Well folks, it's happened. The hour long episodes have ended. I am really kind of bummed about it. The half-hours don't feel long enough! Oh well, not much we can do about it.
Last night's episode, Local Ad, was actually surprisingly funny. It felt different that the traditional office episodes, and I'm not sure I'd want it every week, but it was pretty good.
Initial Grade: 8/10
I'll do my review character by character this time.
Andy: not remembering the Kit-Kat commcerical was priceless. 'Football Cream.' Yes, that makes perfect sense. Fancy Feast is even better. XD Nard-dog was kind of annoying, not really that funny. This weird necking business makes me laugh so much though. "It's hot, I'll admit, but it's a little weird." But the adorableness of Andy was worn off. He's not adorable. He's annoying again. He's trying too hard with Angela. That business of making her play Sue Graftin made me roll my eyes. But that's okay. I'm way more comfortable with loving Dwight and finding Andy annoying. It's like the good ol' days. I kind of wish he'd lay off Dwight though. Hehe, 'Dee' AnDEE, or D-wight? Lol, he'll never know. ^^
Stanley: His usual self. Funny, likeable. Still, I can't help but wonder what's going to happen next week. :0
Phyllis: Okay, I really don't like Phyllis' character this season, but in this episode she was actually funny. It was weirdly funny to see her get so excited about something. Her face and her voice reminded me of something, but in the interest of sparing the real Phyllis, I wont say what. Besides, I'm not sure I can quite place my finger on it anyway. Also, there is something twisted inside of me that secretly was tickled by Phyllis' crying. Evil, I know. Except it didnt really look like she was crying. Whatever.
Meredith: Meredith!!! In all reality, this is not a good Meredith episode. She has virtually nothing to say. But she earn's a 8/10 just for that sheer hilarity in the one single line: 'Piss or get off the pot!'
Creed: Zero lines except for his 'She's hot' or whatever he says in response to Andy. Sadness. I want more Creed. I did like that he stole Pam's hashbrowns though. ^^ hehe.
Kevin: His reaction to Oscar being nominated by Michael for playing 'Mama Bear' is soo funny. ^^ It reminded me of why I love Kevin. OH MY GOSH! Kevin's 'kool-aid man' face almost made me wet my pants. It was brilliant! Only Brian Baumgartner could pull off a face like that. Great Kevin moments in this episode. When he tried to give Phyllis a piece of tape in lieu of a tissue, *snickers* very good.
Oscar: Not much Oscar stuff in this episode. Vaguely disappointing on the second watch, the first time around I didn't really notice.
Kelly: Wow, a really kelly-less episode. She said absolutely nothing! She did seem pretty happy about getting to do makeup though.
Toby: Barely any - if any - Toby! This has happened a couple of times this season. But that's alright. I'm not heartbroken about it.
Derryl: Nice voice, Derryl! Wow, I'm surprised. His keyboarding is awesome. And though if I heard it out of context as if it were a real ad I probably wouldn't like his jig, I think it's some pretty good composing. The lyrics are funny, I want to memorize them. Don't be surprised if I do. The only way I get through the week is rewatching. 'Dunder Miffling: The People-Person's Paper People'
Angela: Lots of referring to Angela, very little actual Angela-acting! This was supremely disappointing as I've gotten used to the Angela-heavy episodes. I still really wish she'd get back together with Dwight.
Dwight: Dwight and Second Life. Genious. Also, heartbreaking. It would make sense that Dwight would be into something like that. I want to know if SL paid NBC to include them, or the more likely scenario, they just thought it would be funny to have Dwight playing it. Poor Dwight though, forced to listen to Andy. Bad timing for becoming Andy's friend, mate. A good agonizing moment is when Dwight's leaning against the vending machine, listening to Andy's blabber and he sighs 'Andy, I can't hear this right now.' My heart broke for him - again - for the billionth time this season. But then he got almost euphoric when he heard Angela called Andy 'D' - meaning she's not over Dwight. It was so nice to see him happy.
Jim: Not much with Jim in the beginning. Kind of disappointing. His bit with Andy and the kit-kat jingle is funny, but other than that it's low key. Until - and here is where it gets truly funny - his bit with Pam and the Second Life avatar. So funny!! I do really like that Jim and Pam are still Dwight's allies, and that Jim's kind of taken it on himself to look out for Dwight. It was funny that he had to get a ride with Meredith, considering what happened with the cast.
Okay, so a good JAM moment = Jim brings her breakfast. ^^ cute.
Jim's kind of become quite the good guy, hasn't he? I mean, he always was, but in the last couple episodes he's been really good about stepping up when someone's on the verge of self-destruction. Him playing that copy of their ad because Michael was upset was kind of touching. Also kind of nice to see Jim get a teeny bit terratorial.
Pam: Pam acts a little more like the old pam in this one - a teeny bit unsure of herself, still adorable, and refreshingly familiar. I do like that she gets into her animation stuff so much. I get really into photomanipulation, so I totally get her when she says 'No talk, animating.' And 'Maybe, but it's not good enough for me yet.' But my favorite Pam moment of the whole episode was her clearing Michael's phone lines. 'Beep boop, boopoop, boop, beep,' that was golden!! It was unexpected and it felt like what I've been wanting from the premier, which is Pam-initiated wittiness. Awesome!
Michael: Couldn't talk when he was five. XD nice. Not much to say about Michael in this episode. He was not painful, nor overly funny. He was there, vaguely annoying as usual, but nothing shocked me. Could have ramped him up a little on something. After the last 4 episodes him having a mental breakdown about something (Rabies, technology, pizza coupons, money) this seemed really, really tame.
Other: You know, I don't like the ad company's commerical. It's really hokey. If it came on television, I'd switch the channel. Just so you know, I only switch the channel on annoying commericial's, like Head On and such. I definitely would watch Michael's commerical though, over and over. Heh, it's actually really funny.
Ryan's secretary! Where'd she come from? Anyway, she kind of looks like this girl my friend dated once or twice.
I love David Wallace. Hehe, he doesn't react in big ways to Michael. "This is weird."
Friday, October 26, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Money Deleted Scenes
The deleted scenes for Money are up and they are great. Well...one is blah.
Two is hilarious. I wish they would have kept it in. Go watch it if you haven't already. http://www.nbc.com/The_Office
That was one thing I did want to see more of in this last episode was more Andy and Angela. They just had the small bit close to the end as a segue for the awesome Dwight/Jim moment.
Anyway, just thought I'd add that. I will sometime soon get to the rest of what I thought about Money, but this week is hectic so I make no promises.
EDIT:// Number 3 is up and it is awesome!! I wish they would have kept it in! It is exactly what I missed in the episode. I wanted more Mose and more of Shrute Farm. That was exactly what it was.
Plus the moment with Mose on the tramp tickles my JAM romance side because it makes them seem so parental. Especially Pam's response "Okay, Mose, we're watching." Just like two parents humoring an eager little kid. It reminded me of The Fire. Ask me why. I dare you.
Anyway...just thought I'd mention that. I love Mose. More Mose, please. Paul Liberstein (Toby) who wrote that episode - please ensure that Mose will feature again this season.
Two is hilarious. I wish they would have kept it in. Go watch it if you haven't already. http://www.nbc.com/The_Office
That was one thing I did want to see more of in this last episode was more Andy and Angela. They just had the small bit close to the end as a segue for the awesome Dwight/Jim moment.
Anyway, just thought I'd add that. I will sometime soon get to the rest of what I thought about Money, but this week is hectic so I make no promises.
EDIT:// Number 3 is up and it is awesome!! I wish they would have kept it in! It is exactly what I missed in the episode. I wanted more Mose and more of Shrute Farm. That was exactly what it was.
Plus the moment with Mose on the tramp tickles my JAM romance side because it makes them seem so parental. Especially Pam's response "Okay, Mose, we're watching." Just like two parents humoring an eager little kid. It reminded me of The Fire. Ask me why. I dare you.
Anyway...just thought I'd mention that. I love Mose. More Mose, please. Paul Liberstein (Toby) who wrote that episode - please ensure that Mose will feature again this season.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Facelift
The file got a facelift! Hooray! I like this layout better. It's not default. Hehehe.
...I didn't make the image up on top /entirely/. The flower, the dashed lines, the tape, and the spiral bindings were already there. The rest was me.
Anyway, I re-watched Money again today...of course. I have some more to say about it, but I'm hungry and have a headache from trying to figure out the new skin. I promise to do it either later tonight or tomorrow.
Funny how I convince myself there are actually people out there reading this. Ha. Ha. How I amuse myself.
...I didn't make the image up on top /entirely/. The flower, the dashed lines, the tape, and the spiral bindings were already there. The rest was me.
Anyway, I re-watched Money again today...of course. I have some more to say about it, but I'm hungry and have a headache from trying to figure out the new skin. I promise to do it either later tonight or tomorrow.
Funny how I convince myself there are actually people out there reading this. Ha. Ha. How I amuse myself.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Money
I know, I know, I never finished my analysis of Launch Party. The truth was it was getting too long and I'd watched that episode too many times.
This is a learning process for me. I've decided I'm not going to regurgitate all my thoughts, scene by scene, on you.
ANYWAY.
Tonight aired the much anticipated (for me anyway) Money episode.
Initial response: Vague disappointment.
Okay, so maybe I'll go a little more in depth when they put it online in the morning or I watch it on TiVo tomorrow, but for now let me see what I can remember.
The opener was lame. Sorry, but it was. It wasn't all that funny. Extremely, intolerably dumb after last week's brilliant cold open.
Good to see Jan (Melora) back for a bigger scene again. It was nice to have her there. The financial stuff with Michael was not really as funny as I expected. I had a moment in this episode that rarely ever happens. I felt pain for Michael, and not so much because of Michael. When he went to his second job I ached for him. When Jan thought he was at improv because he didn't want to tell her I felt so bad for him. And when the people at his work liked him more than his own employees, I wanted to hug him.
Poor Michael.
Okay, my biggest thing with the whole episode is the other story. First of all, I loved that Dwight tried to turn his beet farm into a B&B. When I read the summery a week before I got extremely excited. Mose was back! Yess! However, imagine my cruel disappointment when the scenes at the farm were barely part of it. They didn't last long. I expected over half of the episode to take place there. I expected obnoxious lovable Dwight antagonizing his guests with self-declared superiority.
Jim and Pam going there was something else I was excited about when I read the summery. I was thrilled, thinking there would be brilliant pranks played during the course of their stay as well as some truly adorable moments - considering this is the first date-like situation we see them in.
In the end, the scenes at the farm were minimul. Jim and Pam were neither hilarious nor cute (except the Harry Potter moment. Dwight was awesome, they were lovable, and Mose was Mose).
On a small tangent, the Angela+Andy subplot. Still awesome. Stupid, detestable Andy melted my heart again with that cat thing. I'm so glad Angela told him he could ask her out. In the end, she must end up with Dwight, but I want her to date Andy for a little bit.
Poor Kevin. I would have gone to his concert. Why did he leave his band anyway? I sensed bad blood between Scrantonicity one and two.
Okay, back to JimPamDwight. So I do like that Pam really rallies for Dwight. Poor guy. More than I ached for Michael, I hurt for Dwight. Dwight is my favorite character and it feels personal when he's depressed. I love Pam even more now for coming to Dwight's aid, even if he's not entirely aware of it. And one of my favorite scenes in the whole episode was Jim in the stairwell with Dwight. That little speech reminded me of why I love Jim and Dwight so much as a team. I'm sad they didn't write it so Jim stuck around for Dwight's one-armed hug. That was terrible. But they redeemed it with that long-awaited full-on lip-lock that Jim greets Pam with when he returns. Finally they give the viewers what we want. Until now they haven't been publicly demonstrative when it comes to their relationship. The quick kiss in the car in the premier was the closest we've come so far this season to a serious kiss. The peck on the cheek was friggin adorable, but not quite as satisfying as this.
Oh bother. I've gone and let myself get caught up in my whimsy girlish side. Yes, I love that Jim loves italian food and I loved that he said he loved italian food. And no, I don't mean actual italian food.
Anyway, the ending scene was completely and utterly lame. So was the week before. They really have to work on the closers.
Quite honestly, I was expecting some big revelation from Jan when she went after Michael. I mean, don't get me wrong, her little you-are-my-shoulder-to-cry-on confessional was sweet and reminded me that Jan isn't completely nuts, but her constant PMS'ing keeps me suspicious that Jan may be way in over her head. ...If you know what I mean. I expected some sort of confession to that end. But maybe that's a good thing that there wasn't. Maybe it isn't time yet. I still think they could take that plot and run far and long with it, but we'll see.
And if you can't figure out what I mean, I'm sorry. I know I'm being vague. But I don't want to just come out and say it yet. Give it time. It has to do with Jan. And Michael. And no, when I say in over her head I don't mean she wants to break up with him. Stupid as Michael is, I do not believe they will be breaking up any time soon ... if ever. So, sorry, you'll have to keep guessing as to what I was alluding to.
Anyway, I'm tired and donating blood today has made me lethargic. I will probably have more to say about the episode as I watch it over and over again until next week's new one, but until then let this suffice.
Overall initial rating: 7/10. It would have been a 6, except Mose was in there, which automatically raises it a point. ^^
This is a learning process for me. I've decided I'm not going to regurgitate all my thoughts, scene by scene, on you.
ANYWAY.
Tonight aired the much anticipated (for me anyway) Money episode.
Initial response: Vague disappointment.
Okay, so maybe I'll go a little more in depth when they put it online in the morning or I watch it on TiVo tomorrow, but for now let me see what I can remember.
The opener was lame. Sorry, but it was. It wasn't all that funny. Extremely, intolerably dumb after last week's brilliant cold open.
Good to see Jan (Melora) back for a bigger scene again. It was nice to have her there. The financial stuff with Michael was not really as funny as I expected. I had a moment in this episode that rarely ever happens. I felt pain for Michael, and not so much because of Michael. When he went to his second job I ached for him. When Jan thought he was at improv because he didn't want to tell her I felt so bad for him. And when the people at his work liked him more than his own employees, I wanted to hug him.
Poor Michael.
Okay, my biggest thing with the whole episode is the other story. First of all, I loved that Dwight tried to turn his beet farm into a B&B. When I read the summery a week before I got extremely excited. Mose was back! Yess! However, imagine my cruel disappointment when the scenes at the farm were barely part of it. They didn't last long. I expected over half of the episode to take place there. I expected obnoxious lovable Dwight antagonizing his guests with self-declared superiority.
Jim and Pam going there was something else I was excited about when I read the summery. I was thrilled, thinking there would be brilliant pranks played during the course of their stay as well as some truly adorable moments - considering this is the first date-like situation we see them in.
In the end, the scenes at the farm were minimul. Jim and Pam were neither hilarious nor cute (except the Harry Potter moment. Dwight was awesome, they were lovable, and Mose was Mose).
On a small tangent, the Angela+Andy subplot. Still awesome. Stupid, detestable Andy melted my heart again with that cat thing. I'm so glad Angela told him he could ask her out. In the end, she must end up with Dwight, but I want her to date Andy for a little bit.
Poor Kevin. I would have gone to his concert. Why did he leave his band anyway? I sensed bad blood between Scrantonicity one and two.
Okay, back to JimPamDwight. So I do like that Pam really rallies for Dwight. Poor guy. More than I ached for Michael, I hurt for Dwight. Dwight is my favorite character and it feels personal when he's depressed. I love Pam even more now for coming to Dwight's aid, even if he's not entirely aware of it. And one of my favorite scenes in the whole episode was Jim in the stairwell with Dwight. That little speech reminded me of why I love Jim and Dwight so much as a team. I'm sad they didn't write it so Jim stuck around for Dwight's one-armed hug. That was terrible. But they redeemed it with that long-awaited full-on lip-lock that Jim greets Pam with when he returns. Finally they give the viewers what we want. Until now they haven't been publicly demonstrative when it comes to their relationship. The quick kiss in the car in the premier was the closest we've come so far this season to a serious kiss. The peck on the cheek was friggin adorable, but not quite as satisfying as this.
Oh bother. I've gone and let myself get caught up in my whimsy girlish side. Yes, I love that Jim loves italian food and I loved that he said he loved italian food. And no, I don't mean actual italian food.
Anyway, the ending scene was completely and utterly lame. So was the week before. They really have to work on the closers.
Quite honestly, I was expecting some big revelation from Jan when she went after Michael. I mean, don't get me wrong, her little you-are-my-shoulder-to-cry-on confessional was sweet and reminded me that Jan isn't completely nuts, but her constant PMS'ing keeps me suspicious that Jan may be way in over her head. ...If you know what I mean. I expected some sort of confession to that end. But maybe that's a good thing that there wasn't. Maybe it isn't time yet. I still think they could take that plot and run far and long with it, but we'll see.
And if you can't figure out what I mean, I'm sorry. I know I'm being vague. But I don't want to just come out and say it yet. Give it time. It has to do with Jan. And Michael. And no, when I say in over her head I don't mean she wants to break up with him. Stupid as Michael is, I do not believe they will be breaking up any time soon ... if ever. So, sorry, you'll have to keep guessing as to what I was alluding to.
Anyway, I'm tired and donating blood today has made me lethargic. I will probably have more to say about the episode as I watch it over and over again until next week's new one, but until then let this suffice.
Overall initial rating: 7/10. It would have been a 6, except Mose was in there, which automatically raises it a point. ^^
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Launch Party
Well, I've been meaning to get to this for a few days but haven't had the time. This will be in chronological order, so I'll take it scene by scene. That might make it kind of long, but I want this to cover everything.
So, ladies and gents, without further ado, I give you my opinion on 'Launch Party'
Alright, right off the bat, this was my favorite cold open ever! Out of all four seasons. It tops even the the one where Jim comes in dressed as Dwight. It was sincerely funny. I love that everyone is in on it too, not just Jim and Pam. Kevin's "You gotta believe," is classic. Very, very funny. Also, it was kind of nice to see them in the conference room doing something semi-productive.
Meredith is back. Hooray! I have to admit, I didn't exactly notice her absence terribly. Still...good to see she's back. Do they normally put a cast around you for a pelvis fracture? Her open interest in Jim was sudden an unexpected but I almost fell out of my seat laughing. It makes sense that she doesn't know about Jim and Pam, considering she was gone when they were outed by Toby. Jim's face is awesome after he signs her cast, as is his frightened 'mmmm-hm' when she asks him to sign. He looked so ... violated. XD
Question: Does he sign John Krasinski or Jim Halpert? I can't tell. It looks lke John Krasinksi to me.
Even after all the drama associated with Dunder Mifflin Infinity, Michael still doesn't seem to get it that he and Ryan are not friends. He calls Ryan his 'brain-child'? Does he know what that means? He didn't think Ryan up. Still though, the brain-grandchild thing is pretty funny. Classic Michaelism.
Dwight is sporting a brand new crop of stubble-growth trying to look like an infant beard. Right away I recognized this as evidence of his heartbreak over Angela, but apparently some people think he's trying to look like Ryan. Hello? Ryan? No. Angela broke up with him. Roy grew a beard after Pam called off their wedding, if you'll remember. If you need further proof, go to nbc.com/The_Office and watch the deleted scenes. Dwight admits his new look is because of Angela. I hate Dwight with a beard, but since I'm fairly confident it is not permanent, I'll laugh and put up with it. Can't blame him.
The sub-plot revealed here in Dwight trying to outsell a computer is brilliant. It is absolutely genius. Finally, I feel like they're getting back to dear old Dwight, who's been not himself the last couple of episodes.
Angela's antagonistic behavior toward his stragey is excellent. I love her, "I don't care, and I wont," lines. Poor Dwight, believing that somehow if he wins this Angela will come falling back into his arms.
Also, I love Michael's funny new nicknames for Angela. "What's that, pipsqueak?" and "Okay, wow, easy boosterseat." They are excellent! I love how Angela is coming into her own this season. This episode particularly. But more on that in a moment.
Pam's talking head on the Dwight/Angela conflict is a little unnecessarily, but still remotely funny. The funny part about the entire thing is her noting that they are both already prone to unpleasantness. Still...I would have been fine if they didn't add it in. I suppose they were just trying to remind us that Pam is in the loop when it comes to their rocky relationship. And maybe also to give Pam more than one line in this opening scene? I'm not sure.
Stanely opening the website page just to listen to the music is so amazingly funny I can't even stand it. Then it gets even funnier when he starts to stubtley bob his head in Stanely-style dancing. It was a surprising moment for his character, because this is something so out of the ordinary for him.
I didn't like Phyllis' line. They couldn't have just let Stanely dance a little? I would have been just as annoyed as him with her. I don't like Phyllis in this season.
Ryan's business platitudes are very funny if you've ever worked in business like that. If not, they're kind of ... annoying and they make him look even more arrogant than normal. Also, who is Thomas Dean and why is Ryan doing a talking-head in his office? That came out of no where and in my opinion was unnecessary.
I do like that Andy and Dwight are friends now. It was tiring to have them constantly at each others throats in Season Three. It's much more comfortable now that they are somewhat of a team.
Let me say that I sincerely liked this scene between Andy, Dwight, and Jim. It was exactly what the first two episodes lacked. It is like the old Office.
Jim making fun of Andy was priceless. Sometimes I think I forget that Jim and Andy have a history. They worked together in Stamford for a while so naturally Jim would still be inclined to make fun of him. But my favorite moment is Dwight's 'Just ignore him.' Spoken like an old vetran, spoken like someone who's had to endure Jim for a very long time. Dwight has an even longer history with Jim and he knows how to cope with these moments. I loved that. It was one of my favorite moments of the entire episode, even though it only last a few seconds.
Next in the episode is the 'Lunch Party' disaster.
Okay, let me just say I really find Phyllis annoying. She is too ... I don't know ... okay so I can't really find the word I'm looking for her. I don't like that she's growing a spine. Her 'How to deal with difficult people' bit was fairly stupid, but at least it gave a chance for Angela to shine. That alone makes all Phyllis' new boldness worth it. Again, more on that later.
Okay, so you should know that there are a lot of things I think about what happens next: which is Jim going to Pam with a prank.
First of all, I love that Pam doesn't immediately jump on the idea. She shows her decency by reminding him that Dwight is going through a break-up, and maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea. It's a kudos moment for her that, for me anyway, reminds me of why I like her so much.
Then Jim's 'and he's being super annoying' is validated with the bull-horn (excellent reaction jump from everyone, by the way) and she is on board.
The second thing that I feel about this scene is comforted and reassured. I have been extremely worried that the new JAM romance would repress all pranks henceforth, since it seems to have done that in the first two episodes. I was go glad to see them getting back to their roots with this seriously excellent prank. I would, however, really like to see Pam initiate one or do one on her own. In season three they established a sort of independence to her, especially when Dwight took over. She was able to have fun on her own without Jim there. Even though they are together now, I'd like to see Pam retain some of that independance. It would be nice to see her carry out her own mischief.
Poor Dwight. He doesn't even realize that two plaques is not better than a pay raise.
Okay, the scene with Michael in the way too-tight shirt is pretty good. It makes Steve Carell look like he has womanly growths up top. I like that he mad Oscar go in there for that. Hey! By the way! Whatever happened with Oscar? At the end of the season he said she was looking for a way out of his relationship and that he might try girls for a while. So? Did he go straight?
Also, I like that Kelly knows about losing last-minuet weight. It would make sense. She probably has some sort of eating disorder.
Jan, who does not appear physically in the episode, reminds us that even though she had a mental breakdown at the end of Season 3 she is still the sane one in the relationship. It was good to be reminded of that. Of course she would not want to go to a corporate party! She was fired!
For those of you who like JAM moments, there was a cute one shortly after Dwight begins to see how hard it is to beat a computer. I admit, I did like the silent exchange between Jim and Pam on the subject of going to New York. It was sweet and adorable and showed that their relationship is really on a unique level. It would make sense for these two, who have known each other for years but are just now dating.
Alright! Finally! Angela's shining moment! This is possibly my favorite scene of the entire episode. I love it. Angela's down-talking to Phyllis. Is is so rude and so nasty, it's irrisistable. I can't get enough of Angela these days. I love how snarky she's become. Angela in the past has been a fairly unimportant character, though her relationship with Dwight did boost her ranking of notice. This season it seems like we've really seen Angela evolve and she's now one of the more important characters. It is clear she has a very fiery temper and since Phyllis is so annoying I loved watching her get zinged by Angela. I did not like so much Phyllis throwing in the towel (so to speak) and throwing the ball of sticky-notes at her.
I was really kind of surprised to find something brewing between Darryl and Kelly. At the suggestion of it, I might have been repulsed, but after watching it I'm actually open to the idea. Kelly is supremely annoying, but I would be comfortable with her finally in semi-good relationship. I think her always pining after Ryan will get really old really fast.
Jim getting suckered into going with Michael is funny-ish. I will admit, I was kind of disappointed. If Jim was gone then that would be the end of Jim/Pam moments for that episode. I admit it, I'm a sucker for the sentimental moments. I am more of a fan of the JAM comedy moments (pranks, inside jokes, w/e) but I do love the cute moments. Micheal making fun of Jim saying goodbye to Pam was kind of painful. It was one of those 'please just shut up' moments.
But Pam's look after Jim leaves and DunMiff/sys: 'I didn't realize we could use the leads from staples' is sheer evil. I love it. Heh.
Thank goodness Angela took that bull horn. It was getting extremely annoying.
Okay, Jim and Micheal going to NYC.
Micheal trying to use Green Eggs and Ham instead of Oh the Places You'll Go is genius. It's so like him and the two books really have zero in common.
The best part about it is the online party invitation, which Micheal thinks is to go to a real party.
Since this is waxing longer than I planned I wont elaborate much. It was brilliant. Bravo.
Okay, does anyone else find Dwight beating the computer a little amazing? I mean ... I thought the computer would win hands down. I guess it just shows how truly excellent Dwight it at what he does. It makes me wish that we could have seen Dwight as Regional Manager for more than one episode. I have no doubt he would have made a better (though perhaps just as eccentric) boss. His sales brilliance alone should make him eligable for all sorts of promotionary benfits. But I guess corporate knows he's easy to placate. I mean ... two plaques in lieu of a pay raise. Ugh.
Since this is pretty much the halfway point and I've been spending too much time on this right now, I'll stop here. I promise to continue tomorrow.
So, ladies and gents, without further ado, I give you my opinion on 'Launch Party'
Alright, right off the bat, this was my favorite cold open ever! Out of all four seasons. It tops even the the one where Jim comes in dressed as Dwight. It was sincerely funny. I love that everyone is in on it too, not just Jim and Pam. Kevin's "You gotta believe," is classic. Very, very funny. Also, it was kind of nice to see them in the conference room doing something semi-productive.
Meredith is back. Hooray! I have to admit, I didn't exactly notice her absence terribly. Still...good to see she's back. Do they normally put a cast around you for a pelvis fracture? Her open interest in Jim was sudden an unexpected but I almost fell out of my seat laughing. It makes sense that she doesn't know about Jim and Pam, considering she was gone when they were outed by Toby. Jim's face is awesome after he signs her cast, as is his frightened 'mmmm-hm' when she asks him to sign. He looked so ... violated. XD
Question: Does he sign John Krasinski or Jim Halpert? I can't tell. It looks lke John Krasinksi to me.
Even after all the drama associated with Dunder Mifflin Infinity, Michael still doesn't seem to get it that he and Ryan are not friends. He calls Ryan his 'brain-child'? Does he know what that means? He didn't think Ryan up. Still though, the brain-grandchild thing is pretty funny. Classic Michaelism.
Dwight is sporting a brand new crop of stubble-growth trying to look like an infant beard. Right away I recognized this as evidence of his heartbreak over Angela, but apparently some people think he's trying to look like Ryan. Hello? Ryan? No. Angela broke up with him. Roy grew a beard after Pam called off their wedding, if you'll remember. If you need further proof, go to nbc.com/The_Office and watch the deleted scenes. Dwight admits his new look is because of Angela. I hate Dwight with a beard, but since I'm fairly confident it is not permanent, I'll laugh and put up with it. Can't blame him.
The sub-plot revealed here in Dwight trying to outsell a computer is brilliant. It is absolutely genius. Finally, I feel like they're getting back to dear old Dwight, who's been not himself the last couple of episodes.
Angela's antagonistic behavior toward his stragey is excellent. I love her, "I don't care, and I wont," lines. Poor Dwight, believing that somehow if he wins this Angela will come falling back into his arms.
Also, I love Michael's funny new nicknames for Angela. "What's that, pipsqueak?" and "Okay, wow, easy boosterseat." They are excellent! I love how Angela is coming into her own this season. This episode particularly. But more on that in a moment.
Pam's talking head on the Dwight/Angela conflict is a little unnecessarily, but still remotely funny. The funny part about the entire thing is her noting that they are both already prone to unpleasantness. Still...I would have been fine if they didn't add it in. I suppose they were just trying to remind us that Pam is in the loop when it comes to their rocky relationship. And maybe also to give Pam more than one line in this opening scene? I'm not sure.
Stanely opening the website page just to listen to the music is so amazingly funny I can't even stand it. Then it gets even funnier when he starts to stubtley bob his head in Stanely-style dancing. It was a surprising moment for his character, because this is something so out of the ordinary for him.
I didn't like Phyllis' line. They couldn't have just let Stanely dance a little? I would have been just as annoyed as him with her. I don't like Phyllis in this season.
Ryan's business platitudes are very funny if you've ever worked in business like that. If not, they're kind of ... annoying and they make him look even more arrogant than normal. Also, who is Thomas Dean and why is Ryan doing a talking-head in his office? That came out of no where and in my opinion was unnecessary.
I do like that Andy and Dwight are friends now. It was tiring to have them constantly at each others throats in Season Three. It's much more comfortable now that they are somewhat of a team.
Let me say that I sincerely liked this scene between Andy, Dwight, and Jim. It was exactly what the first two episodes lacked. It is like the old Office.
Jim making fun of Andy was priceless. Sometimes I think I forget that Jim and Andy have a history. They worked together in Stamford for a while so naturally Jim would still be inclined to make fun of him. But my favorite moment is Dwight's 'Just ignore him.' Spoken like an old vetran, spoken like someone who's had to endure Jim for a very long time. Dwight has an even longer history with Jim and he knows how to cope with these moments. I loved that. It was one of my favorite moments of the entire episode, even though it only last a few seconds.
Next in the episode is the 'Lunch Party' disaster.
Okay, let me just say I really find Phyllis annoying. She is too ... I don't know ... okay so I can't really find the word I'm looking for her. I don't like that she's growing a spine. Her 'How to deal with difficult people' bit was fairly stupid, but at least it gave a chance for Angela to shine. That alone makes all Phyllis' new boldness worth it. Again, more on that later.
Okay, so you should know that there are a lot of things I think about what happens next: which is Jim going to Pam with a prank.
First of all, I love that Pam doesn't immediately jump on the idea. She shows her decency by reminding him that Dwight is going through a break-up, and maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea. It's a kudos moment for her that, for me anyway, reminds me of why I like her so much.
Then Jim's 'and he's being super annoying' is validated with the bull-horn (excellent reaction jump from everyone, by the way) and she is on board.
The second thing that I feel about this scene is comforted and reassured. I have been extremely worried that the new JAM romance would repress all pranks henceforth, since it seems to have done that in the first two episodes. I was go glad to see them getting back to their roots with this seriously excellent prank. I would, however, really like to see Pam initiate one or do one on her own. In season three they established a sort of independence to her, especially when Dwight took over. She was able to have fun on her own without Jim there. Even though they are together now, I'd like to see Pam retain some of that independance. It would be nice to see her carry out her own mischief.
Poor Dwight. He doesn't even realize that two plaques is not better than a pay raise.
Okay, the scene with Michael in the way too-tight shirt is pretty good. It makes Steve Carell look like he has womanly growths up top. I like that he mad Oscar go in there for that. Hey! By the way! Whatever happened with Oscar? At the end of the season he said she was looking for a way out of his relationship and that he might try girls for a while. So? Did he go straight?
Also, I like that Kelly knows about losing last-minuet weight. It would make sense. She probably has some sort of eating disorder.
Jan, who does not appear physically in the episode, reminds us that even though she had a mental breakdown at the end of Season 3 she is still the sane one in the relationship. It was good to be reminded of that. Of course she would not want to go to a corporate party! She was fired!
For those of you who like JAM moments, there was a cute one shortly after Dwight begins to see how hard it is to beat a computer. I admit, I did like the silent exchange between Jim and Pam on the subject of going to New York. It was sweet and adorable and showed that their relationship is really on a unique level. It would make sense for these two, who have known each other for years but are just now dating.
Alright! Finally! Angela's shining moment! This is possibly my favorite scene of the entire episode. I love it. Angela's down-talking to Phyllis. Is is so rude and so nasty, it's irrisistable. I can't get enough of Angela these days. I love how snarky she's become. Angela in the past has been a fairly unimportant character, though her relationship with Dwight did boost her ranking of notice. This season it seems like we've really seen Angela evolve and she's now one of the more important characters. It is clear she has a very fiery temper and since Phyllis is so annoying I loved watching her get zinged by Angela. I did not like so much Phyllis throwing in the towel (so to speak) and throwing the ball of sticky-notes at her.
I was really kind of surprised to find something brewing between Darryl and Kelly. At the suggestion of it, I might have been repulsed, but after watching it I'm actually open to the idea. Kelly is supremely annoying, but I would be comfortable with her finally in semi-good relationship. I think her always pining after Ryan will get really old really fast.
Jim getting suckered into going with Michael is funny-ish. I will admit, I was kind of disappointed. If Jim was gone then that would be the end of Jim/Pam moments for that episode. I admit it, I'm a sucker for the sentimental moments. I am more of a fan of the JAM comedy moments (pranks, inside jokes, w/e) but I do love the cute moments. Micheal making fun of Jim saying goodbye to Pam was kind of painful. It was one of those 'please just shut up' moments.
But Pam's look after Jim leaves and DunMiff/sys: 'I didn't realize we could use the leads from staples' is sheer evil. I love it. Heh.
Thank goodness Angela took that bull horn. It was getting extremely annoying.
Okay, Jim and Micheal going to NYC.
Micheal trying to use Green Eggs and Ham instead of Oh the Places You'll Go is genius. It's so like him and the two books really have zero in common.
The best part about it is the online party invitation, which Micheal thinks is to go to a real party.
Since this is waxing longer than I planned I wont elaborate much. It was brilliant. Bravo.
Okay, does anyone else find Dwight beating the computer a little amazing? I mean ... I thought the computer would win hands down. I guess it just shows how truly excellent Dwight it at what he does. It makes me wish that we could have seen Dwight as Regional Manager for more than one episode. I have no doubt he would have made a better (though perhaps just as eccentric) boss. His sales brilliance alone should make him eligable for all sorts of promotionary benfits. But I guess corporate knows he's easy to placate. I mean ... two plaques in lieu of a pay raise. Ugh.
Since this is pretty much the halfway point and I've been spending too much time on this right now, I'll stop here. I promise to continue tomorrow.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Introduction
Alrighty ladies and gentleman, whether or not this blog actually gets read by anyone other than myself doesn't really matter. It will still be here. For my own amusement.
By way of introduction, my name ... or rather, my alias (ooh my gosh, she has an alias!) is Quill. I am a straight female living in Anytown, USA (that is to say, it could be any town, not a place called Anytown). I am into psychology, medicine, writing, and graphic design. I have a fairly busy schedule so I will try to write as faithfully as I can, but a warning, I have never been that good at journals. I favor The Muse and Collective Soul, but I am open to most forms of music. I currently work primarily from a Windows XP laptop, but a breaking hinge and a loathing for Vista is driving me to want a Mac book. I shall soon be acquiring one, as soon as the budget allows. I do not watch excessive television, but there are three shows I follow fairly regularly (one religiously). They are Glenn Beck, House, and The Office.
I am an uber-fan of The Office. My best confidant, who I tell all my darkest secrets to (which I suppose can be considered lame) is my Dwight Shrute bobblehead. I have a Fun Run t-shirt and my desktop on both my laptop and my regular computer are office desktops. I watch each new episode several times before the next new one. I have all three seasons on DVD and have watched all the bonus features, including the commentary (<3).
Perhaps you'd be interested to know my favorite characters. From most favorite to who I hate most:
Dwight <3
Creed
Pam
Jim
Andy
Angela
Kevin
Oscar
Derryl
Jan
Stanley
Roy
Toby
Michael
Ryan
Phyllis
Kelly
I am a very opinionated person, just so you are aware. I will never try to force my opinion on people, I understand that others feel differently from me, but I will not be shy about expressing my opinions.
This is an analytical blog of Season Four of The Office. It will not be too technical, and if my english professors ever read this - no, I will probably not stick to the Schaffer (sp?) paragraph. This is an opinion analysis, I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything. At the same time, this is not a rave blog. It will not be post after post of 'oh my gosh, john krasinski is so effing hot!' or 'liek omg, i heart the office soooooo much!' -Ugh, no. Never. You will find relatively intelligent and comprehensible posts that may or not be of a favorable opinion of a specific episode or character.
What you will not find on my blog is profanity, bashing, chatspeak (smilies excluded), or anything in bad taste.
With that said, if there is someone out there actually reading this, if for any reason this does not appeal to you, turn away and forget you were ever here. On the other hand, if there is someone out there who things this could be an interesting addition to their otherwise mundane lives, then hold on tight. The Opinionator stops the train for no one. It's your job to jump if you want off.
Oh boy. Yeah, I'd better quite before anything else like that comes out of my head. Goodbye, fellow Office Lovers, or empty blog space with no one watching.
Coming up: A beginning overview opinion.
Later: Launch Party analyzed.
By way of introduction, my name ... or rather, my alias (ooh my gosh, she has an alias!) is Quill. I am a straight female living in Anytown, USA (that is to say, it could be any town, not a place called Anytown). I am into psychology, medicine, writing, and graphic design. I have a fairly busy schedule so I will try to write as faithfully as I can, but a warning, I have never been that good at journals. I favor The Muse and Collective Soul, but I am open to most forms of music. I currently work primarily from a Windows XP laptop, but a breaking hinge and a loathing for Vista is driving me to want a Mac book. I shall soon be acquiring one, as soon as the budget allows. I do not watch excessive television, but there are three shows I follow fairly regularly (one religiously). They are Glenn Beck, House, and The Office.
I am an uber-fan of The Office. My best confidant, who I tell all my darkest secrets to (which I suppose can be considered lame) is my Dwight Shrute bobblehead. I have a Fun Run t-shirt and my desktop on both my laptop and my regular computer are office desktops. I watch each new episode several times before the next new one. I have all three seasons on DVD and have watched all the bonus features, including the commentary (<3).
Perhaps you'd be interested to know my favorite characters. From most favorite to who I hate most:
Dwight <3
Creed
Pam
Jim
Andy
Angela
Kevin
Oscar
Derryl
Jan
Stanley
Roy
Toby
Michael
Ryan
Phyllis
Kelly
I am a very opinionated person, just so you are aware. I will never try to force my opinion on people, I understand that others feel differently from me, but I will not be shy about expressing my opinions.
This is an analytical blog of Season Four of The Office. It will not be too technical, and if my english professors ever read this - no, I will probably not stick to the Schaffer (sp?) paragraph. This is an opinion analysis, I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything. At the same time, this is not a rave blog. It will not be post after post of 'oh my gosh, john krasinski is so effing hot!' or 'liek omg, i heart the office soooooo much!' -Ugh, no. Never. You will find relatively intelligent and comprehensible posts that may or not be of a favorable opinion of a specific episode or character.
What you will not find on my blog is profanity, bashing, chatspeak (smilies excluded), or anything in bad taste.
With that said, if there is someone out there actually reading this, if for any reason this does not appeal to you, turn away and forget you were ever here. On the other hand, if there is someone out there who things this could be an interesting addition to their otherwise mundane lives, then hold on tight. The Opinionator stops the train for no one. It's your job to jump if you want off.
Oh boy. Yeah, I'd better quite before anything else like that comes out of my head. Goodbye, fellow Office Lovers, or empty blog space with no one watching.
Coming up: A beginning overview opinion.
Later: Launch Party analyzed.
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