The Office – Espionage and mother lovers

Jim and Pam are back! And the good thing about an office environment is that dating, married, or friends, the fun has the potential to go on. But did it?

Certainly can’t make that call yet, as far as I’m concerned; “regular” office business was not a theme of the week. Instead, Michael dropped a bombshell on everyone, and Dwight took a page out of Greek mythology. No one ever said that you could anticipate plot on The Office.

First to Michael: I’d blocked out the fact that he and Helene Beesly had hooked up at Jim and Pam’s wedding, and I was disturbed to discover that their night together developed into a relationship. Just imagine what that would be like if he were dating your mother. I shudder at the thought.

What was cool was, finally some emotion from Jim! I mean, I finally felt as if he cared about something (including Pam) when he yelled at Michael. He kind of receded into the night when Pam learned of the relationship, but up until she started yelling in the parking lot, we were getting something from him.

And I like that Michael didn’t end up backing down. I hope he ultimately does, believe me, but it’s more enjoyable when not everything that happens is one and done. This might just end up being ongoing tension going forward, or it could be something that will somehow tie into the impending birth. Like giving Michael a semi-legitimate place at the birth and other baby-related events. The awkwardness would be hysterical.

The “B” had Dwight planting a listening device in a mallard, and presenting it to Jim as a promotion gift. What does he imagine he’ll learn? That 65 lb. paper is the heaviest that will easily feed through an office printer? I’d think Dwight would be too pompous to think Jim had something to teach him … the fact that the mallard was just a red herring kind of proves that he finds himself superior, no?

Before I get to other good stuff, one thing that I’d like to note that was anything but good: “Frank and Beans.” The first time it was moronic. The next six? And nice use of the “Chandler and Monica meeting a couple on their honeymoon” patheticness.

• Creed crying at the aria Jim played in his office
• Stanley silently cheering Pam on as she yelled at Michael … actually, Stanley had a lot of great background stuff tonight, if you were watching
• Michael turning to Toby for help — wow! Does that prove how important Helene is to him, or how important Pam is?

And some quotes:

“That could have gone one of two ways. But I never expected her to get upset.” – Michael about Pam

“I am your boss, and I may someday be your father.” – Michael to Pam

“Did you really think I would put my primary listening device in a wooden mallard? I’m not insane.” – Dwight, showing the camera his pen recorder

Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Oct 22, 2009 @ 23:01 EST5EDT