I am – Hercules!!

The Office 3.10 FAQ

What’s it called?
“A Benihana Christmas.”

What does TV Guide say?
“Harold Ramis directed this holiday episode, in which tensions escalate on the party-planning committee, resulting in two rival Christmas bashes. In other events, Michael's girlfriend (Nancy Walls) breaks up with him for the holidays; and Michael goes out drinking with Jim and the equally power hungry Andy and Dwight. Andy: Ed Helms. Karen: Rashida Jones.”

Didn’t Carol break up with Michael in the Diwali episode like a month ago?
Six weeks. Michael is not so good with the uptake. His disturbing Christmas card precipitates additional Carol-ing bluntness.

What else is TV Guide not telling us?
Michael gets enormously hammered on Nog-A-Sakis (eggnog laced with saki, one gathers) at the Benihana, and he and Andy drag unexpected components of the restaurant back to Dunder Mifflin.

There are two rival Christmas parties? Is it Scranton Vs. Stamford?
No. When a threatened Angela kicks hot newcomer Karen off the party planning committee, Pam reaches out and the two unofficial rivals for Jim’s affection team up to crush Angela. A lot of the funny this week comes out of how little effort need be employed.

What’s doing with Dwight?
Jim and Pam’s Christmas torments of Dwight are beyond hilarious. Michael is so distraught over losing Carol he orders Dwight to the Siberia of Benihana: the far end of the counter. Dwight’s insane bids to remain part of the group are wonderful.

The big news?
I was yelping aloud throughout the hour, with laughs I wasn’t embarrassed about an hour later. I hope to one day see this episode with an audience; can 2006 have produced five big-screen features as funny?

What’s great?
“Will they still air ‘Rudolph’?” “$201.” Stanley’s scale-tipping. “No, that’s an invitation.” “I may have seen it somewhere.” Michael’s Marks-A-Lot. The amazing final payoff with Dwight. So much more.

How does it end, spoiler-boy?
Dwight realizes he’s been compromised!

Herc's rating for "The Office" 3.10?
****1/2

8 p.m. Thursday. NBC.

The next new episode airs Jan. 4.

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