Grid Effect

Well, it finally happened. While this installment of The Office intended to be plot driven, the episode was hitting on all cylinders and the comedy was top-notch.

In addition to the merge came Michael’s firing, employee gossiping, Dwight and Michael’s road tripping, Josh’s quitting, Michael’s rehiring and a whole world of expectations for next week. Especially for those interested in the whole Jim/Pam/Karen/Roy fiasco. From that end of the storyline, I like how Jim first encouraged Karen to avoid Scranton (kind of similar to Pam encouraging Jim to take the job in Maryland for more money last season, and Jim feeling unwanted as a result), then after she was offered a position there, he suggested, “Scranton its not that bad, if they offer you a job, you should take it”.

Pam, as sweet as she can be, I am sure has a catty side to her, them being at odds should make for some great comedy, and you know the writers will establish the urgency well. I just hope Roy doesn’t end up killing Jim. There is the issue of maintaining professionalism however, With Jim being placed as second in charge, directly under Michael, won’t relationships with subordinates be an issue?

One result of this merge that is disappointing is it most likely means the end of Ed Helms’ stint on the series. I could probably find out on IMDB, but honestly I do not want to know. The confrontations between him and Dwight would surely develop into a middle management power struggle. Hopefully they bring him back for at least a few more episodes.

Some other noteworthy/cringe inducing moments:

Janet secretly taking joy in firing Michael/shutting down the Scranton Branch.

Michael and Dwight’s celebration in front of the CFO’s house after discovering their branch is absorbing Stamford, instead of the other way around.

Ryan’s inability to end his relationship with Kelly through mitigating circumstances and his severe disappointment with the announcement of Scranton staying open.

Michael having that “My Humps” song as his ringtone. And Carrell’s straight face while it played, like its perfectly normal for an middle-aged man to have such an absurd song for a ringtone.

Great lines:

Michael: Let’s just pretend you’re the CFO and you are walking up to your house and I will approach you about shutting down the branch.
(Dwight walks 20 feet down the road and begins approaching his house)
Michael: Hey, excuse me-
Dwight (in character): What is the meaning of this?!

“Some of you may heard some rumors that the branch is shutting down.” -Michael, minutes after announcing it to everyone.

“I always knew the branch would shut down someday… I just figured it would be because Michael sold the building for some magic beans.” -Jim

Michael: You write the CFO Christmas cards? You have never even met him.
Dwight: Well, when I do we’ll have something to talk about.
-Michael and Dwight tracking down the new CFO.

The online “Producer’s Cut” episode is probably at least ten minutes longer and has much more detail with the side characters (i.e. Creed, Meredith, Phyllis, Toby, etc). If you have yet to watch it I definitely recommend doing so.