The Office - 10/4/07

[VegasVic]

Hmmm, I just didn't find this one up to par. Some funny bits as always of course. I like Creeds new hair color. :)

[Figaro]

the dundermifflininfinity.com site is pretty good.

feral barn cat...garbage

[Steeler Mike]

"I don't get it. I think they both could do better."

"Jim is off the market. Guess who just became the best looking single guy in the office?"

:)

[Alfer]

"AWESOME!"

"What's up dude?..."Can we get some Red Bull..cause sometimes a guy needs to ride the bull.."

Gotta love Creed!

[VegasVic]

I read somewhere, EW maybe, that Creed will be more of a regular this year. :up:

[skywalkr2]

Creed was great. Oh and I hope Ryan dies a horrible death! I always hated him... now with power I hate him even more.

[Demandred]

"I guess he can't get *any* girl he wants."

"...drove into a ****ing lake!"

[scottjf8]

omg, we rewound the scene when they drove the car into the river 3 times to watch. Definitely made us LOL!

[tem]

Creed was the only bright spot in a pretty joyless episode. I did like Jam, however.

[uncdrew]

Creed was the only bright spot in a pretty joyless episode.



[paraphrase because I can't quite remember the line]


Creed: "They'll get rid of everyone over 40. You, me, Sammy, Phyllis, the chick you hit with your car..."

:D

[uncdrew]

Oh, Kelly had some great lines too...

[drumorgan]

This was the first time in a while that I had an uncomfortable moment watching. When they went back to take a stand and reclaim their gift basket I couldn't believe it. It reminded me of the original British version where you really cringed throughout more than actually laughing. Good stuff.

[spikedavis]

"Where Are The Turtles?!?!?!"

[EVizzle]

I liked it. I always watch it pretty soon after it records, but I don't look forward to it like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia or some of my cancelled favs.

I agree, the car scene was one of the best so far!

[appleye1]

I love how the show pays attention to little details, like putting Herr's chips in the snack machine. They could have stuck a national brand like Lay's in there, but instead they used an east coast brand that is uniquely associated with Pennsylvania. :cool:

[spikedavis]

I love how the show pays attention to little details, like putting Herr's chips in the snack machine. They could have stuck a national brand like Lay's in there, but instead they used an east coast brand that is uniquely associated with Pennsylvania. :cool:

I KNOW-I live in California now, but I miss Herr's Potato Chips. Make Herr's Yours.

[Fofer]

Hmmm, I just didn't find this one up to par.

And I thought this was one of the series' best. :D I like how everything's been turned on it's ear. Jim and Pam together, Dwight and Angela broken up, Ryan's position (and personality) changed... it feels like a whole new dynamic. Great way to breathe fresh air into the show.

And OMG... Creed. So frickin' funny.

Dwight: "I'm going to live for a very long time. My grandma Shrute lived to be 101. My grandpa Manheim is 103 and still putterin' around in Argentina. I tried to visit him once... but my travel visa was protested by the Shoah Foundation."

:D

And the subtle quirks, too. Jan planting the seed of the ageism issue into Michael's head. Michael's rollercoaster with the 2nd client meeting. He didn't even realize it, but he actually left on a good note... with the website tidbit, and remembering the allergy of the guy's daughter! But he had to go back and ruin it by demanding to get his basket back. :D :D

[JETarpon]

"I'm pregnant."
<cut to confessional>
--shakes head--

[JYoung]

"We have a date."

[Family]

The hour format is killing the show.

[danplaysbass]

I agree...this should have been a 45 minute ep. It was sill good though.

[plowsterbabe]

I was quite amused by the Windows 3.1 ding sound of Michael's GPS system. Was the GPS voice Majel Barrett Roddenberry from the various Star Treks?

[pcguru83]

The hour format is killing the show.
I wouldn't say it's killing it, but I am anxious for the return to 30 or 45 minute episodes. Everything does seem a bit dragged out.

"Everyone knows Pam is the office mattress." --Angela

:D

[Magister]

I don't thing the hour format is a problem. It is just 2 related episodes back to back. Pretty funny stuff.

I liked the 'ohh, I didn't know Ryan was going to be here' She had the hot summer dress on with the trampy makeup. Reminds me of a chick I used to hit back in college. So needy.

I like the direction the show is going. I agree with drumorgan, I was cringing when they went back to the office. I can imagine people from my office doing that kind of crap.

[betts4]

"I'm pregnant."
<cut to confessional>
--shakes head--
I think that was my most favorite of lines this episode.

And I think Utz chips may have been closer to Scranton.

[MickeS]

This was the first time in a while that I had an uncomfortable moment watching. When they went back to take a stand and reclaim their gift basket I couldn't believe it. It reminded me of the original British version where you really cringed throughout more than actually laughing. Good stuff.
Oh yeah, that was hard to watch. Same with Ryan hitting on Pam. I literally covered the top of the screen with my hand, because I couldn't stand to watch it. :)

I don't agree that the "hour long format" is killing the show. It's clearly just 2 episodes back to back, and I really like it. I can't get enough of this show.

[Animgif]

I think that was my most favorite of lines this episode.

And I think Utz chips may have been closer to Scranton.
mmm, I do love Utz chips! Yum!

[Mikkel_Knight]

"I'm pregnant."
<cut to confessional>
--shakes head--
Best.Moment.Ever.

[Lainie*H]

Michael: "I was going to print new pictures, but the printer was out of ink."

<<Cut to Creed with his new, very black hair color>>

Hilarious!

[Shaunnick]

Michael: "I was going to print new pictures, but the printer was out of ink."

<<Cut to Creed with his new, very black hair color>>

Hilarious!

LOL, I didn't even connect the two. That's great. :up:

[firerose818]

Michael: "I was going to print new pictures, but the printer was out of ink."

<<Cut to Creed with his new, very black hair color>>

Hilarious!

That was our favorite part of the show - big laughs from us. :)

[TAsunder]

This episode wasn't all that funny for me. I liked the plot developments, but the humor was not as strong as last week. I did appreciate the discomfort humor, like the closing of the door in dunder's face and the reclamation of the gift basket. It felt like they misused the confession cam in this episode.

[7thton]

"AWESOME!"

"What's up dude?..."Can we get some Red Bull..cause sometimes a guy needs to ride the bull.."

Gotta love Creed!
"Later, Skater"

[Shaunnick]

This episode wasn't all that funny for me. I liked the plot developments, but the humor was not as strong as last week. I did appreciate the discomfort humor, like the closing of the door in dunder's face and the reclamation of the gift basket. It felt like they misused the confession cam in this episode.

Did you see the Kelly scene?

[TAsunder]

Did you see the Kelly scene?

Not the confession cam shaking of the head. Thought that was not only cheap, but lessened the humor of their sub-plot. If they had taken that out it would have been a lot funnier later when he was mad at her for lying.

I do like her character, though, and liked the rest of the scenes with her.

[Shaunnick]

Not the confession cam shaking of the head. Thought that was not only cheap, but lessened the humor of their sub-plot. If they had taken that out it would have been a lot funnier later when he was mad at her for lying.

I do like her character, though, and liked the rest of the scenes with her.

True, it was in your face, but we were all already thinking she was lying and the quick cut-to of the confession was hilarious.

[MickeS]

True, it was in your face, but we were all already thinking she was lying and the quick cut-to of the confession was hilarious.
Exactly. Plus after that, the funny came from seeing Ryan squirm while we knew she was lying. Seeing him do that and then finding out for sure that she was lying wouldn't have been as fun. IMO. :)

[MickeS]

Michael: "I was going to print new pictures, but the printer was out of ink."

<<Cut to Creed with his new, very black hair color>>

Hilarious!


:D I never even thought of that.

[Robs67]

I love how the show pays attention to little details, like putting Herr's chips in the snack machine. They could have stuck a national brand like Lay's in there, but instead they used an east coast brand that is uniquely associated with Pennsylvania. :cool:

They do need to update the white board calendar in the background. I paused it at one point and one of the calendar entries had something like, "Flex Time, Ryan. Ryan to cover front desk."

[jurysch]

Definitely agree that the hour format's terrible for the show. If you tuned in for just the first half hour, you'd have thought the show was hilarious. If you'd only tuned in for the last half (especially if you'd never seen the show before) you might not ever check it out again.

I guess you could argue that it's two half-hour episodes back-to-back, but I don't buy that. There's no new cold opening or typical rise to a climax story composition in the second half hour, which is probably what makes it so drawn out and boring compared to what we're used to.

It seems like these hour episodes get a little less funnier because they become too much about one subject. The entire setup of Michael & Dwight going out with the gift baskets didn't have much funny to be sucked out of it to begin with. Sure enough, once it's over very little of it was funny. I still say when they spend too much time away from the office they lose that documentary style of the show that a love of us find hilarious about the show.

Cutting to Kelly's quick head shake -- hilarious, the entire plotline of ageism -- boring. Trim it back to a half-hour and utilize Tobey, Phyllis, Stanley, Andy, Kevin, et al. more.

[buckeyenut]

Average episode. Agree with most that an hour makes things seem a little too long--similar to how I feel about SNL skits, funny for 2 minutes, but too stretched out at 5 minutes.

Creed did steal the show in this episode. The Ryan/Kelly conversations were funny as well. At first, I wasn't too thrilled about the idea of Ryan being the new Jan; but, I think it added a nice dynamic in this episode.

The Dwight/Angela relationship is beginning to bore me a little--seems a little like filler IMO. I'd like to see more interaction with Dwight and Jim like the old days. Perhaps when they move back to 30 minutes, we will see less of the fluff.

[Fofer]

They do need to update the white board calendar in the background. I paused it at one point and one of the calendar entries had something like, "Flex Time, Ryan. Ryan to cover front desk."

Or, that's brilliant. This office ain't the pinnacle of efficiency. I could see them having the same white board content for a few years. :D


OMG, their "coming soon, under construction" website had me rolling... LMAO

[DeDondeEs]

The hour format is killing the show.
Yes I agree 100%. I was thinking about it, how many successful comedies can you think of that were/are 1hr long. Most good comedies I remember were the half hour format.

However I am sure in the next few posts someone will shoot my theory down and list some obvious 1hr classic comedy show that I forgot about.

[Robs67]

Or, that's brilliant. This office ain't the pinnacle of efficiency. I could see them having the same white board content for a few years. :D


Very true! I did give me a chuckle. And it may be there for crazies like me that pause and frame-by-frame stuff to see in the background.

[Mikkel_Knight]

<snip>Definitely agree that the hour format's terrible for the show. <snip>

<snip>It seems like these hour episodes get a little less funnier because they become too much about one subject.<snip>
I think these initial episodes are the whole setup for the year and laying the groundwork for this season.

I'm waiting for something to happen and Ryan end up losing his position because of the drug use alleged by Creed during the "what did we do during the summer" snippets...

[jradford]

I liked the first half hour much more than the second. I found the "driving the car into the lake" to be forced and pretty unfunny, honestly. I happily buy into all of Michael and Dwight's over the top stuff, but that was almost too stupid. Oh, well. I thought Kelly and Creed stole the show, but I loved the Kevin, Andy and Ryan interaction.

[Fish Man]

the dundermifflininfinity.com site is pretty good.



Well, it certianly fits Dunder Mifflin's normal competence level:


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[Fofer]

I'm waiting for something to happen and Ryan end up losing his position because of the drug use alleged by Creed during the "what did we do during the summer" snippets...

I just re-watched these clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCDXIyRdwG0
But didn't see anything about alleged drug use. What snippet are you talking about?

[Fofer]

The hour format is killing the show.

Only the first four episodes of the season will be an hour. Then its back to 30 minutes.

Me, I love the show at an hour. I'd like it doubly at two hours. :D

[Mikkel_Knight]

I just re-watched these clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCDXIyRdwG0
But didn't see anything about alleged drug use. What snippet are you talking about?
pretty sure there was one from Creed that said something along the lines of "new boss is some kid that used to work here I sold weed to"

[Fish Man]

I thought the episode was pretty funny.

It was a completely new level of stupid on Michael's part to insist on following the GPS unit's instructions so literally as to knowingly drive into a lake. However, unlike jradford's opinion on this, above, I found it funny. Michael continuing to shock us with just how over-the-top ludicrous stupid he can be is one of the funnier elements of the show, IMHO.

Last week's 1 hour episode was well filled.

This week's, not so much. It really appeared that they had included quite a bit of "padding" to fill the show out to an hour. Lots of scenes and shots that would have ended up "on the cutting room floor" to make a half hour episode.

[Shaunnick]

pretty sure there was one from Creed that said something along the lines of "new boss is some kid that used to work here I sold weed to"

There was in the TV spot, but the internet version was cleaned up for some reason.

[headroll]

They do need to update the white board calendar in the background. I paused it at one point and one of the calendar entries had something like, "Flex Time, Ryan. Ryan to cover front desk."

Not unlike their current website.

"Coming Christmas 2002"

-Roll

edit: I'm a smeeker

[uncdrew]

I liked the first half hour much more than the second. I found the "driving the car into the lake" to be forced and pretty unfunny, honestly. I happily buy into all of Michael and Dwight's over the top stuff, but that was almost too stupid. Oh, well. I thought Kelly and Creed stole the show, but I loved the Kevin, Andy and Ryan interaction.


Yeah, the driving into the lake didn't work for me. Even Michael might turn right if the GPS told him to but would not drive the car into the lake. He was going slowly, the lake was in plain view. I don't know a lot about lakes, but are there roads that just go into a lake with no curb, barricade, fence, etc.?


Perhaps if they had parked the car, gotten out to argue about "technology" and the car coasted into the lake because Michael didn't set the brake or something...

[Fish Man]

I don't know a lot about lakes, but are there roads that just go into a lake with no curb, barricade, fence, etc.?



Boat launch.

[Fofer]

As Dwight was shouting not to drive into the lake, Michael was shouting something back like "NO, the computer knows! Trust the computer!"

I dunno... yes, it was ridiculous, but it was so damn funny that I just turned off my brain and enjoyed the ride. :D

[JYoung]

Yeah, the driving into the lake didn't work for me. Even Michael might turn right if the GPS told him to but would not drive the car into the lake. He was going slowly, the lake was in plain view. I don't know a lot about lakes, but are there roads that just go into a lake with no curb, barricade, fence, etc.?


Perhaps if they had parked the car, gotten out to argue about "technology" and the car coasted into the lake because Michael didn't set the brake or something...

I believe that "road" was actually a boat launch access point.
(Boat's on a trailer, back the trailer into the water, release boat)

And I don't understand why people don't think that driving into the lake is funny.
It's funny because there are real life instances of that sort of thing happening to people.

ETA: Don't forget that Michael did have to repeat Second Grade. :D

[jradford]

I believe that "road" was actually a boat launch access point.
(Boat's on a trailer, back the trailer into the water, release boat)

And I don't understand why people don't think that driving into the lake is funny.
It's funny because there are real life instances of that sort of thing happening to people.

ETA: Don't forget that Michael did have to repeat Second Grade. :D
The funniest part was the GPS system saying "Please turn around," or something to that effect. And I agree with the above, it was the slow move towards the lake, Dwight saying, "there's a lake, stop," and Michael just driving into it anyway. My wife and I were both just like, "Uh, what?"

[TAsunder]

Reminds me of the time my GPS, along with google maps (so it's not just my GPS) directed me to go onto a road and keep going straight when the road ended and there were elevated train tracks. I opted not to follow the directions and turned around. The instant I did it found a different route. Weird!

[marksman]

Yes I agree 100%. I was thinking about it, how many successful comedies can you think of that were/are 1hr long. Most good comedies I remember were the half hour format.

However I am sure in the next few posts someone will shoot my theory down and list some obvious 1hr classic comedy show that I forgot about.

Comedies have traditionjal been 30 minute shows. Production costs, and lemming status the main reasons. You may notice Hollywood is not big on trying different things.


There are no classic hour long sitcoms because there have never been any hour long sitcoms. Personally I don't think the length of the show has ANYTHING to do with whether it is funny or not. As some people mentioned, it is akin to two related episodes run back to back.

One thing about The Office is becasuse of how they shoot it, they have way more footage than probably most dramas at the end of a week. Everyone is always on set and they are rolling most of the time. So they have a ton of stuff that never makes it into a 30 minute show.

I would say my only issue with the hour long format is my own attention span. I did find myself realizing I ad been watching stuff for a while after watching 30 Rock and rolling into an hour of the Office. Nothing to do with the show not being funny, just my personal prejudices and expectations.

[AJRitz]

Yeah, the driving into the lake didn't work for me. Even Michael might turn right if the GPS told him to but would not drive the car into the lake. He was going slowly, the lake was in plain view. I don't know a lot about lakes, but are there roads that just go into a lake with no curb, barricade, fence, etc.?


Perhaps if they had parked the car, gotten out to argue about "technology" and the car coasted into the lake because Michael didn't set the brake or something...
Driving into the lake was a Michael being distraught about technology taking over and feeling left behind. Obviously, he can't sell anything using old methods anymore (because gift baskets are MONEY) - everyone just wants to talk about websites. He can't use a map or trust his eyes. Technology is king! Technology says that he should turn right, so he's turning right, DAMMIT!

[jeffo13]

They do need to update the white board calendar in the background. I paused it at one point and one of the calendar entries had something like, "Flex Time, Ryan. Ryan to cover front desk."


I remember seeing in an episode last year a diploma or certificate on Michael's wall, when you freeze the shot you see that it is actually a Certificate of Authenticity for a Seiko watch. I love those details, and Michael is just the type of person to frame it and hang it on the office wall. :D You gotta love HD!

I don't mind the hour episode, but I don't think it is two half hour episodes combined. The theme runs through both episodes last week and this.

Jeff

[BrandonRe]

One of my favorite moments was Dwight in the boardroom during Ryan's "Dunder Mifflin Infinity" presentation. He was looking back and forth at the presentation screen and the laptop like he had never seen a powerpoint presntation before.

[Fofer]

You peeps are making me want to undelete so I can watch it again! :D

[JYoung]

The funniest part was the GPS system saying "Please turn around," or something to that effect. And I agree with the above, it was the slow move towards the lake, Dwight saying, "there's a lake, stop," and Michael just driving into it anyway. My wife and I were both just like, "Uh, what?"

"When Possible, make a U-Turn."

Don't forget that Michael has already been shown as self absorbed and unaware in driving as well.
After all, he didn't notice Meredith until he ran into her last week. :D

[getreal]

There are no classic hour long sitcoms because there have never been any hour long sitcoms.
I thought Desperate Housewives was categorized as a "comedy program" and won Emmys after its first season (beating other "sitcoms"). Would the difference between a "comedy" and a "sitcom" be 30 minutes (i.e., half hour show is a sitcom, full hour is a comedy)?

Still, an hour of The Office is only 40 minutes of show and 20 minutes of commercials. And I hate the commercials but LOVE the show!

And, is it just me, or have the networks THIS season started adding MORE frequent commercial breaks? I despise the constant interruptions of 8 minutes of show, 5 minutes of commercials, 8 min. of show, 5 min. of commercials, etc. etc. etc. :mad: :down: :mad: :down: :mad: :down:

[speaker city]

"Yes! Cashbaskets! Good work, Tuna!"

[minckster]

There are no classic hour long sitcoms because there have never been any hour long sitcoms. The Lucy Desi Comedy Hour (http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/6066/epguhour.html) ran for three seasons - as a continuation of "I Love Lucy."

[MickeS]

I remember seeing in an episode last year a diploma or certificate on Michael's wall, when you freeze the shot you see that it is actually a Certificate of Authenticity for a Seiko watch. I love those details, and Michael is just the type of person to frame it and hang it on the office wall. :D You gotta love HD!

It's not even "Seiko", it's "Seyko"... :D

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY
This certifies that
MICHAEL SCOTT
is the proud owner of a
Quality Seyko Timepiece

:D

[JETarpon]

Was the GPS voice Majel Barrett Roddenberry from the various Star Treks?

I thought that at first, but then decided not.

[cwoody222]

I love how the show pays attention to little details, like putting Herr's chips in the snack machine. They could have stuck a national brand like Lay's in there, but instead they used an east coast brand that is uniquely associated with Pennsylvania. :cool:

Like last week they had Wegmans store brand food in the office and Michael's condo :up:

[Lopey]

I too missed the toner and creed's hair one. I like the hour format, it's my body that can't take the hour of laughing...I like how they keep showing the different sides of Michael which makes it believable that he is a manager. the job he did in remembering all that information about the client's family.. knowning the alergy and age of his child was actually impressive.

Was Ryan liying about getting an email from Karen about wanting to go out? I remember Ryan mentioning it last year too when all the men were in the women's bathroom.

[Shaunnick]

I too missed the toner and creed's hair one. I like the hour format, it's my body that can't take the hour of laughing...I like how they keep showing the different sides of Michael which makes it believable that he is a manager. the job he did in remembering all that information about the client's family.. knowning the alergy and age of his child was actually impressive.

Was Ryan liying about getting an email from Karen about wanting to go out? I remember Ryan mentioning it last year too when all the men were in the women's bathroom.

Yes, he was lying, he sent her the e-mail, which she responded with I am seeing Jim, and if I am not mistaken, she asked wasn't he seeing Kelly.

[Zevida]

Really, I'm surprised at people complaining about the hour-long format or accusing the show of padding. I guess it is just so completely obvious to me that both weeks the "hour" was really just two half-hour episodes, with the second episode continuing some of the themes or stories from the previous episode - which happened all the time in past seasons with two 1/2 hour episodes a week apart.

I love back-to-back The Office.

Thus, my suggestion is that next week, at the 1/2 hour break around 9:28, stop watching, wait a few days and then go back and watch the second episode. Problem solved!

[MickeS]

I love back-to-back The Office.

Thus, my suggestion is that next week, at the 1/2 hour break around 9:28, stop watching, wait a few days and then go back and watch the second episode. Problem solved!

Good solution, it should satisfy everyone. :)

[Dignan]

I liked Kevin calling Jim "Tuna".

The reveal of Jim and Pam was cute, I just hope this doesn't make the romance become a "Moonlighting". (like Jump the Shark, hey that should be a new expression.) :)

[Fofer]

the job he did in remembering all that information about the client's family.. knowning the alergy and age of his child was actually impressive.

What was *most* enjoyable about that scene was how effortlessly Michael remembered and mentioned those things. He didn't even realize that would be considered impressive. He wasn't trying to be a salesman. It was second nature to him.

Had he left on THAT note (after mentioning the website in progress too) he'd have a fighting chance of reclaiming that client.

But no.

He had to go back. And reclaim the basket instead. :eek: :D :o

That, right there... that rollercoaster, that fantastic writing and acting (subtely, cringe-worthiness, overrun by over-the-top craziness) is exactly why I adore this show. :up:

[jurysch]

Really, I'm surprised at people complaining about the hour-long format or accusing the show of padding. I guess it is just so completely obvious to me that both weeks the "hour" was really just two half-hour episodes, with the second episode continuing some of the themes or stories from the previous episode - which happened all the time in past seasons with two 1/2 hour episodes a week apart.
Fair enough, how bout we complain that the second "episode" just sucked then? Remember that 15-minute span where you didn't even laugh inside a little bit? I think at one point I enjoyed a promo for Friday Night Lights more than the padded fluff they were feeding us.

[quango]

I'm pretty sure that was just the stock voice of the GPS they were using; I think it was a Mio 220, which you can pick up for $200 at your favorite big-box retailer. I have the 310 - and it really does say, "U-turn where possible."

That was the point I completely lost it. Gotta love serendipity.

[Gunnyman]

"I'm pregnant."
<cut to confessional>
--shakes head--

That had me on the floor. :D

[uncdrew]

Boat launch.


Gotcha, thanks. The few I've seen are nothing like roads. Different material, gates to open first.

But that makes a bit more sense.

[wooh]

I just watched the second "episode" again, and laughed my bootie off.

[uncdrew]

"Yes! Cashbaskets! Good work, Tuna!"


:up:

[Fish Man]

What was *most* enjoyable about that scene was how effortlessly Michael remembered and mentioned those things. He didn't even realize that would be considered impressive. He wasn't trying to be a salesman. It was second nature to him.

Had he left on THAT note (after mentioning the website in progress too) he'd have a fighting chance of reclaiming that client.

But no.

He had to go back. And reclaim the basket instead. :eek: :D :o

That, right there... that rollercoaster, that fantastic writing and acting (subtely, cringe-worthiness, overrun by over-the-top craziness) is exactly why I adore this show. :up:

+1

The humor of Michael is that he has qualities that would cause him to absolutely ROCK as a salesman/business man if it wasn't for his outrageously over-the-top stubbornness and emotionalism destroying anything good that he might start.

His "stupidity" is really just an extreme stubbornness. Any idea that pops into his head, no matter how obviously wrong, he acts on, no matter what, no matter the consequences.

This character trait also explains exactly why he drove into the lake.

The GPS said "turn right", and at that nanosecond Michael's brain locked in that he was going to turn right no matter what, damnit! It was 100% Michael, and not the least bit over-the-top for him!

Brilliant comedy... :up:

[jradford]

+1

The humor of Michael is that he has qualities that would cause him to absolutely ROCK as a salesman/business man if it wasn't for his outrageously over-the-top stubbornness and emotionalism destroying anything good that he might start.

His "stupidity" is really just an extreme stubbornness. Any idea that pops into his head, no matter how obviously wrong, he acts on, no matter what, no matter the consequences.

This character trait also explains exactly why he drove into the lake.

The GPS said "turn right", and at that nanosecond Michael's brain locked in that he was going to turn right no matter what, damnit! It was 100% Michael, and not the least bit over-the-top for him!

Brilliant comedy... :up:
I agree, to a point. That point ends when he acknowledges the lake and continues to drive into it, unlike when he hits Meredith because he doesn't see her. Oh, well. I will give it a rest. The Office is my favorite show on television so I should focus on the parts I love, rather than the 1 time in the past 3 seasons that I got minorly annoyed.

[busyba]

It was a completely new level of stupid on Michael's part to insist on following the GPS unit's instructions so literally as to knowingly drive into a lake.
True, but people have done the same thing (http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/faith-in-gps-sends-mercedes-downstream/) in real life (http://www.autoblog.com/2004/12/03/gps-causes-accident-in-france/) more often than you'd think (http://www.google.com/search?q=gps%20accident).

[Fish Man]

True, but people have done the same thing (http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/27/faith-in-gps-sends-mercedes-downstream/) in real life (http://www.autoblog.com/2004/12/03/gps-causes-accident-in-france/) more often than you'd think (http://www.google.com/search?q=gps%20accident).

No question about that!

Also, the Bonnabel Boat Launch (http://wikimapia.org/17408/) in Metairie LA is famous for people driving right to the end of Bonnabel Blvd., through the parking lot of the boat launch, and into the lake!

That's part of the reason I found it funny. It actually happens!

Of course, the most common reason people drive right off the end of the Bonnabel boat launch is because they're drunk...

[Fofer]

Okay, I've undeleted the recording. You guys pushed me over the edge. I just watched the car-into-lake scene again. :D


Dwight: It means, go up, to the right, bear right, over the bridge, and hook up with 307.
GPS: Make a Right Turn
Michael: Maybe it's a shortcut, Dwight, it said 'go to the right.'
Dwight: It CAN'T mean that, there's a lake there.
Michael: The machine knows where it's going.
Dwight: This is THE LAKE!
Michael: The machine knows! Stop yelling at me!

:D



What's funniest about this is seeing Michael's eyes in the rear view mirror. He's completely focused and stubborn and calm and confused, all at the same time. :D

I think one element that makes this ridiculous scenario believable is because he failed so miserably at both clients (trying to win them back.) He feels betrayed by (his "friend") Ryan and his world is crumbling around him... the tension has been snowballing slowly the entire episode, and this is the result of his meltdown.

[Jesda]

Brilliant comedy. BRILLIANT

[uncdrew]

I agree, to a point. That point ends when he acknowledges the lake and continues to drive into it, unlike when he hits Meredith because he doesn't see her. Oh, well. I will give it a rest. The Office is my favorite show on television so I should focus on the parts I love, rather than the 1 time in the past 3 seasons that I got minorly annoyed.


I'm with you.

It was out of character to drive into the lake. Making the turn, of course. Perfectly in character. Perhaps the lake was immediately after the turn and you couldn't turn without being in the lake. To me there was lots of time between the turn and the lake, and Michael would not keep going into the lake. His point would be made just fine (and with him coming out looking better in his eyes) by not driving a car into a lake, just saying the computer wanted him to but he was smarter so didn't.


But also with jradford, I'll let it go. We're obviously all intelligent and have valid opinions. :)

[uncdrew]

And hey, I'm the one who thought it out of character for Dwight to have killed the cat.

So I'm obviously off to one side on these things. I think these characters have limits and the writers are getting way too close to losing the believability.

Perhaps in upcoming shows more people will see it the way I do. We'll see...

[Fofer]

If you really want to dive into questions of realism... just how many cameramen are following these folks around? There sure are lots of camera angles. And how did the cameramen get out of the sinking-in-the-lake-car so quickly?

:o

Eh, I prefer to just let this all go, and enjoy the funnies.

[midas]

Shocked nobody mentioned Dwight's valiant efforts (he's trained for this) to save Michael from drowning in the waist deep water.

[Lainie*H]

Shocked nobody mentioned Dwight's valiant efforts (he's trained for this) to save Michael from drowning in the waist deep water.

Yes- that was great! They were flailing everywhere, Dwight's trying to get Michael over his shoulder, and then they both just stand. Awesome!

[marksman]

And hey, I'm the one who thought it out of character for Dwight to have killed the cat.

Dwight is a farmer.. He knows when an animal needs to go down.

[Zevida]

I think driving into the lake was completely in Michael's character. I just rewatched the second episode. Right at the start of the lake scene, Michael and Dwight are in the car and the GPS says "drive straight" (or something "straight). Up ahead in the road was a sign pointing to the left indicating that the road was curving to the left. I fully expected Michael to take the GPS literally and continue to drive straight right into the white fence. Thus, a minute later when he turned into the lake, I was not surprised and was quite amused.

[Magister]

The more I think about it. I think he was trying to prove that machines don't work. He was going to follow the advice of the advanced tech and just do exactly what it told him. He was going to give it control just to prove the point. He was suicidal at that point, willing to throw it all away just to blame the machine.

[VegasVic]

So because we are getting 4 hour long (or back to back) weeks to start does that mean there will only be 14 new episodes the rest of the season?

[JakeyB]

I believe 30 episodes were ordered, so no

[campbellleo]

The reveal of Jim and Pam was cute, I just hope this doesn't make the romance become a "Moonlighting". (like Jump the Shark, hey that should be a new expression.)

Yeah, but I think the writers are fully aware of this danger. In fact, part of this episode was them poking fun at the concept ("has the magic gone now we're official?"). I love the other characters and humour of this show, but I have to admit, I still got a rush when Pam kissed Jim on the cheek.

Which reminds me: Toby's love for Pam? So... cringeworthy... yet... so... hilarious...

In fact, everyone is in love with Pam atm!

[VegasVic]

I believe 30 episodes were ordered, so no

30? sweet.

[Neenahboy]

It was out of character to drive into the lake.

You all don't realize that that moment was a parody of the English town in which rescue services have to drag cars out of the lake because of a GPS map bug. Totally in character for Michael, but it has a double meaning, and that's what made it hilarious for me.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/20/uk-drivers-trust-gps-more-than-their-own-eyes/

[getreal]

And how did the cameramen get out of the sinking-in-the-lake-car so quickly?
Michael opened his door and held it open for him while Dwight was flailing his way around the front of the car in order to "save" Michael.

You see the cameraman's POV as he exits the back seat.

BTW, it was completely within character for Michael to drive into the lake, and he wasn't doing it to prove a point at the time. He simply rationalized his actions when explaining to the office staff how technology wanted to kill him, but the gift basket was never a threat to him.

It's so obvious ... <shakes head, rolls eyes, slaps forehead>

[bullitt]

Hmmm, I just didn't find this one up to par. Some funny bits as always of course. I like Creeds new hair color. :)

I thought this was one of the better shows of the series, it actually remained focused for 60 minutes.

[OhioUmpire]

Loved Seasons 1 and 2, though 3 was ok, but was concerned it was a dropping show. so far season 4 is proving that the show will not have the longevity of a Seinfeld or Friends.

[Peter000]

I actually just started watching the show a couple of weeks ago, and having marathon sessions to catch up. Today, for example I watched the last disc of season 2 along with the first two discs of Season 3. I would have finished Season 3, but the discs haven't come from BB yet. :o

It's really interesting watching it like that. I'm really seeing a definite arc of improvement starting with season 2, and into season 3 so far. Some of the funniest stuff has been in Season 3. I've found very little breaking of character... Dwight is always Dwight.

I'm watching the new stuff as it comes up, and found it not nearly as funny, though. Maybe just because it's transitioning some of the characters still.

It took me awhile to get used to and even like the looks to the camera that various characters would give (Jim is by FAR the best at it). But I'm enjoying it alot.

As far as the "driving into the lake" thing goes, I think it was pretty much in character for Michael. His stubborness and his anger at the technology at the moment was just paralysing him into following the computer blindly and accepting the outcome. Kind of like when one is frustrated at a video game and just "commits suicide" by doing stupid things with the onscreen character.

[JLucPicard]

And hey, I'm the one who thought it out of character for Dwight to have killed the cat.
In the scene where Angela was telling Dwigt exactly how to take care of/feed Sparkles I thought to myself, 'yup, cat's gonna wind up dead' and was not at all surprised when Dwigt told her it had died. Though I was surprised that he put it in her freezer rather than dsiposing of it.

[wendiness1]

I actually just started watching the show a couple of weeks ago, and having marathon sessions to catch up. Today, for example I watched the last disc of season 2 along with the first two discs of Season 3. I would have finished Season 3, but the discs haven't come from BB yet. :o



Likewise. Don't you just hate finding gems like this late? My son bought me Season One for my birthday (well, okay, I helped him). Gotta catch up!

[Robin]

"I guess he can't get *any* girl he wants."

LOVED it! Reminded me of one of my favorite movie scenes:

"Do you like apples?"

"Cause -I- got her number. How do you like THOSE apples?"

So much better than the standard "pissed off because he hit on my girlfriend" approach! :up:

He didn't even realize it, but he actually left on a good note... with the website tidbit, and remembering the allergy of the guy's daughter! But he had to go back and ruin it by demanding to get his basket back. :D :D

Yes! For a minute there I thought he had them. My husband (sporadic watcher) was completely confused. "Did he googlestalk him before the meeting?" Nope. Michael is a killer salesperson he's just fallen victim to the Peter Principle.

(Note: there's no better way to needle your boss than to ask whether he's familiar with the Peter Principle. ;))

And I think Utz chips may have been closer to Scranton.

Google sez they're both 3h away. FWIW, as a VA resident & former MD resident, I associate Herr with PA in a way I don't Utz. AAMOF I didn't know Utz was in PA too until this thread!

[MickeS]

Loved Seasons 1 and 2, though 3 was ok, but was concerned it was a dropping show. so far season 4 is proving that the show will not have the longevity of a Seinfeld or Friends.
Completely the opposite of how I feel.

[appleye1]

Google sez they're both 3h away. FWIW, as a VA resident & former MD resident, I associate Herr with PA in a way I don't Utz. AAMOF I didn't know Utz was in PA too until this thread!I agree. Most stores in VA give Utz almost as much shelf space as Frito-Lay, so to me Utz seems like it's almost a national brand. Herr's seems like more a of local PA chip.

[uncdrew]

That's another point.


Is Michael really a good salesman?

I've known good salesmen, and they're better than Michael. Remembering facts and faces is a powerful skill, but not rare. Knowing your product, reading people... again skills, but ones I see in many good salesmen I run into.


The sale he closed over the "awesome blossom" was more Michael just being his goofy self, not as much sales skills. Other than that, I don't see many examples. DM is losing business pretty quickly. Michael's not winning much back.

He did land that one big account while they were at that conference, but I don't remember getting many details about how.

[SeanC]

When he interviewed for the NY position his boss said he'd done an impressive job of keeping customers during the consolidation. (or something like that, something that sounded like a hard number where Michael had done a good job).

Either the awesome blossom was pure luck or that was Mike reading his customer, I dunno which way to go on that one. I think Mike is sometimes a phenomenal salesman, which makes up for the fact that his is sometimes a horrible salesman, so on average, a pretty good salesman.

[getreal]

... to me Utz seems like it's almost a national brand. Herr's seems like more a of local PA chip.
Well, I never heard of either of those brands before reading this thread.

[IndyJones1023]

That driving into the lake scene was stupid. Normally, this show is better than that. Much better. Otherwise, it had some pretty good laughs.

[jerrye25]

That's another point.


Is Michael really a good salesman?

I've known good salesmen, and they're better than Michael. Remembering facts and faces is a powerful skill, but not rare. Knowing your product, reading people... again skills, but ones I see in many good salesmen I run into.


The sale he closed over the "awesome blossom" was more Michael just being his goofy self, not as much sales skills. Other than that, I don't see many examples. DM is losing business pretty quickly. Michael's not winning much back.

He did land that one big account while they were at that conference, but I don't remember getting many details about how.

Didn't he do one in season 2 where Jan wanted Pam to document everything he did. He spent most of the episode screwing off but in the end, Pam congratulated him because there were some documents faxed to him about a big sale he made.

[SeanC]

I don't understand why people have a problem with him driving into the lake. People do that in real life, it happens!

If anyone on The Office was going to drive into a lake, it would be Mike.

[Fofer]

Didn't he do one in season 2 where Jan wanted Pam to document everything he did. He spent most of the episode screwing off but in the end, Pam congratulated him because there were some documents faxed to him about a big sale he made.

I think the conceit is that we never really see Michael's best work on this show. He hits home runs from time to time, but doesn't even realize they are home runs. He takes more pride in letting the bells of Dunder Mifflin chime out Jim and Pam's love. :D

[GoHalos]

Well, I never heard of either of those brands before reading this thread.

+1

Never heard of them.

[fmowry]

That driving into the lake scene was stupid. Normally, this show is better than that. Much better. Otherwise, it had some pretty good laughs.

Agreed. It made the show too cartoonish. And while people do it in real life, it ain't funny there either.

And you people who have never heard of Utz need to get out more. ;)

Frank

[IndyJones1023]

Agreed. It made the show too cartoonish. And while people do it in real life, it ain't funny there either.

And you people who have never heard of Utz need to get out more. ;)

Frank
If they had shown one of those dash-cam angles of Michael yelling at Dwight showing he was distracted and not watching the road at all, they could have sold it.

[markz]

The funniest part was the GPS system saying "Please turn around," or something to that effect. And I agree with the above, it was the slow move towards the lake, Dwight saying, "there's a lake, stop," and Michael just driving into it anyway. My wife and I were both just like, "Uh, what?"

My GPS was leading me into the Ohio River one time. I couldn't see it visually because I hadn't rounded the corner yet, but did see it on screen. Then as I rounded the corner, it said "board ferry in 50 feet". Sure enough, a ferry was crossing the river towards me. I waited my turn and boarded it. Then after I crossed, the GPS continued directing me to my location.

[USAFSSO]

That driving into the lake scene was stupid. Normally, this show is better than that. Much better. Otherwise, it had some pretty good laughs.


It would have been better if they both blindly followed the directions. With the argument and just driving into the lake because the little voice said so was dumb.

[Fofer]

Not any more dumb than hundreds of things Michael has done thus far. He also left his George Foreman grill on, open on his bedroom floor (and of course, stepped on it.)

Let's not forget, Michael is completely oblivious and borderline psychotic. He's meant to be portrayed as a surreal cartoon.

I think you're all being ultra critical over this GPS issue because you have GPS's and enjoy the technology.

As a funny joke, it's completely consistent with his character.

[IndyJones1023]

I don't buy that, Fof. He was staring right at the lake as he was heading for it while his passenger was screaming to stop. Too unrealistic for me.

[Fofer]

I don't buy that, Fof. He was staring right at the lake as he was heading for it while his passenger was screaming to stop. Too unrealistic for me.

He was also having a really, really bad day. :p

If you still have the episode, go back and watch how he defends his "old buddy" Ryan at the beginning. How he "saw the gleam in his eye" telling him "I miss you, buddy." Only Michael later realized that Ryan was a wolf... out to eliminate him and his beloved Scranton branch (ie: his family.) This was a significant blow.

So Michael goes on a kamikaze mission to recover lost clients.

Only he fails, miserably. (He doesn't even go down in a blaze of glory, either. He just... fails. And has nothing at all to show for it!)

Michael was in an awkwardly hilarious downward spiral... and his insistence on "trusting the computer!!!!" was his final act of submission. At that moment, he was admitting defeat.



Now, I'm not saying the drive into the lake is a shining moment in "The Office" history, far from it. But hearing folks criticize it as "unbelievable" makes me wonder when this show was *ever* believable to begin with?!?!

Was it believable when Michael and Dwight went back to the 2nd client, sopping wet, demanding the basket back? And the pretzels? And then digging their wet feet into the sofas?

All I know is, it brings the funny. There have been far more unbelievable moments in this show, and no one batted an eyelash. Despite the filming style, it's not a documentary. It's more like a satire, a cartoon... not to be taken anywhere *near* face value.

[Bierboy]

...Now, I'm not saying the drive into the lake is a shining moment in "The Office" history, far from it. But hearing folks criticize it as "unbelievable" makes me wonder when this show was *ever* believable to begin with?!?!

Was it believable when Michael and Dwight went back to the 2nd client, sopping wet, demanding the basket back? And the pretzels? And then digging their wet feet into the sofas?

All I know is, it brings the funny. There have been far more unbelievable moments in this show, and no one batted an eyelash. Despite the filming style, it's not a documentary. It's more like a satire, a cartoon... not to be taken anywhere *near* face value.Well said...yes it was goofy....but that's the whole point, people!

[madscientist]

Don't care if it was realistic or not; Dwight's yelling as Michael drove into the lake was so darn funny it was totally worth it!

[arcel]

i love watching this show... made me fart of the time...

[Fofer]

i love watching this show... made me fart of the time...

And you, arcel, are my favorite new poster. Welcome to TCF.

[Zevida]

I agree. Most stores in VA give Utz almost as much shelf space as Frito-Lay, so to me Utz seems like it's almost a national brand. Herr's seems like more a of local PA chip.

Yes, imagine my surprise as a VA native who lived briefly in Maryland moving to Texas to discover there are no Utz potato chips anywhere in sight. I had no idea they were regional.

Not to mention they call Edy's ice cream Dreyer's.

It is like moving to a parallel universe :( :D

[fmowry]

I think you're all being ultra critical over this GPS issue because you have GPS's and enjoy the technology.

As a funny joke, it's completely consistent with his character.


I guess I'm used to the comedy in this show being more quirky/intelligent than a guy listening to the GPS and driving into a lake. That just seems more slapsticky like something a dumb blond would do. Michael is a different level of stupid.

FWIW,
I didn't really like much of the gift basket storyline either, except for the:
"Money is better. Give them money and they can buy their own gift basket"
"A gift basket of money. Even better."

Frank

[uncdrew]

"Cashbasket!!!"


Agreed. That was funny. :D

[vman]

On Michael's sales skills, don't forget he was northeastern region salesman of the year -- TWICE! Of course, Dwight won one year as well, so maybe it's not that great an honor.

[PJO1966]

Kelly: I don't understand what the big deal is.
Ryan: You don't?
Kelly: No!
Ryan: You lied about being pregnant.
Kelly: Right, so?
Ryan: You really don't understand why that might make me kind of angry?
Kelly: No!
Ryan: We're never getting back together.
Kelly: (shocked) Why not?

Great rapid fire exchange. Kelly is just so brilliantly clueless.

Also, Toby sending out the memo because "somebody complained" about Jim & Pam displaying affection in the office when it was just Toby's own jealousy.

Why am I not surprised that Dwight is the descendant of a Nazi war criminal?

[MickeS]

Why am I not surprised that Dwight is the descendant of a Nazi war criminal?

Because he's mentioned it before? :)

Dwight Schrute: I come from a long line of fighters. My maternal grandfather was the toughest guy I ever knew. World War Two veteran killed twenty men and spent the rest of the war in an Allied prison camp. My father battled blood pressure and obesity all his life. Different kind of fight.

[quango]

Well, fighting for the Nazis wasn't tantamount to being a war criminal. That said, in "Take Our Daughters to Work Day" Michael referred to Dwight's "Nazi war criminal grandmother" when Dwight was reading the kids stories from some old German story book he got from her.

[gilmoregirls102]

I thought the driving in the lake was funny. And I think it was completely in his character to do so.

Kinda reminded me of the episode where he wanted the people who wanted his job to walk on fire (or hot coals)...

Just stupid, but it's so that he can prove his point.

I love Michael Scott.

[JLucPicard]

One more vote in the "I thought that was just stupid" camp - I didn't even chuckle, I just sat there and thought, "nah, that was just stupid". While Michael used the hot coals thing to try to find his successor, he wasn't about to do it himself. He didn't actually jump off the building in that one episode to prove his point, did he? And I believe it does seem out of character to do something like driving into the lake with Dwigt in the car with him.

I realize that all of us have our opinions about what would and wouldn't be 'in character' behavior for Michael, but this just seemed way too out there - even for him and his state of mind.

[NoThru22]

On Michael's sales skills, don't forget he was northeastern region salesman of the year -- TWICE! Of course, Dwight won one year as well, so maybe it's not that great an honor.
Dwight showed he was a great salesman in the traveling salesman episode.

[uncdrew]

I'm re-watching (for the 4th time :o ) the older episodes on TBS.

Funny stuff.