Grid Effect

First, a word or two about last night’s Survivor episode. We concede that Ozzy being out of the picture makes things infinitely more interesting and less predictable. But at the same time, we have no rooting interest at this point, and the fact that Parvati is the ringleader? What kind of dimwits are they casting out there? We are looking forward to the next few weeks, but not because we are going to be happy with anyone winning the million, but because it wouldn’t be completely insufferable if Amanda, Alexis or Erik won. And not necessarily because they deserve it, but because they seem to have some redeeming qualities. We suppose Cirie is the most deserving at this point, but manipulating idiots isn’t something we consider admirable, even if it is effective.

/off topic rant.

Anyway, wow, that was like second season Office with a tinge (or an avalanche) of morbidity to it. In other words, it’s the best episode they’ve done this season (pre and post strike) by a mile. Not to say the season has been an utter disappointment or anything, but rather this episode was that good, it had every little facet that generally makes The Office the best comedy on network television, and the execution was flawless.

It was a nice compliment to last week’s off-beat dinner party episode. As…interesting as we found that to be, we tend to prefer the Office episodes actually set in an office, mainly because that all but guarantees that the supporting cast gets ample screen time, and Andy and Kevin knocked it out of the park. Apparently there is discussion of giving Ed Helms a spin off with Andy, and while we would definitely tune in, as little as two days ago we weren’t sure he could carry a show by his lonesome. Last night’s episode instilled a little confidence in us.

There impassioned mission to get their old parking spots back is the sort of plot that turned us onto the series in the first place. A somewhat trivial dilemma ends up consuming one or two of these characters because these desk humping jobs are soul-sucking cubicles of despair that can make anything seem significant. I mean, if you’re Kevin or Andy, what would you rather be doing with your time, sweating customers and balanced checking accounts or shortening your on-foot commute from the parking lot to the office? Not that we speak from experience or anything.

It even showed us a human side of Kevin, something I’m not sure he’s ever been afforded. Those are the type of dramatic moments I appreciate out of this show, ones that are born out of comedy. It was almost heartbreaking to see him so validated by such a small victory.

Heavy lies the crown.

Speaking of which, most guys I know who watched this episode scoffed at the Jim-Pam fake proposal that all but closed the episode. We found it hilarious, however, as they were mocking the very notion that the two would rush into an engagement, and we’d be willing to bet that 90% of the shippers out there fell for it harder than Pam did. I think it’s all but been established that their relationship won’t ruin the show, since it in and of itself is quite comedic at times, so as long as they can keep the budding relationship funny at least 70% of the time, we don’t have to worry about The Office being “Ross and Rachel”-ized.

The main plot almost took a backseat to the two subplots, in part because we never recall Michael Scott’s dating life being such a force on this series. Though we can agree that the chair model was indeed something to aspire for. From that, the blind date made us uncomfortable, not to the same degree that last week made us squirm, but it really accentuated Michael’s sense of entitlement and laid the groundwork for Michael dating someone he would usually find unacceptable. We might see Pam’s landlady again before the season is over.

Choice quotes:

“I can’t think of anyone I hate enough to write their name down on this card” -Stanley, when Michael ordered his employees to offer up a woman they could each set him up with.

“Andrew Bernard is…the name of me” -Andy, introducing himself to the five fathers.

“Pam? Will you…wait for me, while I tie my shoe” -Jim

“I set Michael up with my landlady because she’s really sweet and sh-, whatever, I just can’t stand Michael like this.” -Pam

Andy: We won’t disappoint you.
Michael: You can’t disappoint me. That’s impossible because I don’t really care.
-Michael dismissing Andy and Kevin’s pleas to do something about the parking.

“One to go.” -Creed, compiling office chairs.

“You are to find me a date, use this, as your template.” -Michael pointing the chair model to everyone’s attention.

-The entire awkward exchange between Phyllis and Michael regarding her unseen friend.

-Kevin’s exposition of the five families.

“What’s her name? Burger King?” -Michael, after one of his employees anonymously gave him the number to a Wendy’s.

Turned out this was a BJ Novak written episode, and he has really perfected his craft over the seasons. We’re definitely giving this top ten episode status, if not top five. We still are partial to the “Pretzel Day” episode, “Casino Night”, and several others we can’t recall immediately. But yes, it’s episodes like this that make us pine for a weekly half hour extension.