The Office – In tough times, the Godfather sells insurance

by Aryeh S.

the office episode 6.5 mafia

If you work in business today, you’re constantly striving for a competitive advantage. Well, businessmen and businesswomen of the world, look no further, because that edge is here: “The Fundamentals of Business,” by Michael Scott.

Can you imagine what would hypothetically be included in such a tome of knowledge? You could fill numerous chapters from last season alone: office romances, employee relations, nemeses, budget surpluses, office holidays, gaining a competitive edge, stress relief, sales promotions, dealing with a new boss, entrepreneurship, and corporate buyouts (wow was last season awesome!). Michael’s spin on business would be the perfect Bro Code companion gift for the young professional about town. More than a billion sold.

What was fun about this week’s episode was how the “A” plot centered on a bit of a throwback: misunderstanding / misinterpretation leading to chaos. Think about how many episodes in The Office past have excelled at such a simple task. It wasn’t quite last season, or even the seasons before, but “Mafia” was a huge step in the right direction.

Kevin commandeering Jim’s office was funny in its own right. Anything having to do with Kevin is great. But that call he took, inadvertently confirming that Jim and Pam had “stolen” Jim’s credit card? My wife opined that it could mean a free honeymoon for them. I’m thinking more along the lines of working off their debt as slave laborers. And remember that we outsource jobs to Latin America because of their low labor costs…. It could be years before we see them again.

Andy’s a great addition to the sleuthing team of Michael and Dwight. His mechanic’s uniform yielded a total of nothing for them in their meeting with the “mobster.” I thought at least he’d hang out in the background blending in; it was just ridiculously funny to see him sitting there at the table, as part of the meeting. I think the uniform sticking out outweighed its “help” in allowing Andy to carry a weapon. I did, however, imagine that both he and Dwight were going to show up in costume — perhaps Dwight as a Russian mobster to send a message. Oh well.

Did you manage to follow Kevin and Oscar’s conversation about prison? I had my hands over my eyes, and at the same time was laughing so hard that it was impossible for me to transcribe it. Also, I think it might have been exceedingly offensive to include it here. But still … how funny was that? Oscar would enjoy prison?…

Some stuff that wasn’t offensive:

“Toby has mentally checked-out since June” – Oscar

“I send it back” – Michael, with what would appear to be his new catchphrase (maybe it’ll replace, fingers crossed, “that’s what she said.”)