The Ship Has Sailed
Well, that was a distinguishable episode of The Office last night, wasn’t it? Not a single, solitary second in the actual Dundler-Mifflin building after the pre-credits scene. Has that ever happened before? Actually, I am surprised Phyllis’ wedding was shown onscreen, much less an entire episode being devoted to it. It was like one of those dream sequence episodes of The Sopranos, you’re not sure if you are on the right channel, or if you even like what you’re watching, but it’s there, and you end up waiting in the wings to see if there will be some sort of explanation.
On the relationship front, Roy totally capitalized on Pam’s lonely wedding despair, that’s two references to Wedding Crashers. Does he have any idea about her feelings towards Jim? Certainly doesn’t seem that way (Could he be that unaware?). Never the less, he couldn’t have pulled off the “reborn earnest guy” role any better than he did. I am waiting for one of the forum posters at TWoP to call the writers misogynistic for having Pam leave with Roy, which is bound to happen.
Speaking of which, If the TwoP message boards are any indication, then the bulk of the audience is upset with the handling of Jim and Pam’s non-relationship. Personally, I don’t think the writers could be handling it any better. This is a comedy show, having them separated due to extenuating circumstances constitutes humor. Having them snuggle and gaze longly into each others eyes at office parties does not. Not to be too indignant, but if you’re watching this show for developing relationships, then it’s for the wrong reasons. I would redirect your viewership to Friday Night Lights for such content. It’s the best dramatic series on television in a decade. Because the writers for The Office didn’t sign on to write the quintessential relationship comedy, this isn’t Friends, I am actually surprised the Jim-Pam aspect of the show domiantes it as much as it does.
Either way, it’s part of the show and warrants discussing. It looked encouraging for our two desperate hearts at the start of the reception. Jim complimented Pam on her unique dancing style (Jim echoed my sentiments here, I was really hoping to see Pam dance, similar to that of the Diwali episode as it was fucking adorable. Maybe at the next Office religion oriented celebration). But fell flat starting with Jim and Karen slow dancing, then Roy reminding the audience why Pam went for him in the first place.
Afterwards, Jim was really forcing his adoration with Karen, especially after watching Pam and Roy leaving early. He seemed pretty detached in his “In a totally non-hypothetical, I am glad I’m still with Karen”, and I would believe it if he wasn’t so smitten with her 90% of the time. By the way, Karen looked psychotic bobbing around on stage, essentially the antithesis to how I would categorize Pam’s dancing. It was like the dancing equivalent of her taking joy when she viciously and mockingly killed Jim in “Call of Duty” back in Stamford.
Ultimately, another enjoyable episode with more physical comedy than we are accustom to seeing:
-Michael dragging the wheelchair as a means of pouting and drawing attention to himself.
-Ryan batting the bouquet away from Kelly (Second favorite moment of the episode).
-Creed switching the cards on the gift (Handily my favorite moment).
-The Pavlonian dog experiment with Dwight, the computer alert and the altoids.
Also, a surprisingly long list of noteworthy quotes:
“Since I pay her salary, it is like I am paying for her wedding, which I’m happy to do.” -Michael
“You look as beautiful as the Queen of England.” -Dwight to Angela
“We usually marry standing in our own graves. It makes the funerals quite romantic, the weddings are a bleak affair.” -Dwight
“I bought a ticket for Grizzly Man and walked into the wrong theater, after an hour I figured I was in the wrong theater but continued waiting, that’s the thing about bear attacks, they come when you least expect it.” -Dwight
“Agreed. No fingers will be laid on Phyllis.” -Michael
“You look at her, and she’s kind of matronly today, but I swear to god, back in high school her nickname was Easy Rider” -Michael
The only downside was Michael’s egregious behavior. Seems like Jan would have been with him to provide some sort of levity, and I am not sure why they had him revert back to the invasive, socially unaware hethen. I mean, he never stopped being that, but recently he seemed deterred from last nights brand of behavior. It was kind of distracting, which I guess is the point. But I had forgotten about it.
Recap of last night’s Survivor premiere later today.
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