57 replies to this topic

[ReadIshmael]

Zap2It says:

Two new, young employees throw Dwight and Jim off balance; Andy returns from leadership training with a desire for revenge.

I rather liked this episode. I only really laughed at Creed's end monlogue about the "circus" and a couple lines about Angela's cats and Kevin's turtle, but the weird sense of desperation I was getting from the show last season was gone. They seemed confident and ready to take their characters seriously again. Nellie's reduced to a role where she might actually be well-used, Jim has an actual storyline again (and one that actually, in this episode, made some good use of Krasinki's talents), Dwight isn't a father, and I feel like I could easily come to like the new guys. Good signs.

ETA: Oh, hell, got the airdate wrong. Sorry. Would fix it if I could.

Edited by ReadIshmael, Sep 20, 2012 @ 9:38 PM.

[Kaoteek]

Didn't really enjoy that premiere, and not just because I was distracted by Rainn Wilson's new veneers. It mostly fell (and felt) flat, and I didn't like Andy's new mean-spirited attitude.

[justkaren]

Wow, where is everyone?

I actually liked this episode. Nothing really laugh out loud funny, but at least chuckle-worthy which is a hell of a lot more than I can say for last season. Loved Dwight, Jr. and Plop! Loved Dwight running off to find out what color belt is higher than black. Loved Pam and her 105 lbs. joke.

So much loved Krasinski FINALLY having something to do. The guy is a great actor and it's high time they let him show it again.

Was a little shocked at Oscar and the Senator! That might be fun to see play out when Angela gets wind of it...or does she already know? Hmmm.

Mean Andy is slightly funnier than doofus Andy, so that's a plus I guess.

[Waltuckian]

I thought it was streets ahead of last season. Watching everyone chuck trash at Nellie alone made it better.

[miz liz]

Loved the episode! It was like The Office of the old days, when it was, you know, funny! I actually laughed out loud when Jim said "I have nothing in common with Plop."

I expected to hate the new guys, but I liked them almost immediately.

So far so good, really looking forward to the rest of the season...especially to see what happens with Oscar and the senator!

[superpole2000]

I thought this was borderline ridiculous, and not in a good way. Nothing felt particularly clever. Kevin was too stupid to be funny, Dwight was too far removed from anything an office worker would ever do, and Andy was mean and out of character.

The only part that interested me was the Jim/Pam interaction with the documentary crew.

[morgankobi]

That turtle bit was one of the most cringe-worthy things I've seen. And it seemed to go on FOREVER.
Other than that, it was pretty OK. I also laughed at Creed's monologue, and thought that the small beginning to the introduction of the camera/documentary crew was well done.

[queenelvis]

Someone on tumblr theorized that the turtle bit was a metaphor for Season 8:

Turtle being run over - Michael left
Tried to fix it, but the pieces didn't fit - Andy as new boss, Spader as California
Found other pieces of stuff - Nellie, Kathy trying to seduce Jim, Dwight/Angela storyline, etc
Stepped on it again - no one cared, ratings went down
made another shell, but the turtle was already dead - Tried again by bringing David Wallace back into the fold, but Michael leaving basically killed the show

I mean, it's a little weird, but the more you think about it, the more it makes sense.

I liked this episode a lot. Creed stole the show with his circus summary, and I always crack up at Meredith being super inappropriate. I also liked the Oscar cheating with the senator twist. Mind you, I'm not happy about the cheating part, but Oscar's always thinks he's morally superior to everyone else. It's going to be fun when everyone finds out.

[kccody]

I have loved this show since the beginning and have hated its recent decline, so I am excited that the writers seem to be setting up a good farewell. Hated Kevin and the turtle. Loved the new guys, Oscar and the senator and Jim's new career possibilities. Loved Kelly and her Miami confusion. I'll be tuning in till the end!

[OneBigMayor]

I liked it! And I was so sure that I wouldn't.

The camera crew part was very interesting and I really like the new guys. I did feel like Andy though, Nellie why are you still here??

[msstaceyu]

I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I didn't like the whole Andy/Nellie story, although I loved Andy's comment to Toby about why Michael hated him so much. Dwight and the bicycle was somewhat funny, although the first stunt was funnier when he was trying to outdo Dwight Jr. I'm wondering how the Oscar/Senator story will play out and liked the ending with Jim listening to the new guy talk about his future plans at the end. Also loved how the camera crew seemed invested in them and wanted to see how they turn out more than the day to day operations of the office.

[tominboston]

I mostly loved it -- except for Andy being a little too mean to Nellie -- and if the rest of the season is as good as the Beginning Of The End I'm going to really miss this show, something I was beginning to doubt last year. I can guess where the Jim's New Job? plot will probably lead by the finale... nice leadout.

I may have been the only one, but I though Kevin's improvised turtle repair was really funny. And I think that Nellie may work as another oddball ensemble character, a better role for her than boss. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the rest of the season.

[Sunshine55]

I liked this episode way more than I expected to. Loved Kelly flouncing through the office saying goodbye, and Ryan at the bus stop with trash bags full of his clothes, going to Ohio to chase Kelly.
Interesting dynamic with Jim seeing his future through the new guy's eyes; can't wait to see what happens to him through the rest of the season. I just hope they don't break up Jim and Pam as part of it.
Creed, of course, stole the show with the circus story, and I liked the Dwight Jr. character.
But I must say, I was disappointed to learn that Dwight isn't the father of Angela's baby, though I wondered whether she had paid off the lab or something. I wouldn't be surprised to learn by the end of the season that he actually is the father. Those two should end up together -- even though I guess they won't because of Rainn Wilson's spinoff.

[RustbeltWriter]

This was a nice, solid episode. Kelly and Ryan got decent send off's and I don't miss Robert California at all. I love that Dwight isn't a dad. Mean Andy may be hard to take but that's okay. Walk-All-Over-Me-Andy was annoying and the show could use a foil, especially one who actually concentrates on the business.

And that whole turtle bit was awesomely cringe worthy.

[DrLar]

Does this mean is Kelly's (Mindy's) last episode (she being in Fox now and new show).

I liked the Oscar cheating twist and Jim pursuing new interests..

And Pam (Jenna) defending her weight issues, did they have to tie real life with the show?

Well at least they are begining to tell us the story of the camera crew that's following everybody around, at least they are speaking now..

More Creed please.. thank you

[Sailing]

I feel bad for saying this, but the new guys just fell flat for me. It was too much pandering and reeks of "it's the final season so we're going to bring in two characters who are obvious plot devices to make our older characters reflect on themselves" kind of thing. Lazy writing.

I'll miss Kelly, the "business bitch"; Ryan, not so much. Mean Andy is jarring, but I'll go with it for now. Ditto for cheating Oscar - his calling the senator for dinner and cat playtime was an intriguing reveal. I think they can play this one for good laughs.

Creed's monologue about the circus and Angela's comment that "if you pray hard enough, you can become a cat person" literally made me LOL. Welcome back, Office. You're already an improvement over last year.

[smithwicks]

I hated the Kevin/turtle stuff. When did Kevin become so stupid? Why do Jim and Pam have no communication skills? He was obviously hurt when she said that their life was boring. Then she goes up on the roof and was all, I LOVE my life!! After hearing her say nothing will happen to them, Jim assumes that he needs to make a big change, presumably, to make her happy. So he doesn't even tell his wife he's in on some business venture. Wtf. I'm sure it'll cause some fake tension and then he'll become a millionaire and she'll be happy again. I still hate Erin. Don't mind confident Andy. I would like him more if he breaks up with Erin so she can get with Dwight, Jr.

I did love Dwight Jr's "body by Cheez-it" comment. That made me laugh out loud.

[chocolatine]

And Pam (Jenna) defending her weight issues, did they have to tie real life with the show?

Jenna doesn't look like she has any "weight issues" to "defend". IMO, she's bounced back very nicely. And she was never 105 lbs to begin with, just a healthy, shapely woman.

I absolutely loved that Jim took the business opportunity, even if it means we'll see less of John Krasinski. Philladelphia is only 130 miles or so from Scranton; not a fun commute, but he can make it work for a while, and once the business takes off he can move the family to Philadelphia.

I'm not looking forward to a season of Andy torturing Nelly. Isn't Pennsylvania an at-will employment state? So Andy can lay Nellie off citing "reorganization" or something similar. Toby too, for that matter, if Andy dislikes him so much.

[MrCoffeeNerves]

That was...surprisingly competent and watchable, with some good jokes and good character moments.

Granted, compared to last season anything would be a step up, but this gives me cautious optimism about the future of this Dog Food Company.

[kathrynann]

Good lord, was that actual character development for Jim? Awesome! I am actually really excited to see where this goes. And to see more exploring the documentary conceit, loved the scene with Jim and Pam talking to the camera guys.

I thought the rest of the show was pretty decent, certainly miles ahead of last season. I have a lot of residual affection for Dwight Jr. from Greek, so I liked him. The Dwight stuff was way over the top, but it gave me a chuckle.

Though I still wish the show had gone out on top a few years ago, since that ship has sailed I really hope they can pull it together for a good finish now. Feeling hopeful!

[MsTaken]

This was a mixed bag for me, but 'mixed bag' represents an improvement over the vast majority of last season's episodes, so...yay?!

I *loved* that they're finally addressing Jim's lack of non-Pam-related goals, dreams, interests etc. Jim and Pam becoming solely defined by their (no longer especially interesting) relationship with each other has been one of my primary complaints about this show for a very long time now, so I love that they're doing this, albeit about four or five seasons later than I might have liked!

I enjoyed Ryan revealing that southern Ohio is poised to be the next Silicon Valley. Oh, Ryan. His character has been through so many different and bizarre incarnations, yet almost all of them have been strangely entertaining for me.

I hated the turtle scenes. A lot.

I loathed over-the-top malicious Andy. If this is how the writers are addressing the understandable criticisms about Andy being too chronically insecure and wishy-washy, turning him into an ultra-Alpha jackass will definitely go in my 'be careful what you wish for' file.

[Sunshine55]

I just realized that there was no Gabe in last night's episode, and I wasn't paying attention to the credits last night, so I don't know if Zach Woods' name was there.
Does anyone know if Gabe is gone? I sure hope so; he was one of my least favorite characters.

[Watt DeFark]

Did.not.like Oscar & the Senator story arc. What kind of douche would do that to a co-worker? And Oscar hasn't been a douche, he's been the nearest thing to a grown-up in that office.

[braggtastic]

Not excusing Oscar, but Angela has been a huge douche to him (and mostly everyone else) for years.

[stephf13]

I feel as though I missed something. Didn't Andy allow Nellie to stay on at Dunder Mifflin at the end of last season? Why is he now wondering why she is still there?

I didn't like Oscar having an affair with Angela's husband. Angela has been a jerk to everyone in the office, but I wouldn't think Oscar would do that. It just doesn't seem like him.

I loved that Kelly and her fiance moved to SW Ohio, where I live, so he could teach at Miami University, my alma mater. Go Redhawks! :)

[SilverLake0315]

That turtle bit was one of the most cringe-worthy things I've seen. And it seemed to go on FOREVER.

I can't stop seeing Kevin kneel on that shell in my head and I cringe Every. Damn. Time. So unnecessary.

[Sister Magpie]

Why do Jim and Pam have no communication skills? He was obviously hurt when she said that their life was boring. Then she goes up on the roof and was all, I LOVE my life!! After hearing her say nothing will happen to them, Jim assumes that he needs to make a big change, presumably, to make her happy. So he doesn't even tell his wife he's in on some business venture

I read those scenes completely differently. I thought Pam's line about their life being boring was just a joke about how they were parents now--and she's perfectly happy with that. I didn't think Jim was hurt by her saying it, he was stung by how much it bothered him. Pam was telling the truth when she said she loved their life and wanted to protect it--that's why when they were telling the story about the business opportunity to the camera crew Jim looked unhappy about the argument that because it was in Philadelphia it was impossible. Pam was satisfied with Jim just having the idea and maybe getting a reward out of it. Jim (always passive) had been persuaded to not consider the offer but was unhappy about it. His enthusiasm about their domestic life was a little fake to overcompensate. That's why his bigger moment of unhappiness came from Plop, not Pam.

Iow, Jim didn't call his friend to get in on the deal to make Pam happy, he did it for himself. Now he'll have to actually tell Pam that he wants to do it. So for the first time in forever Pam and Jim may have some actual conflict that means something (or else it'll turn out Pam's faking her contentment and would also like Jim to take the job, but that would be disappointing). The idea of Jim and Pam having an interesting conflict/storyline that's different is a surprising thing to get used to. But I assume eventually Pam will support making a change. For years Pam often got seen as being held back, but I think Jim's actually the one that's shown more ambitions. His problem was that the ambitions were aimless because he didn't know what he wanted to do. But there's a lot of groundwork laid for him to be interested in bringing an idea of his own to life.

[goddessofcrap]

I liked the episode, it felt more like the good old days. I'm glad that they seem to be setting up for a strong final season.

I hope Jim's decision doesn't mean lots of fighting with Pam, or worse. That's the sort of thing that I think Pam would be justified in being miffed about at first, but I think she would need to just get over it. While she may feel betrayed that he made such a life-changing decision before consulting her, it's not like she hasn't done that to him. I'm thinking mostly of when she decided to leave DM with Michael--leaving behind a regular salary for a position in a really risky startup. Perhaps that was before they were married, I can't remember, and it didn't require moving away but it certainly affected their finances. But her reasoning at the time was the same as Jim's, she couldn't stand to stay in the same position for the rest of her life. And there was that art school, which was only when they were dating, but still a huge life-altering decision (albeit with Jim's consent-because he was happy to see her go after her dream). I just hope she can empathize and not turn into a harpy over it.

I thought Jenna Fischer looked great! I had a baby not long after she had hers so I sort of enjoyed watching her plump up and then not lose the weight overnight last season. I felt kind of bad for her actually, having to be on film week after week.

Edited by goddessofcrap, Sep 21, 2012 @ 12:30 PM.

[DrLar]

Yeah no Gabe, perhaps he's staying at Florida forever or was fired... now we have to deal with our boring old Toby.. LOL

[JanLevinsonScot]

Oscar really has a soft spot for Angela, I think it's out of character for him to be Angela's homewrecker. Unless Angela already knows that she is just the Senator's beard, and is ok with his extra curricular activities - but it doesn't sound like that's the case. I think theyre setting up a major storyline of the senator falling from grace as his affair with his wife's coworker is uncovered, and Angela leaves him and reveals that Dwight is really the father...

I really like that the Jim & Pam life story is moving forward. Two capable people like them should not be stuck in dead end sales jobs for a decade.