The Office Returns! (Oh, the horror!)
It's great to have Michael Scott and the gang back! And wow, what a horribly uncomfortable episode! A fantastic return to the series.
I've developed a metaphor for this episode. My thoughts are enclosed in spoiler tags below:
When I started watching the FIRST season of the show, I felt so awkward watching these retarded and dysfunctional relationships play out, and found myself squirming and writhing in pain on the couch. All of that emotional suffering came FLOODING back in this week's episode. The writers have done a fantastic job.
So Michael invites a few of the well known couples to his new condo for a dinner party, hosted by himself and Jan. They give a tour of the whole house, and the decoration smacks of Jan, who appears to be taking all of Michael's money and making the place her own. When the guests find out that dinner will be ready in three hours, they are forced to socialize uncomfortably. Michael and Jan begin to bicker at each other about their relationship. The tension is palpable, and Jan & Michael are having a throw-down lover's quarrel right in front of everybody, as guests attempt to leave the party. The cops show up and everyone leaves, but Michael goes home with Dwight.
After watching the trainwreck, I was impressed with the notion that the episode closely resembled the WGA Strike of 2007-2008. The principal players in the debate were the writers and the producers, but all these other little guys got caught in very uncomfortable places but were forced to stick around anyway. Michael & Jan are the WGA and AMPTP, respectively; the dinner guests are the workers caught in the quarrel. The dinner party lasted far too long, as did the writer's strike. And everybody below the line (dinner guests) as well as the audience (the public) were just dying to get out of the party so they could get back to work.
Also, I had the distinct opportunity to meet and observe these types of people at a Christmas Party, which was hosted by the homeowner and firm partner of ixchelmala erstwhile employer (the accounting firm). I noticed that there was a distinct uncomfortable feeling amongst the guests present, even though drinks were flowing and music was blaring. Our cue to leave that party was when the secretary bursting into song; she did not realize her inability to carry a tune. ixchelmala has posted many times about the dysfunctional nature of her work environment and attitudes of her coworkers.
So there you have it! Please comment with your thoughts, if you agree or disagree with my opinions on the series or on this particular episode, or just want to say Hi!
I've developed a metaphor for this episode. My thoughts are enclosed in spoiler tags below:
When I started watching the FIRST season of the show, I felt so awkward watching these retarded and dysfunctional relationships play out, and found myself squirming and writhing in pain on the couch. All of that emotional suffering came FLOODING back in this week's episode. The writers have done a fantastic job.
So Michael invites a few of the well known couples to his new condo for a dinner party, hosted by himself and Jan. They give a tour of the whole house, and the decoration smacks of Jan, who appears to be taking all of Michael's money and making the place her own. When the guests find out that dinner will be ready in three hours, they are forced to socialize uncomfortably. Michael and Jan begin to bicker at each other about their relationship. The tension is palpable, and Jan & Michael are having a throw-down lover's quarrel right in front of everybody, as guests attempt to leave the party. The cops show up and everyone leaves, but Michael goes home with Dwight.
After watching the trainwreck, I was impressed with the notion that the episode closely resembled the WGA Strike of 2007-2008. The principal players in the debate were the writers and the producers, but all these other little guys got caught in very uncomfortable places but were forced to stick around anyway. Michael & Jan are the WGA and AMPTP, respectively; the dinner guests are the workers caught in the quarrel. The dinner party lasted far too long, as did the writer's strike. And everybody below the line (dinner guests) as well as the audience (the public) were just dying to get out of the party so they could get back to work.
Also, I had the distinct opportunity to meet and observe these types of people at a Christmas Party, which was hosted by the homeowner and firm partner of ixchelmala erstwhile employer (the accounting firm). I noticed that there was a distinct uncomfortable feeling amongst the guests present, even though drinks were flowing and music was blaring. Our cue to leave that party was when the secretary bursting into song; she did not realize her inability to carry a tune. ixchelmala has posted many times about the dysfunctional nature of her work environment and attitudes of her coworkers.
So there you have it! Please comment with your thoughts, if you agree or disagree with my opinions on the series or on this particular episode, or just want to say Hi!