After what many have considered to be a lackluster season of The Office (myself included), tonight’s episode stood out as a return to the series roots. The episode contained itself to realistic situations ripe for comedy and pathos, favoring subtlety over the over-the-top approach it has been taking more and more in recent episodes.
The entire job fair storyline was great, beginning with Michael saying that he won’t have to worry about any kids who intern at the warehouse going to college, Jan’s search for a single sheet of Dunder-Mifflin paper, and Michael’s speech about the awkward guy he originally scared off being like the pretty girl with glasses in a movie.
Jim’s golf outing was also hilarious, pretty much because of Ed Helms’s Andy. There are times when I find Andy to be more irritating than funny, but tonight I found his antics to be hilarious. The “shortcut” he took? I burst out laughing.
Dwight and Angela’s awkward relationship was also highlighted this week. The Office’s success has always relied on its characters, so despite the fact that their scenes together were often wordless and humorless, the pathos they provided was a welcome addition to an episode that already had its comedy covered in its A- and B-storylines. Jan’s scene in her old high school’s art room was also heartbreaking.
Overall, this episode was a great installment of this inconsistent season, and hopefully next week’s finale will stay on course. (Which it looks like it will be from the preview, but who knows).
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