Dwight and Jim working together is almost as much fun as their working against one another. I appreciated the fact that Dwight’s diabolical plan was acknowledged, and that his suspension of its implementation was explained — his exhaustion made much more sense than any feelings he may have for children singing carols.
We’ve seen Secret Santa played out on The Office once before, to disastrous results. I remember an iPod, oven mitts, and Michael throwing a tantrum. Yet I enjoyed that petulant child much more than the one displayed by Michael last night. How can he still throw fits like that at his age and in his position of authority? I know that that’s his way and his charm, but sometimes enough is enough.
I loved Phyllis as Santa, and everything that came with it, up until she threatened Jim with Bob. What’s happened to our sweet little Phyllis? By now she’s been this way for more than half of the series, but I much prefer naive, innocent Phyllis to her current iteration as a conniving, manipulative, rude … lady. Plus two Santas making out is kind of creepy.
As were Michael’s pleas to get people to come sit on his lap. Kevin was hilarious, unsure of what standard protocol on Santa’s lap was, but Michael talking about proving he was a man … wow. Even more inappropriate than his calling a pregnant, married Pam naughty.
Oscar’s crush on Matt the warehouse guy was kind of sweet, and it’s been really nice to see Oscar’s role expand this season (and some of last). I’ve always liked Oscar, and he’s better than just zinging one liners at Angela and Michael. Plus his growth has come with companion expansions in Andy (his new buddy), and some actual screen time for Pam last night. All good things.
Only Michael would totally misinterpret the meaning behind Dunder Mifflin being sold. In its current fiscal state, only a competitor with complementary sales regions, or someone looking to break into the business with an existing operation, would offer a bid to purchase the company. Which means that at worst the Scranton branch would be merged with another overlapping office, not that everyone would be fired. While that scenario would threaten jobs, Michael would probably be at most risk. How can he keep getting these things wrong? And why’d the show decide to get rid of David Wallace? I love that guy!
The Secret Santa game itself was utilized minimally, but to maximum effect. Andy sending Erin the 12 Days of Christmas, and her resulting injuries, was classic Andy, as well as exactly what we’ve been slowly learning about Erin. The shot of geese in her car was hilarious. And Dwight receiving one piece of a machine per day for assembly? His line about Osama bin Laden imprisoning himself that way was a really funny line in theory (although not a great quote), and the assembled machine resembled not so much a gun as … well, something else entirely. Put it this way: I did not see a nut cracker.
While Michael was a disappointment that affected my overall experience, this was still another solid outing from the show.
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Dec 11, 2009 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
I thought Dwight’s present was something else as well but, I shan’t be saying what. Mostly because I’m not sure there is a word for what I think it was.
Thank you for saying that. Somehow that scene went from funny to gross almost instantly. I probably could have handled it if they’d bothered to remove the beards first.
It’s easy to see how Michael got things wrong. He doesn’t understand finance and corporate structure even when Oscar explains them to him. David said something like “we’re all gone” and Michael took the “we” to mean EVERYBODY.
*POST AUTHOR*
Oh, I know, I just mean “how can he keep on getting this stuff wrong?”
Because we love him for it.