February sweeps begins today and brings with it 2010’s first all-new episode of “The Office.”
Tonight:
“Sabre”
Written by Jennifer Celotta
Directed by John Krasinski
When Sabre comes in to take over Dunder Mifflin, Michael struggles to accept Sabre’s new policies. Pam and Jim have an interview for a local daycare they really want to get into. Andy and Erin work on a welcome song for Sabre as Erin waits for Andy to ask her out. Guest star: Kathy Bates.
Feb. 11:
“Manager and Salesman”
Written by Mindy Kaling
Directed by Marc Webb
The office is eager to welcome Sabre CEO Jo Bennett to Scranton, and are dazzled by her Southern ways. But when Jo finds out there are two branch managers, she says either Michael or Jim must go back to being a salesman. Meanwhile, Andy’s Valentine’s Day plan backfires. Guest stars: Kathy Bates, Zach Woods.
If you’re wondering whether Jim or Michael will ultimately be the sole manager of the Scranton branch under Sabre, I’ll point out that in “Banker” (the recent clip show starring Computron), one Mrs. James Duncan Halpert identified Michael Scott as Dunder Mifflin’s highest-ranking employee. And not one of Dunder Mifflin’s two highest-ranking employees.
There were no deleted scenes from the clip show, so instead we have deleted scenes from “Leslie’s House,” followed by a bunch of old footage repurposed into a 90-second short starring easy-on-the-eyes former intern April Ludgate:
Other Sweeps Day One Notes:
* Jan Hooks, largely absent from TV since her recurring role on NBC’s “3rd Rock” a decade ago, returns tonight as Jenna’s mom on NBC’s very similarly titled “30 Rock.” The network sent along the episode and I’ll say the main attraction tonight is not Hooks but rather Liz Lemon and the fruits of Liz Lemon’s nannycam.
* Comedy Central passed along tonight’s premiere episodes of “Important Things With Demetri Martin” and “The Sarah Silverman Program.” If you felt sad Charles Widmore skipped the season premiere of “Lost,” you may be happy to learn Alan Dale turns up in menacing form on tonight’s “Things.” I also laughed pretty hard at Martin’s graph depicting “How interested I am in your kids.”
* If you ever wanted to see what a shitty NBC “Raising Arizona” rip-off might look like with Sarah Silverman in the lead, tune in to her “Program” tonight. Sister Laura cuts off funding for Sarah's lip waxing, and mustache ensues. I laughed when Laura revealed her hospital has a hermaphrodite trash can.
“Community”: 8 p.m. Thursday. NBC.
“Parks and Recreation”: 8:30 p.m. Thursday. NBC.
“The Office”: 9 p.m. Thursday. NBC.
“30 Rock”: 9:30 p.m. Thursday. NBC.
“Important Things”: 10 p.m. Thursday. CC.
“Sarah Silverman”: 10:30 p.m. Thursday. CC.
