The Office: 4x05

The Office
4x05
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And we're back to thirty minutes - which has its fair share of pluses and minuses. Plus: not filling in the gaps with Michael driving his car into a lake. Minus: thirty less minutes of funny and cuteness. Oh, well, whatever. As long as I can count on the constancy of my Thursday night, as long as I know it's going to be there for me, I'll take what I can get. (Sorry, was discussing with a friend, how TV is a source of comfort when everything else is haywire in life - moving, job searching, etc.)

Tonight was all about ensemble...

And I loved it. When they stay on site, all together, it reminds me of season 1 and 2. Less bells and whistles (not that I don' t love the occasional bell or whistle) and moments with Cousin Mose, but the idea of that group trapped in an enclosed space, for an unknown amount of time... pure comedy. And in honor of that, tonight's breakdown is by character...

Michael: Such dedication. He can be laughable, sure, but that ad was pretty dang good! I mean, come one, Chariots of Fire?! Awesome. Michael broke out of his creative lock box. He used the talents of his workers. He visualized the unicorn. It's inspiring, really. Look for Mike's Cereal Shack in a city near you.

Andy: KIT KAT BAR!! Come, on! (Though I do like "football cream.") And I'm sorry, what he and Angela were doing is called "facing." I have this on good authority from a friend. Apparently there are by-laws to facing, and I think "cheeking the earlobe," crosses the boundaries of decency. Also love that Nard Dawg has NO clue what is going on with Dwight.

Dwight: Heh. "Oooooh, D." And, I'm sorry, but his second lifer can fly? Saving the masses from overpriced paper. Plus, his life was so good, his second life had a second life. Who can top that?

Jim: I, like Pam, want a Philly Jim. Too cute. Plus, bringing in breakfast, proud boyfriend smile at Pam's animation, followed immediately by protective/jealous boyfriend arm around the shoulders... always a win. Even if he did have to catch a ride home with Meredith. Guess he pissed... (P.S. Let's not give Jim and Pam any issues yet, everyone - this is normal. People work late.)

Pam: I loved focused, artistic Pam, falling asleep in the office, but having to decide if sleeping in the same place as Dwight and Michael was better or worse than falling asleep at the wheel and dying in a fiery car crash. P.S. I need Pam to clear my phone lines.

Darryl: The song was fantastic. And the backup singers - even better! Hysterical. Why did I feel like I was watching Cheers?

Phyllis: I want to see the outtakes on that crying scene.

Angela: Who doesn't hate being titillated? Yeah, I need outtakes on that, too.

Dunder-Mifflin.
The people-person's, paper people.

The Office: 4x04

The Office

4x04
Money

I loved this episode. I know there's some debate going on about it being too dramatic, but honestly, Booze Cruise had its moments - and so does life. And I think they did a good job of interspersing the heartfelt with the funny. So much goodness.

I wouldn't wish that on my worst ememy...

Jim and Dwight are fantastic together. Yes, it's funnier when they're annoying each other and playing pranks, but I like getting a glimpse into the inner workings of their "friendship." The beet farm was funny - Dwight reading the bed time story, while Mose rocked on the bed. But more than that, I loved seeing Jim and Pam take care of Dwight while he dealt with his break up. And I adored Jim's confession (and personal revelation) that brought Dwight around. I was also a fan of the moaning and the crying in the stairwell - reaching out for Jim, but finding him gone was a great touch. I think my favorite thing is that "normal" for those two, is Dwight being hard to get along with and pushing Jim's stuff off his desk. Victory.

And speaking of Italian food...

Seriously, anyone who says that getting the couple together on a TV show doesn't work, needs to watch The Office. I swear, every week I think I'm going to die from the cuteness that is Jim and Pam. Really. I can't handle it. I mean, let's roll call the moments of the week: the look on Jim's face when he realizes Pam is booking them a room at Schrute Farms, Jim's "manure speech" about how he imagined his first night away with Pam, Harry Potter story time cuddling, the glimpse into their room where we can see the beds pushed together, the Trip Advisor review, and of course, the kiss and subsequent Italian food talking heads. *sigh* John Krasinski is really blowing it for the male population out there, making women think that Jims actually exist in the wild.

Notables and Quotables...

1. The Devil Wears Prada/Million Dollar Baby cold open with Michael and Pam.

2. Schrute Farms. From Jim's discovery of its existence, to Cousin Mose running alongside the car, using the outhouse and just... running. Everywhere. I love Mose. I feel like I learned so much about agrotourism tonight. And really hate I can't stay at the asparagus farm.

3. Darryl. Just... so funny.

4. Michael having actual friends who like him at his other job.

5. Power Point! Power Point!

6. The conference room scene! Whomever/whoever. You know that discussion had to have gone down in the writer's room. So good.

7. Andy's moonwalking moves - even though we didn't actually see them, I like to imagine that's why he was standing spread eagle at Pam's desk - his legs were tired.

8. Michael's runaway train (never goin' back).

The Office: 4x02

The Office
4x02
Dunder Mifflin Infinity

*eye blink*

Um...

*eye blink*

I take issue with this week's episode. Maybe it's because the premiere was so fantastic, but Thursday night was - dare I say it - disappointing. The first half hour was fine, but the second was just... off. For as much as there was to love, there was just as much to... not... love.

Jim and Pam were fantastic. Loved the break room kiss and Toby's jealous memo and subsequent unwillingness to let them sign a "love contract." Michael's, "day that will live in infamy" and Angela and Phyllis's comments were funny (Phyllis is hardcore), as was the interchange between PB&J about the magic being gone. They're officially the cutest thing I've ever seen - no doubt. OH! And how much did I love JK's face after Ryan tried to hit on Pam. "I guess he can't get ANY girl he wants." Thankyouverymuch.

And sadly, as much as I love this show, and as much as I know it's NOT all about Jim and Pam - they were the best part of this episode for me. Honorable mentions:

Dwangela. I'm interested in the direction of the relationship now - whether or not they'll overcome the death of Sprinkles. Some very funny stuff between the two of them, not to mention Dwight breaking into tears in the car with Michael...

Kelly. "I'm pregnant." So funny. So delusional and sad... but so funny.

But then, there was the second half hour. Goodie baskets and driving into a lake and yelling at clients... I just... I wasn't feeling it. And for some reason, the lack of "feeling it" for this show, is a huge loss for me. Like some sort of gap in the universe of funny. I still trust the writers and the show - one episode doesn't do me in - I just hated feeling this way after such a strong opening.

Still, I fully expect to see Ryan fall flat on his smug, little face. And I can't wait for that.

The Office: 4x01

The Office
4x01
Fun Run

Yes. Yes, it was very fun. Like, the most fun I've had in AGES. And because I'm feeling slightly warm and tingly all over, I have to start... yeah, you know where.

It's more than just "a date," it's DATING!

I'm not sure there's anything more perfect than the Jim and Pam I saw in this episode - and I can't be the only one. Surely, Greg Daniels will fall asleep to the screams of fangirls from across the nation tonight. And being one of them, I refuse to think about obligatory bumps in the road, and instead, choose to relish tonight for what it was... From Kevin's investigation and the covert kiss in the car (ohmygodtheykissedforreal), to the camera crew calling them out, Pam's confession and Jim's blushing (why is he THE cutest thing I've ever seen), to her checking him out from her perch at reception and the looks and the jokes and the hand-holding (oh my word, the hand-holding), to the overall and in general feeling that I might die from their sheer cuteness... it was just... amazing. And yes, I am a female and therefore allowed to think all those things without judgement. And then to rewind. And rewind. And rewind. See, I could have written a whole blog, complete with pictures, on this subject, but I condensed it to a paragraph, because I know there is more to The Office and its brilliance than Jim and Pam... (even though I feel they are a very import part, let's say, "the heart," of the show.) *ahem* And now I need new screencaps.

I was laughing less than 60 seconds into this episode, always a good sign.

1. Let's begin with Jan, passed out in the bed, followed immediately by Michael, hitting Meredith with his car because he was being, in his own words, "negligent."

2. Kevin, the investigative reporter, who's not quite as good as the documentary team.

3. D, Monkey and the Sprinkles instructions/situation. Nevermind, Angela's black suit of mourning, black running ensemble and fury at Dwight, including pushing him into office furniture. Oh yeah, and Dwight's farming principles. In his defense, how was Dwight to know Sprinkles wouldn't get into Cat Heaven?

4. Michael's religious icon. Hysterical. I really had issues breathing during this part. (Sidenote to the writers: Presbyterian is not a religion. It's a denomination of the Christian religion. Not to be picky, but... I'm just sayin'.) And I'm sorry, but why was the tech guy still there? Working out the porn situation?

5. Dwight discussing "putting farm animals out of their misery" while visiting Meredith. And why has she been bitten by so many rodents?

6. Michael's attempt to lessen his attempt on Meredith's life, by focusing on Dwight's. From last season.

7. Andy's nipple chaffing. Disgusting, disturbing... and somehow, hilarious.

8. The couple of kittens. Out on the town.

9. Angela's relationship discussion with Pam. LOVE that she doesn't even hide it from Pam anymore. Also love how disgusted she is by Pam's being a "dog person."

10. The giant check, bat birth control, Rabies doctor and fake nurse.

11. Oh. My. God. Pam seeing Michael's "dangling participle." And the conversation/talking heads that followed, re: European Offices... it's just not fair to people with Rabies.

12. Creed's age. Heh. Wonder what benefits he's getting from that.

13. Toby stretching, while Michael carbo-loads. P.S. Who gave Dwight a gun?

14. Stanley, Creed and Oscar at the bar.

15. Michael and Meredith in the hospital. Sharing lollipops.

*Quotes to follow tomorrow. I'm only half-way through... these hour longs are gonna kill me.

The Office: 3x23

The Office

3x23
The Job
SEASON 3 FINALE

"It's a date."

One we have to wait FOUR months for! Holy. Crap. So... I can't say this was the funniest episode of the season (not that that's EVEN the point right now), but as usual, by tomorrow afternoon, I'll be laughing at things I never noticed tonight. Best thing, bar none, about The Office - it gets better with time! Good stuff friends, good stuff. Still, I realize a lot of other things happened besides the last talking head...

And I'll try (won't promise) to focus...

1. The cold open was really funny. Should've known Michael would get the day wrong, but you gotta love his confidence!

2. Dwight. I think, if you go back to my Safety Training blog, I mention how, "Dwight and Andy are SO going to love one another." And here we have them, painting the town - or the office - black in the season finale. Not sure it was all about love, what with Andy cleaning out Dwight's cup, but it was funny to watch. Especially the "interview."

3. Creed.

4. I don't even know WHAT to say about Jan. The boobs. The boobs. God, the boobs. The meltdown was sort of, tragically funny. I mean, my word, what is with that woman? And they've definitely created an interesting dynamic for next season. Michael looked super excited about Jan waiting at home for him in her stretch pants... wow. And props to all the smart speculators over at Office Tally. That's where I first heard rumbles that the "big" thing between Michael and Jan was her boob job. I should have figured the episode title had a little extra meaning.

5. RYAN? What? Sorta shocking. I'd love a count on the number of times this season someone has mentioned that the kid's made NO sales. Interesting. I saw a theory from someone who thinks it's possible Ryan got A corporate job, not THE corporate job. Who knows. Wallace said he was interviewing "low level" people, so maybe Ryan's MBA made up for his sales record. And I'm thinking Kelly won't take this break-up lying down.

6. Kevin and his "list."

7. Meredith wanting Jim to "turn around" and show off his sexy, hot haircut.

8. The Jim/Dwight Hell dream.

9. Pam's secret job in Dwight's regime.

Jim and Karen...

It must be discussed (and I never really have before, so this could be lengthy). The minute he came in with the haircut, I knew it was Karen's idea... as I'm sure almost everyone did. She's competing with something she can't understand and the reaction is to hold on tight... I think we all (at least I do) get that feeling, and the night in New York, the overcompensating, the conversation about moving together... were all her way of laying it out on the table. Interesting, though, how Jim never really answered her questions... As for Karen's "sudden" bitchiness toward Pam - I think it was natural, considering what happened at the beach, and she's taking every opportunity to get Jim out of Scranton, where she knows they can't co-exist with Pam. It pained me to watch them flit around New York, because it shows they do have a connection. Still, it all seemed so unnatural. So non-Office. But I think that was kind of the point. We needed a visual reminder of who Jim is, opposed to who she's wanting him to be. It makes me a little sad for Karen, because even though I never wanted them together, she is a great girl... just not for our Tuna. I honestly never really believed she knew the same Jim we do, and that's not her fault. (On a side note: did anyone else ever find her a bit dismissive of his feelings? Deflecting Jim's concerns over Dwight, telling him he has homeless hair, talking down to him as "Adult Jim," etc?) Overall point? If you have to change someone to be with them, probably not gonna work. Still, I do hope we find out what went down between the two of them come season premiere time... did they actually break up? (Obviously the did.) Do we get to see how it happened? What did he tell her?

PAM: The lady gets her own section tonight!

When our girl makes a decision, she's all in (just like Luke, *sniff*). And I'm love, love, LOVING it. No qualms discussing Jim, her feelings or standing up for herself - even if it's a little bitchy - to Karen. And it's not like Karen wasn't a little witchy herself (and I get it, I'd have been in protect mode, too, if the girl for my boyfriend, laid it all out there). Still, I was actually rooting for Pam in the Karen scene. Yeah, the beach wasn't her best choice in timing, but backing down would have taken away from it. She's sticking to her guns, making her desires known... and hey, that's what we've been waiting for all along, right? Best part... she's most concerned about Jim's happiness, not hers. Well, I mean, we all know she wants him and loves him (I'm sorry, even if we don't hear it 'til the last episode, she does. Did you see the look on her face at the end when she said, "Everybody loves him..."? MmmHmm. Pam loves him.) but she's trying to be okay if it doesn't go her way, 'cause she just wants him to be happy. Cliches and all. And lucky for her (and us), looks like they might finally have the timing right... *grin*

And speaking of good timing...

Wow, wow, wow, wow. I'm not gonna lie, when they showed Jim and Karen all cutesy in NYC, I got a little nervous. I should have known they'd take it down to the wire, but I was at a friend's house and we kept looking at each other during commercials saying, "What the crap is gonna happen?" Then... everything happened!

To start, I was just SO happy to see Jim and Pam smiling at each other during the haircut exchange and laughing in their way over Jan's "growth" later on. It's always been the little things with those two and tonight we FINALLY saw it returning again. I think one of the best scenes was Jim, alone in the corporate lobby, hearing someone else answer the Dunder-Mifflin phone. He gave up on New York a little, then.

And then, there's the note. Herein lies the beauty of Jim and Pam. She's supporting him and, at the same time, promising she remembers everything, and she just... knows. The yogurt lid from Office Olympics was a perfect choice. Loved it. And someone was hitting us hard with the symbolism when David asked Jim where he saw himself in 10 years and it cut to Jim and Pam at the beach. I'm a fan of that scene, her asking him to finally come back. What am I saying, I'm a fan of the last 10 minutes in general!

And then there's the talking head at the end... wow. So, Jim's obviously made a choice. (A good one, I think.) And Jenna was fantastic, the tears in her eyes and the goofy smile on her face. My friend and I both screamed, "WHAT!" And immediately rewound it to watch again. I think we ended up with the goofy smiles and the choked up feeling, just like Pam. So, so good.

Who knows what we'll pick up with in September. It makes sense to me (and this is just me), that after everything they've been through, whatever state Jim and Pam are in at the beginning of the year, they'll be taking it slow. I hope they are... I want to see some Season 2, flirty love. And it really doesn't seem realistic that they'd jump right into this thing. They have lots to sort out, lots to talk about (I'm still waiting on a good fight, honestly), but I'm okay with that. I'm okay with slow...

Because they finally got the timing right!

Gilmore Girls: A Tribute

I'll miss my girls.

Warning: Lots of Gilmore, lots of silliness... just me remembering a favorite, so if you aren't a fan, you'll probably just want to pass this post by...

Yes, it's corny. Yes, my husband is sitting here, making fun of me with comments like, "I know this is gonna take a lot out of you. Dig deep." Yes, it's just a TV show. But still...

I can't believe it'll all be over in less than two hours. Seriously, I get way too attached to things and my shows are no exception. And this one's been around for a while. Seven years. I've been a fan of this show for SEVEN years... and that's longer than I've known my husband, so he can kiss it!

When I first found Gilmore Girls, I was completely enamored. And for quite a while, it occupied the number one spot on my favorite shows list. Inevitably, it let me down, went ways I didn't like and made me want to run from the room screaming... but it also gave me tons of laughs, lots of heart and even a few tears now and then. I LOVE this show, cracks, faults and all, and I'll miss it terribly. I'm not sure the finale will do it justice, considering the last two seasons, but if I feel like everyone's okay and where they should be, I'll take it.

Lorelai,

You are, quite possibly, one of my favorite female characters ever. Strong, funny and full of imagination. Yeah, you made a few not-so-great, slightly out of character, choices along the way (*cough*Christopher Season6and7*cough*), but I think you're gonna pull through in the end - and that's why I love you. I'll miss your quippy, pop-culture self and every love-hate fight with Emily, but most of all, I'll miss seeing you with Rory and Luke every week. However, in my little corner of the world, you'll be working the Dragonfly with Sookie 20 years from now, talking on the phone with Rory, and going home to Luke's Diner every night, so... what am I getting all worked up over?

Rory,

What can I say, kid? You've got a really cool mom, you went to Chilton and Yale... I feel like I've watched you grow up and now I'm a little jealous of your "wide-open" life, but you deserve it. I'm proud of you. I hate we won't see you take over the world, because it's been a long road. You made some mistakes - dropping out for a semester, living with your grandparents... plus I wasn't exactly behind your whole sleeping with a married guy thing, and it was probably a big bad to break up with Jess (or am I just projecting my Milo love on Alexis?), but then you had Logan, and well, I think he was my favorite. Alas, one day, big shot reporter Rory will find herself a guy worthy of a Gilmore Girl... I hate I won't be there for family dinners when you take him home to meet Luke and your mom.

Luke and Lorelai,

Thank god you're cutting the crap. I don't expect anymore screw ups, so I feel okay leaving you tonight. Still... there's no other couple like you; the words "made for each other" come to mind. I'll miss all the banter-laden, flirty love... alas, now I have Jim and Pam to tear my heart out. *sigh* All the good ones do.

Emily and Richard,

You seriously make me laugh. Constantly. You also have the tendency to really piss me off, but generally, it's been a joy. And hey, I even wanted to hit up Friday night dinner sometimes, just to see what went down! That's power. Who will I count on for my weekly dose of guilt and manipulation? Wait, that's right, Nora Walker covers both nicely and when it comes to manipulation, there's always LOST and Heroes. Still, Sylar and Locke have nothing on you two when it comes to getting your way...

Sookie, Michel, Lane, Paris, Jackson, Kirk, Taylor, Miss Patty, Babette, Gypsy and the rest of the Stars Hollow Characters,

You made me laugh, every time you graced the screen. Mainly Michel, because I love a smart ass, but you were all priceless assets in my enjoyment of this show. I fully expect to see Kirk on a reality show someday...

God, I'm getting a little nostalgic, so I'll leave the last word to my husband, "Gilmore Girls: They talked fast. Sometimes... the French guy was funny."

You'll never know how hard it was for him to admit that...

The Office: 3x22

The Office
3x22
Beach Games

Holy. Hell.

I just... that was... wow!

I'm gonna geek out here for a minute (or half an hour, or until next Thursday) and admit how completely and totally nervous I was during this entire episode. Not kidding. Like butterflies bangin' around in my stomach, just waiting to see if the Promo Gods were leading me astray. And holy crap they weren't! I mean, I expected something to happen, don't know what, thought of various scenarios involving Pam coming clean somehow... but to see it actually happen?

Well, as Jim would say... WOW.

Back to that in a moment. For now, I promise to focus (for a couple of seconds) on the rest of the episode because it was, in a word, amazing. And not just because of Pam and the sweeps play. (Prepare yourself for a long one tonight...)

Seriously funny stuff went down...

1. Michael and his 40 illnesses a year. Good to know he does NOT have eggs, but has possibly eaten animal waste. And really, who wouldn't promote a person to corporate who, "gots to get their freak on?"

2. Meredith and her "bathing suit."

3. Poor Toby, being forced to stay behind... all he wanted was to see Pam in a two piece!

4. Song time on the bus. "And the night got deathly quiet..." Did you notice Michael's operatic version of the song? Funniest part of the scene.

5. Funtivities. All of them. Dwight and Ryan in the egg race. Mush! Mush! Every sumo match... but especially Jim's TH after he was attacked by Stanley. Dwight coal-crawling.

6. Michael's TH descriptions of Jim, Dwight, Stanley and Andy. Jim's not a hard worker, Dwight's an idiot, Stanley's done good for America and Andy is not to be trusted. Good stock to choose from for the next Regional Manager.

7. Two words. HARRY. POTTER. I'll solidify my nerdiness and say, I loved every minute, of every Harry Potter reference...

8. Angela and Dwight's clandestine meeting in the weeds, and her subsequent revenge in letting Andy float away. I think I laughed most during Michael's TH where Andy was in the background.

9. Creed and the fish. I mean, come on!

10. Oscar trying girls for a while because Angela thinks he can switch...

11. Bob Hope and Amanda Bynes.

And now, for the intrigue...
If Michael had asked me to choose a name for my team tonight, I'd have gone with TEAM PAM! I loved watching Jenna in this ep. Pam is coming out of her shell and you could see her filing away every moment that Michael held her back, or she saw Jim and Karen together, until she just... blew! And no, I don't think her venting session was out of character, considering the situation. Everyone reaches a boiling point sometimes, and this was hers. She walked on the coals, proved a point to herself (the most important kind); there was an adrenaline rush and things got said. She's tried to talk to Jim several times this season and she finally had an audience with him... so what if everyone else happened to be in the circle. It's one of those moments in life when we do something unexpected, and it's exhilarating and freeing and we're so glad we did it - even when we wake up the next morning petrified and completely embarrassed.

And can I just say... Jim's face was priceless. I can't wait to see what he has to say about this, especially with a new job opportunity looming above him. Maybe, maybe, he'll start to understand a little of how Pam felt last year when he sprung his feelings on her. Maybe he'll break up with Karen. Maybe he won't. Maybe he'll choose himself (lame)... whatever the case, next week should be interesting.

That said, I don't know that Jim and Pam will "get together" at this point. It seems rushed and fast and not on point if they do (feel free to prove me wrong, though, Greg). Pam's focus tonight was missing Jim and their friendship. OBVIOUSLY, they have feelings for one another, but I think what we'll see next year, is a return to season 2 Jim and Pam.

Still, this shooting two endings thing is making me crazy, so seriously, let's talk options:

1. Jim goes to NYC. This works on... yeah... NO levels. He has to be in Scranton. Seriously, I'd be pissed if they gave him a new job two years in a row. It doesn't work.

2. Jim and Karen break up, she leaves Scranton. The Jim and Pam door is wide open.

3. Karen gets the job in New York. She and Jim try long distance, but it's shaky with Jim and Pam on the road toward one another again.

But hey, what do I know, Jim and Pam could be making out at the closing credits again this year... and I'd be perfectly happy with that. All I know, is they have to give us something... or it's possible there will be a fan uprising.

And let's not forget, something big happens for Jan and Michael next week, too... and apparently the key word is "big." I have no clue where to go with that... or the fact that Michael's up for a job at corporate?!

It's gonna be a very tense (read: impatient) week for me.

(Here's a link to the new, "we can't show you anything from the finale," promo: http://video.dotcomedy.com/player/?id=103071)

The Office: 3x21

The Office
3x21
Women's Appreciation

Wow... just... wow.

A+++

I don't even know where to begin. From the cold open to closing credits... completely hysterical. It should be some sort of Office rule that every show start and end with a Jim/Dwight scene... you really just can't go wrong there.

I am saying a lot of things...

1. Michael, Michael, Michael. The man carries so many emotions on his sleeve. He went from putting his hand down his pants (hilarious), to crying in the food court. It's possible he tended toward slightly over the top, but Steve can carry just about any level of ridiculousness and make it believable. Jan... well, she's got some issues. Wow... But what's their status now? Jan walked in after Michael broke up with her over the phone, heard the message and left... now what?

2. I can't even deal with Dwight and his menstruation and calendars and bananas and sexual predator search. Give the man a cause to oversee and I'm on board. Plus, when Andy got involved, realized who the drawing was of and offered to hang the fliers around his neighborhood... ha! I sense this will be the foundation of their relationship as frienemies.

3. The mall. Meredith parking, Kelly darting into VS and dancing to Michael's ring tone. Michael wanting to buy Angela a "fresh pair of underwear." Angela at the American Girl Store with her large colonial doll clothing... all classic. Plus, the entire food court scene was priceless. Looks like we have a few "issues" coming into play between Pam and Karen (more below) - and I like it.

4. The guys camped out in the women's bathroom. Kevin has a fantasy, so screw the locker room and hit the bathroom. He went in... and they're all glad he did. Well, except for Creed.

The pointy, pointy triangle...
Wow. So there was no real interaction between them, but there were plenty of moments to ponder... and I think a lot of it rests of Karen's facial expressions during their trip to the mall (seems she's not exactly secure in her relationship). Add in Fancy New Beesly's "don't back down" attitude, and you could have imagined yourself watching a showdown.

Pam's been very nice to Karen and vice versa. I think they genuinely do - or would - like each other, but there's a little something in the way... something that looks a bit like Jim. So yeah, it was a bit passive-aggressive, but there were a consistent number of silent and verbal (shrouded in Michael) challenges between them tonight. I think it's safe to assume Pam meant Karen isn't right for Jim and, on the other end, Karen wanted to make it known that Pam was just a "rough patch" between them. Lots of looks folks, lots of tension floating around. It's 'gon be zoppity.

I'm all about self-sufficient Pam. Changing tires (you know Jim would have loved that smudge on her forehead) and getting on the elevator with the guy you want and the girl he's dating! It's called taking control... and I like it! Seems like Jim might be noticing, too. He was impressed enough with her solo prank on Dwight, he couldn't help but add a twist to the end.

Sometimes you can't help but want to go back.

Whatever will happen next?

Ladies, take your corners.

The Office: 3x19

The Office

3x19
Safety Training

I'm unshunning you to write this blog.

Does everyone have a long-sleeved tee or a shawl to wear while they read?

Good, solid episode. Nowhere near as laugh-out-loud funny as last week. At least not for me, but seriously, last week was amazing.

Still, it's The Office, which means tons of memorable, quotable, moments.

I loved...

1. Dwight and Andy cheering about the baler's crushing abilities. They're so gonna love each other.

2. The betting. (Which served quite well in reminding us how little Karen knows about the people around her and the place she's working.) The Kelly bet was awesome. I mean, come on, everyone timing her and throwing money on the desk - while she remains completely oblivious. Fantastic. Of course, Creed and his potato apple were pretty classic. One question... since when is Ryan forehead-kissing sweet? Whatever. I'm lovin' all the face time for him and Kelly.

3. Michael and Dwight's "performance."

4. Darryl talking Michael down from the roof. It's hard to completely obliterate someone's personality and have them thank you for it. Kudos.

I can't NOT talk about them.

Kevin: That is not fair. He has spent hours up here at reception with you. Hours. And hours.
Jim: Okay. Okay.
Kevin: No, constantly, like, for years.
Jim: Okay.

Thank God Kevin remembers how much time Jim used to spend at Reception. (Ha!) Don't think we've forgotten about Jim and Pam just because you threw us a bone and had them slightly "friendly" tonight. Friendly is not good enough. Friendly is NOT fighting it out. (Which, by the way, they should so do. Pam needs to yell.) Friendly is not making out. You see where I'm going with this, right? Move. Forward.

Now.

I saw an interview with BJ, where he said it might seem like they've dropped the Jim/Pam thing for a while, but they most definitely haven't. They know how important it is, everyone's aware of it's impact, etc.

I just like to remind myself of that every now and then.

Must go. You guys watch out for carpal tunnel this week.

P.S. (Please tell me that wasn't Nickelback in the Heroes commercial.)

Shun.

The Office: 3x18

The Office
3x18
The Negotiation

Let's get the basics out of the way.
Or: Things you should know about me and The Office.

1. This show sort of owns me. Just a little. As I told my friend (hereafter known as ANT), today, I'm waaaaaaay too invested in this show. Then again, she calls me with rants and raves on it as much as I call her, so I'm obviously not alone.
2. I like to quote it. A lot.
3. I love that there's something to love about every single character on this show. If I had room, or thought you cared, I'd list my thoughts on each one. I'll spare you.
4. Dwight and Jim - nothing makes me laugh more.
5. Jim and Pam... *sigh* Just make out already.

And now, on with the show!
Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for the length of this entry. I've gone 6 weeks with out a new episode.
Last time, on The Office: Dwight and Michael were inappropriate (but not moreso than "take me in the bathroom" Jan) at a party. (Shocker!) Pam was not kidding you, Roy, when she confessed her Casino Night Kiss and left you with murderous slander on your tongue.

Fade to black; begin hiatus.
Six Weeks.
Six.
Weeks.
We were richly rewarded for our patience.

Let's talk about the funny.
Or: Things you can learn from the Dunder-Mifflinites.
1. Dwight saving Jim is hot. Just ask Angela. Again and again and again. I'm sorry, but her conversation with Karen was the funniest. Hands on her neck, gasping, "And then..."

2. Michael has mad negotiation skills. Especially when it comes to whispering. Steve's facial expressions kill me.

3. Michael and Toby. I really don't think I have to say anything else.

4. Kelly and Ryan. I don't even know where to begin. I think I was laughing too hard to hear the fighting, but I loved Toby's feeble attempts to stop them. And the making out during Toby's TH was classic. But Ryan, are you afraid of the dark? Here we have the Kelly/Ryan dynamic. Props to Mindy. That girl cracks me up.

5. Sometimes the best way to say thank you, is to make a classic Jim face and never, ever speak about the image of Dwight and Angela kissing. To anyone.

6. Creed. The end.

And onto the drama!

I'll admit, I was excited (maybe even clapping my hands a little, as I settled into my Papisan chair to watch) about the resolution of Roy's, "I am gonna kill Jim Halpert!" I saw the Yahoo! preview clips last week when there were still three posted, so I knew about Dwight's mace attack, but what had me on the edge of my seat, was the thought of the fallout. Jim, Pam, Roy and Karen style.

After watching tonight, I'm convinced, the real explosion is yet to come. And I'm thinking, when it does, it's gonna look like Pam. Not Roy. But that's speculation for later.

1. I loved Jim's look to Pam when Roy barged in at the beginning. He knew. Just a little promise to us all that he hasn't forgotten.

2. It hurt me to watch the Jim/Pam scene in the break room, but I get it. If he doesn't shut her out, the only option is to let her in (we know he wants to)... but he needs to see some action from her first. Yeah, he was sort of harsh, but if he doesn't expect the worst at this point, he's set up to hope for the best - and so far, hope's kicked him in the butt with a broken heart.

3. I was proud of Pam for telling Jim it was a mistake to get back with Roy. It's her first step toward telling him the whole truth.

4. Are we supposed to assume that Jim told Karen about Pam being engaged when he kissed her? Because I've never heard that info revealed to Karen. Maybe that's why the five nights of conversation were so intense... but honestly, if Karen knew Pam was engaged at the time, wouldn't we have heard about it?

5. Um, hello, understanding!Roy. Where did he come from? He's cheering her and Jim on now? It seemed a little bit out of left field at first, but you know, for Pam to have been with Roy in the first place, he had to be a good guy. And I think he's proven he is. He loves Pam, he's been with her for 10 years. For better or worse, he knows her best. And I think he spoke for us all when he said, "I don't get you, Pam."

But I believe we're about to.

Drama, drama, drama. Yes, I've heard the complaints about the Jim/Pam saga being too dramatic for the show, but come on, things like that are dramatic. And our boys and girls do a fantastic job of coupling it with humor. I'm not disappointed. At all.

And last, but not least, I KNOW Krasinski is doing a movie, but come on with the hair!!