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For the millionth time, I am so glad that The Office is back on my Thursday nights. Whew.
Also, that’s two episodes in a row where we have almost intolerable Michael antics. I was shocked, appaled and beside myself with frustration as he went out on the date with the very sweet and very lovely Brooke Dillman. (I bet he would be a lot nicer if her knew that on top of collecting the rent check, she was also a Home Economics teacher to Seth and Evan from Superbad!) I found it hilarious that Stanley “didn’t hate anyone enough” to give Michael their name and number. What the eff, we need a redeeming Michael moment. And fast.
I thought that Kevin and Andy were brilliant. The “Five Families” and Kevin’s threats to quit were cracking me up. I also adore Andy. Potential new favorite character.
But the Big Fish: Jim and Pam!!!
Nervewrecking, folks. Because I just don’t see this ending well at all. Pam loves Jim. She’s in love with Jim, no doubt. But she’s not ready to give up her independence and marry him yet. I was nervous when she lost her smile after he told her he’s going to propose to her, but I became terrified when he told us that he bought the ring a week after they started dating. And when they were walking outside of work, and he pulled the shoe tie line (which, by the way, I have been a personal recipient of by my friend Nick), I didn’t know what was going to happen. I know Pam loves Jim, but I don’t know if Pam wants to marry Jim right now. All I’m saying is that the season cliffhanger will be Pam’s response to the sweetest marraige proposal ever. That’s all I’m saying.
Gahhhh, how much longer until next Thursday!?
It’s Back! And of course, it’s one of those more serious than silly episodes, but that’s okay. We’ve missed out on a lot and I am sure that they want to get the story to a certain place before the season finale. I understand/respect/appreciate their efforts very much so. I tend to enjoy these episodes because the characters (with credit to the actors) do have these really deep and intricate sides that we don’t get to see when they’re busy chasing bats out of the office. While this episode was awkward and uncomfortable to the nth degree, I think it was a good and important one to give us a “Okay, this is where these characters are at now” storyline.
Angela and Andy: Did you know that the real Angela is pregnant? I was curious as to how they were going to film a baby bump, but they didn’t! Not once! All night! I find Andy to be one of the funniest characters on the show. And there is nothing that is “more wrong” than Andy and Angela dating. Okay, well, maybe Dwight dating his babysitter, but still. That being said, i am almost positive that “Monkey” is dating Andy in an effort to make Dwight upset and jealous. I don’t think she wants him back, but I don’t think she wants to really date someone as secular as he. Which is hilarious, because that’s only going to get crazier.
Jim and Pam: John, I’m not quite sure what you mean here, because I am utterly in love with the Jim and Pam were getting. Maybe it’s something I’m not seeing, but I thought they were hilariously sweet trying to power through this dinner party together. I love the way that Pam’s face lit up when Jim came out to let everyone know that his apartment was flooded. And Jim and Pam’s separate bathroom confessionals cracked me up. As far as I can tell, all is still good on that front. But have no fear, I am sure that they’re gearing up to throw a wrench in before the season finale. Though in my personal opinion, I’d rather the season not end on a Jim/Pam cliffhanger, though I know it will.
And, of course, Jan and Michael. Jan is absolutely, without a doubt 100% insane. She’s off her rocker nuts and it’s hilarious. As if we didn’t know that the dinner party was going to be uncomfortable, the obsessive pet name calling of “babe” and “honey” was just increasingly unnerving. I love her “office” and “workspace” and how incredibly well Jim let us know just how terrible those candles smelled. And Michael’s “bed” was tragically awful. I think this is going to be our big story arc for the next 4 episodes and I am okay with that. I was never crazy about Jan, but I find crazy Jan absolutely terrifying. I think she loves Michael, and I think she cares about him and obviously is protective (believing Michael’s lie about dating Pam!) but I think also that she is in love with the idea of being home all the time and not doing anything except being an “artist.” I really want to see Michael’s life on the beet farm, but I know I must be patient. They can’t spoil us too bad too quickly.
What did you think, Kids?
No amount of sleep deprivation, illness, busy scheduling or whathaveyou will keep be from bringing back Scrantonicity IN FULL FORCE on the day that we get OFFICE BACK IN OUR LIVES!!!
I’ve missed it more than anything and need it back more than ever. It’s been too long and though we’ve only got a few episodes to go until the end of the season, I have a feeling they’re going to remind us each and every Thursday why they’re the best show on television.
I am very excited, Kids.
Dress up nice! We’re going to a Dinner Party at Michael’s!
(Don’t miss Earl and 30 Rock, too!!!)
The WGA Strike is OVA’. 
Welcome back, TV.
We’re gonna be BLOWIN’ UP the Scrantonicity when this thing gets back on it’s steady Thursday night stance.
The Office is slated for another six episodes this season, which still makes me nervous, and slightly upset because we’re getting screwed out of our extended season… but they didn’t say that those six episodes weren’t… hour… long… epsiodes?…. I’m just sayin’.
I’m still heartbroken over the lack of new Office in a season that was set up to be totally killer, both in plot and actual length. I feel robbed, but don’t think I need to metnion again my support for the writers.
That being said, my willingness and ability to report on anything that concerns our beloved Office has been dismal, at best. So, it is withgreat joy that I report on one of the msot recent stories posted on the ever-fabulous OfficeTally.com
Tanster posted that she found a very “disturbing” video of Rainn Wilson at a photo shoot in Los Angeles.
She went to Rainn for a response and I suggest you read it first before you watch the video. And then after.
Tallyheads,
Rainn here. There is this video that has been going around and I wanted to make a public statement about it to The Office fans.
I just wanted to say that I recently had a photo shoot and things got a little out of control. That little prick of an artsy Hollywood photographer had been pushing my buttons all day and of course they film ME attacking HIM when it was totally his fault. He is an arrogant little GIRL and the only reason I didn’t really pummel him is because I was afraid of a lawsuit.
Please don’t watch the unauthorized video that’s been making the rounds. It’s totally not what happened and I am starting legal proceedings against that little douche.
Rainn Wilson
And now, the video (Which is NSFW, unless you have your handy dandy iPod headphones like i do.):
I’ll totally watch every single episode of an improvised Rainn Wilson Artsy Photographer Deathmatch if it’s just half as funny as that. And contains an absurd Rainn Wilson commentary afterwards. BRILLIANT. This man needs employment. Every Thursday for an hour. On my television. *Weep!*
From playing this. All day. And then, go apply for jobs at Dunder Mifflin. And date/marry/be seriously emotionally involved with Jim Halpert.
Today when I got home from work I was glad to be home, but sad knowing that tonight is the last episode of The Office for probably quite some time.
But my F.H. John Krasinski knew this was what was going on so he made sure that when I got home from work, my mailbox had the Gap Winter 08 catalogue. (Thanks, GMMR!)
That’s definitely likely to keep me warm, too.
That is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
Love the clothes. Love the boy. Love it all.
And, darling, I love that you’re already dressed to go pick out our first Christmas tree and decorate it by the fireplace with hot chocolate. It’s sweet. And charming. And adorable. And I can’t wait.
Mose takes a break from raising beets and chasing cars to write this outstanding blog about the writers’ strike that’s still taking place out in Hollywood and offers up a solution that a girl can get behind.
The big news up here in Cincinnati last week was the potential Kroger strike. That didn’t happen. Lots of hoopla and no chaos, no burning buildings and no fire sales on frozen turkeys. Pffft.
There will, however be chaos in Ol’ Number Fif-teen as your friend and humble narrator just might pitch a shit over the fact that there are only two new episodes of The Office left this season. That’s right, Kids, production of The Office shut down for the season on Tuesday and will remain shut down until the strike is over. Which is going to be sometime between next Wednesday and 2063. Desperate House*bleep*s and a few other sprinkling of shows have already shut down, and if you’re like me, you’ll notice your DV-R has stopped recording new episodes of The Report and The Daily Show. Quite simply because there aren’t any. If the writers will strike, so will the DV-R. It’s a tragic ripple effect. I’m also terror-fied that the last episode of The Office that we see is going to be some sort of awful tragic cliffhanger that’s going to send me into a spiral of anxiety and depression.
In all seriousness though, I fully support the writers and hope that this all can get sorted out soon. If not, I’m going to have to bring in my 5 special negotiation tactics when I’m home for Christmas. Four of these involve baked good bribery.
Man, that Hollywood. She’s one tough town.
(For more strike information, check out these links:
- Office-specific coverage has been handled beautifully by Tanster over at OfficeTally.
- Deadline Hollywood Daily is a pretty good round-up of all strike related news.
- And Ain’t It Cool News has a good article with lots of snippets about other involved parties in the strike.
- Also, writer/director James Gunn (and Jenna Fischer’s ex-husband) has written an extremely honest blog on the strike right here. )
When the last new episodes of our favorite shows have aired, we’re going to start a post where you’re going to recommend to me and your fellow interns TV shows that we should check out or catch up on via the magic of DVD. So start thinkin’ Lincoln!
If you’ve watched it, and only if you’ve watched it, meet us post-jump! Post-haste!
While my Halloween at work has become unexpectedly very busy, I wanted to stop in and make sure that you’re all having the most excellent of excellent Halloweens!
For some Halloween fun, might I suggest:
- Following the Joker around the country on a crazy scavenger hunt that’s going to end in something really cool and perhaps two faced! Keep an eye on that link, guys! It’s gonna get nuts!
- Catching all the cool Halloweek Happenings over on Bob-Net.
- Coming over tonight for Kashi pizza, movies, Phenomenon and sleep.
Also! I’ve posted my D.C. and Scranton photos on my Flickr page! Captions coming soon! Check ‘em out!
Because a Scranton party really does not stop.
Okay, Dunderheads, it’s 10:11 AM, Sunday morning and after getting back to the hotel just shy of 5 this morning, I can safely say that Tracy and I are wiped but hungry for more.
Yesterday was crazy and excellent all rolled into one. It started out with finding perhaps the greatest parking spot in all of Scranton. After the parking we headed over to the University for the ribbon cutting ceremony where we were introduced to some local politicians, but also some cast members that were present at the convention! Everyone was hilarious and gracious and wonderful.
Also of note: It is in this moment that I fell helplessly in love with Ed Helms.
After the ribbon cutting it was up to the gymnasium for some rainy weather relocated Office Olympics where yours truly medaled in not one, not two, BUT THREE events (Flonkerton, Coffee Mug Race and Horse)! Such an excellent time.
After the Olympics we went and had a delicious lunch at 130 Brixx and then it was back up to the University for a cast Q&A. They let a lot of people in, which was kind of a minor complaint from me, but it was still excellent. All the cast that was at the convention was at the Q&A, including Greg Daniels. I learned lots of new facts (Like, did you know that F.H. John Krasinski and buddies filmed the opening shots of Scranton rand also, of course, fell even more in love with Ed Helms. Especially because he did the best Tom Brokaw impression that you’ve ever heard. Don’t worry, I think I got it on video. The cast is wonderful. You can really tell how truly flattered and happy they are to be here and how thankful they are for all of the fans that love them so much.
After this, we headed over to Vida which is a local tapas place. We each got sangria’d and ate some flatbread covered in goat cheese and sauteed veggies. Oh, man. Oh, man. Lemme say this, gang, there is absolutely NO SHORTAGE of good food in Scranton. Wow.
Post-dinner, we headed yet again back up to the campus for the costume contest, and Scrantones concert. Arriving just at the end of an odd improv set, we got to see the entire costume contest judged by Leslie (Stanley), Phyllis and Andy Buckley (CFO. People cheered CFO every time he came out on stage. Also, I had no idea he had a day job as a stock broker with Merrill Lynch.) Some of my favorites included someone coming as the vending machine with all of Dwight’s stuff in it, a Dwight who nailed the character and a Mose who came out to be judged by Mike Schurr. It should be noted that I had NO IDEA that Mike Schurr played Mose. Other cast members came out to judge their character so that meant Angela and more yummy Ed Helms.
After this everyone kind of went up to the stage in an effort to get some autographs, which included Tracy and I, but when everyone left stage, we ended up being right up front for the Scrantones concert. It was totally AWESOME!!! Not only does the band really rock and rock hard, but they had cast members come out and do some songs with them including Creed, Kate (Meredith), Leslie (Stanley), Melora (Jan. By the way, she has an album out and is a total pop vixen on stage.), Brian (Kevin), Craig (Darryl) and Ed Helms. I got lots of photos and videos, so just you wait. At the end of the night the band played the theme song for the show and everyone came out and was dancing and having a great, great time. Including Ed, who picked up a guitar and by doing so essentially asked me to marry him. All in all, such a cool night. The energy was excellent and it was such a cool moment to be a part of.
After this, we headed down to a recommended local place, where some Office cast have been rumored to visit, called The Bog. A great and really fun local band was playing and we met some really cool local folk.
Today were off to the street fair for some Alfredo’s Pizza Cafe for lunch and then heading back to D.C.
Such a fun weekend. I didn’t get to meet as many cast as I would have liked, but all in all the weekend has been spent in a great town and in even better company.
(Rumors: An Office Picnic in the spring. We’re going, right?)
Tonight we headed back up to the convention headquarters for a little reception and mingle time. Kind of crazy, lots of seemingly cool people adorning themselves in all sorts of Dunder Mifflin disguise. Tracy had to pick up a replacement lanyard in the main hall, so on our way back, I saw Oscar headed back to the tent where the main reception was taking place. And when we made it there, Darryl, Oscar and Angela were lined up signing autographs and taking pictures. So, Tracy and I each got a picture with Darryl and Oscar and got their autographs, but Angela was far too swamped to get close enough for anything. Hopefully tomorrow though.
For dinner we went to this really cool restaurant called Cooper’s Seafood House. Delicious! I had the Cajun Seafood Pasta. Double delicious!
Day one is officially in the books! And now it’s time for some Disney Channel Harry Potter, Bear, and then some sleeps. After all, we’ve got Office Olympics in the morning!
Greetings from the Electric City, Dunder-heads!
Tracy and I are currently primping to get ready to head out to the reception and kick-off party for the convention downtown, but here’s a quick update on the trip so far:
I got into D.C. on Wednesday morning and was greeted by my dear friend Tracy. She and her husband, Cameron, just moved to Fort Belvior, Virginia, which is about 12 miles outside of downtown D.C. Their house is beautiful and charming and surrounded by gorgeous trees. We went to downtown and due to some rainy weather did a little sightseeing from the car and then headed over to pick up Cameron from work. Back at their place they cooked me an absolutely delicious dinner of curry chicken salad, Caribbean rice and salad accompanied by a really delicious white wine. After dinner we settled down to watch Phenomenon, that show on NBC that’s like American Idol but for creepy magicians, judged by the creepiest of the creep, Criss Angel and Hans Grueber, I mean Uri Geller. Tracy also made this kind of healthy pumpkin pudding thing that I am officially addicted to.
On Thursday, Tracy and I went to the Smithsonian’s Air and Space and Natural History and Science and then to dinner at this little bar with Cameron after he got off work. We all got the chipotle chicken sandwich and they. Were. Awesome. The Blue Moon was pretty delicious, too. After dinner, we walked up to The Dubliner, this great little Irish pub with some pretty great live music. At the end of the night it was time for home because we had DV-R’d Office waiting for us (write up coming…maybe… soon…) and after that and half of Grey’s Anatomy, I realized there is nothing more in this world I hate more than Grey’s Anatomy.
This morning it was up and out early as we had to drop Cameron off at work on our way out of town and he goes in pretty early. Understandable, I think DC traffic is definitely worse than L.A. It’s just totally awful. So, after that, Tracy and I were up and out of town on our way to Lancaster, PA to stop for some breakfast. We found the most charming and excellent restaurant, Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie. I had a Spanish Crepe and Tracy had the Greek. Totally amazing and delicious and still making my mouth water. After eating, we were back on the road and both realized how much we want to live out in the country where the trees change like they do here. It’s totally beautiful and scenic.
We got into Scranton and after a little driving around we found the hotel where the registration was. AND! As we pull into the parking lot, who do we see but KEVIN! We tried to park quickly, but couldn’t find a spot in time and when we finally made it out, he was gone, but in his place was Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration! Totally awesome. He was swamped and we both really needed to use the restroom, so we ran inside real quick. We were registered by perhaps the sweetest people in the world and signed up for tomorrow’s Office Olympics (wish us luck!) and then headed over to the Steamtown Mall for a little damage, but not much. It was so worth it. And here we are! Ready to head back out to the main hotel and grab some appe-teasers with some fellow Office fanatics. We found a great restaurant for dinner and I think we are definitely heading over to Poor Richards for drinks. Can’t wait.
So, so far, so excellent! More to come! Stay tuned!
Well, kids, I’m glad it’s raining. I’m not so glad that the museum is humid and smelly and that the sky is falling all around my desk. I’m blocked in by trash cans and disturbed by the constant plop of of the water falling from the ceiling and the occasional dunk from a large piece of tile falling into the bog.
But no bother to any of this! For tonight, I am headed up to Columbus to catch my crack-o-dawn flight to Washington, DC for a few days of sightseeing and fun with my dear friend Tracy. And then it’s off to Scranton! For The Office Convention! Not to return til next Tuesday!!
You can read up more on the convention here, but I am fairly sure that our hotel in Scranton will have internet, so you best believe I will be making an effort to make nightly updates.
Until I get back, be good, don’t fight and feed my fish, Tabetha (I actually don’t think I ever made an official blog introduction to Tabetha. Well, Tabetha is my fish. And she’s lazy.)
And stay safe out in Southern California. I’m thinking of you guys, for sure.
I’ve had a hard time getting down to writing anything really substantial about The Office recently. It’s not that it’s not brilliant, because it definitely is, it’s just that we haven’t been as cliffhangered as we’ve been in the past and there’s not too much to speculate. I think this is fine. My heart needs the vacation. But, no bother! Much to discuss! Let’s get right down to it!
See you after the jump!!!
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to my darling boy, F.H. John Krasinski!
Next weekend, when I’m in Scranton, we’re celebrating by being really passionate about Italian food. For like 3908 hours. And then for the rest of forever.
Okay. We’re just going to skip last week’s Scrantonicity discussion. This week has been far too busy at work and far too sleep deprived to really get down to a substantial post.
That being said, I think we’ll have a lot to discuss tonight…. because….
Goodness gracious, Gremlins! Where have I gone?
In case you haven’t heard, I got a job working here. I still work for The Siren, so as you can imagine my work week is getting in the way of time to report back here on all things fun, wonderful and interesting. Though to be fair, there hasn’t been much.
So! Here’s a little FYI on all things blog-worthy
1. We’re going to talk about last week’s Office tonight. I’ve managed to get three hours of sleep in the last 48 hours, but I can’t let that sit there any longer.
2. Happy Birthday yesterday to John!
3. One week from tomorrow I’m leavin’ on a jet plane to attend The Office Convention in Scranton, PA with the lovely Tracy Kay! Pretty much, it’s going to be the most exciting week on the blog, ever. Can’t wait! See ya there!
4. I’ve got a crap ton of photos to get up on Flickr, so when they’re there, I’ll holler and you can check it out.
5. Garrison Starr’s new album. Seriously. Get on that. Discussion coming soon.
(I’m with Andy. I think we should call it Dunder MifflInfinity. But Ryan clearly doesn’t approve.)
I want to start out this by pledging my allegiance to NBC’s Thursday night line-up. Not only was Earl hilarious and back to more of what I love most about it, but 30 Rock is the second best show on television right now, and you can take that to the bank. I have such a girl crush on Tina Fey (Have you seen her American Express commercial? I can’t find it on YouTube, but I LOVE it. Here’ssomething I did find on YouTube. It’s Tina on Sesame Street as a “Bookaneer.” Gosh, I sure do love her.). Alec Baldwin is, well, Alec Baldwin and I love him for it and Tracy Morgan might be the funniest person alive. This show is brilliant and I dislike Grey’s Anatomy even more for keeping me from it for so long. Get on your 30 Rock, guys. You will not be sorry.
But this is not 30 Rock From The Blog, it’s Scrantonicity! So, let’s!
It’s back! It’s back with a vengeance! And then some! Oh, man! Ohhhh, man!
There is no way to not gush on spoilers and fill this post with them. So, if you’ve yet to watch the season premiere of The Office, don’t keep reading. But, if you did, please meet me after the jump!!
“What is, ‘We’re Fine.’”
Darryl Hannah*, Dr. Venkman** and I are ready to go for this week’s action packed TV premiere week.
Let’s talk about what we’re going to be watching this week and what we can expect to see from The Babble:
Monday:
Chuck (NBC 8:00)- I’ve found the previews for this show to be really hot and cold. Some days I’m really into it and can’t wait to see it, but others it just comes off as kind of silly and stupid. It’s about a computer geek who accidentally acquires a ton of government secrets as well as a price on his head for international terrorists and assassins. So, to keep the secrets safe, he falls under the protection of two CIA agents. I dunno, it looks harmless. We’ll see how it pans out.
Journeyman (NBC, 10:00)- Really, this show looks kind of cool, but mostly dumb. I’m only tuning in to get a Kevin McKidd (Rome) fix. I’m not expecting anything to write home about here.
Tuesday:
House (Fox, 9:00)- My brother Iain loves this show and I can see why. It’s funny, fast-paced and edge-of-your-seat excitement. I’m excited to dive in and find a potential medical drama replacement for the ill-fated Grey’s Anatomy. I think you’ll really like it, too.
Have Fork, Will Travel (Food, 9:30)- This isn’t a new show, but it’s one I’ve been watching each week on Food Network and absolutely LOVING. The host, Zane Lamprey, travels around the world to a new destination each week and explores the whats, hows and whys of each location’s edible culture. It’s fascinating, funny and makes me want to travel and eat. This week he’s going to Jamaica. Jerk seasoning! Jerk seasoning!
Wednesday:
Private Practice (ABC 9:00)- You’re right, I do think that this is one of the worst ideas to ever come out of tragically fallen Seattle Grace Hospital, but I gotta check and make sure that all spark I had for Addison really is gone. While I’m not excited to see the previously composed, graceful and grown-up Addison get reduced to someone unrecognizable and unlikeable, I am going to watch at least the first episode or two so you all don’t have to. This is how much I love you and you can thank me later.
Bionic Woman (NBC 9:00)- Though I really wish that this would be a good reason to watch more Egg on my TV, I am thoroughly excited and enthused for this show. It looks like it might be cheesy, but on the whole, I think it looks undoubtedly cool and interesting. I’m not a fan of Heroes by any means, so I am hoping that this will be NBC’s action/sci-fi show that I can enjoy.
Thursday (The busiest TV day EVER.)
This is definitely the day I’ve been waiting for for a long, long, long time. Let’s start with the rookies and work our way up to the big guns.
Ugly Betty (8:00 ABC)- If you don’t think that America Ferrera is absolutely adorable and lovely, then you’re a liar. And my new buddy Fran has been watching the season 1 DVDs and she’ll probably hurt me if I don’t watch and love this show. I’m looking forward to this one and will definitely report back on how badly I want to be friends with Betty and/or America.
My Name is Earl (NBC 8:00 *One Hour*)- Though Earl isn’t my favorite show on television, I can say that this show has a heart of solid gold. The show, while dealing with some off-beat and simply silly humor at times, always finds a way to be sweet and endearing in the end. Really, as far as I’m concerned, Earl is one of those shows that’s an easy laugh and a quick pick-me-up when needed.
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC 9:00)- This is gonna hurt, kids. Here’s where we left off. And here’s where we’re going. It doesn’t look promising, gang, and this may very well be the last few episodes of Grey’s for me. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, it’s an absolute shame that off-screen drama affected so much of the goodness we were used to on-screen, and now that Isaiah Washington’s gone, there’s hope. Right? Well, one would think that, except we’ve now got Derek, Meredith and Lexie Grey (who is hopefully not as awful as her half-sister), George, Izzie and Callie Continued, Alex and Ava, and newly ditched at the altar Christina. This is going to be an absolute mess and I can only hope that Shondra knows what she’s doing when she told us that she “had to burn it all down.” Oddly enough, the only character I am actually looking forward to checking back in with is Mark Sloane. It hurts bad, but we’ll just have to wait and see how this pans out.
The Office (NBC 9:00 *One Hour*)- The show that knows how to deliver, blow for blow, scene by scene, joke by joke, is finally back in our life with a one hour season premiere titled “Fun Run.” I can’t wait. Not only can I not wait for my funny bone to be tickled to the Nth degree, I can’t wait to see what we’re coming back to. Corporate Ryan (Did you guys also get the e-mail?!), Dwight and Angela, Michael and Jan and of course, Jim and Pam. I know that my heart still has wings from the last scene of season 3. Those teary eyes and smile that lit up the Electric City?! So beautiful! But I’m terrified, because really, nothing is every that easy over at DM Scranton. Karen’s still there, guys, and who knows how this is going to pan out. And let’s be real. Did you really think Kelly was going to give up on Ryan so easily? All-in-all, this is what I’m living for this week. I can’t wait and you can expect Scrantonicity to be back with a bang by Friday morning. It’s gonna rock. (PS- In case you haven’t heard, Mrs. Tracy Kay and I are headed to SCRANTON, PA next month to attend THE OFFICE CONVENTION. I’m not even making that up! I have a plane ticket and everything! Tickets go on sale this Tuesday! Get on it, gang. You know it’s gonna be totally worth it)
And I think that’s it. I’ll be sure to tune in to watch 30 Rock which starts next Thursday, but this week is definitely going to be busy and help me weed out the things worth weeding out. Can’t wait. I’ll be sure to report back here on what’s worth reporting back on and cannot wait to hear what you guys will be watching and what you thought!
So, what are you watching this week?
(*My pretty new HDTV)
(**My DV-R.)
Looks like we fell just short of getting enough people signed up to open the branch on Dunder Mifflin Infinity. But massive thanks to those who tried. Your enthusiasm and excitement is very appreciated! Hopefully whoever did get the branch will hire all of us so we can still earn some SchruteBucks and/or Dunder-tastic prizes.
Thanks again.
Okay, so I did some research and this is a lot more intense than I expected!
Right now, right this very instant, I need your help!
Our NEW BRANCH CODE is:
ob78s6bth6
And our NEW BRANCH LOCATION is Chattanooga, TN.
You’ll need to follow the directions on the other post and enter these things exactly to become an employee at Dunder Mifflin Chatanooga!
SO! So, so so! Sign up! Get your friends signed up! We have to get 15 people signed up ASAP so we can open our branch! So, let’s do this, gang!!!
E-mail me if you’ve got any questions!!! chelsea.margaret@gmail.com
It’s go time, Team.
Remember a few months ago when I told you about a possible “The Office 360″ ultra super mega interactive site put up by NBC?! (Click here if you don’t) WELL. Well, well, well! Our Dunder Mifflin Infinity conundrum is SOLVED!
Here’s the deal, gang. NBC has started the Infinity website as the ultra super mega interactive fan site. And I know that there is a good number of us who are ultra super mega fans. So, let’s do this, guys!
I need you to do the following to help make our branch of Dunder Mifflin the greatest branch there ever was! Here are the steps:
1. Go back to DunderMifflinInfinity.com
2. Scroll to the bottom and register. Make sure you receive and activate your account with the activation e-mail.
3. It’s going to ask you to fill out an application for employment. When it asks you if you want to be a Branch Manager or just an Employee, click “just an employee” and enter in this code for the branch you’d like to join
rtvb40lkmuThat’s our branch code! Join, join, join!
UPDATE: You’ll also probably have to still select our city, which is
Owensboro, Kentucky.Update to the Update! Go here!!!
4. And then we wait! They’ll let me know when they open the branch (which should be when we have 15 employees) and then we’re ready to play all sorts of Dunder Mifflin type games. I really don’t know more than this, but I can’t wait and I hope you’ll want to play, too!
Let’s do this. And if the grand prize is “Marrying John Krasinski,” you’re, OF COURSE, invited. But not on the Mediterranean sailing honeymoon. You’re not invited to that. Sorry.
With September 27th just a little over two weeks away, I’m in such a frenzy over what we’re going to get from this next season of The Office. Not even so much with Jim and Pam and Michael and Jan, but with Ryan. I am really intrigued and interested to see what the new power dynamic is going to be like between he and Michael, but more importantly, what on earth is Kelly going to do. Because you know she’s going to do something.
We already can imagine a little bit about “Fun Run”, the premiere episode, but episode 2 is titled “Dunder Mifflin Infinity.” That? I have no idea what that means. And I’m not reading the episode summary.
But… we do have this…?
Ready? Set? Brainstorm!
Apparently Jenna Fischer and her director husband James Gunna have split. I normally wouldn’t ever post anything like this, and there’s a good chance your eyes will just skip this post, but I found it totally shocking and sad and felt the need to share.
Well, it’s here. In my apartment. Right next to me. That’s right, gang, I’m talking about the Best Buy Gift Set for Season 3 of The Office. *Not only* does it come with a Dundie, a miniature Dwight Schrute bobblehead, a letter from Michael Scott AND a SchruteBuck, but hours, upon hours, upon hours of glorious Office extras. Deleted Scenes. Commentary. “Dwight Schrute Music Video” (What?!), and tons more. Pretty much, this is going to be the most awesome thing… ever.
Photos of the set coming tomorrow morning sometime.
And! To help us count down the days, hours and minutes until the premiere of Season 4 and to celebrate this truly beautiful DVD release, I’m going to try my absolute best, in groups of two or three, to re-cap the episodes from Season Three that I never officially wrote anything about on the blog as I watch them on the DVDs. I’ll start tomorrow with at least “Gay Witch Hunt” and “The Convention!” So, stay tuned, Dunder-Heads!
On my way to the farm today, I was listening to NPR and caught a story about how starting this fall, we will no longer be able to buy shows produced by NBC on iTunes (namely, Heroes, Battleship Galaxy and The Office!).
The story continued to explain that this is because NBC wanted to charge $4.99 an episode!!!
And then Steve Jobs said, “Chyeah, right. And monkeys might fly out of my butt!”
And then Jeff Zucker said, ”All I have to say about that is, asphinctersayswhat.”
And then Steve Jobs said, “What?”
And then Jeff Zucker said, “Exactly.”
I don’t know about you, but as much as I’d love to say that’s no big deal, it seems so steep! Apparently NBC is going to work on getting some other way to get their shows online, but I have no idea of the specifics on that. While in school, that whole buy it on iTunes thing was just so damn convenient! Oh, well.
So, it looks like I’m going to be making the possibly expensive jump to Tivo much sooner than expected, because, let’s be real, if I don’t blow kisses at Jim Halpert on my TV screen at least once a week, the terrorists win.
But, for most and many, summer is winding down. School is back in session, Labor Day is here and hopefully the temperatures are cooling off wherever you are, I know they’re not here.
So, what was the best part of your summer? Let’s hear it, gang!
Need a little inspiration? (I’m going to say “Spoiler Alert,” though I really don’t think it is.)
This is pretty much just to express my utter excitement over the fact that Tanster has just posted over on OfficeTally that she has received a “tentative (but detailed)” schedule of events for The Office Convention slated to take place in Scranton on the weekend of October 26-28. I really, really, really, really want to go to this. Sure, the convention would only be the coolest thing ever, but not nearly as cool as spending the weekend in pajamas in Crushinski’s room, falling even more in love, ordering room service, staying in bed watching free HBO and having endless giggle/cuddle fests for three days straight.
Have you been to Give Me My Remote, yet? If not, you should. It’s the ultimate TV blogging experience. There’s far too much TV information over there for me to even begin to digest it, but between GMMR and OfficeTally, my thirst for Office knowledge is easily quenched every time.
Especially this time.
SPOILER ALERT! If you don’t want to know even the smallest detail about this next season of The Office before it happens, stop reading right now! Though I am sure the following will not reveal anything they won’t show in the episode preview, you should just know what you’re in store for.
If you’re just too curious, like I was, click here!
Best Buy has posted a photo of their special package! (That’s what she said.) It looks like it definitely includes a Dundie AND a Dwight Bobblehead! Excellent! No word yet on if it’s just going to be season 3 in there. I don’t know if I could handle 3 copies of the first season.
Stay tuned, Dunder Heads!
I’ve never missed a show more than I miss The Office. Right now.
Remember one month ago today when I reported to you the up and coming project from NBC, The Office 360?
Well, while we’re still waiting for the full-fledged creation of this new obsession, the official Dunder-Mifflin website was recently launched. Head on over. It’s pretty well put together and you can read the press release for Ryan Howard’s promotion. And if you look along the top there, you see a link for ‘Intranet,’ and I bet that’s where The Office 360 will find a home. You can best believe I’ll keep a close eye on all developments here.
If you’re achin’ for some Dunder-Mifflin like I am, ‘The Negotiation’ will be airing tonight on NBC! Check it out, loves! I don’t think I’ve discussed that one blog-side yet. So who knows what the rest of our night will bring!! Oh, the mystery!
Note! In recent images of the cover of the Season 3 DVD, Prison Mike has been replaced with Regular Mike. Oh, well.
As we’ve known for a while, September 4th will see the release of Season 3 of The Office on DVD (and Season 4 of Nip/Tuck, too! This will be a very expensive day!) .
BUT! But, but, but! Before you jump on over and get a sweet deal over at Amazon on a pre-order… read this!
Remember last year how Best Buy released the most massively thoughtful and fantastic DVD Gift Set ever? It included Seasons 1 and 2 as well as other Office odds and ends like a pen, post it pad, magnet and a cool little desk calendar with special Michael Scott notations. And it came in a super cool mini file box! The kind you would use on your last day when you got canned from your job and needed to take your desk plant and picture frame home. The Gift Set was thusly called, The Severance Package.
Beautiful. I love these people.
ANYWAY, according to Best Buy’s website, there is going to be a Limited Edition Gift Set for Season 3, too! No word on any specifics yet, but you best believe I’ll let you know as soon as I do. This is likely to be an in-store pick up item only, so just be sure that you get there ASAP on September 4th! I know I will!
At first I wasn’t sure how this one slipped under my radar, but then I realized that it happened while I was in Guatemala. And pretty much, this is unacceptable that I haven’t reported on this until now.
This, being Future Husband John Krasinski had a ga-ga-ga-gooorgeous spread in GQ magazine.
This is how I feel when I think about you, too!!
Man in suit! Man in suit! Swoon!
More scans located here.
Hello, My Darling. I promise that when we’re married and living on our big beautiful, tree-y farm, we’ll have a basketball hoop in the driveway, and you can teach our children all the ins and outs of basketball. Maybe once a week we can have a family showdown and you can pick up Little Olivia June and help her slam dunk. And then, we’ll have BBQ and fresh-squeezed lemonade on the porch and watch the fireflies come out while Olivia and her sisters, Kennedy Jayne, Madeline Marie and Wyatt James (and their brother Will Sawyer) try and catch them in jars for night lights. See you then.
Did you know that Mindy Kaling, the lovely actress who plays Kelly Kapoor on The Office, also writes some of the episodes? Most notably, Ben Franklin, The Injury and The Dundies? If these sterling classic Office episodes weren’t instant proof of her admirable and fantastic wit and clever-ness, she officially has a blog that is one of the funniest things I’ve read. It’s pretty much all about shopping and girly stuff (Or as Kelly would say [in one of my favorite Kelly lines], “pretty much anything that is awesome.”), but the fact that I can picture her/Kelly talking exactly like this is written, is pretty excellent.
Not to mention this weekend I, too, bought a lot of things that I love. I’ll totally indulge you, if you’d care to know.
Also, in other fantastic blogging news, my baby baby brother, Clayton, officially has his own blog over here at Reganomics! Only the wittiest 17-year old I can possibly think of, he’s already written about Becks in the U.S. and a pretty good album review. If ever there were an expert on all things James Bond and Jason Bourne, Clayton is it and I am most looking forward to his side-by-side comparison of the two coming soon. Excellent. Check out what the little dude is up to!
I never got into video games aside from NES Duck Hunt. And even then, I would stand and press the gun against the TV screen so I’d never lose. What? It’s called strategy, sucka’!!! Sure, Guitar Hero is fun, but I’m not very good. And I am sure Wii is great, but I haven’t gotten much practice aside from watching other people play a lot. It’s just not my thing. Anyway. That all may be changing as The Office is slated to become a videogame for PSP, Nintendo DS and, of course, PC. Look for it by the end of this year.
From the story over at Gamesarefun.com:
“The point of the game will be to do odd jobs and pull pranks at Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch. There is as of yet no word on whether we will be able to play as Jim and choose between Pam and Karen. But if so, difficult choices lie ahead!”
Or he could pick me. I’m loyal. And I can cook good food. And I happen to LOVE last-minute dates. Especially when they’re on roofs.
My personal opinion? Go for it. I’d much rather be sitting on an airplane next to a kid who is trying to figure out how to glue Dwight’s pens and pencils all over his desk than a kid who is on his 10 millionth sudoku game when I have yet to finish one. To date. Period. End of story.
I must admit that I would much rather play a Sims version of The Office. Those of you who don’t know, The Sims is an RPG in its purest form. So, I’d be able to make out with Jim Halpert. Whenever I want. And that would be, um, always, lasting til… forever.
This morning, very bright and early, Holywood Standard Time, Emmy Gods smiled down on our humble little office in Scranton, Penn and handed down NINE Emmy nominations to our favorite little paper pushers!!!
From this past year’s Emmy Awards after The Office won for Best Comedy Series.
Comedy Series: The Office
Lead Actor In A Comedy Series:Steve Carell
Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series:Rainn Wilson
Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series: Jenna Fischer
Directing For A Comedy Series:Ken Kwapis, for Gay Witch Hunt
Writing For A Comedy Series: Greg Daniels, for Gay Witch Hunt
Writing For A Comedy Series:Michael Schur, for The Negotiation
Single-Camera Picture Editing For A Comedy Series: Dean Holland, Dave Rogers, for The Job
Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series (half-hour) And Animation: John Cook, Peter J, Benjamin Patrick, for The Coup
AWESOME! I am especially happy for Jenna and Rainn. While all characters, supporting and main, on this show are week-after-week consistently stellar, I feel that this past season gave us some of the absolute best Dwight ever. And Pam. Pam, Pam, Pam. I think any of you in doubt need to re-watch Beach Games and The Job. There you’ll find some of the best television ever and two of the many reasons that Jenna Fischer should walk away with this award.
In other Emmy news, Grey’s Anatomy was nominated for Best Drama and four of its actors for their supporting roles. I’m going to go ahead and say that I really hope it doesn’t win for best drama. The second half of the season was lazy, contrived and ten million steps backwards from everything else we would have ever seen when the show was at it’s peak. It’s up against House (which I always enjoy and will be watching more of this fall), Boston Legal, Heroes and The Sopranos. I’m gonna go ahead and call this category to The Sopranos, as well as many other categories where the show is nominated, being that the show has ended and Emmy Awards will tend to go to the retiring veterans.
As far as the Grey’s actors that were nominated:
T.R. Knight is up for supporting actor and there’s a menage-a-trois for supporting actress, as Katherine Heigl, Chandra Wilson and Sandra Oh split up the Grey’s vote.
I’d like to say that I’d pull for Knight, but think he’s definitely the dark horse.
And for Supporting, I’m goin’ with Team Oh. I wouldn’t be surprised if it went to Heigl, but would be very surprised if it went to Wilson. While she was amazing whenever she was actually in the show, her character was very absent this past season and didn’t deliver enough memorable moments. Heigl is of course excellent in portraying her character, Izzie Stevens, but for me, the problem is her character. I think that Izzie has become hands down the least likable character on the show and that makes it hard to hope she wins. Oh is always spot-on and clearly understands her character inside and out, top to bottom. She definitely brought the big guns to the season finale and in spite of shoddy writing, really made that episode complete.
It’s been a while since we’ve had some good Office news, so let’s do a quick round up, shall we?
1. The Office Season 3 DVD will be released on September 4, 2007. In case you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the cover art for the DVD set.
I love that Prison Mike made the cover of the DVD. If you want to pre-order, you can do so here from the good people at Amazon.com. I, however, plan to wait it out to see if there’s any sort of bonus package like they had last year. Fingers crossed.
2. The Office 360. As much as I really wish it was, this is not a dual effort from CNN and NBC to merge AC 360 and The Office into a weekly news magazine. Instead, it’s something that might even be better. In late August, NBC is going to launch an ultra-fancy and ultra-Dunderriffic website that will be set up like a Dunder-Mifflin corporate page, but actually a super intense fan site for us Dunderheads who just can’t get enough from our half (and sometimes one!) hour a week. It sounds pretty cool and lots of opportunities for fan interaction. For example, you’re going to be able to set up “teams” or “branches” and compete with eachother using weekly tasks handed down from corporate where you can earn… wait for it… SchruteBucks. Please tell me we can work at the same branch. (They’re also doing it for other shows, like Heroes, but I don’t know what the specifics of those sites are.)
3. That Office Convention I reported on a few months back? It’s still on. OH MAN, is it still on. More details and more temptation that I really should go, here. I’ve always thought the idea of conventions for things that people find interesting, is a really cool idea. And for the first time, I am into something that’s having a convention! I’m totally geeking out over this and am hoping that someone is going to want to make the trip to Scranton with me.
4. 73 Days, kids. 73 days until the ONE HOUR premiere of Season 4 of The Office on September 27. What happened to Karen?! Is Kelly going to stand for Ryan’s sudden break-up?! How many times did Jim sneak to hold Pam’s hand during their dinner DATE?! I can’t wait. I. Can’t. Wait. Who’s hosting the party, guys!?
As the time for Office goodness on all fronts nears, I’m sure we’ll be slammed with tons more news and tidbits of Dunderriffic goodness. Can’t wait. See you then!
DEBUNKED! Right here! By our very own John Bierly! I should have known better than to trust Fox News for anything. Ever.
Gotta love our friends over at OfficeTally. Even when I don’t wanna hear what they’ve gotta say…
Today they posted a link over to a story that reports there is talks of a possible Dwight Schrute spin-off series.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m definitely a member of the Dwight Schrute Army of Champions, but this is some of the most awful could-be-news I’ve ever heard. Especially coming on the heels of one of the best seasons of not only The Office, but television. Ever. Not only did we see excellent development of our core characters (Michael, Jim, Pam, Dwight and Ryan) but of the entire office as a whole.
It’s no secret that my heart will ache and break all over this fall due to Private Practice, the Addison Montgomery Grey’s Anatomy spin-off whose rumors last fall were the beginnings of the long downward spiral that was the second half of Grey’s Anatomy season 3. The only hope I have is that Shonda Rhimes has burnt it all down only to build it up again. I’d hate to see a show like The Office that has done so much to get where it is stoop to these kinds of lows. I sincerely hope this is all rumor and that Mr. Silverman and Co. are far above this level of greed.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But I’ll tell you one thing, if they do try and “fix it,” someone’s car keys are gettin’ Jell-o’d. You had better believe I’m gonna follow this story like a hawk.
The Office hasn’t even been over for two weeks and already I’m missing the hell out of Thursday night Scrantics.
That being said, I really cannot wait to see Evan Almighty, starring everyone’s favorite Regional Manager alongside everyone’s favorite Blood Analyzer and Receptor Compound/Carbon Based Catalyst Isolator. (Don’t worry, you’re not supposed to know what that means. I just wanted you to know how smart Morgan Freeman is.)
In honor of the flick, DotComedy.com is showing daily clips of Mr. Steve in some of his funniest roles and best interviews. We’re already two weeks and one day behind, but if you’ve got time and need a fix, you should check it out.
I need you to check this out.
I’m game if you are.
Okay. Seriously, someone needs to give me a reason to not go to this.
Now, listen. I wouldn’t necessarily call myself well-versed in television, in fact, I couldn’t tell you half of what happens out there in TV land. You may pity me, but. I will tell you this, and I want you to believe me.
The Office is the best show on television. Period. Closed for discussion.
I couldn’t imagine a show that week-to-week delivers more heart and humor than this, with better writers, directors and actors than this. I feel like I keep having to remind myself that this is a sitcom, because it’s not structured like any one I’ve ever seen.
At the end of last season, I had seen a bunch of interviews with John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer, and the interviewer would ask them how they felt to be the new “Ross and Rachel” or the new “Sam and Diane.” They’re no “Ross and Rachel” and far from a “Sam and Diane,” because they’re “Jim and Pam” and there is nothing that has ever come close to what they are and nothing that ever will. One in a million.
Anyway, now that that’s out of the way, let’s get down to business.
Creed!!! Creed’s blog is perhaps the most brilliant thing I’ve ever heard. When he started saying the website I started to try and remember it, but then noticed that, in a very Creed fashion, it wasn’t real (”You’re not real, man!” Oh! And courtesy of the good people at OfficeTally, here is a transcription of Creed’s blog: “I got into a car accident yesterday and I just took off. It didn’t look too bad. The guy was making a big deal out of it, but come on — dogs don’t live forever.” Look for the Official Creed Thoughts here! The full scale of the funny there will have to be discussed in another post.).
And coming from anyone else the “au natural” line would have been creepy as hell, but it’s not creepy, it’s Creedy.
Remember how last season they did the webisodes of “The Accountants?” Well, I’m hoping that they do that again this summer but with Creed, Stanley, Meredith and Phyllis. I love those guys and wish they’d get some more screen time, because whenever they do, I’m completely in stitches.
StanleyNickel is the greatest idea ever and I love how often Dwight walks into these little traps that people set up for him. And the fact that Angela knew the answer to his fertilizer question but didn’t dare say anything out loud. That relationship totally weirds me out, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love seeing their odd little moments in the break room or the corner of the office.
Andy’s interview was insanely memorable, too. I love that his answers were all prepared to be exactly what they needed to be and Dwight was just not having any of it. Another excellent dynamic on the show there, Dwight and Andy.
And Ryan, you suck. I like Kelly. A lot. I think she’s adorable and sweet and always means well and I hate Ryan for stringing her along. Not too long ago, I seriously thought he liked her for a while, and he still might (watch the deleted scenes from Benihana Christmas). But he sees this chance to be in New York as something bigger and better and a way to really use the schooling he’s gone through. In season 4 I’d like to see Ryan realize that he really did love Kelly and try and get her back. But whatever, he was an (to use a Michael Scott-ism), A-Wipe. (Michael’s letter to Dwight? Dwight’s reaction? Try and tell me you kept a straight face.)
And Jan!! Wow! Wowie wow wow wow! She wasn’t preggers, but it turns out she did… grow… but just not where I was expecting. I thought that was hilarious and brilliant, but just another testament to the fact that she really is absolutely crazy. I called it that the job interview was for Jan’s job, but I thought that was pretty ballsy for her to get fired, and I like that they took that risk. And for my Arrested Developers, did anyone else think of Kitty when Jan asked David if she was getting fired “Because of these?”
I misread the entire Michael-Jan dynamic the first time I watched the episode. Michael has got a lot of growing up and confidence building to get through. Their entire relationship was dictated by Jan before and even after getting back together, and staying together under different circumstances, he’s still letting her dictate the relationship. I don’t think he’s nearly as concerned about getting his condo back as he is about having Jan in it. He’s doing a lot of what he’s doing for her because it’s what he “thinks” a good boyfriend is supposed to do. But I think he, like everyone else, realizes he’s psycho. Season four has a lot in store for you, Mr. Scott.
But that’s that. I’ll add more to it later. Maybe.
LET’S GET DOWN TO THE NEETY GREETY:
I think Karen’s insecurities are truly getting the better of her. She’s so unsure about herself in her relationship with Jim that she’s manifesting all these weird emotions and saying things that we wouldn’t have previously expected of her. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that they have to make her slightly less appealing, but I really think that this side to her was there from the beginning, but we just didn’t notice it when we were somewhat running out of steam from rooting for Jim and Pam. Karen’s always been uneasy in her relationship with Jim, and while some of this falls on Jim for not making her feel secure, it’s very telling in that he probably never got secure in the relationship either. I like how also they set up that Karen has friends in New York, and though that kind of felt odd, it gave me some sense of security that she had some sort of social network there. You’re right Karen, Scranton isn’t big enough for you, Jim and Pam. And Jim knows it too.
PS- Sweetheart, I don’t think you look like a homeless man with your adorable, floppy hair. I’ll love you no matter what haircut you get. But. You did look very handsome and snappy with your pretty new one. I agree with Meredith. Sexy hot. And you can turn around if you want. But if not, it’s cool. We can just make faces at eachother and smile. And I’d love to live in Scranton. Not New York. But we can go and visit. And go to a bar that used to be a church. And I’ll believe you when you tell me you saw Lorne Michaels. Promise.
When Jim lifted up the sales report and saw the Office Olympics yogurt lid medal and the note, my heart stopped. That was only the sweetest thing ever and I would expect nothing less from our adorable, loveable, and thoughtful little Pam. Jim obviously realized the permanence of that job in corporate and realized that it meant being permanently farther away from Pam than he’d like. He’s already left her once before and I don’t think he was willing to do it again. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulled a Michael and respectfully withdrew his name from the running.
Which brings us to The Moment. (Gotta say, I was watching the timer on the VCR like a hwak near the end of the episode, wondering, “What’s gonna happen! THERESNOTIME! But something’s gotta happen!”)
“All right. Then it’s a date”
And the tears that swelled up in Pam’s eyes earned Jenna Fischer every award I could possibly give her. And I’m gonna be honest, I got all teary eyed, too. It’s like you could feel her heart ache through telling us that she was happy that her and Jim would always be friends, like she was really expecting more. And then, the man of her dreams walks through the door and asks her to dinner in a way that was every bit simple and charming as it needed to be but spoke volumes to us at home.
At that moment, all the lights in my house dimmed, as the brightness of her smile caused a minor electricity failure in my area. And those tear-swollen eyes were definitely contagious. I definitely needed to take a minute and remind myself to breathe.
“I’m sorry, what was the question?”
Best. Show. Ever.
Thank you.
(And don’t forget to get over to Scrantonicity! Now!)
As many of you know, my TV grasp this year, as it is most years, was weak. But, the magic of all that is that I am getting a two-fer on my TV shows tonight!
(I know, I owe you a Grey’s post. But really, there’s good reason I’ve been neglectful. Besides school, if you saw last week’s episode, you’ll understand that it’s a difficult one to talk about on its own. Let’s see what happens this week. And gimme a break, I’m working on the optimisim here, kids.)
That’s right, Dunderheads and Hormone-Filled Interns! Don’t forget to tune into the HOUR LONG season finale of THE OFFICE followed by the season finale of GREY’S ANATOMY at 8 and 9 o’clock respectively!!!
(Remember that? Can your heart handle something of that caliber again? I know mine can’t.)
What’s going to happen with that job interview at corporate?! Is Jan preggers and that’s why everyone is interviewing for her job?! (Okay, I think the preggers thing might be a bit out there, but I do think it’s her job they’re interviewing for.)
Will Burke and Christina finally tie the knot!? Will Alex finally come clean about how he feels for Mrs. Jason Bourne!? I really wish tonight’s episode was guest starring Tony Danza. I’d totally call it “Who’s the Chief?” Sigh, someday…
There’s going to be loads to discuss on all fronts and I plan on gushing to you over The Office and making up for lost Chatnatomy time by midday Friday! Just you wait and see! I’m gonna rock it. Hopefully.
And don’t forget to check out Scrantonicity, kids!!! Thar be Dundies over there!
Stay tuned! Lot’s to come!
Okay kids, today is the day that quiets a lot of the rumors and rumblings we’ve been hearing about the fall fate of our favorite television shows.
And Babble affiliate and unpaid intern, John, broke the story this morning that we can be expecting a whole lot more from the good folks over at NBC.
I’ve lost track of Earl this past year, and while I always thought that the show was funny and entertaining, what I admire most about Earl, Randy, Joy and Crab Man’s crazy antics, is the solid gold heart of goodness behind that show. It means well and always makes my heart smile big. I will definitely try and pick up on my Earl patronage this next season.
And a Bionic Woman series! With Ann Veal!!!!
But. Let’s be real. The big news here is that I am getting 17.5 hours of him:
Did you know that this is my absolute, all time, favorite photo of F.H. John Krasinski?
Honey, I hope our darling little girls get their tree climbing skills from their father. Your ability will come in handy when we build little Kennedy Jayne, Olivia June, Wyatt Marie and Charlotte Leigh their tree house where we’ll have weekly family sleepovers and movie fests.
Can’t wait.
And people wonder why I love The Office so much.
Well, to be honest, I wonder how people could NOT love The Office. Tonight’s episode was a perfectly crafted example of everything I’ve come to love about the show and more. I cannot think of too many sitcoms I’ve seen that balance comedy, drama and heart into a masterpiece that is executed with perfection by some incredibly talented actors. That being said, I also cannot think of too many sitcoms I could see stretched out into an hour on a weekly basis and still know they’re going to pull it off.
I love episodes like this one where the entire cast is involved. Sure, the story focused (as always) on a few main characters, but we got a glimpse into the world of Stanley, Oscar and Glen and I like that every week we learn a little bit more about who exactly Creed Bratton is. But most of all, I love these kinds of episodes because of the undeniable chemistry that exists between each and every person on the show. If you’re a fan, you’ll admit that the potent chemistry has even pulled you in, too.
First off, I’m going to come out and say that the job opening at corporate is totally for Jan’s job. It’s gotta be. And sadly, I feel like Michael is being interviewed almost as a necessity. Though we know that Michael truly is a great salesman (“The Client,” “Traveling Salesman”), if “Cocktails” is any indication, David is far more interested with Jim and Karen than he is with Michael. More on that later.
Some of the parts that had me nearly crying with laughter were when Stanley came alive when he learned what was the deal with the Survivor games. The Sumo-ing against Jim?! His face?! Jim’s reaction?! PRICELESS. I hurt from laughter and cannot imagine that was an easy scene to film without cracking up. Stanley surprises me with a lot of the things he says and does and I constantly look forward to it.
And Creed! Bringing a boogie board to Lake Scranton!? And fishing! “I didn’t know we were having hot dogs.” LOVE IT. Creed is definitely a contender for favorite supporting character.
And how funny/borderline creepy was Dwight telling Angela to “stand next to me” if there’s a group hug!!! WHAT?!?!
But, let’s be real, if you weren’t dying over the whole Gryffindor/He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named storyline, well, I just don’t know what to do with you anymore. Even when Michael said it at the end and Dwight was dying on the inside to save him from saying it! So brilliant. I love that Jim is constantly playing with Dwight and clearly knows him better than anyone in the office (well, almost anyone). Yet he is still the first one to help him out when he’s in trouble (“The Injury”, tonight’s episode, he was the first to reach for Dwight when he was face down in the coals. Which, by the way… COME ON, MICHAEL!). And that’s what I think I love so much about this show. There’s this incredibly funny storyline riding over everything but at the heart of it all we’ve got compassionate characters with some truly brilliant dimensions.
(Millions of other funny moments… but…)
Which brings us to the pinnacle of the episode.
Of course, you know I am talking about “new” Pam’s brush with adrenaline, coals and Jim. Obviously I felt bad for Pam and her position throughout the entire episode. And you could just tell that underneath her adorable and calm exterior was something that was about to snap and it wasn’t going to be pretty. Watching the burning coals and knowing how bad Pam’s insides must burn over Jim and Karen, her job and the fact that she’s probably all different of types of lonely these days. I was proud of her when she finally ran across the coals and in turn got over her own fear of being trapped in “Old Pammy.” Er, sorry, Pam.
I like that she confronted everyone (though totally directed at Jim) about missing her art show. I like that she expressed her feeling of being unappreciated, but most of all, of course, I like that she finally came clean to Jim. And granted it was messy circumstances, but given the situation, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. She was on this massive adrenaline rush from crossing the coals and crossing to another side of herself, and said what she needed to say and what he needed to hear. Truth of the matter is, I miss her and Jim being best friends, too. I miss their snickering and giggle fests and camaraderie that made my heart smile as big as it could.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Jim and Karen. I do. But I feel that when Jim is with Karen he’s trying to hard to be the boyfriend he wants to be. It’s almost forced. When it’s Jim and Pam, he’s just Jim. Not trying to be anything, he’s just Jim. And ‘just Jim’ is who Pam was talking to tonight. It’s who she missed and it’s who we all need to come back.
I also like how yet again The Office has left us with so much to take in during the last two episodes. Think back to “Conflict Resolution,” the penultimate episode of season two. Jim’s confession to Pam about complaining to Toby?! Insane! But a brilliant cliffhanger! Not nearly as brilliant as “Casino Night,” but still, brilliant.
Tonight’s episode did the same thing. This would have made a great season finale cliffhanger. But knowing that we’ve got another hour to look forward to!? Well, that just makes it all the more nail biting and exciting until then!
They’ve given us quite a load for next week’s season finale, and I’m not sure if my heart can handle a repeat of last summer, but I’ll sure as hell try.
PREDICTIONS: I think next week we will see Michael, Jim and Karen interview for the job (what I am going to predict is Jan’s job at corporate), and I do feel that Karen will be the one getting the job. You can’t break this girl’s heart by having Jim dump her (though I’d be naïve to think that she hasn’t been hurting all this time), and really, giving her the job is the easiest way to make her character have a happy ending in one aspect of her life when she might lose out on another. That being said, I am not expecting a Jim and Pam full-on love connection anytime soon. I think they want to avoid mirroring last season’s finale by making it a little bit different and more complicated (Yikes! But think about it, if Pam didn’t do her speech to Jim in front of everyone, it would have been just like “Casino Night” in reverse). I say go for it. Hit us with your best shot. Fire away. (I promise to never quote Pat Benatar in an Office post ever again.)
These truly are the best writers on television. Week after week not only do we get some of the most brilliant comedy, but the drama that breaks my heart, crushes my soul, and puts it all back together again.
I. Love. This. Show.
When I got out of my Folklore seminar tonight, I turned on my phone to have a total of 2 voicemails and 4 text messages from different people all telling me how wonderful The Office episode was That’s a very good sign. And pretty much pumped my pre-game excitement to record-breaking highs. So here I am, pajama’d and ready to dive into a full 40 minutes of good laughs, courtesy of our good friends in Scranton, Pa.
And since I know you love The Office as much as I do, I should direct your attention over to John’s blog where we are in the midst of the maiden voyage of what will prove to be a most excellent blog feature, Scrantonicity. Pre and post episode discussion, Dundies and more, Scrantonicity will be filled with the tangy zip of Miracle Whip, and the weekly Office nutrition we could expect from a good Schrute Farm beet.
So, get your flonkert-on and I will see you there in your “Beach Games” wear!