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Dunder-Mifflinfinity!!
Ryan Returns To Scranton!!

First? by ShiftyEyedDog2	Oct 4th, 2007 04:16:08 AM
really?
Oh, shit. Now I'm one of "those" people by ShiftyEyedDog2	Oct 4th, 2007 04:17:42 AM
But hey, I saw no one had posted yet and had to seize the opportunity. It's nothing I aspired to, and I'm not proud of myself. I feel so dirty.
You'll get over it. by Mace Tofu	Oct 4th, 2007 04:37:38 AM
really.
Hey, "Supergirl" is the star on tonight's Smallville!! by Mike_D	Oct 4th, 2007 04:42:07 AM
give us a talkback for it dammit!
Still don't understand why Ryan got the job by theBigE	Oct 4th, 2007 05:17:10 AM
I know he's one of the producers on the show, and it's funny that he got the job over the others, but does it make any business sense at all? I know they do some bizarre things on the show, but I wish they'd keep it in a universe that is believable.
He has an MBA. by afterthegoldrush	Oct 4th, 2007 05:25:45 AM
duh. plus: -Jim probably didn't want it (or, CFO didn't like the fact that he was attached to Scranton) -Karen is meh -Michael is incompetent -The fat other boss is boring (lacks innovation) -The skinny other boss is a douche bag who didn't do his presentation and outed Jan and Mike And if we want to talk about a believable universe, MIchael would have been fired after the second episode.
"does it make any business sense at all?" by Horseflesh	Oct 4th, 2007 06:33:28 AM
No, and that's why the show IS believable. Who watches this show and thinks "Oh thank goodness I don't work in a place like that." and who thinks "My god, it's what I go through EVERY DAY, just slightly exaggerated for TV." :)
Just an aside... by BizarroJerry	Oct 4th, 2007 07:27:36 AM
When Karen was interviewed, she was asked what she thought of Michael. She was actually honest and a bit insulting to Michael. Even though he asked the question, the boss man may not have liked her attitude. That's one of those "trick" questions to see if you'll badmouth your boss.
I LOVE the Dwight/Cat storyline. by fanboy71	Oct 4th, 2007 07:29:04 AM
I almost spit my drink out when Angela said the frozen french fries were shredded. If this first episode was any indication, this season may be the best ever.
He had an MBA, that's why he got it. by DigitalDong	Oct 4th, 2007 07:39:05 AM
Jee, a company promoting someone based on their education and young age over someone with just years of experience and who's older. Welcome to the real world where hard work "hardly" pays off.
Last week was WEEEAAAAKKKK by Jugdish	Oct 4th, 2007 07:46:07 AM
Why was it an hourlong? Oh I get it, so I can be dissapointed just for one week rather than 2..got it.
RYAN STARTED THE FIRE!!! by BrowncoatJedi	Oct 4th, 2007 08:50:47 AM
Best show on TV!
Yeah, last week's show... by pinkfloyd2000	Oct 4th, 2007 08:51:16 AM
The first 30 min (or episode 1A) was awful. It improved in the second half, boosted considerably by the shot of Andy's bleeding nipples, but as a whole, it still felt sub-par. I hope tonight's episode is better. I'm not sure if hour-long Offices are good ideas.
They could make TWO-hour Offices, and I'd be thrilled! by ShiftyEyedDog2	Oct 4th, 2007 09:15:19 AM
I thought last week's was just as hilarious as ever, and I look forward to another season of great comedy. As for the hourlongs, I say keep 'em coming. Hell, I just blew through the season 3 dvd's in 3 days, so I'm sed to watching the show for hours at a time.
Ryan getting the job works by Omar B	Oct 4th, 2007 09:25:59 AM
Ryan getting the job works for me. It's like the modern working world where you graduate college and get a job and the guys who work for you have been there for 10 years angling for that same job. The Ryan and Creed team-up of weirdness is back!
Eh... by pinkfloyd2000	Oct 4th, 2007 09:31:34 AM
I dunno...I just didn't find Michael hitting Meredith with his car particularly funny.
Damn Browncoat jedi, you beat me to it. by fanboy71	Oct 4th, 2007 09:45:14 AM
And now I'm going to have that song stuck in my head all day. The Office is the best show on TV right now. (at least until The Shield starts back up.) I wish the whole season was one hour episodes. I can never get too much Office.
Pam's Hair by Ryang	Oct 4th, 2007 10:00:59 AM
For some reason I don't like the new look as much as when she had that thing tied behind her head. Pam is now a promiscuous woman. :( I also didn't think the premier was that amazing.
They should've given Creed the job........ by AARONIUS	Oct 4th, 2007 10:05:04 AM
Do you know how hilarious that would've been? Make Creed the overlord of Dunder Miflin Scranton and watch the hilarity ensue! I can just see his first review with the CFO. "Hey Creed I'd like to look at your branch's numbers now if I could." Creed: "Oh, I didn't know that was mandatory, I thought it was a volunteer thing." CFO "Nooo, it was mandatory." Creed: Oh I thought it was voluntary." "Mung beans anyone"?
I hated Ryan .... by Itchy	Oct 4th, 2007 10:05:38 AM
until he got this new job. The only funny thing he ever did was when he brought Michael to speak at his class, and introduced him by basically saying he was inept and the company was dying with no plan of how to save itself. The minute he got the new job, it was like a lightswitch went off. His immediately telling Kelly they were through was classic. Ever since, he has a certain edge that is very humorous and has a lot of potential.
I am a great philanderer by TheNothing	Oct 4th, 2007 10:18:22 AM
and we'll be donating to Afghanistanis with Aids. Seriously, this is the best comedy on TV! Wish it was an hour long every week.
Pam's Hair by Ryang	Oct 4th, 2007 10:18:57 AM
For some reason I don't like the new look as much as when she had that thing tied behind her head. Pam is now a promiscuous woman. :( I also didn't think the premier was that amazing.
Office is believable..well, kinda..... by BillyPilgrim	Oct 4th, 2007 10:32:31 AM
I have yet to work for a large company that does not hire inept morons to manange employees.
Itchy: by colematthews	Oct 4th, 2007 10:34:21 AM
Gotta disagree with you about Ryan not being funny. He had a 5 second talking head in season 2 during the Valentine's Day episode that made me laugh out loud: "I hooked up with her on February 13th." Plus, he's dry, and more a conduit to how the real world would react to Dunder-Mifflin.
Were I work they constantly want MBA's for mid level by Yeti	Oct 4th, 2007 10:45:59 AM
analyst positions (but seeing as how have the people working there couldn't manage their way out of a paper bag) but disapointment abounds.
British version of Office Promotion by Hagakure	Oct 4th, 2007 10:48:15 AM
NOT A COMPARISON...The American version of Office has proven itself as its own entity, but in the British version, the second season (which also dealt with one of two branches closing) dealt with how the boss of one branch was suddenly promoted over the other and putting them in uncomfortable positions of where one is now the supervisor of the other but that superiority wasn't really recognized. I am guessing that is what is going to happen with the Michael/Ryan dynamic. You could see the look of disgust on Ryan's face when he was listening to Pam's voicemail message about how the entire office was at a fun-run (classic). Now we are going to get scenes where Ryan is trying to act like authority figure he now is, but Michael is going to continue to treat him like he is still the intern and not acknowledging his authority, which should be great. And I can't even begin to think about what is going to happen when Creed and Ryan begin to react. Will Creed even remember Ryan? Will Ryan promote Creed to some kind of Reaseach and Development position just to keep track of a future sociopath? Does Ryan just sit in fear and wait for Creed to snap?
Not enough Dwight by Thegipperlives	Oct 4th, 2007 10:57:17 AM
I really liked what I saw, but I thought Dwight was constricted. Loved it nonetheless!
People still watch SMALLVILLE? by aceattorney	Oct 4th, 2007 11:00:19 AM
Why?
last week's office by tha plow	Oct 4th, 2007 11:54:36 AM
was better than any single episode from crappy season 3! too much drama. this is a freakin' comedy.
tha plow by fat bears	Oct 4th, 2007 12:07:30 PM
If you thought last season's drama was thick I have a feeling you're not going to like this season. As was pointed out earlier there was an analogous storyline in the BBC version of the office that ended with the Michael equivalent getting fired and being a sad sack. And I'm not forgetting how they introduced Jan this season, pased out and depressed. Plus, we can't expect Pam and Jim to not have some kind of roller coaster nonsense. I can't wait for the abundant funny but i'm sure the drama will still be there. So shut up and enjoy!
fat bears speaks the truth by Sultan_of_San_Diego	Oct 4th, 2007 12:25:53 PM
The second season of the BBC version and the decline of Ricky Gervais' character was like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Yeah, there were a couple of funny moments, but it was actually kind of sad. The Brits are weird like that. They also eat (and enjoy) entrees called "kidney pie."
I ran a 5k last weekend and was reminded of The Office by Big Jim	Oct 4th, 2007 01:04:39 PM
"Michael, 5K is 5 Kilometers, not 5000 miles" "Where are we?" "5 Kilometers from the office."
Dwight/Cat- jump the shark moment. by Cotton McKnight	Oct 4th, 2007 01:06:05 PM
Seriously, that wasn't funny. This is a guy who went out of his way to save Angela's job last year, to the point of getting fired over it, and yet he shows absolutely no sympathy here? Ridiculous. Reminds me of the ridiculous turn that Seinfeld took in its later years.
SMALLVILLE is one of the top 5 high rating shows. by Mike_D	Oct 4th, 2007 01:59:55 PM
What do ya mean "who still watches smallville"?!! aparently a lot of fucking people, LOL.
Ryan had an MBA?!?! by Elvis Cole Lives	Oct 4th, 2007 02:31:03 PM
Really? Since when? I just watched every episode from seasons one through three and I must have missed the one where they mentioned his MBA. Which episode was that, by the way, so that I can catch up on it? I saw where he was a temp and going to business school, but why would he work as a temp if he already had an undergraduate's degree in whatever. Additionally, if I'm not mistaken, there is no college in Scranton that offers a master's degree. That's my evidence for where I came to the conclusion that he was going to business school for his undergrad. Please help me out with the episode where it was mentioned that he was working on his master's degree.
Hopefully this is the only "Ryan" episode by Dwide Shrewd	Oct 4th, 2007 02:33:57 PM
He is the lamest character on the show, bar none. His "I don't care" shtick got old in Season One. The only thing keeping him afloat was the absurdity of his dysfunctional relationship with Kelly. Now that's gone, now what? More Andy, more Dwight, less Michael, zero Ryan.
Ever since, Ryan has had an edge? by Elvis Cole Lives	Oct 4th, 2007 02:35:28 PM
Ever since his promotion in the very last final scene of last season? You mean in all those two episodes in his whole two scenes he's had an "edge?" Really? Really? Wow, that's some edge he got in his two scenes since getting his promotion. Sharp, this guy, Ryan. Real cutting edge there with his whole two scenes in which he talked on the phone. Yes, sir, that Ryan sure has had some "edge" since his promotion two scenes and two episodes ago.
Defending Ryan by WerePlatypus	Oct 4th, 2007 02:37:08 PM
Ryan may be a flat character, but it's intentionally great writing. Some of the funniest scenes involve him because he's the straight man. He allows the other characters to be so funny. Could Michael call anyone else on the show "a piece of man candy" they way he can with Ryan? Remeber the bit with Stanley's daughter? The characters reminds me of Michael Cera on Arrested Development. Some of the funniest parts of THAT show were when George Michael gets unjustly shit on or really embarrassed, over and over again. You can only make that work with a (relatively innocent) straight-man.
Afterthegoldrush, THAT'S your explanation?!?! by Elvis Cole Lives	Oct 4th, 2007 02:45:36 PM
"Karen was meh?" You're gonna go with that? Well, that's all nice for you to think and all, but I'll explain to you EXACTLY why Karen (who was "meh") didn't get the job -- she got her own television show. Otherwise, I can guarantee you that the "new boss" would have been Karen. You know, the "meh" one. That Ryan, though, no "meh" there at all. He's a real, cutting "edge," top of his game kinda guy. Especially like how non-"meh" he was when he started the fire, fumbled the sales pitch like a two-year old, and couldn't find the balls to break up with Kelly. Ryan -- Mr. Non-"Meh"!
No need to defend Ryan by Elvis Cole Lives	Oct 4th, 2007 02:51:24 PM
His character and B. J. Novak's portrayal are great. Seriously. I'm just stunned at the "MBA duh" comment as well as the "Karen was meh" comment. B.J. Novak is freakin' awesome (deadpan looks and utter disbelief!) and his scenes were EXCELLENT, but, as far as I've been able to determine, his character did NOT have an MBA and his promotion from temp to salesperson (below Jim, Dwight, Karen, Stanley, and Phyllis) and then SUDDENLY promoted OVER Michael and every other regional manager to corporate is just a little unbelievable. Funny, but a little too much to swallow. I need a better explanation than "MBA duh" and "Karen was meh."
Re: Cotton McKnight by Billy Batts	Oct 4th, 2007 03:16:16 PM
Dwight WAS showing sympathy. The cat was suffering. He grew up on a farm, and has that mentality. And Elvis Cole Lives...Ryan's MBA was mentioned when he was offered the job..."It'll be nice to have another MBA around here"
Elvis Cole by TheNothing	Oct 4th, 2007 03:42:57 PM
...as Billy Batts said, go back and watch the S3 finale. The interviewer mentions it specifically.
Thanks, Batts by Elvis Cole Lives	Oct 4th, 2007 04:03:47 PM
Just reviewed it myself and caught the line. Additionally, I also reviewed the fourth episode of season two ("The Fire") where Ryan says that he just got into business school. The book in the back window of his car is a GMAT study guide. I stand corrected. Assuming Ryan graduated near the end of season three, it might make sense that he "made the leap" above everybody else.
BJ's a douche. by I87D	Oct 4th, 2007 04:53:53 PM
yep.
How do you people not know Ryan was in Biz School? by aceattorney	Oct 4th, 2007 04:58:38 PM
I mean, Michael even went to the school to give a lecture.
Let me guess, none of you actually have jobs by Happy Boy	Oct 4th, 2007 05:20:16 PM
Love it, bunch of dudes who live in mom's basement and work at the QuickStop theorycrafting what is and is not believeable about working in a corporate office. Stick to theorycrafting the unknowable and the arcane such as what it's like to have a girlfriend and what phaser setting Star Trek should use. If you have actually ever worn a suit to an interview you know that companies are in business to make money, management positions are given laterally to people who have managed people before, not some kid who's just graduated with a NIGHT SCHOOL MBA. Just what do you pepole think an MBA is? A magic bullet? MBAs are not hired out of school for management, they're typically for a mid level entry position with certain skills like (entry) analyst positions they dont give out to regular college grads. Yes you're put on a different track but it's still entry level. But who cares? You all should focus less whether a sitcom is "real" and more on why this show hasn't been funny since S1 when they ran out of the retreads of the plots from the British series
ryan by Dradis Contact	Oct 4th, 2007 05:41:17 PM
He got the job because it would be funny, and because no one saw it coming. It has nothing to do with an MBA or any real internal workings of corporations.
Ryan's really annoying by Dannychico	Oct 4th, 2007 06:12:35 PM
Blah, I was hoping he wouldn't be around as much.
Did BJ write this one? He always puts Ryan as focus by Dannychico	Oct 4th, 2007 06:14:27 PM
And he sucks.
Also have to defend Ryan... by DanielKurland	Oct 4th, 2007 07:39:38 PM
Less is more is the way to go. His whole scene with Kelly about she's complaining about how he calls her in the middle of the night because he's afraid of a murderer being in his building, and then their subsequent makeout is great. Along with how in spite of dating Kelly, he'd usually be the one headlining the games and mockery against her. I hope tonight's episode is one long episode, as opposed to just combining two like last week, in spire of how I still enjoyed it. High hopes though.
Toby. by CatVutt	Oct 4th, 2007 08:07:13 PM
Perfect reaction to Jim and Pam looking to 'sign' the papers. Great, great moment.
Jenna Fischer's Tits by Itchy	Oct 4th, 2007 08:28:36 PM
Looking good tonight.
Jesus People You're Bitching this is Unrealistic? by DevilCat	Oct 4th, 2007 08:53:00 PM
This is a company that doesn't fire Micheal and you're whining it's unbelievable that they'd hire a kid with an MBA to work in a corporate office?
This second 1/2 hour is pretty bad. by CatVutt	Oct 4th, 2007 08:57:20 PM
It felt off from the beginning, but once Michael once Michael drove into the lake, it completely flatlined.
Minus one Once Michael. by CatVutt	Oct 4th, 2007 08:57:56 PM
Christ, I wish this thing had an edit function.
Ryan got the job by Larry of Arabia	Oct 4th, 2007 08:58:31 PM
It's been pretty much established that Dunder-Mifflin is struggling and dying. They are downsizing and being killed by the competition. It is doubtful that anybody from the outside would be willing to come in and work for them. The interview process went poorly and the one person really good enough for the job chose to stay in Scranton for a girl. Who else did they have? Michael? Creed?
Ehhh by Kung Fu Hustler	Oct 4th, 2007 08:59:29 PM
Kinda agree CatVutt, but Ryan sexually harassing Pam was pretty good.
I Liked It by underscore_only	Oct 4th, 2007 09:13:12 PM
First half dominated, but I LOVE Villain Ryan. It fits. Plus I like Ryan and he works good like this. Loved Kevin/Andy fawning, Swingers reference, anything Jim, Toby's awesomeness, The picture from Big.
Re: Jenna's tits by Little Beavis	Oct 4th, 2007 09:20:58 PM
Pamtastic.
My travel visa by Hercules	Oct 4th, 2007 09:25:44 PM
was protested by the Shoah Foundation.
Back to form by Avert Therapy	Oct 4th, 2007 09:33:10 PM
The first episode this season really lacked the spark that made this such a great series, but this episode had it in spades. Great stuff.
You can't be on the team. by Hercules	Oct 4th, 2007 09:34:01 PM
You can't move on to second grade.
Second half hour was gold, Jerry, gold... by pinkfloyd2000	Oct 4th, 2007 09:50:01 PM
"WHERE ARE THE TURTLES?!" Maybe one of the top 5 lines, ever, in the series history?
Why does it seem like every good comedy... by DanielKurland	Oct 4th, 2007 10:13:24 PM
Makes things far too exaggerated? Arrested Development went over the top in its third year, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia this season where it is incredibly too cartoony, and as stupid as Michael is, he wouldn't drive into a lake, when he can see it clearly infront of him. I still enjoyed this episode, and I like the awkward character moments, etc., I just hope this show doesn't get too outlandish, like so many others have.
Hey, aceattorney... by Elvis Cole Lives	Oct 4th, 2007 10:32:34 PM
How do YOU not know that any school can be a business school WITHOUT offering an MBA? Hmmmm? I got my undergrad degree in accounting at the University of Texas, McCombs School of Business. I got my master's at yet another "business school." And just down the street from me today is a community college which has a "business school" that offers associates degrees in accounting. Additionall y, many other "business schools" offer office training in accounting and the like, but no degrees whatsoever. So one can go to "business school" without getting an MBA. How can one be an "aceattorney" and NOT know this? By the way, excellent episodes tonight. Finally, a return to good form following the less than stellar last two eps.
And Happy Boy by Elvis Cole Lives	Oct 4th, 2007 10:41:18 PM
What people are hired for out of masters' programs is utterly fucking dependent on the person's background in undergrad and business. Making statements on what "most people" are hired for out of MBA programs while slighting people of whom YOU have ZERO personal knowledge is RIDICULOUS. As far as I know, we have NO knowledge of Ryan's background apart from temping and going to an evening MBA program. "Entry-level" positions are given to those with MBAs IF their undergrads and backgrounds are not in management/business. Ot her times, an MBA CAN be a quick shot up the corporate ladder, especially if one has a business background with a company. WHAT WAS RYAN'S BACKGROUND SINCE YOU SEEM TO KNOW? YOU should focus on why you're such an ignorant tool -- this show was excellent tonight and ALL last season!
PinkFloyd2000 by clockpolitiks	Oct 5th, 2007 12:32:37 AM
I agree completely with the "Turtles" line. I had to rewind that to see it again. So funny. Someone needs to make a YTMND of that (cause I sure as hell ain't doing it).
Creed walking in with printer ink hair... by chromedome	Oct 5th, 2007 12:54:11 AM
was priceless
"I don't know, I guess... by chromedome	Oct 5th, 2007 12:55:26 AM
...I sort of find you repulsive."
"I eventually ACED second grade!" by chromedome	Oct 5th, 2007 12:58:01 AM
"and I was bigger than all the other kids."
"He smells like I think,,, by chromedome	Oct 5th, 2007 12:59:06 AM
...Pierce Brosnan would smell."
just a few of the many great moments by chromedome	Oct 5th, 2007 12:59:48 AM
in tonight's hour....
On the other hand... by chromedome	Oct 5th, 2007 01:05:10 AM
...we can ignore the humor completely and marshall our collective TB resources to analyze the probability of Ryan's promotion to corporate, based on speculation and fantasy about his MBA course work, other background, and contrast and compare with the plausibility of Michael Scott's entire life. or not I say not. back to the humor, people!
Toby, was this your fun little way of congratulating us by BrowncoatJedi	Oct 5th, 2007 01:13:21 AM
Poor Toby. He'll never have Pam, but what happened to the girl he "met at the gym"? I wondered if that was a prostitute.
Best show on TV... by ImperialMarchFace	Oct 5th, 2007 01:35:44 AM
Prediction: Ryan uses one of Pam's Infinity sketches without giving her credit. Jim vs. Ryan showdown. Tonight's episode was awesome. The Office does not dissapoint. Kelly, Kevin, Creed...great moments with all the secondary characters.
Ryan is the new (Pam's ex boyfriend) by Magic Rat	Oct 5th, 2007 06:54:22 AM
Pam and Jim's relationship will get stale if there's no foil for them to work off of. Ryan will either (a) fire Jim. or (b) reassign Jim. or (c) fire Pam. By week 6. bank on it.
oh my God by brianroberts101	Oct 5th, 2007 07:27:10 AM
Okay, so I'm on here pretty much EVERY week during The Office's run, and I have defended even the worst episodes, but last night, when Michael drove into the lake, I thought, "It's official...he has become Homer Simpson." I get that Michael's an idiot, but seriously! He was looking AT the lake and he drove into it? It had not one ounce of humor in it, and it felt like a show dying...Iknow that's not the case, and it was just a bad episode, but it still made me really sad for some reason...sigh.
I mean by brianroberts101	Oct 5th, 2007 07:29:38 AM
come on! Jesus Christ! I will still watch, and probably love, this show, and I think I have something to blame for its problems: The hour-longs. Hopefully, when they are through with the hour-longs, they won't have to add so much damn filler, and the show can be tight and funny like it used to be. Ugh.
Yeah, but, brianroberts... by BizarroJerry	Oct 5th, 2007 07:47:50 AM
These aren't the same thing as the "super-sized" episodes that only pretend to be an hour long, and include lots of filler. These seem to be like two episodes together. You can even see the plot shift a little in part 2. Granted, there must be a little extra footage tossed in, but I dunno if it's very much.
more about Ryan by BizarroJerry	Oct 5th, 2007 07:52:31 AM
I really like the fact that Ryan's become this show's new villain. Honestly, if you look back to many of the earlier episodes, he always was a jerk, anyway. If the logo deal with Pam doesn't come to pass, we'd be looking at a sexual harrassment lawsuit in the real world. Though his "You're kidding" about Pam and Jim was funny. I just hope this series doesn't feel the need to break them up just for the fear of them being together makes the show boring. That'd be pretty damn uncreative and push them into the "Ross and Rachel" territory...
jump the shark by Fatty Magee	Oct 5th, 2007 08:04:04 AM
Was the discussion between jim and pam re: whether the magic is over a nod to everyone who says that the show jumps the shark once they get together? I'd like to think so.
Great episode by indyjonez100	Oct 5th, 2007 08:09:47 AM
Of course Creed with the classic lines, "Hey Broah" at the vending machine, "I need to ride the bull". Just awesome. How they hazed Ryan when he first comes back to the Office after getting his promotion, ruffling his hair. Just a classic episode.
Reaction by the Office staff to the technology by indyjonez100	Oct 5th, 2007 08:13:37 AM
I can totally relate, we recently implemented a new company wide internet based project manager system at the company I work at and people reacted pretty much the same way, "why do we got to learn this" "It works better the old way"
I don't know... by mraig	Oct 5th, 2007 08:35:28 AM
Two episodes in, it definitely seems like there's a dropoff in terms of quality compared to last season. Last night wasn't terrible; there were a lot of laughs, but it isn't approaching that sad poetic brilliance that it seemed to be able to hit so regularly in Season 2. I still stand by my statement that the show is creeping towards that mistake (familiar from the Simpsons) of using continuity references. Yes, I remember that Ryan was fire guy, and that Michael put up a picture of Tom Hanks from Big in the burnt foot episode and a picture of Ben Kingsly in the Diwali episode, that Toby has a crush on Pam, etc, etc. But just referencing old episodes, bringing back Disco Stu or reminding us that Bart once owned an elephant, isn't by itself FUNNY. What was funny: the catty assumption by the other women that Pam is "the office mattress" because she has dated two different guys over the last four years. Michael's belief that he would somehow be winning by reclaiming the last gift basket--although I agree that him driving into a lake just because a computer told him to is a little over-the-top. But it does fit his pattern of trying to undermine other people's positions by raising ridiculous objections to their solid arguments (if we blindly trust in computers instead of using old fashioned business ways, the computers will TELL US TO DRIVE INTO LAKES AND WE WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW THEM!) I also liked Jim's little moment of victory, after Kevin and Andy were going nuts over how cool they thought that the phony Ryan had become: "I guess he can't have any girl that he wants." But it does seem to me that that scene did Pam a disservice by focusing on Jim's reaction to Ryan's pathetic advance. Pam had thought that she was getting recognized for her art, but instead she was just getting hit on. I think a Season 1-3 episode might have focused on how that hurt Pam, rather than use it as an opportunity for male posturing. But speaking of Ryan, one thing they are really doing right, and doing with at least a little of their old subtlety, is showing what an insecure, pathetic little man he is--especially that bit at the end, bragging about his two hundred dollar haircut. And they managed to pull out the old Kelly/Ryan dynamic one more time for great comic effect ("I'm pregnant"--cut to a silent talking head where Kelly shakes her head). I think that making Ryan just as flawed and clueless as someone like Michael is a lot better of a choice than making him an effective manager who has the right answer about everything. Maybe this just shows how clueless I am about the modern business world, but isn't handing out Blackberries to every low-level employee in a small paper company just as much a waste of money and resources as anything Michael has ever done? It will be interesting to see how Ryan plays out--my guess is he's got a fall coming. So I think there's still hope for the show, even if there is room for improvement if they want to get back to where they were last year. I'm worried that they are shifting more towards the big showy broad humor, when what made this show great was the little bits--the small moments a bunch of people share sitting in a little office in front of their computers every day.
yes, even more on Ryan by BizarroJerry	Oct 5th, 2007 09:01:53 AM
What's funny about the new Ryan is that he think he deserves all kinds of respect now that he's finally proved he's better than these people. In his mind, anyway. But, no one seems to care but corporate. Michael thinks he's betrayed him, his "hair ruffling" hazing shows they think he's just some kid. Plus, his asking out Pam is a good sign that he's not the cool New Yorker he wants to be, getting all kinds of action. It's also kinda funny to me that they seem to be making Pam the girl everyone's after.
This show has jumped the shark this season!! by Billy Batts	Oct 5th, 2007 09:02:13 AM
Michael burning his foot on a Forman grill? Dwight getting a concussion and his personality changing? Michael fighting Dwight at the dojo where he practices with little kids? The camera crew going to Jim's house for a barbecue and losing that "documentary" feel? Oh, wait...that was the untouchable season two...
Elvis Cole, there's no B-school in Scranton? by GrandMuffTarkin	Oct 5th, 2007 09:23:46 AM
Here's a secret, don't tell anybody...there isn't a paper company called Dunder Mifflin in Scranton either.
It's just that by brianroberts101	Oct 5th, 2007 09:30:25 AM
I can feel the show getting broader (not that it was ever very subtle), and it is so strange to see a once-hilarious and nicely-developed character like Michael Scott acting like a retarded child. The side characters all still work for me, but my once-favorite character has become a COMPLETE buffoon...and I LOVE Steve Carrell. Don't get me wrong...I still love the show, but I'm nervous about the direction they're taking Michael...and not even in ALL episodes. Sometimes he's still the smarmy, self-righteous prick he was in former seasons, but in some episodes he becomes a court jester...and not the funny kind. I agree with MRAIG. Sometimes the flashy, broad comedy falls flat in a show that once revelled in the small touches.
Michael a bad salesman? by Trachten	Oct 5th, 2007 09:31:47 AM
Not sure the whole gift basket thing makes sense. Michael has always been a bad manager but a great salesman in a sort of idiot savant kind of way.
The reason Ryan and Michael have their jobs... by INWOsuxRED	Oct 5th, 2007 09:46:18 AM
The interviewer was an MBA. He is familiar with the branch environment, but he is educated in running a business. Many people that do hiring have a bias where they hire "their kind", whatever that may be. From there, it appears the infinity website is Ryan's project. He probably actually had a business plan ready for his interview that would help the company grow. Do you think Jim or Karen had an actual PLAN, or did they just go in and talk about past performance and how they are nice? I just wonder if the website will actually work. Having been at companies who introduce things like this that are supposed to make things better, but wind up being more work, I'd like to see a website that doesn't work. Michael got to his job because he is a great salesman. He has landed some big accounts. In the Chilli's episode he lands Tim Meadow's business. In the free pretzel episode, he lands a huge account over a couple of phone calls. Even last night we saw that he knew his customers very well, even the ones that left. Dunder Mifflen lost the person they wanted to run the merged branch, and they had no other option but to keep Michael, who has a history of success, even though he isn't very professional. The branch performance during the merger was considered a success, since they didn't lose any major clients, that actually made him a favorite for the corporate job until he blew that interview. On top of that, he brought a lawyer to a meeting with the lawyer the company was going to provide for him. The company knows Michael wouldn't go quietly. With all that said, I think Michael will get fired in the season finale, if not earlier.
Billy Batts by BigFo	Oct 5th, 2007 09:46:26 AM
Did you think The Office was a real documentary? Cause it's a comedy and all the things you mentioned were really funny!
BigFo by Billy Batts	Oct 5th, 2007 10:10:21 AM
I was just making the point that it's always been way more absurd and unrealistic than the British version. In fact season 3 was way less over the top than season 2.
Billy's Right by Savage Lucy	Oct 5th, 2007 10:45:10 AM
This show committed the cardinal sin of having two main characters finally hook up. Sam and Diane on Cheers, David and Maddie on Moonlighting, and now Jim and Pam on The Office. Add that to Michael acting like Peter Griffin (who had his IQ rated in the retarded range) and this show is done. Honestly, how god damned stupid do you have to be to drive down a boat launch into a lake?
Hey, GrandMuff, here's another secret by Elvis Cole Lives	Oct 5th, 2007 10:45:50 AM
You're a fucking tool. Oh, wait, that's no secret. 1)I've already allowed that I was wrong regarding Ryan's MBA. 2)There's no alien predators or evil Jedi clones in Scranton either, but I don't expect any to show up because... 3)Most of us (except apparently YOU) expect that the world inhabited by the characters of Dunder Mifflin in Scranton is just like OUR Scranton only with the addition of Dunder Mifflin AND its inhabitants. The U.N. is ALSO not in Scranton. Would it be okay though if they just put it there? How about an Arab madrasa or a secret Tibetan ninja training camp for X-Wing pilots? Would that be okay, too, since it's apparently "just" fiction so anything goes? Go fuck yourself.
Haha by GrandMuffTarkin	Oct 5th, 2007 11:16:05 AM
I love getting dweebs like you all riled up. Good logic you use too, since colleges are as arcane as aliens, jedis, and ninja training camps. Nice assumption you also make that "most of us" believe the Scranton World is just like "our" Scranton. I don't think "most of us" give it that much thought, except people with too much time on their hands, aka, you.
The "Shark jump watchers" are out. by Dwide Shrewd	Oct 5th, 2007 11:16:07 AM
The fucking losers with nothing better to do than try to call when a show has jumped and then beat their chests about how they were the first to know, and now they're SOOO on to something else. Fuck you. You'll never be half as funny and talented as the writers and actors on this show, and yet you somehow think you're better than them.
The "Shark jump watchers" are out. by Dwide Shrewd	Oct 5th, 2007 11:17:47 AM
The fucking losers with nothing better to do than try to call when a show has jumped and then beat their chests about how they were the first to know, and now they're SOOO on to something else. Fuck you. You'll never be half and funny and talented as the writers and actors on this show, and yet you somehow think you're better than them.
Billy Batts has jumped the shark this season by indyjonez100	Oct 5th, 2007 11:19:04 AM
Seriously, who still uses the term "jumped the shark"? Maybe 6 years ago..... Lame
I love the show; it hasn't jumped anything, BUT by Nightwood	Oct 5th, 2007 11:23:58 AM
...that just wasn't funny. The Dwight/Angela stuff was okay, and Creed, as always, was worth his weight in gold. But why make Ryan outright evil now? He could be a bit of a douche, but this totally evil 'dark Ryan' isn't funny or interesting. Nobody cares about Jim and Pam's relationship; just leave it alone. The drama on the show is often hackneyed, and last night was too heavy on the drama, too light on the laughs. That's two episodes in a row that were severely lacking in guffaws. I love the show and the actors, so I'm not going to start throwing broad judgments around, but man, I sure hope they pick up the funny.
Nightwood by indyjonez100	Oct 5th, 2007 11:49:26 AM
All throughout the first couple of seasons, you could see a dark side to Ryan, although hidden. I like it, it definitely creates a dichotomy in the Office between him and Michael. Which equals a great situation for humor.
ryan by Nightwood	Oct 5th, 2007 12:02:04 PM
Yeah, I always saw the dark side in him, but it wasn't exactly evil, like it is now, it was just a selfish guy who didn't really think he owed anyone anything. I think the sexual harrasment of Pam just pushed him too far over the edge now. Also the kind-of bizarre lie about Karen writing him an email asking him out; according to season three, he's the one who sent her an email. Those two things just seemed uneccesary, making him more two-dimensionally "bad." There's nothing funny about him any more.
indyjonez100 and the rest of you guys by Billy Batts	Oct 5th, 2007 12:37:06 PM
Read the comments AFTER my subject line too. I was being sarcastic. Re-freakin-lax.
Can we put an official moratorium... by Richard Cranium	Oct 5th, 2007 12:47:54 PM
on comparisons to the British version at that point? I mean seriously, it's been 4 years and the US version has completely developed into it's own show now. We're happy for those of you that loved the British version and hate this one, but we officially don't give a flying fuck anymore. On last nights episode, I agree that him driving into the lake was a bit too broad. The Micheal and Dwight characters have always been a bit broad for my taste, I generally find more enjoyment in the little moments from the rest of the cast. I don't think the first 2 eps have been A+ material, but I thought the beginning of season 3 was so-so as well before it really started getting good in the second half.
CREED RULES! by LaneMyersClassic	Oct 5th, 2007 12:49:35 PM
The show hasn't missed a step, unlike most returning shows this year. CHOICE!
"Nobody cares about Jim and Pam's relationship" by BizarroJerry	Oct 5th, 2007 01:36:53 PM
Sorry, but you mean YOU don't care about their relationship. They are one of the reasons the show got to be popular. But now, I would like to see them being together as just a given, and NOT force us into "relationship problem" episodes, or feel the need to end a season with them broken up. I think Ryan's bad treatment of Kelly alone is enough grounds for him being a jerk all along. Not to mention the rather mean way he introduced Michael to his class as an example of what's wrong with the company, and let him think all along he was there for some inspirational speech.
How about something positive instead by Jimmie Dimmick	Oct 5th, 2007 02:05:48 PM
Both weeks included something odd and hysterical for a TV show (or even a movie for that matter). Those car crashes were shot as a single take...no edits. It just made them even funnier than they would have been if they were shot differently.
Ryan is a vehicle for more satire than comedy by chromedome	Oct 5th, 2007 02:13:39 PM
He is catpulted into a position above those who were formerly "above" him (as a lowly temp). He thinks he deserves respect for his rank, rather than thinks he now needs to earn respect. He is power tripping. He is spewing the company mantras, and even believes that the mantras, and he, will make a difference. He is thrilled with the trappings of his new life: 200 dollar haircuts, getting a sandwich at 2am, seeing celebrities. He is still a kid, with no experience. There is a potential for self-destruction on an epic scale here: notice that he is ALREADY trying to get Kelly fired. Michael Scott is an example of the Peter Principle--based on his success as a salesman, he has been promoted to his level of incompetence, and can go no further. Ryan has been promoted over him without any experience, and is flailing away, using style instead of substance to appear competent and capable. It is no secret why there will be conflict between these two. I would still like to learn the history that has Michael hating Toby so much.... Until then: SUPPORT THE RABID
Ryan is a vehicle for more satire than comedy by chromedome	Oct 5th, 2007 02:13:45 PM
He is catpulted into a position above those who were formerly "above" him (as a lowly temp). He thinks he deserves respect for his rank, rather than thinks he now needs to earn respect. He is power tripping. He is spewing the company mantras, and even believes that the mantras, and he, will make a difference. He is thrilled with the trappings of his new life: 200 dollar haircuts, getting a sandwich at 2am, seeing celebrities. He is still a kid, with no experience. There is a potential for self-destruction on an epic scale here: notice that he is ALREADY trying to get Kelly fired. Michael Scott is an example of the Peter Principle--based on his success as a salesman, he has been promoted to his level of incompetence, and can go no further. Ryan has been promoted over him without any experience, and is flailing away, using style instead of substance to appear competent and capable. It is no secret why there will be conflict between these two. I would still like to learn the history that has Michael hating Toby so much.... Until then: SUPPORT THE RABID
"They could both do better." by tonagan	Oct 5th, 2007 02:47:48 PM
Yay Dwight.
WHERE ARE THE TURTLES?!?!?!?! by Err	Oct 5th, 2007 02:51:13 PM
BAH!
Great episode by Jack Burton	Oct 5th, 2007 03:03:03 PM
I laughed my ass off. Does it make perfect sense that Michael would drive into a lake? No. But it doesn't make sense he still has a job after all the crap he's pulled. It's a fantasy, get over it. I'd still take Michael Scott over my current boss any day of the week. I love what they are doing with Ryan. I don't think he's going to threaten Pam & Jim, but he is going to be a thorn in Michael's side. I can see him hooking up with Karen, that would be a fun development for all involved. I just want them to leave Jim and Pam alone for the most part. Those kinds of relationships happen all the time in the real world. It should just be left alone and not played constantly for drama and conflict like every other sitcom of it's kind. Note to the producers: if they DO get married, just let them get married, like in the real world. None of this last minute change their mind crap. Man I hated BtVS when Xander walked out on Anya at the altar. Made no sense except that it was in the script. But I digress.
I drove into a fucking lake! by Fatty Magee	Oct 5th, 2007 03:12:17 PM
great line.
Michael hates Toby because he's Human Resources by drewlicious	Oct 5th, 2007 04:04:02 PM
And I hope the guy gets laid some time. And is it just me or did Michael and Jan's relationship look like an adult relationship for a moment? My favorite part of the night is either Garbage the feral barn cat or Dwight's inability to visit his grandfather because of protests from the Shoah foundation.
Hatred of Toby by BizarroJerry	Oct 5th, 2007 04:12:17 PM
To take the explanation further, Toby, as the HR guy, ends up ruining Michael's fun, as Michael sees it. He tells him when jokes are inappropriate, or that he can't do something fun for this legal reason or that. Although, Toby's sad sack routine and voice would get annoying. I also loved Dwight's "They could both do better." It manages to be insulting and complimentary to both people at the same time.
Sorry, Dwight has gone too far!!! by Homer Sexual	Oct 5th, 2007 04:18:06 PM
I can't really get over him killing Angela's cat. So what if he's from a farm. I'm from Montana and I can't even imagine my reaction if someone killed one of my dogs. This was a terrible occurence, I believe it was a "jump the shark" moment for my former favorite show. The whole show has suffered. Instead of consistent brilliance, there are now moments of greatness surrounded by lots of "meh." Very disappointing. I appreciate the writers' desire to keep the show fresh, but I am not hopeful for the future. So, so sad. I really used to feel like this show was genius.
Black-Haired Creed saved the show by Stuntcock Mike	Oct 5th, 2007 04:31:41 PM
You know it's true
black-haired creed did save the show by Nightwood	Oct 5th, 2007 04:33:44 PM
plus he used printer ink to do it. Bonus.
Two sayings I wish would die: by gavdiggity	Oct 5th, 2007 04:35:03 PM
"meh" and "jump the shark." As for The Office, I am actually surprised it does as well as it does. Generally, shows I like (see also Freaks and Geeks, Arrested Development) don't stick around for long. If you think that Dwight's storyline has wrecked the show, I invite you to watch Grey's Anatomy and embrace mediocrity. Lighten the fuck up, Dwight killing the cat was something he did because, in his warped brain, he was saving Sprinkles form suffering. *No cats were harmed during the writing of that joke.
Ryan isn't Evil, he's just a jerk and ineffective by Larry of Arabia	Oct 5th, 2007 04:59:27 PM
The website is a good idea, and it's his job to get the team on board. That's not evil. He's not good at his job and the presentation was confrontational rather than inclusive, so nobody bought into it. One of the running jokes of the show is that Scranton lives in it's own world and everyone who is sent to get them in line becomes totally exasperated. Ryan tried to brace himself against it. He was always a jerk. He bought Michael to his class just to humiliate him. He used Kelly. He's still a jerk.
The Destruction of Michael Scott by Larry of Arabia	Oct 5th, 2007 05:05:01 PM
The only think Michael has is his job, and he realized that he was there "forever" after the job interview. Other than a hot depressive girlfriend he has no life, so when something threatens his job he looses it. This is the man who stood outside the owner's house when he thought they might be downsized. He was failing, and failing badly, at showing up a man who was an intern just 3 months ago, so he had one of his breakdowns. This whole show centers around the slow destruction of Michael Scott and his impending firing so as the show progresses he will get more desperate and pathetic.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz by TomBodet	Oct 5th, 2007 05:22:17 PM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
as far as embracing mediocrity... by Homer Sexual	Oct 5th, 2007 06:51:25 PM
If that's what I wanted to do, I would be praising the past two episodes of The Office. Were they terrible? No. Were they good-to-great. Certainly not! Ryan's whole thing is being handled pretty well (I'm waiting for him and Jan to have some sort of hook up). There are funny bits. But overall, the drama is way weak and the comedy is, well, lacking. I actually run an office and one of our favorite topics is the disappointment we feel this season. And, well, call me crazy or effeminate, or tell me to lighten up. But I still find Dwight killing Angela's cat disturbing, not funny in any way. Just cruel. At least Angela broke up with him over it (probably briefly).
Dwight has never been PLAUSIBLE by chromedome	Oct 5th, 2007 07:01:16 PM
in any realistic way.... Remember how Jim and Karen had him thinking Jim was a vampire? Take it seriously, and you will lose the point. He is a caricature of the stubborn-know-it-all-superior type, who is really only stubborn. We have all know less extreme examples of his type, just as we have known less extreme examples of Michael's type, etc. I would be happy to make the acquaintance of a the fully realized examples of Pam and/or Karen, and maybe even a Jan (though a Jan is only fling-worthy, and you better never give her your real name, address, or phone number!)
Michael INTENTIONALLY Crashed into the Lake by ThunderHesh	Oct 5th, 2007 07:12:12 PM
I can't believe not many people understood this. He was trying to prove a point about technology not being as reliable as most people believe it to be. Notice how he stared at the screen on the navigational system the whole time, following it's instructions to a short cut.
people bitching and moaning by executiverocker	Oct 5th, 2007 09:15:20 PM
Ive just watched this episode, and I loved it! I can see where people are coming from, it might just be the fact that doubling the run time of each episode has maybe stretched some things. No doubt this is still THE best comedy on American TV right now!
This Show Has Peaked by bobwiley	Oct 5th, 2007 09:29:45 PM
The 1st and 2nd seasons were great, and the 3rd was good for about two-thirds of the season. It almost feels like this show has changed networks or writers the way these last 2 (although it looks like they're just sticking 2 episodes together each week). I'll admit that Kevin and Creed are still hilarious, but Michael and Dwight are way too over the top now. As for Jim and Pam, them being together is boring. There's a reason why the british version had their counterparts get together at the very end of the show. What make them work is them picking on Dwight. The past two weeks there has been absolutely no involvement between Jim, Pam, and Dwight. I really hope NBC doesn't try to extend this show much longer. Maybe they can still go out on a good note.
executiverocker by bobwiley	Oct 5th, 2007 09:32:51 PM
Having 2 half hour episodes together shouldn't be hurting the show. It's Always Sunny has been doing that each week for the 3rd season, and that show is still funny as hell. As long as the writing is good, they should be able to cover 42 to 44 minutes of air time and still be entertaining.
if Jim and Pam get married by INWOsuxRED	Oct 5th, 2007 10:56:24 PM
I hope they do it off camera, and we learn about it way later. Like Janet Jackson.
GPS into lake by chromedome	Oct 6th, 2007 04:07:06 PM
was just poorly executed satire of similar REAL events: http://tinyurl.com/2 z9boy didn't work very well, similar to the unending "hybrid animal gods" bit last week.
P.S. Elvis Cole, there's no Chili's in Scranton either by GrandMuffTarkin	Oct 10th, 2007 03:47:22 PM
You dipshit.

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