Grid Effect

Not exactly their best work. In fact anytime we enjoy the B-plot more than the main story it tends to be a rather forgettable episode. This is actually the first time we can say that 30 Rock was better than The Office in every conceivable facet (structurally, comically, etc). Which is a shame because this premise should have worked much better than it did.

For starters, I know Michael has a rather intense attachment to his work, and as a result I can’t see him even hesitating to sellout Dwight before he unwittingly did to Wallace (David, not the kid from the first season of The Wire, this show is casting so many of the same actors it’s important to point these things out). I know Michael is usually too sensitive for his own good, but in this instance? With his job on the line? Yeah, he wouldn’t give it a second thought to throw Dwight into oncoming traffic. I guess Dwight had too much evidence to the contrary, but I doubt Michael is one to think it through. Hence the decision to dump a bunch of 10% off coupons into random paper boxes, but failing to verify that all those boxes are not going to the same customer.

But the main storyline really began to fall apart when Michael came storming into the conference call with Blue Shield. Not only did the scene itself fall flat but it was completely out of character. They should have left it at Michael breathing heavily into the phone, or had him go into the main hub and lament the circumstances to Jim. But when has Michael ever stormed into anything, much less a business meeting that he was informally barred from?

The subplot with Kevin seeking advice about how to best approach Lynn and getting mixed advice from Jim, Pam & Andy could have filled an episode in and of itself. Brian Baumgartner has been exceptional the past couple episodes, and given his limited exposure we’ll take anything, but of all the supporting cast we’d have most faith in him to carry an episode, and that’s among some stiff competition.

The episode wasn’t a total failure or anything. We had some great lines such as “start over”,  “guys with girlfriends don’t” (obviously both are contextual) and Dwight insisting on first his distaste and then later his love for candy. But if I wanted to see Michael turn into a dimwitted Lumberg I could just watch any other film or television show ever made that isn’t about espionage.

Whatever, it paves the way for Idris Elba’s debut next week. Some links in a bit.