 1. WWK- I’m gonna say 2-7
     2. Poor Pam! The only one dressed for Halloween. haha
     3. Since Holly will be in the “Employee Transfer” ep, she should still be there until the first week of November, right? That’ll count as 6 full episodes…

798. Holly will get transferred to Nashua, I bet.

799. This is part of my imagination here but on watch with kristin site the spoiler/ foiler of cheating could be a crazy full circle story line. Think about it pam is engaged again and weird ugly art school kid kisses her but this time she deciedes she really loves who she is with.

800. “#777 Is Angela pregnant? With all her extracurricular activities, then at the weigh in where she said her doctor told her she needs to put on weight, I suspect a bun in the oven.”

     I also had someone mention that maybe the reason for unexplained weight gain each week over the summer was from angela being pregnant. It’s funny, that twist would have worked out well last season when the real angela was really pregnant!

801. “Employee Transfer” is the one directed by Mr. Stephen Merchant, right?

802. I bet corporate decided to transfer Holly to Nashua. Michael can’t catch a break.

803. the trip to nashua after news from corporate: after finding out about their affair, corporate transfers holly to the nashua branch. michael goes with her to help her settle in.

804. Pam is back! Yay!

     But Holly isn’t staying?! Come on!

805. Wait a minute…Pam at corporate?? Is Corporate the part-time job she got to put herself through Pratt??

     *dizzy from constant state of confooooosion*

806. when will Pam be back in Scranton?

807. I think Pam will be back in Scranton by the Halloween party. Maybe since Jim is Michael’s #2 he is invited to the corporate Halloween party and Pam tags along…?

     She should be back by then, though. If she’s gone too long, I think the show will suffer like it did when Jim was gone — even though the camera crew was there part of the time, it wasn’t really the same.

808. I really had hoped the writers had learned from the Jim-in-Stamford storyline. The Scranton office won’t be the same without Pam, no matter how funny her NY story might turn out to be. She is a key part of what makes this show great. So I hope she comes back eventually. If they decide to keep her in NY for the whole season or something as devastating as that, Utica will be burned to the ground, by someone.

809. I love Pam and I think as fans, we all want to see her grow and have this great opportunity. That said, I agree with 815. The show isn’t the same when everyone is split up into different locations. Hurry back Pam!

810. I want Holly to stay forever… but do you think she’ll be part of the spinoff?

811. the summary for crime aid says that michael helps pam get a part time job at corporate. since employee transfer is the next episode i think it is pretty certain that pam is working at corporate and shows up to work in costume. she would hardly get a part time job for one episode.

812. Please tell me Pam will come back to Scranton! The Office won’t be complete without her! And if Holly is transfered…. agggh! I’ll be very upset.

813. 818 | Diapers Schrute,

     I love Holly too, but I thought they said there would be no spin-off now.

814. I picked up on that too, #804. Why is Pam still in New York? Her three month program should have ended at LEAST two weeks before Halloween, no matter how you look at it.

815. I wonder what they mean by “Love always gets in the way” in the synopsis of Employee Transfer?

816. CallofDuty-
     Perhaps Pam gets an internship or takes more classes at Pratt.

817. Pam needs to come back to Scranton. It was terrible having Jim in Stamford for so long.

818. i don’t know purse girl but i assume it means that michael and holly falling in love gets in the way of her being able to work at scranton? maybe? i am definitely curious about that too.

819. http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b31999_office_spoil-o-rama_will_pam_cheat_on.html

     On Watch with Kristin there is an Office spoil/foil game. 6 out of the 12 “spoilers” are true.

820. 2,4,5,6,7,10 are true I think

821. I’m sure of 3 things: Pam will be in New York until a week or 2 into November, she will return to Dunder-Mifflin, Scranton and she will be faithful to Jim…

822. Once again, I think the significance of Pam’s art school experience is going to be how insignificant it is overall (except for Pam’s personal growth & Jim’s growth through Pam). Not for relationship strain or as a diversion from the core of the show.

823. Mixed Berries-
     I think Pam’s tenure at art school will throw some curveballs Jim and Pam’s way. That’s the nature of storytelling.

824. Question: Tanster, any reason why the orange date of when the spoilers/news was updated is now missing? Just curious…I just always looked forward to seeing the date change.

825. Thanks for the answers to the spoilers!

     And Meredith! You dirty girl!

826. The Watch With Kristin answers were the best possible in my opinion… YAAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!

827. It’s good to know Kristin debunked #1 without jerking us around about it. Whew.

828. On the other hand… #10 sounds genius.

829. Jan will totally freak if Kevin’s the father…I actually think she would have preferred Michael! That would be hysterical.

830. The Oct 6 KorbiTV thing: it says the engagement will be long and slow, but the description of why it says so doesn’t really indicate a long and slow engagement… I’m tired of spoilers that are actually teasers.

831. I can not wait to see how they play out Jan learning that Kevin could be the father. haha While I’m glad for the WWK spoilers, I’m apprehensive about the “false ones could end up being true, too” comment.

832. I just figured out where Kev got some extra money for his debts. *cough*sperm donation*cough*

833. Ha! Shouldn’t that be… “Who is whom?”

834. 832 – I agree. This was the first thing on the site I always looked for.

835. i think after holly leaves, pam will be the new HR rep if toby doesn’t come back. i really don’t think she’d go back to being a receptionist, plus pam’s resident advisor…you never know

836. Even though this is not hinted at, I think that Mr. Andrew Bernard may be “coming out of the closet” in a later episode. It is a callback to Goodbye, Toby when Holly said “Andy just proposed to one of your accountants.” and Michael replies “I can see it being Angela, I can also see it being Oscar”. A possible resolution to the Angela-Andy-Dwight triangle? Aah, isn’t speculation fun?

837. tanster- are we going to get hour long episodes soon, i thought the first 4 were hour long

838. 843 Oaky Afterbirth: That would be AWESOME. Pam definitely has to come back to Dunder-Mifflin, Scranton to keep the show’s chemistry. HR rep would be a great way to keep Pam there and get sleezy Toby out.

839. 844: If he was gay, why would he be dating/shown actively pursuing Angela? He’s got a flamboyant personality, but unless he’s ludicrously in denial…

     Pirated music – Kelly
     Immigration on Oscar – Michael?
     Never stole company time – Dwight

840. Kevin is not the father… oh god, i hope kevin’s the father.

841. Yay! Jenna posted as her status on myspace they are shooting a big scene for the Christmas episode yesterday. Maybe that is why she couldn’t do leno. Oh how I love office christmas!

842. Why would Pam be an HR rep?

     Toby will return to HR, Pam will go back to reception, and Ryan will go back to either a temp, sales rep or in corporate.

843. I’m going to guess that Kelly is the one downloading pirated music, Dwight called immigration on Oscar (maybe back when he was a volunteer sheriff), and honestly I can’t imagine who there hasn’t stolen company time. At first I thought it would be Dwight on that last one, but then I remembered that he was playing Second Life online during work (not to mention his recent hook-ups with Angela), and in this week’s episode description it says that Jim is making Dwight comply with the company’s time theft policy.

844. Does Holly count for one of the people that hasn’t stolen company time? If she does then I think she might be the only one who fits that category. At first I thought Angela but then the recent Dwight hook ups occured. Hmmm maybe Stanley technically everyone has stolen company time once what with the fun run and the Office Olympics. Phew. It’s hard to tell.

845. so are there no more hour long episodes

846. What a surprise, The Office making us wait for something JAM related..

847. Do we know yet who wrote “Business Ethics”? Buddy TV credits Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

     Link

848. I loved seeing Ausiello link to OfficeTally!

849. I think the video by Dan also reveals Toby in line at the airport.

850. Who else thinks in the “big” Christmas scene Jim will give Pam that letter he wrote to her but took back in Season 2? That would be amaazing.

     I’ve always wondered what it said, and we all know he has to still have it.

851. 858 | Ashley: That would be interesting. I’ve also wondered if Jim ever showed her that letter.

852. Has anybody seen the LAX video? I have a heavy duty firewall at my job, so I can’t access Facebook.

     If you watch the video, please describe it for me.

     Thanks fellow Tallyheads.

853. #860 – It’s a shot of Michael pacing in a airport tunnel as passengers walk alongside him. He’s on a cell phone, but there is no audio. Really short, but just enough to get a spoiler. ;)

854. WWK- just posted a some JAM scoop and said it will be a “relatively brief engagement.” I’m smiling ear to ear!

     #860- Steve Carell is pacing back and forth while on his cell phone. There isn’t any audio.

855. 858 | Ashley: This idea is fantastic
     …it ties in with showing everyone in the office the documentary. Wish the office writers would read these comments!

856. Has anyone read ‘Weddings & Celebrations: Jim Halpert & Pam Beesly’ on Watch With Kristin? “A relatively brief engagement is expected”… I am freaking out I’m soooo excited!

857. My guess is that the airport scene is for Toby’s return.

858. Hmmmm…big Christmas scene? Short engagement? Also tanster’s interview with the writers from comic con has Greg and Justin *whispering* about the Christmas episode.

     I think that a Christmas wedding is totally possible…or maybe Jan gives birth in the Christmas episode.

859. I bet Jan’s gonna be an awesome mother. Curveball alert!

860. Airport scene/Christmas episode…my prediction…JAM flies to Vegas to get hitched!

861. According to the Oct. 6 Watch With Kristin thing, Jan shows up to her baby shower with her baby “in tow” as in already born… did I read that wrong?

862. CUSTOMER SURVEY
     11-06-2008 9:00PM

     THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT—Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Jim (John Krasinski) are shocked when they get the results of the annual customer survey report. Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Jim decide they want to spend every minute together using their bluetooth phones. Meanwhile, Angela (Angela Kinsey) and Andy (Ed Helms) pick an unusual location for their wedding.

863. As cute as that bluetooth thing sounds with Jim and Pam, are we to understand that Pam is still not back to Scranton by that time? Ugh!! I missed her so much in “Business Ethics,” I want her back soon!

864. I think Andy & Angela will have their wedding in the Dunder Mifflin parking lot!

865. Wow, that’s the first time I’ve seen Steve Carell listed in the ‘also stars’ part.

     Customer Survey sounds interesting.

866. Nov 13 should be Pam’s last week in New York, going by “tv time”

867. I think the wedding will be at Schrute farm.

868. So is the customer survey episode the one in which Jim and Dwight have to work together for something. Hopefully, it will involve pranking Ryan.

869. I have a feeling Pam won’t come back until Jim and her are getting closer to getting married. I have no idea why, but I think the writers have something up their sleeves to make us be like “OMG WHERE IS PAM?!” and then she comes back and something so great happens that makes us forget about her being gone in the first place.

870. Well, I’m really excited that Jim and Pam will be in constant contact. I think that it will be extremely cute and much needed after Business Ethics.

     867- I don’t think Jan will have her baby then, Kristen had said something about Jan having her “baby in tow” at the Baby Shower. So maybe she already had it??

871. think Pam will be back by Christmas?!

872. A week or so ago, Jenna Fischer’s myspace “status” said that she was shooting a “big Christmas scene.” I don’t know if this means big in size or big as in, “big things happen,” but that was just enough to get me excited. Anyone else see this?

873. I hope we get to see Jim & Pam together this episode. Except for the moment after Jim popped the question, we haven’t seen JAM together as an engaged couple.

874. I just wanted to remind those who are getting excited by Kristin’s “relatively brief engagement” reference, that Pam’s last engagement was 3 YEARS so… the use of the word relative could be pretty important.

875. Ugh, why is she still in New York in November?

876. I would like to see Pam and Jim planning their wedding. It will be nice to see how Pam reacts to her fiance actually helping with the big day. What would be funny is Pam is so used to planning a wedding on her own that when Jim tries to help she won’t let him do anything. Not that I’m looking for an argument between them but it could be funny.

877. Shouldn’t Pam be back by the next episode? The last week of the Weight Loss episode was August 18th. If you assume that Business Ethics took place a week later, on August 25th, wouldn’t she be back by Baby Shower? It would be early September, and thus, the end of the summer program at Pratt.

     Also, if the writers are still showing us summer, are they just going to leap forward to the present at some point, or what?

878. I think the writers are going by “tv time”… 7 of her 13 weeks were in Weight Loss, the last 6 are the 6 episodes after Weight Loss, Nov 13 should be her last episode in NY. 3 months = a quarter of 52 weeks = 13 weeks.

879. Mixed Berries-

     I don’t believe that’s what they are really doing. It makes sense seeing how things are working out, but in the Oct. 30th episode Pam is the only one dressed up for Halloween. Following the tv time logic it would be late september or early october based off the amount of time she has spent in NY. Also, the writers have never based it on TV time.

     It’s still possible that she has in fact left art school and is now trying to find a job in New York. Jim not going with her is a bit confusing though.

880. Good point Long Tim. I just hope Pam gets back to D-M Scranton soon, she’s already scheduled to spend a quarter of the season away, the chemistry isn’t the same :(

881. The latest Watch With Kristin thing is reassuring. To me it reinforces the idea that the JAM drama will come from misperceptions by Jim & not from Pam actually being wooed by her new buddy.

882. Michael/Holly lip-locking action!? I have never been so excited! I cannot wait!

883. Can someone help me out with Kristen’s latest spoiler? What is phone snafus and butt-dialing? Is she trying to be funny or am I missing something?

884. 892 – I assume what it means is Pam sits on her phone (which is maybe in her pocket) and it dials out accidentally. Perhaps Jim hears a conversation that wasn’t intended for him that he misinterprets. That’s just my guess.

885. this week “Baby Shower” is written by Aaron Shure. Who are all these new writers?

886. I do not think we have to worry… in a blog the other day Jenna wrote she has a few desk scenes coming up (possibly in “NY” or scranton) but today angela in a post said she wants to flick a paper clips at her in a scene… could this mean Jenna’s going to be back at her rightful desk?

887. I wonder when Roy will be back in the picture.
     Maybe around Christmas time? That seems plausible enough.

888. 893 – Noooo! That can’t happen! :( I hate any Jam sadness.

889. I bet Roy says something that makes Jim suspicious, Jim overhears a conversation that he misinterprets, Pam meets Jim’s brothers and tries to show that she loves Jim. Things go wrong, ala Meet the Parents.

     I sigh.

     They get married, the end.

890. I’m going to predict that Roy shows up in either Baby Shower or Crime Aid. The WWK post from a couple of weeks ago said he was supposed to show up in one of the first five episodes and Jim and Darryl run into him because they leave the office to get away from Michael’s “hijinks”. That could be either the baby shower he is making the office throw for Jan, or the upcoming auction from Crime Aid. Just a theory.

891. Go Michael!
     But does that mean him and Jan are seriously over?

892. For those who don’t know, the new guy, Aaron Shure (who wrote this week’s ‘Baby Shower’) was a writer for Everybody Loves Raymond. Interesting.

893. Everybody loves Raymond??? Not a fan….

894. An Everybody Loves Raymond writer? I hope this doesn’t become a trend.

895. Why is there supposed to be so much strain with JAM? They’re only 2 hours apart, 1 hour if they meet half way. Lots of people drive 1 or 2 hours to & from work every day, why isn’t JAM together more often?

896. I don’t get it, I liked Everybody Loves Raymond, still to this day one of my top tv shows that I would watch, granted it was a bit formulaic, but it was a funny show, though I do think Jan’s character is getting old , Melora Hardin is talented, just her character, I think will probably be written off soon.

897. @904: I live in Allentown, PA and work for a company that has a branch here and a branch in New York. I often have to travel to the New York office. I can tell you, from personal experience, that the two-hour commute each way is exhausting. As for meeting halfway – easier said than done for a couple like Jim and Pam whose schedules aren’t compatible. He works at an energy-sucking 8-to-5 job and juggles his personal responsibilities, while she’s in an environment where you juggle classes, sleep and all-nighters. So it would be 100-percent unbelievable for them to meet up every day or even a few times a week.

898. Just Jared posted the promo pictures for “Customer Survey.”

     Link

899. 12 new pics from Customer Survey are on the NBC site.

     Link

900. Aw, Jim’s hiding to talk to Pam on his Bluetooth in those pictures!

901. The synopsis for Business Trip has been posted!

     CANADA BOUND—Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) is ecstatic when David Wallace (Andy Buckley) decides to send him on a business trip to Canada. Andy (Ed Helms) and Oscar (Oscar Nunez) become unlikely friends when Michael decides to bring them along on the trip. Meanwhile, Jim (John Krasinski) is counting down the days until Pam (Jenna Fischer) gets back from art school. Rainn Wilson, B.J. Novak, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith and Creed Bratton also star.

902. What’s the betting that Pam is only back in the office for a little while, and then she’ll find something like a new internship in the city? And if/when Pam returns, she’ll probably be unhappy anyways because she’ll be back at the reception desk. And Jim won’t know what to do and it goes on and on… sigh.

903. I bet Oscar and Andy become an item.

904. I still think Nov 13 (Business Trip) is Pam’s last episode in NY… She’ll definitely be back to stay in the office at some point.

905. When I read the synopsis for Business Trip, I got a little sad. Why does it seem to me like Jim is the only one excited to be together again? Like in the Weight Loss synopsis, it read “Jim misses Pam.” I know that Pam is happy to be doing what she has always dreamed, but I wish they would show her missing Jim a little more. That’s just my humble opinion. Thank you!

906. I try not to read too much into the synopses. Think about it, since Weight Loss, we have seen Pam for a total of like, 5 minutes. I think it was evident that she missed him at the end of Baby Shower when she said something to the effect of, “I’m going to my dorm, not home.” I wish they would show them missing each other more often, too. However, I think that she is absent so much (which sucks) because WE are supposed to miss her as much as Jim does. AND look at what happened when the synopsis said “Jim misses Pam”…he proposed!

907. On behalf of Canadians everywhere- this is AWESOME!
     Anyone know where exactly they’re supposed to be?

     And I was really hoping Pam would be coming back in Employee Transfer. Guess not… :(

908. It would be awesome if the Dwight-Angela-Andy thing was resolved w/out any heartache. Andy & Oscar as an item would be HILARIOUS!

909. As a Canadian I am very excited…should be a lot of fun.

910. I don’t see what the problem is with Amy Ryan becoming a series regular. She’s hilarious, add tons of new dimension to the show itself and to Michael, other actors including Steve Carrell, JKras, Jenna Fischer and Rainn Wilson have done movies too, while being on the show. It’s perfectly possible to be big on the small screen as well as the big…Hello George Clooney?! And I know that the writers are creative enough to work with her schedule should something come up and makes her need to leave for a bit. To me she should not only be a series regular, but also stay in the office. Her dynamic with other characters besides Michael is priceless. Special Kevin? Lesbian Holly/Gay Oscar? Waah More Paper?!! Come on!! okay I’m done ranting…Word Count 133

911. i totally agree with you, Alien…Bleh. i mean, during season 3, wasn’t steve carell working on 3 movies while filming the office? i think the big problem with keeping Amy Ryan on is that she lives in new york…well, at least i think she does. i kind of have the feeling that she’ll stay for good. maybe she’ll be gone for a couple of episodes, just to keep us on our toes…i’m hoping she comes back for the super bowl episode….

912. Yay! Shout out to Canada!! So that was Andy and Oscar in the clip from LAX…interesting!

913. So upon rereading the info for next week’s episode, I think that Wallace is going transfer Holly. Thus, the trip to Nashua.

914. I think there will be a Pam-centric episode in the future. There was that TV guide preview which mentions that she meets Jim’s brothers.
     Also, way to go Winnipeg! As a Canadian who has visited Winnipeg, this rocks! I think this is the first time that the Office has taken place outside of Scranton/NYC area.
     Also, I am wondering if The Office is going to mention either the World Series (Phillies?) or the US election (wasn’t Biden from Scranton?)

915. Uh oh, it says in the cbc.ca article that Michael has an affair with a concierge in the hotel that they are staying in. Does this mean the end of Holly? I really hope not :(

916. The 11/20 episode, though it’s got no description up yet, is called “Frame Toby,” which I think we can all agree is probably the best episode title in Office history.

917. It’s so funny that Toby has had his name in 2 episode titles.

918. Episodes with Toby in the title haven’t disappointed so far!

919. I am not happy about this Winnipeg episode — Michael has an affair with the concierge?! He is PERFECT with Holly!

920. 923 – They went to Philadelphia for The Convention.

     And I agree with the Pam-centric episode. I think the writers are trying to mature Pam as well as many of the other characters.

921. Huh. Frame Toby. So… does this mean he’s back!

     SQUEE!

922. OMG Andy & Oscar would be hilarious!!!

923. Hm.. frame Toby. What could he possibly be framed of doing??

924. I hope Toby isn’t back as a regular… If he is I hope he’s nice, original Toby. He turned into a creep in season 4.

925. Yes, I want Toby back! I love Holly with Michael, but I miss all the Michael/Toby hate moments. Those got me laughing the most.

926. Hah! I just knew the trip north would be to Winnipeg. Anyone who has ever stood at the corner of Portage and Main in downtown Winnipeg knows what I mean. (For those who haven’t, this particular intersection is known as the windiest intersection on the planet!)

927. I have a theory about Holly but don’t really want to post it because it would really ruin a shocker moment (moments)if I’m right. It may not happen in this week’s episode, but I think it will be revealed sometime soon. I think a lot of people are going to be rewatching her six episodes and wondering why it wasn’t obvious the first time. Way back in Goodbye toby I read a theory post on her and I agree and think a lot of things are going to make sense and tie in soon.

     I also think Astrid is Michael’s child, and we will find out Jan is trying to avoid manipulating Michael by saying she isn’t.

928. I am guessing that it is just 4 more episodes until Pam is back- for good (Frame Toby).

     But what about the reunion with Jim’s brothers, is it going to be during “Employee Transfer”? I think it will be because the synopsis talks about how “Love always gets in the way.”

929. I think the “love always gets in the way” part is talking about Michael and Holly

930. Why would David Wallace knowing about Michael and Holly be bad? She is in HR, so she isn’t his boss…besides Michael already was with Jan. I want Holly to stay forever and ever!!!

931. 935- that’s true, but usually when something big happens with Jim and Pam, they never post it in the synopsis (ex: proposal & casino night kiss).. so maybe a double meaning?

932. I think we’ll see Jim’s brothers this week, because in the sept. 25 spoiler it said that the meeting with the halperts was in a late october episode and this week is the only episode left in october.

933. Pam
     Angela
     Phyllis
     Meredith
     Kelly

     Holly?

     I think the common enemy is going to be Phyllis!

934. common female enemy in the office? Ooh, ooh! I guess Angela!
     Meredith doesn’t care…Phyllis is busy blackmailing Angela…Pam isn’t there…Holly’s leaving…wait…Kelly?

     Okay…Angela or Kelly.

935. It’s Kelly!

936. Sorry posted too soon…

     It’s Kelly. She does Customer Service. And the “Love Always Gets in the Way” thing probably does have to do with Michael and Holly, but I also think it has to do with Pam. She’s going to come back to Scranton for Jim, just like he did for her. What I want to know is what will happen to Ryan when Pam is back at reception? (Assuming that’s where she goes)

937. Seeing as the plot of “Customer Survey” is the yearly sales numbers coming out, and that there is only one woman salesman, dwight and jim’s common enemy must be phyllis.

938. I wish we would get to see more of Pam in NY & JAM together. The drought makes sense with the mockumentary style of the show, but I want what I want. I feel like they show us JAM’s most unsettling moments, which are not too bad, then give us a quick reaffirmation at the end. Pam has seemed kind of distant from Jim emotionally. I’m glad that it sounds like the upcoming episodes will have JAM more united again. I know these two shouldn’t monopolize the show, but there has been almost no JAM this season & I miss that dynamic duo.
     I liked 915. SSE’s comment.

939. The common enemy has to be Kelly, because in Customer Survey, Jim and Dwight are shocked by the results of the survey; and well, Kelly is the Customer Service rep.. Also, Kelly is soo gonna cheat on Darryl with Ryan; but she has already found someone who treats her right, kind of,..Darryl! Although, that relationship hasn’t been explored this season, except in the premiere where she tells Ryan how crazy in love they are..

940. I really think that the common enemy is Phyllis. I think maybe Dwight and Jim get poor customer surveys and Phyllis gets the best, thus making it a competition?

941. Thanks pamkeds! I don’t understand why they won’t leave some of the deleted scenes in the episode. That one scene with them watching “The West Wing” over the phone? That was cute. I know I speak as a gigantic JAM fan and I truly do love when other characters have a chance in the spotlight like Phyllis in Crime Aid. I just want them back together because it simply is not the same.

942. @936: From David Wallace’s standpoint, it is terrible for Michael and Holly to be in a relationship. Holly is the branch’s human resources representative, and one of her duties is making sure that Michael abides company policy. For them to be involved with one another outside of the office is a conflict of interest.

943. Frame Toby description:

     AN OFFICE MESS– A mysterious person in the office has made a huge mess in the microwave and will not clean it up. Meanwhile, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) has to come to terms with the fact that there have been certain personnel changes in his staff without his knowing. Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B.J. Novak, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Paul Lieberstein and Creed Bratton also star.

944. There’s a new caption picture over at NBC’s website. Stanley wearing a swamp monster head, I think?

     Also the synopsis for Goodbye Toby is up at NBC Universal.

945. Ah! Sorry, I meant Frame Toby! :)

946. is there any way we could get the date updated on the spoilers again…? It was nice knowing when new stuff was posted. Thanks!

947. Frame Toby sounds like season 2 office! I am very excited to see this one!

948. Love the synopsis for “Frame Toby”–I assume the personnel changes have to do with Toby…and maybe Pam, or Ryan?

     Can’t wait.

949. Aw man, reading the cast list for the episode “Frame Toby” made me feel good. It’s like all the original cast together again.

950. Ok, so, Ausiello had mentioned casting for a plain, 30-50 year old female that spoke French… She’s going to be the girl that Michael hooks up with in Canada! And, if tomorrow’s ep is supposed to be the one with Jim’s bros, I wonder if Pam meets them while still dressed in her Halloween costume…

951. It will be great to see Toby back in the office, and I didn’t think I’d ever say that since he is creepy and, as Michael has said so many times, Toby is the worst.

952. Do I smell the return of Michael-Toby dynamic in “Frame Toby”? You bet I do, and it smells so good.

953. I hope the reason for Pam’s intro to the Halpert bros going wrong isn’t that she flirted with Jim’s “fun loving younger brother” (Tug Coker) during her drunken all nighter… no coming back from that if it happened.

954. Not sure how I feel about Toby coming back. His and Michael’s interactions are some of my favorite Office moments, but he so creeped me out last season, that I was very happy to see him go. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

     As for tonight’s episode, sounds like we’ll finally get to see Jim and Pam in the same room together. Hooray!!

955. So sad that tonight’s episode is Amy Ryan’s last episode. However, roadtrip with Holly, Michael, and Darryl is golden.

956. That’s a really good point, #948. I think I’m just in denial about Holly leaving…

957. I finally saw a couple of comments at NBC of people who suspect Holly too! I was starting to feel like the kid on the playground who knows there’s no Santa Claus. During Baby Shower I thought “well maybe she feels bad setting Michael up/using him and that’s why she’s crying” Maybe she even kind of finds him amusing in a friendly way. Crime Aid solidified my suspicions though—the nervousness about leaving the office–the pulling Michael back into the office…then this week with the slow building desperation to get out of the same vehicle as Michael and the immediate turning away cold and collected as she watches Michael depart through the window. She has no conscience.

958. #963

     I don’t think Holly didn’t want to be with Michael. I think the writers set up the fact that these two are perfect for each other and that they should be together and that they wanted to be together. The turning away as she watches him leave was simply due to the fact she was already past the point where she realized their relationship wouldn’t work. And you don’t see what she does when she walks away. She may or may not have continued crying. But either way, you’re making it sound like she was manipulative with a slight sense of remorse. If Michael wanted someone manipulative, you know who he’d go to.

959. I agree with you, #964. I think the reason why Holly cried when Michael hugged her in Baby Shower was because she was frustrated all day. Maybe she thought that Michael was never going to leave Jan, and she had feelings for him since she first got into the Scranton branch. Also, when she turned away as Michael and Daryl were leaving, she probably wanted to make things less harder for herself…there’s no point in staring out of a window after someone leaves.

960. I’m really excited for the episode after Frame Toby! Even though we don’t know what it’s called or what it’s about, it is Andy and Angela’s wedding! The save the date on nbc.com says that it is on Thanksgiving Day. This should make a great Thanksgiving episode.

     [from tanster: the save the date is for 2009, not 2008. :) ]

961. Oops overlooked that minor detail!

962. Have they stopped announcing episodes because they stopped making them?

     Perhaps that SAG strike is really going to go through. Remember last year when they stopped announcing them after “The Deposition” in press releases?

963. #968, Matt–I assumed there is no new episode following the Nov. 20 one because after that is Thanksgiving, so there probably isn’t a new episode that week. I certainly hope that’s what it is and not another strike.

964. we also heard about the impending writer’s strike well in advance of it happening. if they have stopped filming then the sag strike would be underway and we would have heard something about it.

965. That receptionist Kristin’s reference to… I saw the official call for it.

     A.J.]
     Timothy Olyphant type, late 30’s, one or two scenes. Guest Star.

     [RECEPTIONIST]
     Late 20’s – late 30’s, any ethnicity. A few lines.

     Pretty vague…though seriously, when is Pam coming back? The dynamic is starting to feel kind of off.

966. Is the receptionist really for the office in scranton though? Or perhaps for some other business or branch that they show in an episode

967. 971 (Laura) – Where did you see the casting call? Did I miss the auditions?

968. I think it’s too early to bring Amy Ryan back, particularly this season. If she were to come back for only one episode, it must be the series finale. Shall we start a petition to bring her back for the series finale so that Michael and Holly can end up together?

969. 973- I don’t know if you missed the auditions :) but the casting call was just up on another website. spoilertv.com, I think.

970. I think Pam will be back in Scranton, in reception, in the Nov. 20 episode. I think she’ll be fine with reception. It gives her plenty of time for her art & design, plus she’ll get to be with Jim all the time. Working with someone you love and having a work environment with plenty of humor is rare. Pam could take advantage of a great opportunity. The key is that she won’t be occupationally defined as “just a receptionist.” I think they have a nice little world in there.

971. If 971’s call is correct, then the receptionist casting isn’t for Pam’s replacement, because it only entails “a few lines”. Also, I’m confused by Kristin’s “girl who’s totally married and knocked up”?!

972. 977:

     I believe Kristin is talking about herself. Like, in a ‘just kidding’ way.

973. I think the receptionist will be for a place that a character is going–not as a replacement for Pam. And 977- it confused me too at first before I finally got that Kristin was talking about herself.

974. The receptionist is probaby for the Nashua branch where Holly has relocated!

975. Okay, Ausiello didn’t even really answer the question…lol

976. Maybe CNN can use their ridiculous hologram technology to beam a “Holly-gram” from Nashua to Scranton.

977. Here is a casting call from an upcoming episode of The Office which begins filming on the 10th November.

     [NURSE]
     Female, 30s – 50s – any ethnicity – a nurse who comes to the office briefly; one scene, we would love to find someone who has nursing experience but not necessary…Works one day sometime week of Nov. 10th; agents sptv050769 PLEASE SPECIFY IF CLIENT HAS ANY NURSING EXPERIENCE

     [RHEE]
     Female, late 20s – mid 30s; small, thin, bird-like – a bit like ANGELA…a couple scenes, works one day sometime week of Nov. 10th

     [DANNY CHUNG]
     Asian male, nerdy, late 20s – mid 30s…a couple scenes. Works one day sometime week of Nov. 10th

     [ERIK]
     Male, odd-looking little dude, late 20s – mid 30s…couple scenes. Works one day sometime week of Nov. 10th

     credit goes to DarkUFO! :)

978. Thanks 978 and 979 for clearing that for me! I thought they were bringing a married, pregnant receptionist who fancies Jim :P
     983: wouldn’t it be awesome if “RHEE” is Angela’s sister?!

979. 984- I would LOVE it if Rhee was Angela’s sister. Maybe she remembers why Angela and her stopped talking oh so long ago! So much fun! Though I’m not sure when the episode filming November 10th will air. My guess is January, so we have a while to wait.

980. Could [DANNY CHUNG]&[ERIK] be Pam’s friends from High School? She was an art nerd…

981. So does anyone wonder how in the heck they’re going to resolve the Dwangela/Andy triangle without being ultra-mean to Andy while still staying relatively realistic (i.e. the perfect girl for Andy does not magically appear in the 12th hour-or earlier for that matter)?

     B/c right now, all I got is that Andy realizes he’s gay (“not that that’s a bad thing” to quote Roy).

     Anyone have any other solutions?

982. another casting call:

     [WOMAN WITH MICHAEL ]
     African-American, Asian, Latina; a charming, attractive, smart woman in her 30s who has one large scene with Michael and actually gets along with him really well…One good scene which works probably one day, week of November 10th. Actress doesn’t have to be comedic necessarily, just easy-going and appealing. Guest star okay.

     Source: SpoilerTV

983. You guys check this out on Watch With Kristin’s website:

     Link

984. Kristin’s new spoiler chat is up for this week:

     Link

985. Livejournal user “krasinski” posted a new spoiler taken from BJ Novak’s Q&A at Ohio University last weekend about Ryan and Kelly…

     Link

986. When Michael gets back from his trip to Canada at the beginning of “Frame Toby”, Pam will be back as receptionist, Toby will be back as the HR Rep, and Ryan will sit across from Meredith, Creed, or Kelly as a temp.

987. How come there have been no new episode announcements? Is the title of the episode after ‘Frame Toby’ a dead giveaway of a plot twist? This has nothing to do with the possible SAG drama, does it?

988. Another beloved character returning? I’m sure he means Toby, BUT I WISH IT WAS KAREN.

989. I wish he was talking about Pam, but I’m sure he’s talking about Toby.

990. As much as I like Holly, the Toby/Michael relationship is even better.

991. Pam will be back at Dunder-Mifflin, Scranton in the Nov. 20 episode. Nov 13 is her last episode in NY. She doesn’t have a lot to think about. The writers and ‘spoilers’ have gotten fans to speculate about conflict, betrayal, etc., but it hasn’t been in the show. I wish the spoilers were actual spoilers, not just teasers.

992. 995- I’m pretty sure Pam will be back at her desk. The description for the episode says that Jim is counting down the days until Pam returns. And, in one of Angela Kinsey’s myspace blogs (during their whole dispute), she says something like she wants to throw paper clips at her, but she turned on her heater at her desk so she wouldn’t be cold.
     So Pam will probably return and then Toby will return. Hopefully it will give the JAM fans a much needed reunion.

993. Article just went up at EW.com about BJ taking “leave” of The Office to go work on his movie. Hints that Pam is coming back (soon?).

994. I can not wait to see Michael torment Toby! Will Toby still be crushing on Pam when he returns?

995. Ryan leaving? How will I live without his 15 seconds cameo every three weeks?

     Ryan could be interesting but it was strange to still watch him shown as a lead character in the opening credits. If BJ Novak got a part in a Tarantino movie, that’s an offer he was right to accept. And his departure wouldn’t change the dynamics of the show. It would mostly put a term to the love-hate relationship with Kelly for a while. And if he can come back two or three times every season, it would be the right dose.

996. tanster – do you have any inside scoop as to why there are no episodes listed after next week? what’s the dealio?

997. Pam’s back. Big whoop. I am tired of Jim/Pam. The more interesting dynamic is back: Michael/Toby. Now if only we could get some more Michael/Ryan mancrush discomfort this season…

998. I’m really getting worried about the lack of episodes being announced. I need info! I’m hoping it’s simply because of a big plot spoiler.

999. I’m guessing the lack of episode announcements is due to Thanksgiving. They usually don’t air new episodes on Thanksgiving, and with Season 3, there were only a couple episodes aired in December. I’m guessing we may get one more traditional episode in early December, and then a Christmas episode.

1000. Weight Loss is re-airing in 2 half hour segments the week of Thanksgiving, but they don’t have anything listed after that.

      Link

1001. The Christmas episode sounds EPIC. Going to be great…hopefully.

1002. Does anyone [Tanster?] know if there is a new episode airing on December 4th?

      On the NBC Universal website, it seems to indicate there is an episode airing that night but since they announced the synopsis for the Christmas episode, I guess I’m confused.

1003. Why are there two weeks between Frame Toby and Moroccan Christmas? That’s way too long

1004. Wait… why is there no Dec. 4 episode?

1005. I believe that ‘Frame Toby’ and ‘Moroccan Christmas’ are the last two episodes of 2008.

1006. Aww. That’s a long wait. :( Wow, all the episodes fall on holidays… Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years’…

1007. I wonder if Toby will try to use mistle toe as an excuse to kiss Pam. I hope she is less conciliatory to him this season. He had no respect for Jim or Pam’s relationship with Jim, which means he didn’t really respect Pam, either.

1008. I guess with no new episodes on the Holidays, I won’t have to neglect my family. But it would have been worth it. But the very title of the Christmas episode make me laugh.

1009. Is the Christmas episode an hour this year?

      [from tanster: no, it’s in its regular half-hour slot, 9-9:30pm.]

1010. *whispers so tanster won’t hear* squee! Can’t wait! Poor, poor Meredith…

1011. TWO December episodes?? Really? Man, that is cool! But yikes, Angela/Dwight/Andy at Shrute Farms together sounds tense. What did Rainn Wilson say in an interview? I think it was, “The poop is gonna hit the fan!”

1012. I love the sound of these episodes, they seem to be going back to the small issues, especially the microwave thing and the surplus. I also wonder if they’ll have fake snow for Schrute farms. I hope so or else it will be weird to watch.

1013. Awesomeness! The show needed Toby and Pam back. These episodes sound like they’re going to be soooo good!

1014. Poor Kate/Meredith!! She has had so many physical gags recently! Yikes

1015. I just don’t believe Ausiello’s tip that BJ will be leaving the show in an acting capacity once Pam returns to the receptionist job. That makes no sense, because why then in Business Trip, would the writers go to the trouble of having Ryan mention that he’ll be sharing Kelly’s cubicle (hope he’s not allergic to the desk like Toby was), and asking her if she was okay with it? I think they put Ryan in the annex just to keep Ryan off-screen for a few weeks while BJ films the Tarantino movie. I don’t think it’s permanent.

      When Pam gets back, Ryan will probably go back to doing temp stuff like in seasons 1 and 2, like cleaning out Michael’s car and bringing him breakfast sandwiches before the work day starts.

1016. #1021 -B.J. is not listed in the credits for the 2 new December episodes. He is, however, listed in Frame Toby.

      I wonder if Toby has something to do with Ryan having to leave, like he reports to Corporate that Ryan’s been working there and they fire him. That would add some great conflict between Michael and Toby.

1017. Karen is coming back? Whyyyyy? Don’t get me wrong, Rashida is adorable, but I don’t want any JAM drama. I just want them to get married, prank Dwight and live happily ever after. I am SO hoping that Michael has to attend something with all of the branch managers, thus the reason for bringing Karen back. Can the writers please bring Holly back instead?? Thanks!

1018. Oh my god! The writers are so abusive to Meredith! What with her getting hit with a football, then her fishing accident in Weight Loss, now her hair getting caught on fire. POOR MEREDITH! Where does this horrible train of pain stop?
      I like these plot summaries for the next two episodes. They have simple little conflicts that actually remain IN THE OFFICE. This season has been too out of the office. I want the show to get back to being like season two, the glory days.
      I hope the Christmas episode isn’t an hour long. I just like the simplicity of a half hour episode. I liked the season two Christmas ep. far better than Benihana Christmas. Just my opinion. Looking forward to Toby’s return. I have a feeling the first moment michael sees Toby is gonna be hilarious.

1019. what do you mean this season has been too out of the office?

      weight loss was a competition held in the office; business ethics was a meeting held in the office; baby shower was a party in the office; crime aid was an auction at the office; and customer survey was about an inter-office conflict. that’s 5 out of the first 7 episodes. not even season 2 had that good of a record in the first 7 episodes. with the dundies, the fight and the client all focusing around out of office plots it was only 4 out of 7. did you mean season 4 which definitely took the story outside the office more?

1020. Karen schmaren! Meh.

1021. Angela, Dwight, and Andy at Schrute farms… Why do I get the feeling that we will be seeing an appearance by cousin Mose? I think Mose is going to rat out Dwangela! Andy is going to flip out…

1022. Has anyone thought about Andy getting arrested? Dwight used his name when he called the police to frame Toby. Then the police found out that they got a fake tip.

1023. 4 weeks between episodes! I hope they don’t have a JAM cliffhanger… I’m still paranoid about Toby catching Pam under some mistletoe.

1024. Hey now that Toby’s back will he try to screw up Pam and Jim because in season 4 he wouldn’t let them sign those “we’re dating” things for HR? I hope not because Michael and Holly didn’t sign that thing obviously and Holly got transfered! We’ve already dealt with so much Jam drama, haven’t we had enough already?

1025. You know what would be awesome in the Christmas episode? If Michael hides in a corner and waits for hot, female office members to walk under mistletoe that’s hanging in a doorway and he only catches girls he considers ugly and finally when Pam comes by Jim scoots in front of Michael and gets to Pam before he does. I can totally see that happening! :)

1026. On IMDB (Internet Movie Database)it lists Rashida Jones on the cast list for the 14th episode this season. If the current airing schedule is right, Karen could be back during the one hour special.

1027. I’m still wondering why we haven’t seen Michael discuss Ryan’s absence; especially during Christmas! And if/when B.J will return as Ryan.

1028. Question: Any news on a possible return of Amy Ryan to The Office? — Amy
      Ausiello: As luck would have it, my colleague, Adam Vary, just asked Ryan that exact question. Here’s her response: “We don’t have plans for it, but, you know, there were niceties exchanged about wanting to. And then I don’t know what one would write for that, because they belong together, but there has to be conflict. Someone’s going to screw it up, I suppose.”

      EW.com

1029. I have so many questions right now and hope that these things get resolved soon. lol Obviously, there’s the Dwangela thing and Andy. But, no mention of Ryan? Is Astrid a part of Michael’s life? Do Michael and Holly speak? Are Jim and Pam living in the house? Have they done any renovations? Will there be a new Party Planning Coordinator? Are Jim and Pam going to have that long engagement that neither wanted? Is the “Stress Relief” episode still going to have Michael’s roast?

      What are other thoughts on these questions?

1030. Just the thought of a JAM wedding gets me all giddy. I’m not getting my hopes up though.

1031. There might be a wedding but that does not mean they will get married. Something might go horribly wrong and they might not get married, just throwing that out there. I hope that I’m wrong.

1032. It’s nice that Pam is fulfilling her dream, but away from Jim? O-oh… I hope nothing goes wrong there, I love the Jim and Pam storyline! So sweet, I hate when things go funny with them.

1033. 1034 diahern…I am totally with you on these questions. In fact, my sister and I were just trying to hash all this out earlier this evening. Astrid HAS to be Michael’s baby. I guess we are just supposed to assume that Ryan is still traveling…who knows about that. I think it would be hilarious if Kelly took over the PPC. How long are they going to keep poor Andy in the dark? Since we are kind of talking about the possibilty of a JAM wedding, my husband seems to think that if the writers let them get married, the show will be over. I tell him he is crazy because this is the OFFICE, not the Jim and Pam show. I will just be annoyed if they break up to keep viewers tuned in to the storyline. Surely they wouldn’t…right???

1034. My husband and I were talking about Jim and Pam, too. How has there NOT been an episode where they are trying to sneak off to make out somewhere? lol (Of course, that not being the focus of the episode) We need a “rooftop” moment, though. LOL They haven’t had a scene up there, yet, this season. And, I love when Pam’s an accomplice or even when she instigates pranks on Dwight. JAM works best in moments like that.

      Oh, and I totally agree that Kelly would be hilarious as the Party Planning Coordinator!!

1035. A rooftop moment would be fabulous…I was honestly waiting for one during the Christmas episode. I love JAM pranks, too. Maybe now that the cat is out of the bag and no one feels sorry for Dwight anymore, they will bring on more pranks.

1036. There were other shows that did just fine when they married characters– look at Carla and Turk on Scrubs or Monica and Chandler on Friends. And 1039, you’re right, this isn’t the Jim and Pam show (though it is one of my favorite story lines), which is why their marriage will work. It’s part of the show, but just one part. I trust the writers and I hope we get to see a wedding this season.

1037. What are the odds that Jim & Pam will be married when the show comes back on January 15?

1038. I hope the synopsis for the Jan. 15 episode is posted soon. And P.S. it better be good. I watched football all day yesterday and every single commercial break on CBS was showing teasers for Grissom’s last show on CSI, which is Jan. 15. Here’s to hoping we get some gruntled CSI fans. Don’t get me wrong, I love that show, too. But lately, my heart belongs to TO.

1039. Does anyone know what the watch with kristen : is jim halpert getting married? thing means? I’ve tried clicking on it but it always ends up saying that this page cannot be displayed. If anyone can tell me what it’s about then that would be great.

1040. I hope we get to see Jim and Pam planning their wedding soon, because when Pam and Roy were engaged all Pam ever did was plan her wedding! I’d like to see Jim’s ideas on what would make an awesome wedding.

1041. I hope there are new spoilers soon! I’ve been starving for them the entire holiday.

1042. I will cry tears of joy when/if Holly comes back!

1043. I was just thinking today, “They should do another Valentine’s episode!”
      And I really hope we get to see Holly again.

1044. Woot! Nashua! Too bad it wasn’t filmed here!

1045. I’m laughing about the Blood Drive title for Valentines day! I could swear I’ve read in a couple interviews with Mindy Kaling, and some of the other writers, something a long the lines of “You know we’ve run out of ideas when you see we’re doing a Blood Drive episode.” Ha ha ha! I can’t wait to get some more tidbits on the upcoming episodes–I miss this show!

1046. Is Pam going to be in a car with Michael for the trip from Scranton to Nashua? How long would that drive be?

1047. Feb. 5 & 12: drama? wedding (planning)?

1048. PAMJIM – according to Mapquest, Nashua is roughly a 5 1/2 hour drive from Scranton, not including breaks. A painfully long drive indeed ;)

      Yey for Holly’s return!

1049. I think that the only person that would think Hilary Swank is hot would be Kevin, maybe Creed or Andy.

1050. I must say the new summaries have me a bit worried. “The Duel” sounds like “The Fight” and “Prince Family Paper” sounds like it will be similar to “Branch Wars”.

      And Cloris making out with Jack…in an Office episode???

1051. Wait a second…why is Pam even going to the Nashua branch with Michael?

1052. I can see a Jim/Pam wedding as the two part episode. Though I wish it was just an hour-long one, if that’s really what it is. If they were planning their wedding, it wouldn’t be included in the episode description paragraph, because it would never be, like, the main storyline in the episode. I mean, I remember reading the ep description for “Frame Toby” and someone was like, “something’s going to happen in this episode that they aren’t including” and the whole house thing went down…

      Has there ever been a two-part episode like this, that aired a week apart?

1053. yanana: Yeah there has. Back in season 3 “Traveling Salesmen” and “The Return” were a two-parter. I just know there is going to be some sort of major cliffhanger in between the two episodes. It’s gonna kill me.

      By the way, they never mentioned who got Ryan’s job after he was fired. Has anyone heard anything about that?

1054. YES! The next episode is the night after i finish midterms. I hope it’s good!!!! The plot seems like it will be.

1055. I wonder what Michael is being called down for. They’ve been building up the whole Michael Wallace thing perhaps it will be a formal warning for his job, perhaps they finally are going the route of the British Office where they fire Michael. (plus with the stress relief episode they’re starting to call out Michael more, perhaps by the end of the season we’ll see a jobless Michael Scott.

1056. I’m so excited for the show to come back. I have been so deprived over the break. While I don’t mind watching the reruns, I’m definitely ready for some new episodes.

1057. Wow lots of suspense building in the next couple of months. Angela/Dwight, Michael and corporate, Michael and the visit to Nashua. Will Angela choose? Will Andy’s anger management techniques fail? Will Michael see Holly? Is my theory that Holly was trying to use Michael correct? Will Jan be around before the season finale? Only the Office knows. Cue dramatic music…

1058. What are the chances that when Michael and Pam get to Nashua, it’s the one day that Holly isn’t there. . . or (and this is a big leap) maybe she’s gone on her honeymoon! Dum Dum Dum! Sigh. The Office makes me crazy.

1059. Apparently Karen shows up in episode 14 which would be stress relief cuz weight loss was two episodes. I found this out on imdb.com. They have one of the guys from human giant listed also.

1060. So apparently, the rumor that Ryan Howard was gone for good was a load of BS. There was a recent interview with B.J. Novak, who said that he never tires of playing Ryan Howard, and then when he comes back, he’ll have a dramatic re-entry.

      http://video.tvguide.com/ID/1648777?autoplay=1&partnerid=TVGuide

1061. So i was just on imdb.com and saw the cast list for the stress relief episode (5.14), and there is someone on the cast sheet named rolando who is supposed to be in the episode and he was also in the branch wars epi too. Could utica branch possibly be involved somehow in this episode

1062. I’m guessing that Darryl “messing with Michael” has something to do with his roasting?

1063. Watch with Kristen – Matt in Pasadena, Calif.: Any scoop on The Office from the Golden Globes?
      The whole cast showed up together to the NBC/Universal afterparty, and Rainn Wilson was more than willing to share some goodies with us about the big Super Bowl episode on Feb. 1: “It’s like Ben-Hur, with 10 Jack Blacks and 10 Jessica Albas.” Sounds like it’s gonna be epic! And sexy. And funny. Oh, and you gotta love this. Rainn got a little Globes-night gift for his arch nemesis in the battle for Angela: “Ed Helms does a Tom Brokaw impersonation,” Rainn told me. “And he always does him saying albondiga soups. So backstage I had Tom Brokaw say albondigas soup into a tape recorder for Ed. I’m going to email it to him.” All workplaces should be this much fun.

1064. is Pam preggers?

1065. @1065: Rolando was the receptionist at the Utica branch, so if Karen’s in Stress Relief along with him, we must be seeing Utica. Pam mentioned in Branch Wars that Rolando told her what happened with Jim and Karen, so it seems they have a friendship of some sort… Receptionists unite!

      Ohmygee, I reallyreally hope that this means Pam is pregnant! Woo!

1066. Oh, PLEASE let it be that Pam’s pregnant! I can’t think of what else it could be, but the writers always manage to surprise us, don’t they?

1067. I don’t think Pam is pregnant. Ausiello is on their blacklist for giving away the proposal so I’m sure the cast was instructed not to give him much. Plus Jenna is the master of exaggeration (ie Did I Stutter? and the “big reveal” of her glasses). And if Pam were pregnant, I’m sure they wouldn’t give even a hint of it happening before hand. Maybe her parents are divorcing or something like that.

1068. Ausiello makes me so nervous! What if Stress Relief is the ep. where “Pam’s relative” was cast and if it is her dad, maybe the shocking news could be that he doesn’t approve of Jim? Sometimes after I read the spoilers I wish I hadn’t ; )

1069. OMG I just thought of something else! I know this sounds incredibly soap opera and totally unlike the show but what are the chances that Karen had a baby…that belonged to Jim? I know the timeline is off quite a bit but so was Pam’s art school stint. Then again, Rashida Jones is only scheduled to appear in one episode this season so I guess it wouldn’t make any sense to make a baby show up and then we never hear anything else about it…kind of like how they did with Jan. Sorry guys, just thinking out loud here.

1070. “The future mother of my children.” -Jim Halpert

      I’m so excited! It’s just a hunch…

1071. or if it is the episode in which her dad is cast something might have happened to her mom. that would be very sad but it is shocking and something she would have to “deal” with. i hope not though.

1072. i wonder if it has anything to do with the two-parter since that comes right after this episode?

1073. I hope the ‘shocking’ Pam news isn’t really anything major, except a pregnancy, that would be great. With all the extra viewers, people in charge of the show may want to spice things up. This is predicted to be, by far, the most viewed episode.

1074. Or, what if it is something with Pam’s father? Suppose her father finds out he is terminally ill and Pam really wants him to walk her down the isle. Thus, her and Jim have to bump the wedding date up.

1075. I agree with #1071. Jenna Fischer exaggerates a lot when revealing “spoilers.” I mean, she has to if she wants to keep us on our toes. I doubt anything that shocking will happen between Jim and Pam. I’m positive it will be a very interesting episode anyways, but I think there will likely be an only mildly eventful PB&J plotline.

1076. i cannot wait for the vance/jam double date. that is going to be hilarious, i can just feel it.

      do you think that idris elba will be playing the new jan/ryan? i held out hope for a while that that karen would show up in that position but now that clearly is off the table.

1077. My guess is that either one of Pam’s parents become ill or worse, or her parents decide to get a divorce.

1078. or maybe pam’s dad is a carpenter and comes to scranton and takes down the clown picture. haha, that would show us!

1079. I said I would cry if Holly came back, and I am very close to tears… YES!

1080. Well, I don’t mind a little heartbreak for either Michael or Pam…as long as it’s not something utterly ridiculous like Karen got pregnant and never told Jim, blah blah blah.

      (I could never believe the writers would actually do that as that is straight out of a soap opera and if they did, I don’t know if I could actually watch the show anymore) :/

1081. Clearly, Holly is dating another man. That seems obvious.

1082. I don’t see how Karen could have been pregnant by Jim. She was obviously not pregnant during the “Branch Wars” episode.

      If they do that, I’m done.

      Do we really need more JAM heartbreak? I mean, come on. Wasn’t three years of that enough?

1083. Maybe it’s something as simple as Jim and Karen have been staying in contact. This would obviously make Pam very upset, and it’d be realistic too. Many exes stay in contact with each other. Maybe they’re just e-mailing each other. It wouldn’t be hard to find each other’s work addresses from the corporate directory, as Jim did in season 2 with Brenda.

1084. Ugh. No more spoilers for me! I fear that Karen had Jim’s baby, but I don’t see how that could be possible with Branch Wars. And I don’t think Rashida is coming back in a longer-term role so they can’t introduce something like that and then let it go. I am curious about Pam’s surprise in the Super Bowl episode though.

      Oh and if the Karen/baby/Jim thing is true (which I really hope it isn’t), then I’m done watching, that would be way too much for me.

1085. So which is supposed to be considered the Valentine’s Day episode? The second half of the two-parter or Blood Drive?

1086. Stringer Bell on the Office! For 6 episodes! I love how much the writers love The Wire! Now if they could only get Omar…

1087. Wow what depressing news for all the Jan and Michael fans. Realistically I can’t see how they can ever be together if Holly is in the picture. I wouldn’t want them back together just because Astrid is Michael’s if that ever occurs. At least if Astrid was Michael’s Jan wouldn’t have gone to a sperm bank and so I could like her again even if Holly and Michael get married and have 2.5 kids and a golden retriever.

1088. What Jan and Michael fans? :)

1089. If Karen and Jim had a baby I would stop watching… it would be too soap opera-ish

1090. If Jim and Pam are going out together in the Blood Drive episode, then whatever happens with Karen isn’t going to break them up.

1091. Karen is dating a guy that looks exactly like Jim. And Jan is back. Looks like an exciting year. I also am looking forward to the Pam/Michael interaction!

1092. [from tanster: please spellcheck, proofread, and re-post. thanks!]

1093. If Karen WAS pregnant, it would be the SECOND baby on the show that was kept secret by the woman and was discovered by the man long after the break up. That story line would not only be recycled from other shows and soap operas, but it would be recycled from the same show! I can’t imagine they would do that. They are too creative. I think we will be shocked along with Pam and Michael.

1094. Okay so I am super nervous about these spoilers now. Sure, it’s going to be awkward for Pam to see Karen again. Like you guys have already said, if she has a Halpert baby, I am also finished. The TV guide post says the trip is heartbreaking for both characters…I just KNOW that Holly isn’t going to be in Nashua when Michael arrives. I bet he gets all excited about it for nothing. Pam in the past has felt so badly for Michael in certain situations so maybe her heart breaks FOR him instead of something terrible happening directly to her. And like #1095 CMA pointed out, Jim and Pam are together in the following episode. I have nothing against Rashida Jones but I’m 100% Team Pam.

1095. I realize this could be a little crazy but what if Karen was with Roy? Too random? Probably, but I thought I’d put it out there anyway.

1096. @ 1100. RIP Sprinkles

      I thought that too. I also thought that it could be a really cruel prank?

1097. What I thought of with Pam and Karen is that they have a little bit of small talk and Pam mentions she lived in New York for Art school and karen says something to the effect, “That’s great that Jim supports you in your dreams especially since he gave up the job in NYC for you.” I don’t think Pam knows that he withdrew his name, so perhaps that would make her feel guilty and upset?

1098. Never posted before – big Jim and Pam fan – I’m nervous about the spoilers too – my guess of what’s going to happen is that Pam finds out that she can’t have children in the superbowl episode. Jim and Pam need to deal with that together so we’ll get some angst. And then the heartbreak in Utica is that Karen is pregnant – obviously not Jim’s child but it just upsets Pam to see that

1099. Holly! I love how well she goes with Michael

1100. For me, a sudden pregnancy for Jim and Pam (or Jim and Karen) would be WAY too much to bear. I’d be devastated because unplanned pregnancy is such an over-used plot device in TV series … and I don’t want to have to see The Office, a unique and interesting show, turn into a soap opera.

      1103, Delegate From Iceland:
      I LOVE your prediction. It brings up pregnancy and children for PB&J without making it sound soapy.

1101. Pam’s dad! Family trouble?!

1102. Only worry about Jim and Pam if a writer or actor hints everything is sweetness and light between them!

1103. PAMJIM,
      I tend to think the surprise will have to do with Pam’s family since her dad is going to be in the episode briefly. Maybe marital problems for her parents or a health problem. Maybe??

1104. Pam’s dad looks ADORABLE!

      Questions: After ‘Lecture Circuit,’ will Pam and Michael have had more together time this season than Pam and Jim? Why no JAM pranks? Not even one JAM prank this season. Jim has pranked, but sans Pam.

1105. #1110 PAMJIM- “After ‘Lecture Circuit,’ will Pam and Michael have had more together time this season than Pam and Jim? Why no JAM pranks?”

      If anything, after ‘Lecture Circuit’, Pam and Jim would spend more time planning their wedding and future together…along with more JAM pranks. :) I don’t see how Pam will end up spending more time with Michael than with Jim this season.

      As for JAM pranks…well, Jim and Pam haven’t come up with much during seasons 3 and 4…but the pranks they do end up unleashing then were definitely worthwhile! I’m sure the writers will come up with another ingenious JAM prank for Dwight or some other poor soul in the office…:)

1106. Hi – I don’t know if this was mentioned anywhere (I tried to look but didn’t see). So has anyone from the show mentioned what they would do if the Steelers made it to the SuperBowl? Because people in Scranton would probably be pretty excited about that. I know the Stress Relief was written and shot already, but just wondering if anyone (or Tanster) knows if the writers or anybody thought of that possibility? Just curious – seems like a cool tie-in with the show and the game.

1107. 1102 Soup spoon –

      That sounds perfectly plausible to me, and also very likely. And it would be interesting to see how Pam reacts to that. I think the dynamic between the two of them as far as how much they love each other, but DON’T want to get in the other’s way, is one of the most realistic things about their relationship that most other shows and movies don’t even come close to exploring.

1108. To #1112

      Isn’t Scranton a little closer to the Philadelphia area? I think the Eagles would have been the hometown team and Pittsburgh would be a big in-state rival. But I dunno…

1109. I think they would root for the Eagles. I remember in one episode Jim was talking about a wing and a prayer or something like that for the Eagles.

1110. Is that Rick Overton? He is a brilliant actor!

      [from tanster: yes! :) ]

1111. 1111. Ann: My first question was referring to Pam’s and Michael’s time together before and during ‘Lecture Circuit,’ hence the use of “have had” not “will have.”

      I, too, hope there will be some JAM wedding planning and pranks in the very near future. Hopefully the recent shortage of PB&J is just to make up for an upcoming binge :)

1112. One writer says the Pam-Karen storyline is “cool” and “fun”. Another says it’s “heartbreaking”.

      Am I the only one that’s confused??

1113. I’d love to see Michael and Ryan team up to sabotage the new corporate douchebag (Idris Elba’s character).

1114. 1102

      Jim would have definitely told Pam he withdrew. It’s not like we see everything they do. We didn’t see their first date.

1115. maybe pam finds out that jim still talks to karen but never told her that he does.

      i KNEW that idris elba would be the new jan/ryan.. i totally called it!!

1116. um, has anyone noticed that melora hardin is listed with the cast for stress relief? jan is back!! isn’t anyone else the least bit curious about why?

1117. And another thing, with regards to Michael and Pam visiting Nashua. Amy Ryan probably won’t appear in that episode so they’ll have Holly take a personal day on the day Michael comes in to lecture to avoid seeing him, not that she wouldn’t enjoy seeing him.

1118. Dwight and Jim now the heads of the party planning committee? Oh no, haha! Wonder who Andy falls for?

1119. 1124- I hope it’s Oscar ;) But I’d be ok with Kelly too.

1120. Ooh or Jan! Isn’t she in the cast list for Lecture Circuit?

1121. I bet Andy falls for Angela’s new cat.

1122. Jan is in Stress Relief, not Lecture Circuit.

      I’m betting it’s either Kelly or a guest star.

1123. haha I bet it is Oscar! Can’t wait!

1124. I bet Jan is in Stress Relief for the Roast. If that’s the case, I am so excited to hear what she says!

1125. Kristin’s post makes me happy. I love JAM and Amy Ryan. Maybe she’ll be invited back for the wedding… :)

1126. YES!!! Finally, JAM wedding planning! Finally, JAM anything… it’s been a while.

1127. andy falling for jan would be pretty amazing. she’s not in that episode though. my first thought was kelly. i wonder if they would have him fall for oscar. i’m not sure about that.

1128. Ee! The moment I saw the words Jim, Pam, planning, and wedding, I had to stick my fist in my mouth to keep from squeeing too loud! WOO!

      …Ok I’m done now.

1129. I am very much NOT one to be a downer on The Office but…MORE party planning? They are going to have to find a way to make this plot real new for a lot of fans to not get angry. Because people are starting to get angry at awesome episodes, so who knows what will happen in Lecture Circuit. I just hope it’s as good as it should be, because Mindy wrote it, right? Mindy’s an awesome writer.

1130. Dwight and Jim are the new party-planning bi-otches? AWESOME.

1131. maybe the fans who tend to get angry should relax a little. why get angry when you can enjoy the program instead? the ongoing saga of the party planning committee is great. one of the things that seems to make these angry fans angry is any plot that is not directly related to the day to day goings on of an office so shouldn’t they be happy with a plot that is office-centric? if not, one might argue that they are never happy and therefore are not the fan-base to be catered to. just a thought.

1132. Hey Tanster, nbc.com just posted preview videos of Stress Relief. Two of them are the same as the ones already posted here but there is a new clip with everyone meditating that is hilarious.

1133. Whoa, 29 episodes! Crazy! I’m guessing, though, that like before, these “29 episodes” include the one-hour versions being counted as two episodes?

1134. Wow! Well that’s some good news. I love NBC!

1135. Wow, that’s great news. Cool.

1136. Was Andy one of the people who were in favor of a new copy machine in the surplus episode? If so, maybe Andy and Jim try trashing the copier in this Sunday’s episode.

1137. Hey Tanster!

      I noticed that there’s a new time slot for the show for March 5th but I know they’ve only filmed up until Blood Drive. Do you have an idea when they start filming new episodes, what with your fun and lovely sources?

1138. #1143 They start filming new episodes on the 9th Feb.

1139. Any clue to why there’s not a new episode on Feb. 26? I was looking forward to a new one on my birthday.

1140. not to doubt you Scully- but how do you know when they start filming

1141. #1146 Er, I’m a bit confused. There’s a post on this spoilers page about when they resume filming. Or have I suddenly turned into Creed? LOL

1142. 1146. ansariarmand: I read the Feb 9 thing also, it’s in a spoiler or a cast member interview.

1143. The NBC commercial for the Stress Relief episode is hilarious. All you can see is a bunch of smoke and all of the office employees running and screaming. Oscar tries to climb into the ceiling by pulling away one of the tiles. Angela screams to Oscar, “Save (whatever her cat’s name is) and throws the cat into the ceiling. A few seconds later the cat falls through the ceiling and onto a desk. Also, Stanley is unconcious and Michael, trying to revive him says,”Stanley! Stanley! Who’s Abraham Lincoln? You’re black!” (This is all that I remember from the ad)

1144. Re: #1149 – I thought Michael said something like “Stanley? Obama’s President!” Did I just hear that wrong?

1145. Re: #1150

      I could be wrong about what Michael said to Stanley, I was trying to process the whole commercial at once and I might have made a few errors. I’m positive that Michael does mention a president (whether it’s Obama or Lincoln I’m not sure).

1146. Re: #1150 –

      I agree, I’m pretty sure he says “Obama’s president” to Stanley.

1147. 1142- Andy was not there for that debate. He and Angela were at Schrute farms with Dwight.

1148. The teaser for this week’s episode showed Karen pregnant but it’s impossible for it to be Jim’s baby. Like someone said before, there was no sign of pregnancy in Branch Wars. It wouldn’t match the time line.

1149. Did anyone notice that in the teaser for next week’s episode that Karen is wearing an engagement ring? It can’t be Jim’s baby! Long live JAM!

1150. I REALLY want the baby to be Ryan’s. They have mentioned a couple times in the series that they’ve each asked the other one out…AND they’ve been talking about Ryan coming back in a dramatic fashion…I think this would accomplish that. I mean…can you even imagine Kelly’s reaction? It’d be hysterical.

1151. 1156: Yeah, I could see that happening! It would definitely be dramatic! All I know is that there is no way that it is Jim’s baby, for one the timing is completely off, and for two, how could it be after the JAM moment in tonight’s episode?!

1152. Oh lord, a Ryan/Karen baby! I’m down for that!

1153. Alright I TOTALLY called Karen being pregnant! #1155 I watched the promo about three times in a row and she does have a ring on! Little sigh of relief there.

1154. If this is Jim’s baby I completely give up on this show. The timing would be so off it is borderline criminal. Jim was with Pam (and therefore obviously not with Karen) in “Dinner Party” and Jan was not yet pregnant. Seeing as Jan has already had her baby, Jim being the father would be completely ridiculous.

1155. We know it’s not Jim’s baby and no one is trying to suggest otherwise, so calm down people! They’re probably using it as closure of Karen’s story in the show – maybe in a loving relationship of her own.

1156. Erm- not entirely sure if this is the right place to post this but tanster, since you seem to always be in the know :)

      On NBC universal, it says that Feb 19th is a rerun of Baby Shower but it says on here that Blood Drive is airing that date. I know that’s the Valentine’s Day episode so it wouldn’t make sense to air it another time, unless they pushed the episode back a week? Could you check that?

      [from tanster: thanks! guess they changed it.]

1157. Ugh! Jenna, I love you but come on, we barely see anything when it comes to private moments with Jim and Pam, we won’t want to miss any of their wedding, we missed their first dates, we were lucky to see the engagement and that was from far away and you couldn’t hear it! Ok, I’m better now. But really, sometimes I don’t know what she is talking about when it comes to Jim and Pam.

1158. Ausiello also posted on his blog

      Question: Any word on what will be up with Ryan when he returns to The Office? — Melanie
      Ausiello: Let’s just say he’ll be a changed man and leave it at that.

      Is he going to return a woman? Just a thought.

1159. I know it’s just Jenna’s thoughts, but I like the idea of something private in the wedding–as long as we hear it. I like that idea! xD But then again, I like seeing stuff. But her comment brought to mind the scene between Michael and Holly in Crime Aid, where they closed the door and we just heard them… ahem… making out through their mics.

1160. I don’t want a JAM foible, I want a JAM wedding. Pam did not want another long engagement, Jim has been head over heels for her since time began, the development of their relationship has already been long and drawn out. I like the idea of a Schrute Farms wedding. Since Jenna said she does not want them married this season, they’ll probably get married this season.

1161. Amen to Jenna Fischer. I hope they don’t actually show the wedding, but maybe talk about it and show pictures of it. It’d be more realistic.

1162. Jenna’s comment about some private time reminds me of when the camera followed Jim to art school and he distracted the camera guy and shut the door while they *ahem… you know haha.

      I’m glad Jenna thinks a wedding this season would be too soon. While I want it to be over, I still want to see what they might encounter during their engagement.

1163. 1163 – Tanya

      Thanks for that info. It’s nice to see some fans asking Ausellio for information other than soap opera-ish JAM nonsense.

      I am excited for Ryan’s return, as well; I wonder what is in store for his “transformation?”

1164. I am so confused! How are they going to air a Valentine’s Day episode at least two weeks after Valentine’s Day? I really wanted a new episode on Feb. 19; I even took the day off of work! Silly me :)

1165. Tanya, that’s exactly what I was thinking. I was about to ask if he was going to come back as a woman.

      Hey! I know! Ryan and Kelly could become girlfriends who share clothes!!!

      Ok, ok, maybe not…

      ;)

1166. 1167 Dan: I disagree. They went to Phyllis and Bob Vance’s wedding, so why not the wedding of the main office romance, who they’ve been following for the past few years? I would be disappointed if we didn’t see their wedding.

1167. tanster, can any of your sources tell us why there are repeats on 2/19 and 2/26 while Kath and Kim and Earl get all new episodes those two weeks? So unfair. Plus it doesn’t seem like there will be enough Thursdays left to have all 29 half hours between the ER finale and that other show that’s premiering in March.

1168. Tanster, I’m really sorry to ask such a similar question but maybe you can find out from NBC:

      NBC universal now claims there is not only a rerun of Baby Shower on the 19th but also a rerun of Crime Aid on the 26th! Are they taking out Blood Drive entirely or will that be the episode that airs on March 5? And why would they air the Valentine’s Day episode so late (unless they are changing the story in editing to make it seem not like V day)? Maybe your Office sources could answer that one.

      I know many people are confused by this and if you can answer, thank you so much!

1169. Let’s see: I could imagine Creed, Dwight, or Meredith as juvenile delinquents, maybe even Andy or Kevin. Least likely would probably be Angela, but then she would have the most reason to hide it if she, say, shoplifted some candy from a store at age 10.

1170. My bet is on Oscar or Angela, those two are so uptight.

1171. It could also be Toby. Or maybe it’s that an employee is dealing with a juvenile delinquent. Like Meredith’s son or maybe Andy is dating teenagers again lol.

1172. Has anyone noticed that the next episode is called “Blood Drive”? The writers said if we ever see that name, we’ll know they ran out of ideas. :S

1173. Tanster, I notice the season finale airs over two dates! Does that mean they’re two half hour episodes? Or two hour episodes? Or one half hour and one hour? I’m a bit confused! I’ll be a bit upset if the final episode of the season is only half an hour. I love the hour longs.

      [from tanster: they are two half-hour episodes.]

1174. TWO new episodes on the same night?! God bless you, NBC.

1175. So, no ‘Blood Drive’ on the 12th or 19th? I thought it was going to have a Valentine’s theme, or something Valentiney. Will there still be a JAM & PHOB date?

1176. Tanster- are the blank episodes that you have listed it for the season or will there be more in between that you did not list?

1177. Interesting that JF seems to have changed her position on Jim/Pam to “meant to be together” from “the one who points you to the one you’re meant to be with”. I wonder why?

1178. So now the season finale is just a single half hour episode? Two words: Utica and ashes.

1179. 1183. BrokenBrain: JF has said before that she thinks JAM are soulmates. She said that prior to season 3.

1180. I’m pretty sure the two half hour season finale episodes are just an hour long episode split in half. Just imagine Goodbye Toby if it ended halfway through and then the second half was aired the week after. NBC is doing this to give us a mostly non-stop season, be happy we don’t have anything like the March hiatus from Season 3!

1181. I’d still much rather have the season finale be hour long… so I wouldn’t have to pay double on iTunes to download the season finale. NBC is trying to dig into my pockets here. :-(

      It will probably be featured in hour long fashion on the DVD, as well as Lecture Circuit, plus there will probably be the producer’s cut of Frame Toby on it as well.

1182. Why on Earth would NBC think it’s a better idea to have two new episodes on the same night in April but not do it for the finale?

      The whole schedule right now is very confusing.

1183. I’m also a bit confused about the schedule. Lecture Circuit Part 2 will be episode #17 on the season, and we are getting 29 total.
      2/12 – Lecture Circuit Part 2 (#17)
      2/19 – repeat
      2/26 – repeat
      3/5 – #18
      3/12 – #19
      3/19 – #20
      3/26 – #21
      4/2 – no new episode (ER finale)
      4/9 – #22 and #23
      4/16 – #24
      4/23 – #25
      4/30 – #26
      5/7 – #27 (finale part 1)
      5/14 – #28 (finale part 2)
      I come up one short…

      [from tanster: one of the half-hours you have listed will be a one-hour.]

1184. “[from tanster: one of the half-hours you have listed will be a one-hour.]”

      Cryptic yet revealing.

1185. Sweet, thanks Tanster! The mystery is solved. How great is it that we have 13 half-hours of The Office in the next 3 months?!?

1186. YAY Kevin!

1187. Lol, 1192 reminded me of the quote from The Dundies episode on season two, when Pam is drunk and yells “Yaaaay Kevin, for stinking up the bathroom!”

1188. One of the items is a blood drive poster. Here’s what it says:

      “Medical and Emergency Lifeline in conjunction with the City of Scranton urges you to donate blood.

      The mobile unit will be at Scranton Business Park Parking lot. TODAY at 11 a.m.

      Give blood and save a life!

      Your support is URGENTLY needed to ensure adequate blood supply.

      Donors can be 16-75”

      Guess that means Creed can’t donate…

1189. Here’s another poster:

      “Come to our Lonely Hearts Valentines Mixer!

      2 PM

      Dunder Mifflin
      1725 Slough Ave.
      Scranton, PA 18540

      Found: One glove at bloodbank”

      And the last poster:

      “Party pushed to 3 P.M.!”

      This episode is such a mystery.

1190. I was able to get a screen shot of two of the posters. Should I try to upload them to flickr or photobucket and post a link?

      [from tanster: sure! thank you!]

1191. Alrighty, here goes. :)

      Blood drive poster

      Lonely Hearts poster

1192. I hope the JAM romantic foible in the Finale does not have to do with Pam and Roy.

1193. The final (new) item is a paper cutout cupid. Not very spoiler-ish; it’s probably just decorative, like the smiley heart from last year.

1194. 1197- I agree but I honestly don’t think we have anything to worry about pam loves jim and she hates roy so i think we’re safe

1195. No offense intended here toward David Denman but how is breaking up leaving a storyline open-ended?

1196. 1199:

      False. Baby Shower was hilarious.

1197. Farewell David Wallace:(

1198. PAMJIM — I don’t think they’re getting rid of David Wallace. Instead, the newbie will take over Jan’s old post, which he’s been managing. I’d assume he’d remain as CEO.

1199. Of course, it’s Idris. And I guess it will be one of the major storylines for this season coming a little late. Many developments were disturbed by the Superbowl episode, as the writers had to deliver a standalone episode that would allow anybody to catch on the show. Hence, the rushed resolution of the Dwight-Angela-Andy triangle and the lack of Holly references in the episodes before the Superbowl. It was hard to understand where the season would go storywise this year. Last year, the strike cut many stories short but this year the Superbowl episode also forced them to some compromises.

1200. Wallace isn’t going anywhere. He is the CFO. The “new guy” is going to take Jan and Ryan’s old job.

1201. YAY, I am SO excited that Melora is coming back. It felt like there was something missing!

1202. Why does everyone hate Jan so much? It’s quite sad to me.

1203. My bad. YAY Stringer!

1204. Wait. Isn’t Blood Drive supposed to be the Valentine’s Day episode? If so, why is it airing March 5th?

1205. It just occurred to me that the schedule has some serious gaps! Does that mean that we won’t have new episodes those weeks, or have they just not been announced?

1206. #1212 – I looked on the DirecTV on-screen guide, and it’s looks like no new episodes until March. The guide is showing “Baby Shower” airing next Thursday. :(

1207. #1213–That’s not 29 episodes, though, right? Hmmm…I’m confused!

1208. Stringer Bell on The Office? Too good.

1209. It’s very odd that NBC has released the synopsis for March 12th’s episode and yet still nothing about Blood Drive.

1210. i like that the street name that Dunder Mifflin is on is Slough. It was the name of the town the UK Office was supposed to take place. Nice homage.

1211. Cannot wait for the Corwin dude or whatever his name is. It seems every time Dwight’s life outside of work *excluding romance* is shown, it ends up being really strange and one of my favorite parts of the season. I also hope Jim&Pam don’t get married this season, it would seem too rushed. Also good to hear that Kevin is finding another love after Stacey, I could always use more Kevin!!!

1212. Hmmm…Because of the Valentine’s theme, I’m assuming “Blood Drive” was supposed to air last Thursday and got pushed back because they turned “Lecture Circuit” into a two parter? Interesting. I’m still really looking forward to it, of course!

1213. I hope Jim & Pam get married this season. It’s long overdue, Pam did not want another long engagement, Jim’s been head-over-heels for Pam for 7 or 8 years. The engagement will probably keep getting milked into next season, though.

1214. I’m confused as to why they aren’t showing the valentine’s day episode until March 5th..it’s sort of old news by then. They should have shown it this week. These gaps don’t make any sense.

1215. No Ed Helms in Blood Drive.

1216. It’s interesting they’re not having the Valentine’s Day episode until March… but it got me to thinking that they should really be airing all of the holiday episodes after the holiday if they are in fact filming a documentary.

1217. Yeah, I’m not getting the repeat schedule. Why repeats during most of February sweeps? What do I know, I just want my Office!

1218. Sweeps got pushed back to March this year because of the D-TV transition (which ended up getting delayed until June anyway).

1219. Angela and Roy totally had a thing for each other through the first three seasons. Anything going to come out of that?

1220. Ah. Thanks, Justin G!

1221. My guess is that Blood Drive was originally supposed to air Valentine’s Day week but got pushed back when Lecture Circuit became a two-part episode.

1222. I think there was a long break with Jan being gone because she was filming Hannah Montana the movie and another movie with the guy from HSM i think that is where she has been.

1223. The news of Michael leaving would be more surprising if we didn’t already know that Steve signed on for at least two more seasons. I’m sure he’ll come back :)

1224. I wonder who the employee is that leaves with Michael? First guess would be Dwight, but he’s never claimed loyalty to Michael, mainly just Dunder Mifflin. Regardless, I can’t wait!

1225. Is the 8:30 show on March 19 going to be Two Weeks Notice?

1226. NOOOOOO!!! Jim’s leaving with Michael?!?! JAM has been apart so much this season.

1227. 1231 – Launch Party

      I don’t think it will be Dwight leaving either. He’s left before. Plus he’s only shown loyalty to Dunder Mifflin, not Michael.

      My Guess is Jim. Jim actually likes him and he’s the only one I can see walking out with Michael in protest or whatever. Plus, Wallace likes Jim. So he may try to get Jim back by hiring Michael back as well.

1228. @ 1234 Anthony C.,

      I was thinking that same bit about Wallace getting Jim back but it made me wonder, is Vice President higher than the CFO, or is Wallace top dog?

      After reading the part about Jim’s prank going awry it could be that Dwight gets fed up with pranks and leaves with Michael.

1229. Actually I think it’d be a good idea if it was Jim who left Dunder Mifflin. He’s a character who certainly needs shaking out of his lethargy. @1233 – Don’t worry. Paul Lieberstein has said they’ll be following Jim and Pam outside the office during the rest of the season.

1230. 1235 – Launch Party

      I was wondering myself who was higher – CFO or Vice President – and I asked my dad who is a CFO and they’re two completely different things. Neither reports to the other, they both report to the President. He had a really long winded answer but he said if I need a black and white yes or no type answer, he’d say CFO is higher up.

      So technically Wallace could get Michael (and Jim or whoever) back possibly if the Vice President was to get rid of him.

1231. Looks like the season is finally finding a direction. Seems very interesting, very weird there are two nights that we get two episodes. Not complaining but I don’t remember the last time we got that.

1232. @ Anthony,

      Thanks! I was thinking it would be Wallace.

      I have to agree, Jim does need a shake up. So many years of pranks with no consequences. March for the Office will be very entertaining!

1233. I’m pretty sure the CFO has more “power”.

1234. I know being a receptionist wouldn’t necessarily be considered a “major” employee, but it could be Pam who follows Michael out. She cares about Michael quite a bit. Or…remember that Ausiello spoiler that said Ryan would be a changed man when he returned to DM? And he is supposed to return when Idris Elba guest stars…maybe it’s Ryan who turns over a new leaf and follows Michael’s lead.

1235. Why would Pam follow Michael out? She’s never shown nearly that much loyalty to Michael. She has a job that lets her work next to her soul mate, which is pretty rare, plus she has a mortgage to pay.

1236. CFO/Vice President discussion. I’d say the CFO is certainly higher up than a Vice President. Quite often in publicly listed companies (those floated on a stock exchange) the CFO, CEO, COO and Chairman are the most important members of senior management. Vice-president, in many industries, is more of an ornamental title used for senior management, who do not necessarily sit on the executive board.

      I cannot wait to see Idris Elba on the office though. I hope he plays it like Stringer. Or if he were to play it in his real British accent. That could be hilarious.

1237. Yeah, I don’t see Pam or Jim voluntarily leaving right now with all the responsibilities they have. Things would have to be REALLY bad for it to happen which is why I think if it’s Jim then the new boss would have to force him out. Then CFO Wallace can be the hero.

1238. what about andy? he has always been unflinchingly loyal to michael and is a natural suck up so i could see him following michael out on misguided principal. i do agree that jim needs to be shaken up but he has also left and come back before, as has pam. technically i guess andy did too – anger management – but i feel like that doesn’t really count because before he was more a minor character and he came back as a permanent addition to the main cast.

1239. Some of Mindy’s comments have me worried. The writers seem happy to continue Pam’s personal growth but leave Jim in a rut – in reality such a relationship wouldn’t work. Also, it seems Pam will follow Michael out of DM. There are many reasons she would leave but in support of Michael? I don’t buy it.

1240. Maybe Kevin leaves with Michael because Idris Elba’s character is banning all those unnecesary parties the office has that contain lots of sweets and all that other stuff Kevin loves either that or they completely ban him from the internet.

      Okay so that’s a long shot, sigh I haven’t had enough office in my life for the past two weeks.

1241. Just found this on The Insider:

      Ryan is only interested in the sort of sexual, physical relationship for Kelly, which I don’t really know if Kelly realizes or not. But it seems that’s the extent of it.” Will Kelly ever find anyone who treats her right? “You will find out in the spinoff, The Kelly Kapoor Story. I was just told today.”

      Don’t know how old this info is, but interesting, eh?

1242. It would suck if Pam left again :( And for Michael? That would make no sense for her character. Their relationship has never been important enough for her to give up 8 or more hours a day with Jim, and a secure job. I hope the writers are not that desperate for storylines.

1243. I hope Idris Elba’s character just has Pam keeping an eye on Michael, like Jan did in season 3. Perhaps more exaggeration from someone on the show: shaking up the office ladies, continued Pam-Michael dynamic.

1244. What’s with all the repeats? Ughhh…

1245. Anthony C.-
      Your Dad has his information incorrect. CFO stands for Chief Financial Officer. The President is the CEO standing for Chief Executive Officer. Therefore making the CFO the vice president. My Mom is A CFO of a Law School so this information is accurate. So David Wallance still has authority over “the new boss” (idris elba_Has anyone thought of the prospect of Dwight leaving? That seems to be the most logical answer.

1246. I hear you 1250.

1247. 1251 – Caroline

      I thought I wrote that he said the CFO is higher than the vice president? That’s what I meant if I didn’t. Sorry.

1248. Why is anyone still doubting that it’s Pam who leaves with Michael? We’ve had the Jerry Maguire hint and also Mandy Kaling saying anyone who liked the Michael/Pam dynamic of Lecture Circuit will love the upcoming episodes. I don’t buy Pam leaving in support of Michael but it seems pretty clear that’s where they’re heading.

1249. How will Pam and Michael have a dynamic outside of the office/Dunder-Mifflin? Will she be his personal assistant? How would he pay her?

1250. Hey Tanster, Ausiello has got a new spoiler-

      Question: How ’bout some scoop on The Office? –Jacqueline
      Ausiello: Done. Producer-co-star Mindy Kaling plans to ruin Jim and Pam’s wedding. “America just loves [them] so much,” she notes, “and since we are one of the only shows that doesn’t [score its episodes], the worst thing we could ever do is, like, score [their big nuptial kiss] with some Edwin McCain song. So I am going to probably pitch that we do that.” What a little troublemaker!

1251. Tanster,

      As the scheduling has been changing a bit the past few weeks, do we know yet whether or not the finale/100th episode will be a regular length one or an hour long yet? Because as of a few weeks ago wasn’t it split up over two nights? I really hope we get an hour.

1252. I think Pam is the one who is going to leave with Michael, because when the story was compared to ‘Jerry Magiure’, It was a female who left with the male, and that’s why I think Pam will Leave with Michael. although it could still be Dwight.

1253. Also, to point out, only in “Did I Stutter?” has a character said the title as a line in the show. (I learned that from the commentary). Yes, in episodes like Chair Model, they talk about it but it wasn’t like oh this all about the chair model.

      If that makes any sense…

1254. This latest synopsis sounds great. It also makes me hopeful that the continued Pam-Michael dynamic in the Spring episodes will be in the office (Michael goofing off more than usual). I think the Jerry Maguire reference has more to do with making a big, awkward scene, having an inflated sense of importance, and leaving with a fellow disgruntled employee. I think, I hope, it does not have to do with the characters’ genders.

1255. Found this tidbit on Spoiler TV:

      Callie in Erie, Pa.: Got any goodies on The Office?
      I think Dwight might be getting a mini-me. Producers are looking for a new coworker who is described as annoying, arrogant, bossy, yelly, probably not good-looking and definitely not well-dressed. I wonder if he wears any mustard-colored shirts?

1256. Katie Duplass did a great job as the ‘mystery girl’!!!

1257. New pictures here:

      Michael’s Condo

      Michael

      Pam

      Ryan

      So, it looks like Pam walks out with Michael, and Ryan joins them too.

      Also, here are some casting calls:

      [NANA] Elderly, in her eighties, female. Still very alert and articulate and has all her faculties, Nana is an elderly acquaintance of Michael’s. Not comedic. Two scenes with Michael. Guest star. Works one day week of March 2nd.

      [SYLVIA] One of Nana’s friends. A couple lines. Co-star. Any ethnicity. Not comedic. Also smart and has all her faculties. Also in her eighties. Works one day week of March 2nd.

      [FRANK] Another of Nana’s friends. One line, some reactions. Co-star. Any ethnicity. Not comedic. Like the others, he is in good shape for an octogenarian.sptv050769

      [CO-WORKER] Male, 18-25; an annoying young co-worker who is arrogant and bossy. Probably not good-looking. Not well-dressed. A couple lines where he is rudely yelling at someone. Works one day, Weds. March 4th, SAG scale plus 10% sptv050769…CO-STAR.

      [RYAN’S MOM] 50s. Small scene but must be able to show emotion – NOT COMEDIC. Should look something like BJ Novak. Works one day, week of March 9th.

1258. Are these pictures of the actors getting ready to film? I was just wondering because it looked like Jenna Fischer was holding a script or something. Also, B.J Novak looks good with blonde hair. Did he have to have blonde hair in the movie he was shooting before?

1259. So Pam leaves a steady job and eight hours a day with her soulmate to hang out with Michael and Ryan at Michael’s house? Where is this show going?

1260. Also: Is Pam wearing one of her old button-up shirts? I hope she brings back her Keds!

1261. i can’t wait to see what happens after seeing these pics i just hope they don’t mess up Jam

1262. I read in Entertainment Weekly that Jim and Pam are planning a fall wedding…. Mindy better not ruin it!!!!

1263. Am I the only one who could do without Holly? Either she’s a permanent character, or she’s a short episode addition. I’d rather not keep referring to her every once in awhile. Plus, Holly’s presence means the focus is on Michael which, IMO, is where the show starts dragging quite a bit.

1264. Just had an idea — what if the new boss decides that Pam’s job could be eliminated (by using a phone system instead) and that’s why she’s with Michael and Ryan…that seems more plausible than her quitting her job to follow Michael…just an idea

1265. If Idris Elba is in six consecutive episodes (I hope) then they should only be out of the office for four episodes, since ‘New Boss’ & ‘Two Weeks’ have them in the office. I guess those will be the out of office JAM wedding planning moments?

1266. I’m psyched at the Mar.5 Ausiello comment, because I think SC and AR have great chemistry, but I understand where it can get old after awhile if she doesn’t join the cast on a more semi-regular basis next season. I guess Jan is out of the picture now, since she has nothing really to offer Michael.

1267. I just don’t think that Michael is really leaving. Maybe he makes a huge production out of it in order to get some kind of validation from Wallace but in the end, he doesn’t actually quit. I don’t know…spoilers give me heartburn!

1268. I really hope the spoiler about David Brent making a cameo is true. That would be so awesome!

      I’ve had the idea since the US version started that it should turn out that David Brent was either the cameraman or the one that was running the documentary crew of the US version. For those of you that have seen the UK version, wouldn’t that make sense? After the UK version ends, Brent gets the idea to make some money by heading the same project for a US office. If you have thoughts on this, let me know!

1269. I could actually see Jim be the one who leaves with Michael. He’s always insisted that Dunder-Mifflin is just a stepping stone to his “career”, but he’s let Dunder-Mifflin slowly become his career. Plus, Jim is like Michael more than he wants to admit; perhaps Michael leaving Dunder-Mifflin would give Jim the initiative to figure out what he wants (Career wise). Dwight leaving with Michael would be too obvious, and Pam was already gone for a good chunk of Season 5, so her leaving with Michael would be kind of repetitive.

1270. If David Brent is on the documentary crew that’d be cool. Maybe instead it’d be cool if we find out that the same crew that filmed the office in the UK decided to do the same thing in the US. And in the end they bring David Brent in to meet everyone in the US office.

1271. Hey Tanster, I was watching Kings on NBC last night and there was a commercial for a new episode of the office this Thursday(it was for the New Boss episode) I was just wondering if there had been a change to the schedule because it says that on Thursday they are showing a repeat of Baby Shower on the list at the top of the website.

1272. @ 1279. Brittany-

      Look underneath ‘Baby Shower’ and you’ll see that ‘New Boss’ is also on March 19. Kath & Kim ended last week so there is a repeat episode at 8:30/7:30c of The Office with a new one right after.

1273. Okay, when I was looking at the synopsis of “New Boss” on wikipedia, it says that jim “contemplates his future at dunder mifflin” . I’m pretty sure it’s jim who leaves with michael. Go check it out.

1274. 1281. Kevin lewis: That’s for ‘Two Weeks.’ I hope it’s neither Jim nor Pam who goes. It makes no sense for where they are in life.

1275. 1281-Kevin Lewis…I agree. He said on the Tonight Show interview that Jim and the new boss do not get along.

1276. Is it just me, or does JK seem much more supportive of a Jam wedding than JF?

1277. Jenna Fischer usually says negative/worrisome stuff about JAM just to tease fans… There will be a JAM wedding this season.

1278. There hasn’t been any wedding planning at all this season, so since the season finale is in 2 months there is no way Jim and Pam get married in season 5. My guess is they get married in December so the normal winter break The Office has after the Christmas episode would be concurrent with their honeymoon.

1279. With 8 episodes left, there is plenty of time for wedding planning and a wedding.

1280. I would not be shocked at all if we don’t have a wedding this season. In fact don’t be surprised to come back next season to find them already married.

1281. I started thinking, how great would it be if on the season finale, Jim and Pam were being married and Roy walks in and says “I object”. And then the season ends.

1282. What’s this about a new receptionist? Does Pam get a new position in the office or is it a new receptionist in corporate or something?

1283. It feels like The Office is falling apart! Is anyone else concerned?

1284. oh my god. please please please don’t tell me that pam is leaving dunder mifflin! i will be so sad. :'(

1285. THIS is why I hate it when they keep switching people in and out of the show.

      Maybe Charles will have enough with Jim and fire him and Pam will quit? I can’t imagine that Pam would quit for Michael, considering he left on his own.

1286. Re: JAM wedding

      A couple of weeks ago, Entertainment Weekly had a spring tv preview issue. I have since thrown that issue out, so I can’t quote the entire blurb for you, but I do remember Paul Leiberstein saying that while Jim & Pam will continue to deal with Pam’s parents’ problems, they will “still be planning a Fall wedding, so we have that to look forward to.”

      I remember that quote exactly because I was struck by him using the word “still” since we haven’t heard them talk one bit about planning for the wedding. So, maybe some wedding plans this season, but wedding S6.

1287. “New receptionist”!?!?!?!? This does not make me happy..what’s going on? I thought they already did a storyline with Pam NOT in the Office. :[

1288. The latest spoiler about the new receptionist was the absolute worst thing I have ever read about The Office. What is going on with my show? Ugh. Don’t know if I can take this stress anymore.

1289. 1293. lisarie: That’s an interesting point. Pam leaving with Michael, or for any other reason right now, is ridiculous. But being in a dead-end job without your soulmate/best friend would be mind numbing.

1290. My heart just dropped when I read this spoiler about a new receptionist…They cannot have such key people in a show leave…Which makes me think she isn’t leaving…just something is going to happen. There are so many main characters in this show that they just can’t write them off..There would be an uproar and people would stop watching the show.

1291. I am definitely in the minority here, but I actually like it when a show shakes things up. I found the start of this season slow and a little dull. Now things are heating up. Even if Pam leaves DM with Michael, I doubt it will be permanent for either of them. Somehow sales will drop off and David Wallace will ask Michael back or something, and he’ll negotiate that Pam has to come back with him. I’m not worried.

1292. A lot of things could be going on here. This new receptionist may not necessarily be a receptionist at DM Scranton. Could be a new receptionist at Corporate. Could be Charles Minor’s new assistant, a.k.a. the female Hunter. Could be a receptionist at Vance Refrigeration. Whoever it is, it’s someone who is going to have more than just a walk-on role, we can assume that. But it doesn’t HAVE to be a permanent-OMG-they’re-replacing-Pam type situation. At least I would hope not…

1293. Grrrrr…why? Maybe it is a receptionist for another branch and he is just messing with us.

1294. I don’t know if this means anything but whilst messing around on IMDB today, I noticed that the kid who played ‘Rebecca Prince’ in Prince Family Paper is listed as being in ‘Two weeks’. Though it also says she was in ‘New boss’ and as far as I know she wasn’t. Might just be a mistake as none of the other Prince’s are listed for those episodes.

1295. With the new receptionist spoiler, it doesn’t mean that Pam’s leaving Dunder-Mifflin; at least, I hope not, since Pam was already out of the office for part of Season 5. I could see Jim being the one who walks out with Michael, and I could see Pam quitting later on. I think both Jim and Pam need to figure out what they want in life, besides each other.

1296. Ausiello is sometimes just a little off with his rumors. Maybe this receptionist is the new “Hunter.”

1297. For some reason I’m not panicking about this “new receptionist” news– instead I’m wondering if Pam might be in for some kind of promotion/ change in position???

1298. @1305: I would love to see Pam in sales. I think that would be hilarious!

1299. can anyone think of a single time that a spoiler people were really worried about actually turned out as bad as people thought? i can’t think of one example. i choose to look forward to the twists and turns that the writers throw at us. plus, a show about a small paper company office could not be realistic without having employees come and go. it would be stale.

1300. what makes me curious is the fact that no epsiode names or descriptions have been released past this week. that makes me think the writers have something major up their sleeves.

1301. I think that Pam may be pregnant. There have been many rumors. Especially after seeing the inside the office event video, and the news about the new receptionist, anyone else think that?

1302. @1307: I totally agree! They just leak stuff like that to get everyone all crazy- and it works! OF COURSE, the show won’t work without the main characters- the writers aren’t stupid! I think in regards to Michael, Jim, and Pam there may just be some position shifting or something. No one will leave. It wouldn’t work.

1303. 1309: I’m not sure. Yeah, there’ve been rumors, and the cast seems to be brushing them off as usual, but…we’ll see. Jenna said at some point that Jim and Pam are going to be developing individually, but hopefully the writers realize they have to have SOMETHING happen with the MAIN office relationship to keep things going. Somehow I feel like a baby now would be rushing it, but on the other hand…. Once Jim and Pam get married and have a baby, their overall storyline has pretty much ended. And then what happens? I personally feel like the show SHOULD end with the sixth season to make sure it goes out on a good note. Anyone else with me?

1304. Ending on the sixth season kinda makes sense but what would i watch on Office thursday?!?!! I like the idea of leaving it on a good note but I would be really bored and miss the show A LOT.

1305. I think that leaving the show on the sixth season sounds like a good idea but……what would I watch on thursday? I like the thought of leaving the show on a good note but the writers always come back with new great stuff and if the show ended next season I would be really upset……and bored.

1306. Why would JAM’s storyline pretty much be over once they get married and have a kid? Jenna and John have great comedic chemistry together. You all should try watching some episodes of this great show on NBC called The Office… It’s really funny and witty, and none of the characters’ storylines revolve solely around romance.

1307. I WILL NOT BE SATISFIED IF I ONLY HAVE SIX SEASONS. and really.. it’s only like four, since season one was only 6 episodes, and season four was shorter than usual.

1308. ok this might sound stupid, but where does it say that there will only be six seasons????? someone PLEASE help me out!!!!!

1309. Where does it say that the Office will end at Season 6? I’d really like to see that link

      I’m not against the Office ending at season 6 at all. Frankly, I support that. I think the writers will run out of ideas very, very soon and it’s better to leave audiences wanting more rather than leaving them bored and wishing the show would end.

1310. Paul, it was a comment by Meg. Steve Carell is signed up for 3 more seasons, I doubt very seriously that they will end it in six seasons, and I am not with you Meg, that would suck.

1311. I was reading InTouch magazine and I saw a picture of BJ Novak with blonde hair wearing a Happy Lanes Bowling Alley, Scranton, PA shirt! I think Ryan’s back as a bowling alley employee??

1312. 1308, I think you may be right about that, and 1304, I have a feeling you’re right too.

1313. In regards to the spoiler for March 23rd, with old questions being answered:

      ~Who is the father of Jan’s child? It seems weird to bring it up again, but I don’t think that storyline got closure. It seemed like Jan left abruptly after the baby shower and disappeared.
      ~What did Holly’s letter to Michael say?
      ~How did Ryan’s trip to Thailand go? Did he experience particularly anything traumatizing? Has he had a genuine change of heart concerning his old habits?

      Those are some potential questions that I see being answered.

1314. @Lightning Swing

      Jan didn’t cheat on Michael. So it isn’t a “big oh my god who is the father” type thing. She was artificially inseminated.

1315. I think it makes sense if they bring Melora Hardin back to get a sort of closure for Jan’s character. As well, she’s finished filming the Hannah Montanna Movie, so she should be available to do an office episode.

1316. @ Graybes: Do you remember the deleted scene from “Baby Shower” where Kevin mentioned that he donated sperm at the same place where Jan was artificially inseminated? If anything, that deleted scene implied that Kevin could possibly be Astrid’s father.

      Regardless of whether or not we figure that out, I still think that Jan’s storyline needs closure.

1317. So, what exactly does it mean to “pull a Margene” (I’ve never seen Big Love)?

      [from tanster: i want to know, too! ‘big love’ viewers, please explain! :) ]

1318. “Pull a Margene.” I think he is referring to Ryan bleaching his hair. That’s what Margene did on Big Love.

1319. YES! Ausiello answered my question! I knew that they edited my version, so I checked my records and found the original email. I asked:

      “And, do you have any more scoop about future episodes of The Office? I’m starting to feel like Andy without a penny for his loafers. TWSS?”

      Thanks for bringing our attention to the scoop, Tanster!

1320. They only thing major that Margene did on ‘Big Love’ that I can think of was dye her hair blond.
      Poor blond Ryan. He’s going to look like a Cullen from ‘Twilight’

1321. I really want Michael to name his Paper Company one of those names he told David Wallace in “The Job.” “Paper Great- It’s Greeeeaaaaat Paper!’ Wow, I can’t wait to see this company!

1322. It makes perfect sense that it would happen today because I just received this in the mail (holds up Dunder Mifflin keychain).

      Haha, kidding. I am super excited about this storyline! Michael is a great salesman so his company just might work.

1323. Oh please no. The Office is changing way too much. Season 5 showed glimpses of the past, but I guess it’s totally different now.

      More importantly, who is going to be RM? Jim would surprise me at this point in the season. Kevin would make my day. Or Creed.

1324. That will be so dumb if Pam leaves with Michael.

1325. Oh joy, Pam out of the office part II. *rolls eyes*

      Well hopefully, Michael and Pam come back relatively quickly. They better give a great reason for Pam leaving. (As in not leaving in solidarity with Michael over his frustrations, I find that dumb.)

1326. I thought something looked different about BJ Novak in recent interviews. No wonder he wears hats all the time.

1327. What are the chances of Charles becoming the interim RM of Scranton? Maybe? Maybe David Wallace gives Jim the job, and Charles just goes back a lot to keep an eye on him?

      I also think that JAM might be the reason the Michael/Pam paper company fails (as it inevitably will)…if a wedding and/or baby happens, they’ll both need a steady income.

      Just my two cents. Very excited that the plot is thickening.

1328. God, this is going to be hilarious. I love the current story arc they’ve set up.

1329. I bet Jim get the RM job while Michael and Pam branch out for their own company.

      I bet when that paper company fails, Jim hires Michael as sales and Pam comes back as the receptionist.

1330. Why would Pam leave for Michael?? I know she feels bad for him sometimes, but to quit your job?!

      Does this make sense to anyone??

1331. Maybe Pam leaves with Michael because she is trying to show her dislike of Charles Miner (because of his dislike for her fiance). That could be one possible idea, in any case it’s better than Pam leaving with Michael just for the sake of more Michael/Pam comedy.

1332. Holy crap – wish I hadn’t read that stuff about Michael leaving with Pam!!! My own fault. >:(

1333. I know this shouldn’t annoy me so much, but it does:

      “Beasley”, really? People adding in the extra “e” I can let slide (most of the time), but that spelling has been debunked for years. Sigh. I suppose I just need to keep in mind that not everyone is an office-fanatic (although I may secretly hold it against them lol).

      I’m really looking forward to the Pam/Michael storyline. The characters are awesome together so I have high hopes for this (these?) episodes.

1334. Regarding Michael starting his own paper company, that remark he made after quitting, “you have no idea how high I can fly” totally makes sense to me now. And it’s totally believable, at least to me, that he would try to do something like that. But I’m having a hard time coming up with reasons why Pam would go with him. Michael probably can’t pay her as much, and she’d be leaving Jim at DM… I’m thinking there must be something more in it for her in the long run, because we all know how much she is annoyed by Michael. Also, I could see her saying something about how he was the only person to come to her art show, and that would be part of the reason she’d help him now.

1335. Oh blond Ryan makes sense – when the cast and writers did the event in LA last week, BJ had noticeably lighter hair under his hat (which he was probably wearing to hide this spoiler). Maybe that’s the dye job washing out. Awesome!

      As for the other stuff, I like a little shake up. Think about how much people’s lives change in 4-5 years. The Office should change a bit too.

1336. So I’m thinking SOMEHOW Jim eventually gets the RM job, and due to the company’s NEW DATING POLICY after the Michael-Jan Thing (Dating your superiors), Pam is forced to leave, and therefore, goes with Michael. Keep in mind, Wallace wasn’t happy with the Holly-Michael dating, so maybe this is a way he reinforces it.

1337. Ahh, I saw some interviews with BJ and he’s wearing hats… and I thought he looked “lighter” or something… Now I”m looking at it and it’s totally his hair!

1338. More people out of the office for extended periods of time? And Pam again? Bleh. Season 5 will be remembered as being the one where Pam was hardly ever there.

      In addition, if Dwight is made RM after starting that fire, I will scream. That might just do me in.

1339. i could see michael offering his former employees jobs at his new company.. well some of them, and pam seems like a logical choice for michael. also, i don’t think jim will get the rm job, since that new boss seems to have it out for him

1340. i thought maybe Michael would try to start his own company. Maybe he contacts as many people as he can who dislike Dunder Mifflin…Ryan, Jan–Holly—although he really wouldn’t try to work with both Holly and Jan would he? Even Michael Scott is not that dumb.

1341. I met BJ Novak a couple of weeks ago, and he wore a hat the entire time. I don’t think a lot of people noticed, but I had read somewhere that he had changed his physical appearance for the show, and I figured the hat had something to do with it. It is quite the change though.

1342. I can understand why Pam left. As Michael was giving his speech on why people should come work for him, Pam got this look on her face that indicated that she would like a change in her career. I have a feeling that Pam also has another secret reason for leaving DM, a reason that we’ll find out soon I hope. I also think it would be cool if Michael did seek out the help of DM haters. Obviously he’s going to get Ryan and if he gets Jan then that might end up giving her character excellent closure.

1343. I hope Jim can play soccer as well as he plays basketball so he can beat Charles. I do wonder why Charles is allowing a soccer game to take place during work hours. Also, I can’t wait to see Michael assemble his dream team.

1344. I have the same crystal glasses that Michael was drinking scotch from. They are at Bed Bath and Beyond!!

1345. In regards to Ryan wearing that hat the entire time, is it because he’s going to have blond hair in the upcoming episode(s)?

1346. In regards to the soccer game, I think that it’s something that Jim or someone will put together during a lunch break so that the employees can blow off some steam. Charles Miner won’t approve- thus coming face to face with Jim in the parking lot. I don’t see C. Miner approving of something like that. He doesn’t seem like a fun guy. I’m really excited to see where The Office as a show is heading- the promos for the new episodes look really funny and different, it will be nice to have a new dimension and spark.

      And who is going to be pregnant on The Office!?! I’m surprised more people aren’t commenting on that.

1347. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON? I want Pam and Michael Scott back at DM! NOW!

1348. 1355: I hear you, Dave!! Ugh, this is so messed up

1349. So, more of Jim getting shafted and looking like a fool. More of Pam growing without her (now former?) significant other. The PB&J storyline has nearly disappeared this season. Just a few big moments, but no more relationship.

1350. PAMJIM- I agree 110% Whatever happened to ‘we want a short engagement’? The recurring theme of Jim searching for what he really wants has totally disappeared.

1351. Melora Hardin says on Twitter, “And YES, Jan is coming back to The Office for sure!”

      I hope this means she’s another candidate for Michael’s Dream Team.

1352. I absolutely LOVE LOVE what the writers are doing with the characters!

1353. Great spoilers! I’ve missed both Ryan and Jan! And her baby was so cute. I could totally see Michael asking Jan to help him out with the paper company, and then maybe Holly shows up and gets the wrong idea?

      Phyllis possibly PG? I thought she and Michael were both over 45. I suppose it’s not impossible, and I could see Michael getting depressed that Phyllis (of all the office staff) will have a kid and he still doesn’t.

1354. It’ll be good to see Ryan again. I wonder just what kind of strings Pam will have to pull to get Michael to focus and be productive, as opposed to his normal DM routine of showing up and being a “child in a man’s body.”

      I also wonder how long this will drag out, until the eventual return of everyone to DM Scranton…

1355. i think it’s probable that charles will come on to kelly or angela, get sacked and then jim will get top job because wallace likes him.

      holly and michael will get together at some point. not sure where jan fits in though

      jim and pam will at least set a date for the wedding before the season is over

1356. I hope Pam gets to boss Ryan around, perhaps even Jan!

1357. Idris Elba is only on for four more episodes, six total, right?

1358. PAMJIM, That sounds right. I don’t know how long the MSPC will last, but Idris should only be here for 4 more episodes, two of which will be on the same night.

1359. Do you think maybe over the course of the next few episodes, Charles will start to get on EVERYONE’S bad side one by one(starting with Kevin & Stanley) and just up and walk out to lobby for Michael’s return?

      Plus, remember, Charles is still looking for the client list, right? Michael has it. Maybe they merge with the Prince Paper Co. to get things moving? I don’t know, just ideas.

1360. I’ve heard rumors that the new & improved Ryan 3.0 will grow close to Pam while they are working with Michael, thus throwing a hitch into the Pam/Jim wedding plans and delaying it from happening this season.

1361. Uggh. . . how could Pam fall for a guy like Ryan? She already has an awesome guy . . . um . . . shoot what was his name again uh . . . JIM! She can’t get romantically more close to Ryan. Maybe that begins to happen and then Kelly finds out and challenges Pam to a ping-pong match to the death! Just as long as Kelly wins. . .

1362. When will we ever see Jan Levinson again? I really want to get some closure with her character. I also want closure with pepperoni tony, but I want Closure with Jan more. I feel like her character left so quickly. And didn’t someone say she was coming back? Help!

1363. 1368-
      I really hope that’s not true it would make me so sad

1364. I have this feeling that one of the questions that will be answered is that Michael really is the father of Jan’s baby and she couldn’t admit it to him. And that’s how she comes back to the show..maybe I am crazy.

1365. #1368- I really really hope that’s not true. That would be totally contrived, especially after how Ryan treated Jim last year. Remember how angry Pam got (“throw a rock at his car”) when he put Jim on probation?

1366. 1368-

      Is that an April Fool’s joke?

1367. I wonder what will happen if Pam outshines Jim.

1368. I thought Jan was coming back–was hoping she would be part of the “MSPC Dream Team.” Too bad!

1369. I hope #1368 isn’t an April Fool’s joke. That would be pretty interesting. I’ve grown tired of Jim and Pam anyway. I could honestly care less what happens to them. I am excited to see Holly come back though. I liked her a lot. Watch Miner get caught gettin it on with Kelly and/or Angela and end up getting fired. What a glorious exit that would be.

1370. Pam hates Ryan. Pam will marry Jim. It might happen this season. Post 1368 has to be an April Fool’s joke.

1371. Wow, no Jan for the rest of the season – I’m surprised. I thought for sure she’d be back. Maybe she’ll have a surprise return and she’s just trying to keep it a secret? Although given Melora Hardin’s schedule and the films she has coming out over the next few weeks, I guess I shouldn’t be too shocked – she’s definitely a busy lady!

1372. To Tanster: Parks and Recreation is premiering next thursday; if it does well, do you think you’ll make a fansite for it as well?

      [from tanster: probably not a separate site. but i may cover p&r here. not sure yet.]

1373. I was really looking forward to some over-the-top Jan craziness again this season. Oh well…

1374. Darn. I was really hoping that Jan would become apart of the Dream Team. Oh well, at least she should be coming back next season. Sigh. It seems so far away right now.

1375. @Brittany: I thought Jan would be in the “Dream Team” as well. The MCPC would be a great excuse to bring lots of old characters back: Jan, Holly, Ryan, maybe Packer. Who knows? Maybe Roy will end up being Michael’s foreman lol.

1376. 1383 – I was thinking the same thing (about Roy being with Michael). Hmmmmm… :)

1377. OK, the Pam and (retch) Ryan comment… evil.

1378. I’m surprised Jan isn’t coming back this season. I really want closure with her character and I was hoping that we’d get it at the end of this season. However, I’m looking forward to the last few episodes and seeing how things will play out.

1379. Interesting Michael/Holly/Jan spoiler. Maybe this means Amy Ryan has or will sign to be in more episodes next season, which would be great. Even if Michael hired both Holly and Jan for his new company, why would Holly be threatened by Jan?
      Holly has Michael’s heart all sewn up, and Jan really burned her bridges with Michael when she told him she used a sperm donor. He’s not even interested in being a surrogate father to the baby anymore.
      It’s a bummer we won’t see Jan until next season.

1380. Oh yeah! I completely forgot about Packer! We haven’t seen him since . . . season 2 or 3? Or did we just here his voice in season 3. Michael mentions him in a deleted scene in season 4 (in Money), but we don’t actually see him. It’s just Michael talking about the do the carpet match the drapes thing (it goes with him and Jan picking out carpets). But, yeah, back to the topic, having Packer back would be awesome! In reference to Roy, I think he already has a job, because it looked like he was wearing a uniform at that bar Jim and Daryl went to.

1381. Aw . . . no more Mose this season. :( On the plus side though, Vikrum (I think that’s how you spell it) is coming back to be apart of the Dream Team! I saw it in an NBC commercial for the episodes next Thursday. It showed Michael holding up Vikrum’s arm and that really just completely dragged me out of my depression from having no office on Thursday that week.

1382. OK, I personally am not happy that Michael and Pam’s departure is not a 1/2 episode stint and is in fact, a permanent decision. I can’t imagine Dunder Mifflin without Pam and Jim pulling pranks on Dwight or Michael and Dwight teaming up for exciting new ideas that always go horribly wrong. I am all for Pam growing and finding herself but I don’t appreciate Jim not changing either. When they used second life in season 4, it said Jim wanted to be a sports writer in Philly. Why can’t he pursue that while Pam works with Michael or something? I don’t know. It feels off to me.

1383. 1390: Pam & Michael leaving is permanent?! Where did you hear that? I agree with your comment about Jim’s storyline getting nothing while Pam’s flourishes.

1384. I don’t think that Michael and Pam leaving is absolutely permanent (unless there’s a reliable source on that), but I think we’ll have to wait a few episodes to see them return to DM. It seems like it’ll be a season finale-ish thing, them returning. And I would expect that something big would have to happen to provoke this.

      I agree that Jim’s been shunted to the side in terms of character development. However, I think that leaving him alone with Charles will cause him to change some. I’m interested to see what is meant by his “emotional needs” and how Andy plans to fulfill them :-D.

1385. @ 1392: I agree with you concerning Jim’s character development (Or lack thereof). It seems that Season 5 has mostly been about Pam’s character development; however, if Jim and Pam are a couple, I don’t see how one develops and the other doesn’t. Hopefully in Season 6, Jim’s character will get the development it deserves.

1386. Anybody think that MSPC might put D-M out of business? David Wallace said D-M Scranton was the only branch bringing in a profit, if Michael is gone and brings Jim and Dwight I think D-M will be in trouble.

1387. @1394 No, it won’t happen. There is no way that a company run by Michael Scott would realistically succeed. I think the writers are smart enough to see that. He may be able to handle some limited duties as a regional manager, but to run his own company is well beyond him.

      The only way I could see it succeed is if Pam (and possibly Ryan) do literally everything besides sales, which we know Michael is some kind of savant in that field.

1388. The Beadie Russel and Stringer Bell Spoiler!!

      Does that mean Holly and Charles in the EPISODE next week or SHOOTING an episode next week?? Either way, I’m so EXCITED!!

      (Also if Idris Elba is still shooting next week, does that mean he’s signed on for more than six episodes??)

1389. I think it’s that they’re shooting the season finale next week.

      I think Idris Elba is still only signed on for six. His fifth will be Heavy Competition next week and then he won’t appear again until the season finale.

1390. the cold open for this weeks episode is on the office website on nbc.

      [from tanster: also on the officetally front page.]

1391. Maybe the 6 episode contract was extended for Idris Elba?

      He’s was in “New Boss” and “Two Weeks” already. He’s listed in the credits for “Dream Team”, “The Michael Scott Paper Company”, “Heavy Competition”, and “Broke”. That’s six.

      Not sure why he would be on set filming the finale. I was sincerely hoping he’d be six and (permanently) out.

1392. That Twitter spoiler also mentions Rob Huebel aka A.J.
      So…does that mean A.J. and Holly are still dating?

1393. Idris is not listed as starring in “Broke”, which makes me believe that he will be back for the season finale like said by someone else.

      Also, who is Rob Huebel, and what will he be doing on The Office, if that’s what Mindy is referring to?

      So excited for Amy Ryan to be back!!

1394. I think Mindy might be trying to confuse us. Idris Elba also has a Twitter and lately (last week or so) his updates have said he’s in Miami.

1395. I was 1390 and in one of the posts above like, with the spoilers, it said if you think the MSPC is a 1-2 episode stint, you’re wrong. Or something along those lines. It made it clear that it wasn’t a stint.

      LOOK…
      at the March 25th post called the Ausiello files. That’s where it talks about the stint.

      Maybe I read it wrong. Who knows.

1396. i guess that means that they are shooting the season finale with Amy Ryan and Idris Elba next week, I’m not sure who the other person is though…

1397. Rob Huebel is A.J., Holly’s boyfriend in Nashua.

1398. The synopsis for ‘Casual Friday’ mentions Michael’s new sales team. Would Pam & Ryan still be in the “new” category? Does the MSPC have new employees? Are Michael & Pam back in the D-M family?

1399. Oh lordy, I want Jan back. Congrats Melora, but come home, Jan!!!

1400. Who is Rob Huebel?! None other than “Inconsiderate Cell Phone Man” and, most recently, Tevin of “I Love You, Man.” Yep, and AJ, Holly’s new beau, as mentioned above….he’s a sketch comedian in Little Giant, a troupe with one of the guys in “Parks & Recreation.” Hilaaaaaaarious guy.

1401. My guess is that the bickering between Pam and Ryan escalates, and Michael has to knock them both down a peg in order for them to start getting along and working.

1402. I just realized… I’m a bit disappointed that Pam and Jim aren’t working in the same office anymore, because then there can’t be any funny wedding-planning scenarios. That would have been hilarious.

1403. Link

      There’s the link to the picture that the spoiler was referring to. Maybe you shouldn’t speak too soon 1409.

1404. @1409

      We’ll see. That picture of Pam was clearly at the DM office. Maybe her success at that MSPC will get her a gig as a salesperson with DM.

1405. WHOAH!!!!!

      IN THAT PICTURE< PAM IS SITTING IN DUNDER MIFFLIN, RIGHT NEXT TO JIM!!!!!! Wow, a group of desks with Jim, Pam, and Dwight? Comedy Gold

1406. I agree with 1409. I thought I had heard Jim and Pam were going to start planning their wedding soon, but I guess that will now need to be outside of the office?

      Any predictions for the season finale? I think the MSPC will come to an end and Pam, Michael, and Ryan will come back. Although, is next season the last for the show? If so, then it is possible the MSPC will stay. But if it’s not, I think this is just a twist entwined in many other twists.

1407. I just realized that in the synopsis for Casual Friday, Idris Elba isn’t listed as a guest star in the beginning like in the other synopsises. However, it seems like MSPC and DM are still separate in the episode. If Michael’s still not back at DM at that point, I wonder who the new RM will be. Even though Charles hated him, I really hope it’s Jim (David Wallace likes Jim, right? Maybe he could have something to do with it…). It’s time for Jim’s character to go through some changes instead of Pam’s (I mean they’ve already had her leave the office twice this season). Also, if Jim becomes the RM, he can hire Pam and Michael back.

      ^I dunno… Just me being hopeful I guess.

1408. @ 1415: Just because they are wearing Scranton shirts doesn’t mean they are coming back to DM. They have been on the show for 5 seasons, 4 1/2 of which that took place at DM. So why wouldn’t they be wearing DM shirts? It’s been their main setting for years!!

      I love the picture of Pam. She looks so pretty in purple! :) I really do hope she comes back to DM.

      And, if not, I hope Holly joins MSPC as the HR/ worker for Michael. That way, they could be lovers and co workers! :)

1409. the title for the 5/7 episode went up (though not the description) and it’s called “Cafe Disco.” LOVES IT!

1410. By the way, I don’t if there are any “Venture Bros.” fans among you, but James Urbaniak, the voice of Dr. Venture, is filming for an episode. This is according to his Twitter:

      Link

      “Booked an episode of “The Office.” Now I just have to figure out how to upstage @rainnwilson.”

      “Off to spend my second day amongst the employees of Dunder Mifflin. Will this be the best episode ever?”

      [from tanster: i talked to james today. he has some of the funniest lines!]

1411. “Cafe Disco” sounds like one of Michael’s business ideas, like “Shoe-la-la”.

      Just from the title, the episode sounds hilarious.

1412. Pam and Jim – a secret trip?!

1413. hmm jim and pam secret trip??? interesting.

1414. Jim and Pam on a secret trip? Are they eloping? Wouldn’t that be just like the writers?

      Either way, it will be nice to see Jim and Pam together again.

1415. Jim + Pam + Secret Trip = super cheap wedding??? (though, I’d prefer a huge blowout episode for the jam wedding…if this is it I’ll be ok with that)

1416. Cafe-Disco? What does this mean for the MSPC?
      I think secret-trip equals wedding also.

1417. umm, wow. So I guess the MSPC story line isn’t going to be permanent. I’m kind of glad, it wasn’t really working for me. It will be interesting to see what happens to Michael. Maybe he’ll take the David Brent route.

1418. Vending Machine Fruit (1423)- I was wondering if they were going to elope to after I read that too. It really would be something the writers would do because it seems (to me anyways) that as far as JAM is concerned, they always try to trick us. Just look at the whole Goodbye Toby/proposal thing as an example. Besides, they already had a wedding episode a few seasons ago so they probably need something new so that it doesn’t end up being too redundant.

      I’m really looking forward to this “secret trip” though. There haven’t been too many JAM scenes lately, especially since the start of the MSPC. As much as I want a JAM wedding this season, I’m not really expecting one. Any JAM scenes are welcome at this point :)

1419. Maybe Michael opening the cafe-disco does not mean the end of MSPC. Perhaps they lost their lease on the bathroom/closet space in the Scranton office park?

      The writers like to mess with our heads, ya’all.

1420. I’m still not sure about how I feel about Pam being a salesperson. However, it would be hilarious if Jim, Pam, and Dwight were desk buddies!

1421. the last episode with Charles listed as a guest star is broke which is the next one…hopefully he leaves in this one! (fingers crossed)Also for the synopsis of casual Friday, it says his new sales team, so maybe he’s back at dunder mifflin and pam is a sales person??? i know that this isn’t the only possible scenario, but it is one…

1422. So I wonder if that is a suggestion box Pam is working on in the picture? ; )

1423. Ok…not sure if anyone mentioned this, but anyone think that “secret trip” that Jim and Pam go on is to go off and get married somewhere?! Gosh I hope not…we better not lose out on seeing them get married. Gah!

1424. I doubt that Jim and Pam are eloping. Too many people have predicted that so far from the “secret trip” description in the synopsis, and I think the writers will have thought of that and changed their minds. I don’t think they want to make such a major spoiler available in the episode’s synopsis, unless they were actually doing an episode called “Jim and Pam’s Wedding” and it HAD been planned all along.

1425. I hope the person we haven’t seen since Season 2 is Todd Packer.

1426. Could it be Packer!!

1427. Person not seen since Season 2:

      Guessing either Craig, the Regional Manager from Albany, Brenda from Corporate, or Katy.

      They finally need to show Kevin’s athletic ability.

1428. I thought Todd Packer was also in season 3. Tanster said it was since season 2. My guess it would be Katy, Jim’s date for the Booze Cruise episode. Don’t think we have seen her since.

1429. No, it can’t be Packer, he appeared in “Ben Franklin” during the third season.

1430. No, we saw Packer in “Ben Franklin.” My guess is Pam’s mom.

1431. packer was in season 3

1432. We’ve seen Todd Packer since Season 2 though, in Ben Franklin. I think it’s Brenda, the woman from the Booze Cruise that Jim later asked out over the phone.

1433. The return of Mr. Packer would be quite awesome.

      “Either this chick is a dude or Halpert’s been scared straight!”

1434. Could be Katy the hot girl.

1435. Packer was last seen in S3. He was in “Ben Franklin”.

1436. Devon, perhaps ? :) That would be interesting, and we haven’t seen him since Season 2 (not counting Michael’s deleted scene encounter).

1437. I think the person from season 2 could be Pam’s mom…hmm..

1438. Yup – as soon as I read that spoiler, I thought “Pam’s Mom.”

1439. I doubt that it will be Katy: Amy Adams is very busy now and we already know that Amy Ryan is in the finale. There’s also the unwritten rule that states that two reddish Oscar nominated actresses named Amy cannot be on the same set at the same time or the universe collapses on itself.

      Devon’s return wouldn’t be very effective. The audience wouldn’t care after one appearance and a three years and a half gap. So, the returning character must be a relative, not because they long for his/her return but because the character means something to somebody else.

      I agree it’s Pam’s mother, as every finale since season 2 had a big twist for Jim and Pam. Melissa Hudson had a cameo in season 3 and I doubt that Sasha Flenderson would come back.

      Anyway, the discussion made me notice how much I miss Todd Packer. David Koechner is great and the British Packer, Chris Finch was so effective in the original, a really evil character. But his language wouldn’t pass on US TV.

1440. Someone from season 2? I just loaned out my dvds so I can’t watch to see who hasn’t been on since then. Perhaps one of the office children?

1441. #1450
      I love your comment about the Amy’s, but I would love to see Amy Adams come back.

1442. That got me thinking, I know it probably won’t be Packer, but like, is his character effectively written off? We haven’t heard from him since like Season 3, and he was such a funny person too.

1443. I don’t understand why it would be Jim’s girlfriend Brenda, who we never saw, only heard about?

      I definitely think it is Amy Adams or Pam’s mom. Pam’s mom would be so helpful with all the wedding information.

      I kind of wish it was Roy though. We’ve already seen him in season 5 but like if he came and stirred up some trouble, it would be some intense office going on!

1444. 1454- Pam’s mom isn’t a bad idea but my guess is Craig from Albany.

1445. People we haven’t seen since season two… Katy, Pam’s mom, Devon, Carol (?), Gil, Stacy, Sasha/the other children, the other branch managers from the Valentines Day episode, the IT Tech guy w/ the turban… any others? I agree, though, that it’s most likely Pam’s mom. None of the others seem to make sense.

1446. I’m thinking it might be Toby’s daughter, Stanley’s daughter or Meredith’s son. That could potentially be funny given the picnic aspect of the episode- a “bring your family” type of situation. If it is not one of the kids, I hope it is either Pam’s mom or Amy Adams’ character.

1447. If we are to take this “not since season 2” thing literally, then it’s not Carol (she was in season 3), Gil (he was in season 3), Todd Packer (season 3), Stanley’s wife (season 3 and 5) or his daughter (season 3). I doubt it’s Brenda. We only saw her in Booze Cruise, she never really dated Jim, and she simply wouldn’t be significant enough in terms of any plot points to even bring up. I can’t see it being Devon, either, because … why?

      Since it’s the company picnic, then families can be invited there. So it looks plausible that the person not seen since season 2 is either Toby’s daughter, Meredith’s son, or Pam’s mom. My money’s on Pam’s mom.

1448. My guesses as to who the returning season 2 guest might be:
      1-Carol – she is dating someone else from one of the other office’s maybe. probably the least likely to happen however.
      2- Sasha, Toby’s daughter – this makes sense with the whole picnic theme, and remember how Tanster had pictures from the set with the couple & their kids?
      3- Pam’s mom – she’s visiting Pam & Jim and comes with them..because if I remember right, the episode she was in Pam said she lived 2 hours away? And it might explain more about Pam’s parents divorce or something.

1449. I agree with the majority that it’s Pam’s mom, Meredith’s son or Sasha Flenderson, Toby’s daughter.
      I hope it’s Sasha, because she is just so cute, and I’d love to see her again (and a good Toby scene, for that matter!)

      Thanks tanster!

1450. Craig from Albany. If all the regional managers are going to be there, I’m sure he’s the one we’ll see. And he was pretty funny so it’ll be nice to see him.

1451. From Korbi:

      B.J. Novak told me Ryan will definitely be puttin it down for Kelly, we just don’t know if she’ll be pickin’ it up… I’m gonna go with yes. Also… wait for it… Angela Kinsey told me Dwight is totally Angela’s true love and the two of them will be talking again by season’s end.

1452. I have a few ideas…
      1)If what I think might happen in Cafe Disco then I’ll guess Pam’s mom
      2)I would also guess Craig from Albany or Devon (don’t know why, but ya never know)

1453. Are we talking about Craig, the guy who let it slip that Michael was sleeping with Jan or the guy who was on the video camera in season 4 saying, ” Is this thing on?” It can’t be the guy on the camera because he was in season 4 and I think Craig’s branch was terminated, because they closed two branches : Josh’s and most likely Craig’s.

1454. i want todd packer to be there! i mean if there is someone like pam’s mom who we haven’t seen since season 2, great, but can we please see todd packer again? and can he say “wassup ma’ nerds?” when we do? please??

1455. I miss Packer too! Bring him back, writers.

1456. “maybe in the near future”

      YAY YAY YAY!!! :)

1457. I don’t really get the synopsis for Cafe Disco. It really doesn’t make much sense. Can somebody explain?

1458. Since s2? Devon. Though I have a strong suspicion that Roy is gonna show up for some reason.

1459. #1467: I think something happens where Pam returns to DM and Michael’s company either folds/decides to try something totally opposite or he returns to DM and moonlights with another job that doesn’t compete with DM. Or if you are confused on the Cafe – Disco thing … remember, it is Michael we are talking about.

1460. Am I the only Office fan clinging to the hope that Dwangela will reunite? They have to. They’re my fave couple, so quirky and fab!

1461. to cj

      no you’re not the only one. i love Dwangela and want to see it real soon. :)

1462. Cj- you’re not the only one!! I really want a dwangela reunion too! :)

1463. The person we have not seen since season 2? Roy was in third season, so I am crossing my fingers for an Amy Adams return.

1464. Have these names been thrown out as possibles for the “Who haven’t we seen since Season 2?”:

      Captain Jack?
      Brenda? (The chick from corporate that Jim eventually asked out via voice mail)

1465. It would make sense if Todd Packer showed up to the company picnic, considering he’s part of the company. I wonder if this means Karen and Holly will be at the picnic too. Or even cooler, would be if Devon showed up to the picnic.

1466. I really wish it would be Todd Packer but he was in Season Three..Captain Jack would rule it! Sadiq was featured in season 4. We haven’t seen Devon or Caty (Jim’s ex) since Season two. Can’t think of anyone from another branch that was featured in Season two. Most of the warehouse guys that we recognized as characters (lonnie, Madge etc.) have been featured in season three. I’m stumped

1467. Something was bothering me, in “New Boss” Charles Miner said Jim’s position as number 2 was made up. What’s up with that? I just rewatched it and caught that.

1468. Oh! and I hope Jim gives him a mouth full like he did to Ryan at the end of Season 4. I don’t like Miner :)

1469. grrr… why oh why does charles have to still be here for the season finale. oh well

      i’m really excited about amy ryan being in the episode :)

1470. $10 says Jim and Pam elope during their secret trip.

1471. I love Charles. I love the new dynamic he brings to the show.

1472. someone that we haven’t seen since season two? That could be :

      Amy Adams reprising her role as Katy
      Devon Abner as Devon
      one of The children from Take Your Daughter to Work Day
      or Stanley’s wife

1473. Someone we haven’t seen since Season 2? Who has 2 thumbs and hasn’t been on The Office since season 2?

      Todd Packer!

1474. It’s not going to be Amy Adams. Why would Katy be at a Dunder Mifflin picnic?

      Same reason it probably won’t be Devon. Plus, most casual fans aren’t really going to remember him.

      Pam’s mom is a possibility, if she’s there to visit her daughter and (future?) son-in-law. One of the children, Stanley’s wife, or Brenda from corporate are all perfectly plausible.

      Craig is possible, but I imagine he’s been fired by now. Roy, the IT guy, and Packer we’ve all seen in seasons 3, 4 or 5.

      My money is on Pam’s mom. We’ve heard rumors that the whole “parents divorcing” storyline isn’t done yet.

1475. @ 1481 JoshG123:
      I was thinking/hoping that too when I first read it, but I was watching some of my DVDs the other day and on Booze Cruise, Captain Jack offers to marry Pam and Roy on the ship but Pam says no because she wants her parents to be there. Even though that was in season 2, I’m sure Pam still wants her family to be at her wedding.

1476. Hey Tanster-when was the last time we saw one Todd Packer? Was it Season 2?

1477. @ 1487. I Love Lamp:

      No, we saw him in S3 – remember when he introduced himself to Karen?

      I wish it was the Pacman though.

1478. Packer was in season 3. Remember the stripper episode? That’d be cool if he came back though. Maybe Craig? But how great would it be if Katy came back with a kid that turned out to be Jim’s? Even better, Jim knew about it all this time and kept it a secret. Can’t wait to see Holly come back though.

1479. I forgot about Pam’s mom..That makes sense

1480. The resurrection of Ed Truck?

1481. I wonder if the guest star will be Tim Meadows, and Michael will land his account again…

1482. It could, by some freak chance, be Captain Jack from “Booze Cruise”? lol

1483. I’ve got someone who’ll make even Captain Jack seem possible: Linda, the woman from the urinalysis lab (Drug Testing). We haven’t seen her since season two, although I guarantee that she’s not the one coming back.

1484. Well while we’re at it, what if it is Dwight’s Sensei from “The Fight” or Christian from “The Client”

1485. It could be Dwight’s sensei! Ira, or whatever his name was. That would be awesome.

1486. What about the ID badge photographer from Conflict Resolution? Or the manager guy from Chili’s who banned Pam in the Dundies? Or James P. Albini, the lawyer from Sexual Harassment? How about the liquor salesman guy from the Christmas episode?

      Hahaha just kidding (although coming up with all kinds of random extras from season two is pretty fun and just proves what a huge Office dork I am).

1487. Season two returner…!!!! Todd Packer PLEASEE!!!!!!!

1488. How about Jim’s old roommate Mark? Only saw him once, in Season 2.

      Wow, we are grasping for straws. Pam’s Mom makes the most sense.

1489. Mr. O’Malley, the Dunder Mifflin lawyer from Sexual Harrassment? Or maybe the band from the Booze Cruise is hired to be the entertainment for the company picnic? Maybe we’ll learn how Jim knew that fireman from The Fire? Maybe Steve the Vending Machine guy is finally seen? Or Bill from improv class?

      Haha, I echo #1498. The possibilities are endless, and most are ridiculous. Fun, though.

1490. It could be Mr O’Malley the lawyer from corporate,it could be the carpet cleaning lady, Kevin’s ex Stacy, Michael’s improv teacher, Dana the Hooters Waitress, or the delivery woman Michael thought was a stripper,

1491. that would be cool if it was tim meadows.. it could be jim’s ex katy or his old roommate

1492. My predictions from Tanster’s “spoilers” are-Devon Returns and Creed is the one with the athletic skill. I don’t know, he seems to be the one where we always find out crazy hilarious stuff about him.

1493. My guess is, Pam’s Mom is returning and Kevin is very good at sports. Didn’t Rainn say that Brian was a great athlete in the chat? And We’ve seen Kev play b-ball

1494. Toby did win the fun run. I’m sure he’ll do quite well in the company picnic sporting events.

1495. It would be great to see Todd F. Packer once again. But come on, what about Madge?!

1496. Okay, given that it’s a picnic setting, my guess is that Stanley demonstrates a previously hidden athletic skill at horseshoes. :-)

      And I believe we’ll see the return of Stanley’s wife, Terri.

      (Just watched the Dundies again last night! What a great episode!)

1497. 1507 – We saw Madge last week. Dwight thought she was Michael.

1498. I strongly doubt that it’s Katy, Brenda (from Booze Cruise), Mark (Jim’s old roommate) or anyone else that we only saw once or twice. I think that the most likely guests are Pam’s mom, or one of the kids from Take Your Daughter to Work Day. Don’t think it’s Packer (his voice was in season 3 multiple times i.e. Ben. Frank., Back From Vaca. possibly etc. I might be forgetting some)

1499. Despite the dwight/angela teaser, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn of a roy/angela liason. And come on, people, WHO would be at a picnic that we haven’t seen since season 2? It’s got to be DEVIN! duh.

1500. OH WAIT, I’ve got it: Michael sues to get his job back with the representation of James P. Albini.

1501. According to the summary for Casual Friday, Michael has to mediate a dispute between his new sales team. Jim vs Pam for clients?

1502. 1498:

      Wait five seconds after The Office, the ID Photographer is a cast member on 30 Rock.

1503. So the spoilers say that Idris Elba is going to be in Company Picnic. But wasn’t part of Michael’s deal with David that Charles was fired? I’m confused.

1504. Charles wasn’t fired. He’s the VP at corporate (Jan and Ryan’s old job). He was acting as the temporary manager since Michael was gone, but now that Michael is back, Charles is going back to corporate.

1505. @ Samuel L. Chang

      David refused to agree to that term, so Michael substituted with promoting Pam to sales, and also bringing Ryan back.

1506. Haha I just rewatched and I understand now. Thanks.

1507. I wish Rashida Jones was coming to the company picnic in the season finale! Isn’t it supposed to be all of DM’s branches? Why not Utica? Is Karen on maternity leave or something?

1508. Characters not seen since season 2:

      Katy Moore (handbag saleswoman)
      Ed Truck (Deceased so probably not him)
      Devin White (fired by Michael in season 2)
      Todd Packer (heard his voice but haven’t seen him since season 2)

      if not one of them then it’s some obscure character that I can’t think of.

1509. Michael has big plans for Holly? I smell a cliffhanger…

1510. Actually Todd Packer was seen in season 3. He was heard talking to Michael on the phone in “Back from Vacation”, and then seen in “Ben Franklin”.

1511. It’s going to be pam’s parents!!

1512. One possibility from season 2 – Craig from the Albany office.

1513. I doubt it will be Craig, for some reason, I think they shut down the Albany branch. Michael said they have shut down 2 branches this year, and knowing Craig, the Albany branch was probably doing poorly.

1514. Seeing my little spoiler tip up there just made me more excited than is probably warranted. Just saying :-D

1515. Season 5 ends the same way season 4 ends, someone walking in on Dwight and Angela!?

1516. Good. No PB&J wedding till next season. yay.

1517. @ 1527 Adam:
      Wouldn’t it be funny if it was Phyllis again?

1518. If we only “heard” Todd Packer’s voice in season 3 and didn’t actually “see” him, maybe he really could be the mystery guest. I know it’s splitting hairs…

1519. What is with the “secret trip” for JAM in season 5 “Cafe Disco”? With Pam’s expression of how expensive the wedding is, I’m thinking elopement. Will the producers do that? It would tick off many fans.. but also remind us, it’s not the JAM show, it’s about the whole cast. I just don’t know

      Sorry Tanster I accidentally posted in your season 6 spoiler page. Semi season 6 related as if they elope this year, no wedding to look forward to next year

1520. Packer was in “Ben Franklin” from season 3. Remember Karen introduced herself as Jim’s girlfriend and Packer was astonished.

      A kid from “Take Your Daughter to Work Day” or Pam’s mom makes the most sense to me.

1521. 1531 Gregster, I was thinking the same thing…sure they are “planning” a fall wedding but that doesn’t mean they will wait until the fall. I think they could totally pull one over on us like they did with the proposal. All summer everyone said that Jim didn’t pop the question and of course, he did. On the other hand, something tells me we won’t find out what their secret trip entails until Season 6…

1522. 1533 SSE: “On the other hand, something tells me we won’t find out what their secret trip entails until Season 6…”
      ^I never thought of that. I kinda like the idea of them going on a trip that we know they’re on but we don’t find out any information about it until later on.

1523. maybe jim and pam’s secret trip is an ultrasound… there was a spoiler that said the office would be in for a big surprise in 9 months! am i the only one who thinks this?

1524. I agree #1535! The rumor that someone on the show was pregnant appeared and then disappeared very quickly. Nothing has been mentioned since it appeared. Maybe the writers and producers killed it because they were planning it as the big surprise!

1525. Oh yeah, I forgot about the pregnancy spoiler… Maybe not a secret trip for an ultrasound, but a secret trip to the drug store for a pregnancy test? JAM trips to the store are the best!

      “Luuuuke, I am your fathaaa!!”

1526. 1537 -Okay, that SCARED ME because I’m watching that ep as I type that and that part just came up!

      But yeah, I’m suspicious of a Jam pregnancy, too…I mean, every finale and premiere has some major Jam stuff going on, but we know that it can’t be a wedding. I can’t imagine them letting something happen like a huge fight, so…what else could there be?

1527. Tanster, do you know the twist?

      [from tanster: actually, i don’t think i do. i was allowed to watch the filming of every single scene of ‘company picnic’ — EXCEPT FOR ONE. :) ]

1528. Thanks Tanster!

1529. This sounds quite dramatic. I’m going for something darker than a Jam preganancy. Ausiello is a drama queen usually with his spoilers but I dunno the way it was worded (i.e. “repercussions”) does not point toward a positive development.

      Plus, would a pregnancy between known lovebirds really be described as a doozy of a twist?

1530. What spoilers do you know / could you share heading into the finale, Tanster?

1531. This is an easy one! Jim and Pam are going to an intervention for her parents!
      CASES SOLVED-
      Scrantonicity: 1 for his work on the JAM secret trip.
      Dwight Schrute: 1 for his work on the beet bandit case.

1532. In Casual Friday, when Toby is offering Oscar some of his socks, Toby says “I was gonna wear them to volleyball practice.” I think Toby might be the one with the hidden talent, considering that they are having a volleyball tournament.

1533. “[from tanster: actually, i don’t think i do. i was allowed to watch the filming of every single scene of ‘company picnic’ — EXCEPT FOR ONE. :) ]”

      Does this mean that you got to watch the Michael and Holly scenes, Tanster? Nice! I don’t suppose you could give any hints one those, could you? ;)

      My guess is the twist is something to do with JAM, but I don’t know if it’s pregnancy or not.

1534. I bet Pam is pregnant and it’s Roy’s…

      :/ JIM FACE!

1535. the possibilities for the pregnancy are kelly, angela, pam, and holly. i’m 99.99 percent sure that they wouldn’t do jan again, phyllis is too old, and meredith had a hysterectomy. now, as for the possible candidates, kelly already pretended to be pregnant, angela is a definite possibility, pam makes too much sense, and they already did the whole “my ex girlfriend is pregnant” storyline. weh. so, i have no idea who is pregnant.

1536. I like how they’re reusing some of the costumes from Beach Day: Dwight’s hat, AWESOME! It also looks like the sun visor that Pam wore during Beach Day.

1537. Is the person we haven’t seen since season 2 Todd Packer?

1538. 1547 – I laughed SO HARD at the Jim face! Never noticed that before, and I’ve used :\ a lot! Scarily accurate.

      The pregnancy thing has been bugging me too. 1548, you’re right, Meredith and Phyllis are out of the running due to hysterectomy and old age, respectively. I wouldn’t imagine that it’s Holly, that wouldn’t really add anything to the show (considering she looks quite happy with her boyfriend in the Company Picnic photos). As much as I really want it to be a JAM baby, I don’t think that’s it. Kelly WOULD be my pick, but I think that they may be done with the Ryan/Kelly thing… or are they?!? (Ugh, though I really don’t know if I want to bring that roller coaster back.)

      But wait… hasn’t Angela been acting especially erratic in the last few episodes? Extremely moody, even for Angela…

1539. Maybe the “character” from season 2 isn’t an actual person..Chili’s?!?!

      [from tanster: no. it’s definitely a person. :) ]

1540. “Someone may be inappropriately dressed.”

      Probably Kelly, as the rest of the cast have been in pictures or tanster video. It’s not Meredith this time!

1541. Okay, for those of you who say Phyllis is too old to get pregnant…aren’t she and Michael the same age (we’ve heard that throughout the series)? Didn’t Michael say he was just a “44-year-old guy with a paper route” at the beginning of Broke? 44 isn’t too old to get preggers.

      I’m just sayin… :)

1542. No, 44 isn’t too old to get pregnant, but on Dwight’s freaky chart, it says that she’s post-menopausal.

1543. Aah! Good point about Dwight’s chart. :-) Totally missed that.

1544. mystery season two character? Captain Jack!

1545. 1557 DB…YES!!! Captain Jack is a fartface AND a champion limbo contest host!

1546. SSE – someone agrees with me! Thank you. But there are tons of possibilities. Any of the kids from TYDTWD, Michael’s lawyer, Dwight’s sensei, etc.

1547. Did anyone else see this week’s commercial for this week’s episode?? I was watching the SNL I had recorded and an office commercial came up so I stopped and watched it. A very happy couple we all know and love did a talking head together and the lovely Pam Beesly said, “We’re getting married today!” and she and Jim looked at each other and smiled. I was freaking out and I was like “Oh my god! My fellow Office lovers must know!”

      [from tanster: posted here.]

1548. Someone not seen since season 2–Mr. Brown (Larry Wilmore)?

1549. Mr. Brown was seen at the Stanford branch in a clip with Jim looking at the empty seat beside him. Mr. Brown still had the same H-E-R-O board. so he was seen in season 3.

      ….i think this is when i realize how crazy i am about The Office. excuse me while i check myself into a recovery facility. hahaha

1550. Hey, according to the new TV Guide (May 11-17, p. 34), in the season finale:

      Pam hurts her ankle after some fierce v-ball action and gets rushed to the ER.

1551. I just got my TV guide and there’s an article about the 100th ep of The Office. Finally, some coverage from the TV Guide; they give very little attention to our show, I think.

      Anyway, the article said that Pam ends up in the ER after hurting her ankle playing volleyball. It also said Michael tries to figure out a way to kiss Holly. That could be painful to watch, poor Michael.

      So, all you medical types out there, would a hospital need to do a pregnancy test on a woman before doing an xray of an ankle?

      I am so hoping to end Season 5 on a happy JAM note, since they were both so sad at the end of “Goodbye, Toby” last season. Wishful thinking?

1552. 1564, they don’t automatically give you one, but they do ask if you are pregnant and when your last *cough*, you know, was.

1553. Oh, please please PLEASE let Andy be the one who says Boo-yah!

1554. Could the person not seen since season 2 be Katy? aka the purse salesman?

1555. So the returning S2 character? How about the doctor from “The Injury”?

1556. I think that Toby is the person who demostrates hidden athletic skills. Probably because, if they are playing volleyball at the picnic, then, he must be good at it, because in “Broke”, he said to Oscar when offering his socks to him, that he was going to wear then at his “volleyball practice”. So Toby has played volleyball before.

1557. As a medical “person”, without question I can say that before any woman gets an x-ray, she is asked by the technician if there is a possibility she may be pregnant. If the answer is yes, a pregnancy test will be done. Hmmmm…so if an “office” character is PG, it could be Pam.

1558. eastcoast_girl, I kinda hope so!! That would be a cute way to find out. Minus the whole ankle situation haha.

1559. the last part of the tv guide spoiler is confusing – isn’t he back in his old office and old job already?

1560. A little closure to their situation? Does that mean that they are done with after the finale? Is it all over for them forever? Michael has to do something to screw it up, I’m going to cry. I want my DJ Jazzy Flax back.

1561. tuna tuna tuna:

      That confused me as well. Can someone elaborate?

1562. My daily, ever-changing thought on who the mystery Season 2 person for today is…….Pam’s Mom!!

1563. after erin’s j-lo comment to kelly i was REALLY hoping that we would get a little friendship between them, this dancing spoiler looks promising! i wonder if the kelly/andy scene tanster was talking about is andy talking to kelly about whether or not to ask erin out or something. i hope so!

1564. Hey tanster, do you know if this whole pam going to the hospital thing is true? I’m so confused!

1565. I am SO EXCITED about this season finale! Every year the writers have blown my mind with their pitch-perfect blend of comedy, plot twists, drama, and suprises! Can’t wait, can’t wait–do y’all remember the deleted scene from Women’s Appreciation where Kelly is ecstatically jumping up and down while clutching armloads of panties in Victoria’s Secret? THAT is what I feel like inside waiting for this episode. I know it’s gonna be amaaaazing…!

1566. I bet when Pam gets to the ER she finds out that she’s pregnant.

1567. So if Pam goes to the hospital, then I could see her Mom there for support which would be the returning character from Season 2. But doesn’t her Mom live far away?

      BTW..Erin is adorable..I hope she becomes a permanent cast member.

1568. 1579-
      I couldn’t agree with you more! I honestly start jumping up and down when I start thinking about the season finale. I think it has to do with the fact that it’s an hour long. That’s probably why I loved the premiere of season 5 so much, because they had longer to add in all of the necessary elements. Needless to say, I can’t wait for the season finale! :)

1569. 1582:

      The season finale is only going to be a half hour.

1570. As much as I would love a Jam wedding and/or baby, I’m gonna stick with more concrete predictions. As in, I am 95% sure the person who says Booyah is Andy. Who else would bring back that sort of lingo? And it’ll probably come during the volleyball game.

1571. So the group of people that gets unexpected news? The Nashua branch is closed.

1572. is anyone else thinking that the group of people who gets an unexpected surprise might be the pregnancy spoiler, ie andy, angela, dwight, jim and pam, kelly and ryan, phyllis and bob (please no, phyllis kind of bugs me)?

1573. I honestly hope Pam isn’t pregnant. I’d rather they just concentrated on the wedding first. I’m sure Pam will be asked when they go though.

1574. The words “unexpected surprise” could hint towards it NOT being a pregnancy…because it would be something WE haven’t guessed. I’m still psyched about any and all Michael/Holly moments…even the heartbreaking ones!

1575. 1589 – Meg: I think you’re right. I think we (the fans) are the “group of people” and the “unexpected surprise” is that Pam is not pregnant! :)

      [from tanster: lol! no, ‘group of people’ is not you guys. :) ]

1576. “Unexpected Surprise” isn’t that what Todd Packer left on Michael Scott’s floor in “the Carpet” ???

1577. I agree with DC in that the big surprise is a branch closing. Nashua would be my pick too!

1578. Tanster will you tell us what scene you couldn’t see when the finale is over?

1579. I wish Amy Ryan didn’t have any other projects to commit to and could stay on the Office forever!

1580. Could the office staffer be Jen Celotta? I know there was an interview a while back that she said that she would consider being on the show.

      If there is a group that is going to get an unexpected surprise, I believe it will be JAM and Pam’s mom… a baby on the way! Could you imagine Jim as a dad? How crazy would that be? And “Uncle”s Mikey and Dwight! But I am getting my hopes up, and its probably going to be a merger (like a few others said) or a group of people see Bob and his secretary in the woods.

1581. Brian McCann or Brian Stack?

1582. I really, really hope that Pam is not pregnant! As much as I would LOVE a Jam baby, I don’t think it’s the right time for them. I think they need to get a bit more settled down first – they need to find jobs that they actually like doing!

      If that isn’t the big surprise, though (and I hope it’s not), I’m betting on people finding Bob Vance and his secretary in the woods.

      Or maybe HOLLY is pregnant…

1583. Tanster, you said earlier there was one scene you were not allowed to watch being filmed. Do you know which actors were in that scene?

      I know, I’m reaching :) Can’t wait for Thursday! Thanks for all your super reporting from the set!

1584. It looks like some people are predicting Pam being pregnant at season finale. I am thinking Michael is going to propose to Holly or Jan(over the phone) if Holly is engaged to her boyfriend.

1585. my guess is that pam is sent to ER, and then suddenly gets news that she’s preggers. I dunno.

1586. Maybe Bob Vance’s secretary is pregnant : )

1587. “I’m betting on people finding Bob Vance and his secretary in the woods.”

      *shudder* I’ll have nightmares for weeks!

1588. Where does it say a character is pregnant in the spoilers? I’m so confused….!

1589. I think that Pam is the one one who gets beeped out…i think that would be fun and get a great reaction shot from Jim….i could totally see kevin saying Booyah

1590. Andy Richter?

1591. I also think Pam having to get bleeped out would be hilarious, it would make sense if Pammy gets an owie.

1592. I don’t think Bob and his secretary will be cheating in the woods. There’s no reason for his secretary to even be at the picnic, seeing as how it’s a Dunder Mifflin event.

      But if she does come and they are in the woods, my–how the turntables.

      :-)

1593. Anyone watch Conan?! Or does that just mean it’s a former Conan staffer who’s currently on the Office…

      Oh, I HOPE Pam’s the one who gets bleeped out! That would be so funny!

      And just the comment that the episode will be Beach Games-esque makes me so happy -it’s my favorite Office episode of all-time!

1594. Yeah, isn’t John K. a former Conan staffer himself? If these are red herrings, I’ll be sad. :(

1595. I will love it if Pam gets bleeped out. I can totally see that, and I can just imagine all of the expressions on the faces of the office employees- especially Jim’s.

1596. 1603- It says that someone gets pregnant right here

1597. Stanley’s daughter? Look out, Ryan.

1598. Ahh…thanks for pointing that out to me pk!

      I hope it’s not Pam. Oh man am I anxious for this finale!

      Who haven’t we seen since season 2? Roy? No…he was in season 3.

1599. New spoilers!

      Link

      At least one incident from the list pertains to the finales of each of the following shows: Desperate Housewives, 30 Rock, House, Ugly Betty, The Office, CSI: NY, Smallville, Supernatural, How I Met Your Mother, Prison Break, Lost, Gossip Girl, 90210, Grey’s Anatomy, 24, and Bones. Mind you, in spite of appearances to the contrary, I can’t know everything, so there may be a surprise or three that isn’t mentioned below. But this rundown ought to be comprehensive enough to keep you up nights. Enjoy! (FYI: This list applies to regular or recurring characters, not random guest stars.)

      Number of couples tying the knot: 4
      Number of positive pregnancy tests: 2
      Number of couples (maybe) having sex for the first time: 2
      Number of confirmed fatalities: 7
      Number of first-time love confessions: 2
      Number of possible fatalities: 4
      Number of babies born: 2*
      Number of presumed-dead characters returning (in the flesh or as a hallucination): 3
      Number of characters sent directly to jail (or taken into custody): 4
      Number of former loves resurfacing: 2
      Number of Cyndi Lauper cameos: 1
      Number of characters converting to Scientology: 0
      Number of car crashes: 2
      Number of characters institutionalized: 2
      Number of first kisses: 2

      * One of the two births takes place during a time jump.

1600. Hello Tanster! Thanks for another awesome tidbit. I’m betting that it’s Michael who utters the word.

      Random question: Do you have to clear these spoiler tidbits with NBC/writers before posting? Thanks for all you do :)

1601. My guesses (in response to 1614’s post):

      *Number of positive pregnancy tests: 2 (Pam- come on, we’re all thinking that after the spoiler about her going to the hospital and the pregnancy one.)

      *Number of first-time love confessions: 2 (Michael/Holly- in that clip posted under the promos, Michael had a list of things he wanted to tell Holly. Also, we never got to find out what was in that letter Holly wrote.)

      *Number of former loves resurfacing: 2 (Michael/Holly or Dwight/Angela- Michael/Holly is an obvious one and Dwight/Angela because I remember reading something about how they might get back together at some point.)

1602. Something tells me that Michael’s going to mention Holly’s “perfect” breasts! ;)

1603. Number of positive pregnancy tests: 2
      Pammers???

      Number of couples (maybe) having sex for the first time: 2
      Hmmm, perhaps, but who?

      Number of first-time love confessions: 2
      It could definitely be Michael.

      Number of characters sent directly to jail (or taken into custody): 4
      Someone go crazy on Charles? ha, doubt this references the Office, but it might be interesting to see one of the office staff get hauled off.

      Number of former loves resurfacing: 2
      Could be M/H or D/A or A/A!

      Number of first kisses: 2
      Perhaps … Kelly and Andy?!?

1604. Quick question: how did you find out Pam goes to the hospital? Was that in a past spoiler? If someone could clarify that for me, that’d be awesome! I would love it if Pam got pregnant. A little JAM baby!!

      I hope Bob doesn’t cheat. I will hurt Bob Vance of Vance refrigeration b/c he and Phyllis are a nice couple.

      And I think it would be REALLY funny if ANGELA swore. HAHA. “Innocent Angela”

1605. Glad I’m not the only one who thinks something might be up with Andy and Kelly!!! heck yeah! I love that match! Plus I think it would really peeve Ryan off. LOL.

1606. I hope that at some point Pam reveals to Michael more of what was in Holly’s letter.

      Also, speculating the whole pregnancy thing:

      Meredith can no longer have kids. Kelly hasn’t been with anyone for awhile. As far as Phyllis goes, I didn’t think it made much sense for it to be her until this past episode. Maybe something scandalous between her Bob and his secretary?

      Things have leveled off with Pam and Jim’s relationship. It isn’t as exciting now that they’re a sure thing. It seems that making Pam pregnant would be an easy way to spice things up, even though I don’t really like that idea.

      I think it’s unlikely that Holly would be pregnant with Michael’s child, and it would be really sad if she was pregnant with her boyfriend’s, especially since Jan already did kind of the same thing.

      I like the idea of it being Angela because it would force her to resolve things with Andy or Dwight. More likely Dwight since we know they actually got it on.

1607. I just saw the supersizedoffice petition…we should have done it for this year! I can’t imagine a half hour finale. I hope it’s great!

1608. It’d be a mighty redemption if Angela and Erin start feuding over Dwight. That will mean that Angela has had 2 sets of men fight for her affection (remember that? haha), and also that she’s done the same for 2 men (Charles with Kelly and now Dwight with Erin).

      Definitely looking forward to the sixth season.

1609. Come to think of it, Dwight has also fought for 2 different women: First Angela with Andy, and then Erin with Andy again. Dwight and Angela would actually be even, in this respect.

      Those two are made for each other.

1610. Okay, clearly I am thinking about this way too much. No lie, I have dreamed in original full-length Office eps for the last 3 nights. It is awesome! Then I wake up and wonder if they really happened, b/c they’re so real, then I realize it was just a dream, so I get on officetally to find out what’s REALLY going on in the Office world…not just in my head. Thanks for all the tidbits tanster!

1611. What if Erin’s pregnant??? Somethings going on there, she’s been on the show for at least 4 episodes and hasn’t had a TH yet??? Hmmm.

1612. Now I may be completely grasping at straws with this one but I feel like there must be a reason Tanster posted that Erin will be at the picnic. I mean she works for Dunder Mifflin so why wouldn’t she be there? She’s part of the company after all so it’s not like we had any reason to believe she wouldn’t be there. I think Erin must be a part of an important story line or something if it was even worth mentioning she was going to be there. I don’t know though, I’m probably just reading into it way too much.

1613. I hope Erin is in a major storyline. I want to get to know about her better.

1614. #1617 – Jay

      The TV Guide article posted here on May 8th says Pam gets hurt playing volleyball and is rushed to the ER.

1615. The spoiler from Kristin makes me very sad. I love Holly and Michael together!

1616. I think my heart just broke. How am I going to be able to watch the finale now? I’m so sick and tired of Michael Scott not being in a good relationship. Holly Flax was that glimmer of hope and now it’s gone. I love Amy Ryan and wish her well, but I regret that The Office won’t have Holly Flax in the immediate future.

1617. That is a darn shame. I hope what Kristin says is a hoax, really. Of course, it is a realistic and very likely turn that Holly is gone (it’s long distance, it’s Michael Scott, and how does a regional manager have a relationship with the HR rep without a conflict of interest?) but STILL!

      This is TV. And this is the show where Michael Scott Paper Company was bought and hired into Dunder-Mifflin (and then one MSPC employee was then fired, possibly expending more money due to severance), instead of simply bought. I’m sure they could work something out. :\

1618. At first I thought that we wouldn’t have seen Holly again until the series finale, and then they announced she was back for the season finale and that they were looking to bring her on as a potential regular. This second goodbye is gonna be so painful to watch. I am praying to God they bring her back for the series finale, however far down the road it may be, and also not tell us about it.

1619. This latest spoiler about Holly and Michael being finished after the company picnic conflicts with a previous spoiler, specifically the April 1, 2009 E! Online spoiler.

      According to that article, Holly should watch her back because Jan is just around the corner. Melora Hardin then stated that she didn’t think that Jan would return during the remainder of the season.

      Doesn’t this mean that both Holly and Jan have to cross paths sometime during season 6? And if Holly has to watch her back doesn’t that mean it’s because she’s with Michael? I think that the little bit of tension we’ve already seen between Holly and Jan was created by the writers for a reason, and we have yet to see it fully develop.

1620. @1632: The date of that article is concerning, though. April Fool’s?

1621. @1633: Well what about January 15, 2009 of the Ausiello Files? It said that Daniels was open to a more permanent arrangement with Ryan since Michael and Holly have such a deep connection. “So, we’re hoping to find some very significant things for them. And if we can get her to sign on for a really long period, we’ll do it.”

      I might just be overly positive, but I want to believe that they were able to sign her on, and that’s why Holly’s letter to Michael was incorporated into the show. What purpose would it serve otherwise?

1622. Maybe Karen has her baby?

1623. Honestly, I’m sincerely hoping that article is an elaborate fake-out trying to mislead fans…Then again I fully realize that I’d want to believe anything as long as it meant Amy Ryan staying on The Office.

1624. Oh thank goodness! I just read the actual article on the link, and it appears that there just aren’t any plans for Holly to return as of right now. I’m fine with that, as long as it’s not impossible for her to return.

      I thought they were going to kill her off or something! That’s way too soap opera-ish!

1625. I must be one of the few who don’t want to see Holly ever again. I’m a hardcore Michael/Ryan shipper!

      Poor Ryan, I hope things look up for him in season six.

1626. Ok two ideas about what the giant twist could be since apparently, according to Ausiello, none of us have come close to guessing it. Either:

      A. The Scranton Branch is closed down. What if buying out the Michael Scott Paper Company company cost corporate so much that Scranton isn’t just making it back so they shut it down. I know this one isn’t likely since it’s the most profitable branch, but hey, they could transfer the clients to the other ones and then with 14 people gone they’d be saving a lot more.

      or

      B. David Wallace is fired for agreeing to the multi-million buyout of a failing paper company and their three employees and is replaced by Charles Miner which would cause a whole new heap of trouble for Scranton next year.

      Either way, we’d definitely feel the repercussions way into the sixth season. What do you think?

1627. I really hope the one about Holly not coming back is just cleverly worded so that we think she’s done but really she’s not (Does that make sense? I didn’t quite know how to word it). Maybe Holly will just stay in Nashua (the Scranton branch already has an HR rep) and they’ll have a long-distance relationship. We won’t actually get to see her but we’ll hear her on the phone or something. Obviously it’s not as good as her moving to Scranton and actually getting to see her and Michael interact face-to-face but it’s better than them being broken up- I mean they were just too perfect together.

      The only other thing I can think of is that now that Jim and Pam are together, the show’s lost that sense of longing between two characters (I can’t think of a better way to put it) so they’re trying to replace that with Michael and Holly’s relationship. Maybe AJ is Holly’s Roy…

1628. Ausiello’s May 13 comment does not necessarily pertain to guesses on Office Tally… 2 different sites.

1629. I haven’t seen any mention of her in the spoilers,but will Rashida Jones be guest starting tonight? I would have thought it would get a mention that she would,but it hasn’t. If it’s all the branches, I figure it would make sense she’d be on.

      I love Rashida and karen!

1630. I’m guessing that the relationship that does not progress will be JAM’s. Not to say that they’ll regress or have some sort of negativity, they’re just in a stable place right now.

1631. I’m upset it’s only a half hour episode!

1632. @ 1642: Karen was pregnant in the episode, “Lecture Circuit”, so there’s a possibility that she could be on maternity leave. I can’t wait for tonight’s season finale and to see what the big twist is at the end!

1633. I think the surprise is that when Pam is rushed to the hospital for her ankle, they find out she’s pregnant when they run a blood test or something.

1634. Maybe Jim and Pam will have a huge fight and break up. How awesome would that be? Ooh what if Katy comes back and has a kid that turns out to be Jim’s and he has to pay child support now? Now that would be a great twist.

1635. I am just about ready to explode, holding all this information in. :)

1636. Just because one relationship doesn’t progress, it doesn’t mean it will regress, either, right? Surely you can tell us that much, Tanster??? I’m getting sooooo anxious!

1637. person we haven’t seen since season 2

      stacy.
      (poor kevin…how’s he gonna handle lynn AND stacy)

1638. Tanster, didn’t you tell us that you saw every scene filmed in the finale except ONE? Do you know what happened during that scene? Just askin. Not that I can pry it out of you. Cookie, Tanster. Cookie… :-)

1639. 1647. Garbage: Do all of your predictions involve Katy having Jim’s kid? This is like the third time you’ve predicted that.

1640. I would think that Todd Packer is the not-seen-since-Season-2 character coming back; for good reason as he presumably still works for Dunder Mifflin in some capacity.

      If Pam is indeed the character that is pregnant I’m going to be pretty disappointed as that’s not what her character needs attm after her recent career change. Angela would be a whole lot funnier to see. Obviously it would be Dwight’s baby as she and Andy never got “there.”

1641. OMG you guys, watch this promo!!

      Link

      Maybe the big twist is that the scranton branch shuts down and moves somewhere else. I dunno, but that’s what I got outta that promo, all the scranton workers seem super hypo + Jim and Dwight are getting in the same car!! What do ya think?

1642. I am going to guess that the relationship that does not progress is Jim and Pam’s.

      Don’t get me wrong – I love them together. I just thing that all of the spoilers that have been released – the pregnancy spoiler and then Pam going to the hospital and all of the stuff about the wedding – are meant to make us think that they are going to get married or Pam’s going to be pregnant (or both). I think they are trying to lead us off the trail.

      My guess is the pregnant one is Holly. I think that’s why she and her boyfriend are shopping for a house.

1643. Could the pregnancy and the ‘twist with repercussions well into next season’ be that Michael and Holly go off together during the picnic and make a baby?

1644. omg!!! did you guys see what just happened???

1645. Totally called Brian Stack!

1646. Several of us were talking in the chatroom about tonight’s episode, and we all think it would be a great idea to have a predictions page for season six! What do ya say, Tanster? Predictions on whether the Jam baby will be a boy or girl… etc. :-)

      I think it would be a hit! Pretty please? ;-)

1647. Oh yeah, and I think Jambino should be the baby’s nickname!

1648. JAMbino is an awesome name! Love it!

1649. Good episode..definitely not my favorite finale, it should have been supersized..or an hour. And where was my girl Kelly at??! Thought we might see some Kelly/Andy love as a surprise or something crazy like that!

      Erin saying BOOYAH got andy a little blood rush, don’t ya think?! HA!

      Jenna and John (and Steve of course!) are such phenomenal actors…totally deserving of every award! I mean, the whole show should be nominated & winning for everything!!

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