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Our Own Dundies: The Office Bests and Worsts

mstaken

By mstaken
in The Office (US)

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mstaken

mstaken

Assuming I'm allowed to actually start this thread---*worriedly rereads the FAQ*---this is the place to reflect on your favorite and least favorite aspects of The Office! Feel free to chat about your favorite and least favorite seasons, episodes, characters, plotlines, funniest and most poignant scenes, etc. 

Season 2 is my pick for the 'best' season, but I've surprised myself by kind of overdosing on it to the point where I'm not *quite* as enamored with it as I used to be. Apparently, that's what happens when you watch a given season of TV about 75 times...who knew?! Meanwhile, I've grown more and more attached to S1, S3, and even thank-god-Jim-and-Pam-are-finally-together S4.  

My least favorite seasons were probably 6, 8 and 9, though I adore the finale beyond the telling of it. 

Oh, and I recently blathered about my 10-12 desert island episodes:

1. Diversity Day
2. The Alliance
3. Sexual Harassment (I found Todd Packer---and, more to the point, everyone's reactions to him---totally hilarious in this one. I don't know what that says about me, but probably nothing very good!)
4. Booze Cruise
5. Drug Testing
6. Gay Witch Hunt
7. Grief Counseling
8. A Benihana Christmas
9. Beach Games/The Job (Can we pretend I'm not cheating by counting these as one?!)
10. Fun Run
11. Goodbye, Michael
12. Zillion-way tie among nearly all the rest of S1, S2, S3 and about 75% of S4... :)

...I'm pretty sure my #12 isn't really adhering to the spirit of the question. 

I could go on (and on...and on!) with more Office superlatives, but I'm hoping others chime in! 

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momofsquid

momofsquid

OK, I'll play. 

First of all, seasons 8 and 9 immediately drop to the bottom of my list because for me the show was all about Michael. As BJ Novak said in the retrospective that aired on the last day, the premise was about an office whose boss was "insane". I take issue with the word "insane" but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he used it loosely. So in my opinion, once Michael was gone there was no focus to the show. It felt like it lost its center of gravity. I tried to watch the last two seasons but could barely pay attention.

My favorites were seasons 2 and 3 and parts of season 4. I felt the Michael/Holly romance weakened the show. Once they were together a lot of the essential Michael-ness was lost for me. And then the whole redeemed-by-love thread in season 7 really put me off. I also lost interest in Jim and Pam once they were married. They lost all their cute. So to me, seasons 2 through 4, when Michael was at his most discombobulated and Jim and Pam were still trying to figure out their relationship, were the essence of the series.

My favorite episodes are all Michael-centric and include The Injury, The Dinner Party, Business School and Safety Training. One episode I can't stand to watch is Prince Family Paper because I had to hate DM for destroying that lovely family, though I did love Michael for trying to protect them. I generally dislike the later episodes with Michael and Holly because I felt they got a bit sappy. I preferred the cynical side of The Office and squirmed when it got overly romantic. That said, one of my very favorite moments was the scene where Jim interrupted Pam's talking head to ask her out for dinner. That was such a moment of acting brilliance from Jenna Fischer! 

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Shannon L.

Shannon L.

(edited)

Gosh, my memory sucks for things like this--I'd have to go back and reread the descriptions of each episode so I could remember if there were any moments that I loved/hated.  But, there are a few things that I can say for now (I may think of more later):

  • The one beginning sequence that I'll never forget is "Parkour!"
  • I have a love/hate thing going on with Dwight. He can be such a sweet man at times, then turn around and be a viscious jerk. But, kudos to Rain Wilson for pulling both sides off so well.
  • I really like how Pam tended to take care of Michael--making sure he didn't do something too stupid or cheering him up when he was down. 
  • Speaking of kudos to actors who could pull off different layers of their character:  Steve Carrell.  I could feel almost any emotion that he was trying to portray--especially when he was sad/disappointed/embarrassed, etc.
Edited by Shannon L.
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sharky

sharky

I miss Jim and Pam, especially from seasons 1-4. That last season with the cameraman and Jim's company just didn't sit well with me. IIT seemed a bit too contrived and melodramatic for the show.

And I miss Dwim. Dwight and Jim had some of the best moments together, both hilarious and poignant.

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Pickles Aplenty

Pickles Aplenty

My thoughts, season by season...

Season 1

Since season 1 is basically the show trying to establish things and find its stride, I can't say it's one of my favorites.  I think it's okay, but not particularly re-watchable.  Except for "Hot Girl".  Pam breaks my heart in that episode, and Mindy Kaling did a fabulous job.  I think every woman has felt like she couldn't compete with another woman at some point in her life, so it really rings true.  Best episode of season 1, IMHO.

Season 2

One of the best seasons of the show's run, and for good reason- John Krasinski acted the hell out of Jim Halpert.  "Booze Cruise" was the first episode I ever saw, and it's still one of my favorites.  I also love Jim and Pam's argument over Pam's future in "Boys and Girls", and "Casino Night" is perfect from start to finish.  Season 2 is where the show really started to come into its own and not be an imitation of the UK version, and I think they pulled it off beautifully.

Season 3

This is my favorite season, hands down.  As much as I love Jim, I felt more watching things through Pam's eyes, and I was behind her evolution every step of the way.  I also like Karen, and I love the fact that the writers gave Jim a girlfriend that wasn't a shrill harpy, the way a lesser show would have.  Seeing Pam make a play for Jim while Karen was a likable, cool chick made it all very messy and real.  I also liked watching Dwight and Angela's relationship progress, and Michael's arc with Jan was at its funniest in seasons 3 and 4.  This is the season I rewatch the most, because it has so many great moments.

Season 4

The last season I liked from start to finish.  It was nice seeing Jim and Pam finally get together, and since Michael was also one of my favorite characters, I liked seeing things through his POV.  "Dinner Party" and "Night Out" are my two favorite episodes, and I confess that I am a sucker for the Toby/Pam crush.  I know some people don't care for it, but I always thought it was sad and sweet.

Season 5

Some good episodes, some bad...season 5 was the first season that was uneven for me.  I liked the Michael Scott Paper Company arc, but I didn't care about Pam going to art school because I felt it was a contrived way to drive J&P apart after they finally got together.  I also didn't care about Pam being pregnant, so it ended on a "meh" note for me.  If I had made the decision, I would have married J&P in season 5 and pulled the plug, because...

Season 6

...I think season 6 is awful.  The only episode I liked was "Scott's Tots", which I know is an unpopular opinion, but it is what it is.  Everything else was boring with a capital "B"; Pam's neverending pregnancy, the ridiculous wedding episode (I know it's a favorite, but I hated it when it aired and I still hate it now, especially that terrible YouTube dance), Michael having an affair with a married woman, Michael dating Pam's mom, Jim and Michael both being the boss...I just didn't care about any of it.  The show was way past its prime at this point, IMO.

Season 7

I only watched a handful of episodes from this season, so I can't give it a fair review, but most of what I saw was bad.  I did like "Counseling", "Classy Christmas", and "Goodbye, Michael", though.  I thought Michael's proposal to Holly was sweet, if a little overdone, but other than that?  Eh.  I had stopped watching regularly by season 7, and it was a sad, sad day.

Season 8

I made it as far as the premiere before I threw in the towel.  Didn't see any of it, so I have no opinion.

Season 9

I started tuning in again halfway through season 9 because I wanted to see how the show ended.  I came in on "Customer Loyalty", which has the big WHOA moment of Pam talking to the camera guy and the fourth wall being broken for the first time ever.  While I thought the Philadelphia/Jim's career/Brian storyline was contrived and a little lame, I was impressed with Jenna Fischer's acting this season, even though I wanted to smack Pam for being so damn stubborn.  I didn't care about any of the secondary characters, it was all about the J&P turbulence.  Actually, I take that back- I did care about Dwight and Angela getting back together.  Philip being Dwight's son was lame, but I really liked the moment where Angela breaks down in Oscar's car and confesses that she loves Dwight.  That was a huge turning-point for her character, and I actually felt sorry for Angela, which was a rarity.  So, yeah, that was definitely a highlight.

I thought the finale was just okay.  It was sad, but I think it would have been more poignant if the show had gone out when it was still on top.  Pam giving herself that final push and agreeing to the Austin move was huge, and the final shot of Michael hanging Pam's drawing on the wall made me a little misty-eyed, but all-in-all I've seen much better finales.  I really, really want the orchestra version of "Sweet Child O' Mine" in my music collection, though.  Dwight has excellent taste in music.

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rose313

rose313

I loved Seasons 1 and 2. When I rewatch, I usually start with 2. I love Office Olympics, The Injury, and Casino Night. I also liked when they read Michael's screenplay in "The Client."

Season 3- Grief Counseling is hilarious, so is Beach Games. I found it a little cheesier than season 2, but still good. Benihana Christmas and Diwali also stand out.

Season 4- Fun Run and Dinner Party are in my top 5, possibly top 3, I haven't actually compiled a top list yet. I also liked Survival Man.

Season 5- I liked Business Ethics, Customer Survey, Moroccan Christmas, Prince Family Paper, Cafe Disco, and Company Picnic. I kind of liked the Michael Scott Paper Company story arc. I'd say Season 5 is my second favorite, despite my two favorite episodes ever being in Season 4.

Season 6- Gossip (Parkour!) Murder, Banker, (Toby's clips of all the funny things that happened in the past, and his need to blatantly lie about all the hazards that happen in the office is just awesome) But I hate Sabre, and I hate Jo Bennett!

Season 7- Sex Ed, Viewing Party, The Seminar, Search Committee are good, I hate Deangelo Vickers which is strange because I like Will Ferrell.

Also, whenever it was that Creed temporarily took over as manager...that was my favorite part of the entire series. (Boboddy, boboddy!) Creed is perfect.

I'm not going to bother going through 8 and 9, I liked them just fine, but I feel like I'm just going to say "Work Bus" (the episode Brian Cranston directed) and leave it at that.

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Abra Came

Abra Came

How about the Christmas episodes?  Here are some that I find memorable--

Sentimental Favorite:  Season 2, "Christmas Party."  The first episode I ever saw, and I was reeled in by Jim and his teapot.  Never missed another episode after that.

Most Hilarious:  Season 3, "A Benihana Christmas."  Best part was Michael marking "his" date with a Sharpie, so he could tell the girls apart.

Happiest Christmas:  Season 7, "Classy Christmas."  Holly's back, and Michael's got a smoking jacket.  Things are looking good!

Honorable mention:  Season 9, "Dwight Christmas."  Dwight's enthusiasm for Belsnickle knows no bounds.  Kinda scary, that one.

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mstaken

mstaken

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Most Hilarious:  Season 3, "A Benihana Christmas."  Best part was Michael marking "his" date with a Sharpie, so he could tell the girls apart.

This one is definitely my favorite of the Christmas episodes! Funny and poignant and all kinds of wrong in the most quintessentially Office-ish sort of way. 

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hoosiergirl

hoosiergirl

I know it's unpopular, but I liked Phyllis's wedding episode. It might even be in my top ten. The Michael stuff was OTT, but I loved Roy and Pam getting back together and Jim looking on, plus the Dwight/Angela stuff. As far as Office weddings go, I liked it more than Niagara. Other favorites are The Dundies, Drug Testing, The Job, and Dinner Party. I lost interest after season 4. I watched, but didn't watch any episode more than one or two times.

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momofsquid

momofsquid

Is Phyllis' Wedding unpopular? That surprises me because I liked it too. I actually enjoyed some of the OTT Michael stuff, especially when he's jumping to look in the window, and that horrific walk down the aisle. The old confused uncle reminded me very much of my dad. I did not enjoy the scene in the bride's dressing room where Michael went overboard with the references with bodily functions. I loved the Jim and Pam storyline and how hard poor Jim was trying to support Karen's singing when he obviously wanted to be with Pam. I enjoyed Pam's remarks about how Phyllis stole all her wedding plans. Yes, if we could cut out that dressing room scene I would consider this a pretty great episode.

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jellysalmon

jellysalmon

Just rewatched season 2 which is probably my favorite season. I really got sick of Jim/Pam near the end but they're so cute in this season. The end of Casino Night still moves my usually frozen heart. 

However, I really don't care for The Office Olympics. Michael is off with Dwight on an uninteresting adventure and Jim/Pam are fooling around in the office, but none of it is particularly funny or even endearing. Just random office games.

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Pickles Aplenty

Pickles Aplenty

 

However, I really don't care for The Office Olympics. Michael is off with Dwight on an uninteresting adventure and Jim/Pam are fooling around in the office, but none of it is particularly funny or even endearing. Just random office games.

It's not a particular favorite of mine either, but I think Angela's game of Pam Pong saves it.  That was the first time I really wanted to slap her, hard, but Angela Kinsey played it so well.

I also like "Phyllis's Wedding".  It's one of the most cringe-worthy Michael episodes, but I think it's funny.

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rose313

rose313

This one is definitely my favorite of the Christmas episodes! Funny and poignant and all kinds of wrong in the most quintessentially Office-ish sort of way. 

Yes! I loved the scene when Dwight, Jim and Michael (and I believe Andy too) were at the restaurant and Dwight couldn't hear the conversation because he was forced to sit too far away. And Michael with the bike that was supposed to be a donation.

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nolieblue

nolieblue

My favorite Christmas episode is I think from S2 when Jim buys Pam the teapot and Michael buys Ryan the Ipod. I think that was the worst Michael had ever behaved but he managed to make up for it. 

 

Other favourites are Dinner Party, The Injury, Jim and Pam's wedding, Fun Run. 

 

One of my all-time favourite scenes is the cold open (can't remember the episode) when Michael eats the Family Size Chicken Pot Pie and falls asleep. 

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Glory

Glory

I just watched the Dinner Party again and was laughing out loud through the entire episode. There was so much to love about that episode, even it was all hilariously awkward.

Actually, I'm digging season 4 much more this time around than I think I did the first time I watched it. There are still a lot of great gags and entire episodes in that season.

Very good stuff.

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Kalliste

Kalliste

I just finished watching all of it for the first time and I'm finding it hard to differentiate the seasons as I just watched them all together in about a month.

 

I cannot stand the Christmas episode with the secret santa. I don't think I could ever watch it again because of how Michael acted it just frustrated me so much seeing the teapot get snapped up by everyone other than Pam, I felt so sorry for Jim at that point.

 

I think Seasons 2 and 4 were my favourite, although 2 was a bit awkward to watch with Jim and Pam, Season 3 I call the season of Jerk Jim. I couldn't believe that he'd leave when he knew Pam had ended her relationship with Roy because of him, and then he comes back with a girlfriend and basically ignores her.. Then there is the re-occurrence of jerk Jim in season 9 (I think) where he thinks his goals are more important than Pam and the kids. I do think Pam should have moved with him but he wasn't willing to see that she didn't want to.

 

I also love and hate Dwight, sometimes he's awesome, sometimes he's so creepy. I do like how he ended up though and how he pointed out that Pam was his best friend, that was cute.

 

As for Best romantic Pair.

 

I do love Jim and Pam, they were built up as the perfect pair though. 

I also thought Michael and Holly were perfect for each other, and well.. Holly meant there was no more Michael on the show (Michael Scott is my most hated tv character ever) which is definitely a win for me.

I also loved Dwight and Angela and can't believe it took them so long to be together.

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BoogieBurns

BoogieBurns

Kalliste, if you ever give in and watch the Christmas Party episode from season 2 again, focus on how it affects Angela an Phyllis. Since they planned the party and Michael ruined it, their reactions are where the real story is (according to the DVD commentary).

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SGfan

SGfan

Two of my favorites off the top of my head are Dinner Party and Goodbye Toby (if that's the name of the episode). Michael had some hilarious lines in the Toby episode directed at and about Toby! Season 9 was tough for me to get through, but I did love the finale for so many reasons. I'm probably one of the few that wasn't on Jim's side. I think what bugged me the most was the episode where he and Darryl are acting like college roommates playing video games right after work (it was still sunny outside the window) and all I could think about was Pam probably having just left a full day of work and having to go home and take care of the kids alone (which is still work) and probably not being able to sit down until later that night. So because of that, I kept seeing Jim as being selfish rather than Pam. I still love the entire series, though, and am a fan for life!

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BoogieBurns

BoogieBurns

Re: Season 9

The writer's did a good job of making sure the audience wasn't able to blame everything on just Jim or just Pam. That episode where Jim tried to hug Pam and it took her forever to hug him back. I've been there. I felt it. It was good that Jim let himself be vulnerable in that moment, because the marriage could have ended if neither of them swallowed their pride right then and there. Pam's resistance wasn't worth it. Nothing good was going to come from her staying mad at him.

 

That was a best and worst moment wrapped into one, I'd say. 

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Kalliste

Kalliste

I did like that too, I was yelling "why isn't she hugging him back! What the hell Pam!" I just don't think I've been in a situation where I've been so angry at my partner that I wouldn't hug them if they hugged me.

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BoogieBurns

BoogieBurns

The crunch comes out LOUD and ANNOYING before he closes his mouth. Yes it is an issue for me and it is one of the passes he receives. Even though I want to take the whole bowl of chips and throw them on the floor.

 

...this isn't about Jim is it? But, I think chewing food loud is a deal breaker too. Lucky for me, I'm still single, so I get to preview their eating habits on the first date.

Pam: [long pause] It was confusing, right? Because confusing, situations, happen to us all the time in our jobs. [pause] I'm just trying to bridge the gap, between what just happened and the fact that I am going to be doing the rest of the presentation.

 

Brought it back on topic. That quote above is from Season 5 Lecture Circuit part 2.

 

What is your favorite 2 part/ hour long episode? What is your least favorite?

I'll start! My least favorite is probably Dunder Mifflin Infinity. My favorite is either The Job (season 3 finale), or Money (where Michael declares bankruptcy).

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SGfan

SGfan

I'll have to look up all of the hour long episodes to answer that, but I just re-watched that quoted episode yesterday! That was great! I've been watching old seasons and episodes on my Kindle on Netflix at night after work, after the kids go down, while doing mundane things like dishes and laundry, and I'm still laughing at each episode! I'll check the hour long list and get back to ya!

I'm going to say a tie between The Job and Goodbye Toby, but I don't think I've looked up all of them. Or course, the finale was pretty perfect for me, too!

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BoogieBurns

BoogieBurns

(edited)

These are the hour-long episodes, pick the best and the worst! (This may be missing an episode or so, it's from memory)

Casino Night (super-sized exception)

Benihana Christmas
Traveling Salesman/The Return
The Job
Fun Run
Dunder Mifflin Infinity (where he drives his car into the lake)
Launch Party
Money
Goodbye Toby
Weight Loss
Stress Relief
Lecture Circuit
Niagara
The Delivery
Classy Christmas
Goodbye Michael (I think this was 50 minutes, but it stays)
Search Committee (All those cameos, Will Arnett, Ray Romano, Jim Carrey, Warren Buffet, James Spader...)
Moving On
AARM
Finale

Edited by BoogieBurns
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Kip Hackman

Kip Hackman

I'll sum up my Office fandom as such: I'll watch any rerun all the way up to "Secret Santa" (Season 6).  Anything after that, I have no desire to ever see again.

 

Then again, The Office has basically disappeared from syndication in my neck of the woods, so it's kind of a moot point.

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BoogieBurns

BoogieBurns

Well, I watch them all. But when Dunder Mifflin is sold, I think a lot of people were no longer invested. It just happens to line up with Paul Lieberstein (Toby) becoming the show runner. The humor changed a bit. For me, I can see the biggest change in Season 5, with the Super Bowl episode "Stress Relief". The show seemed more like a cartoon at that point. 

 

I never stopped loving it, but it changed around Season 6. 

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SGfan

SGfan

Hmmm...I didn't know about all of that. Thanks! I'll need to rewatch Stress Relief. I can't remember off hand which one that was. I'm betting you guys are much more well versed on the episodes! On my original watch, I was really sad when Michael left, but I kept watching because I loved the show, but rewatching, I can pretty much skip season 8 and only like a handful of season 9. Love Dwight's Christmas and the last few when Dwight gets regional manager. I'm pathetic, tho, because I still tear up at Jim and Michael's last scene in season 7. Sorry for rambling! LOL

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SGfan

SGfan

Just rewatched the Business School episode from season 3, and one of my favorite scenes is when Michael shows up at Pam's art show. That whole scene is just so sweet. I just love the Michael/Pam relationship. I think I just adore Michael anyway, shenanigans and all!

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amensisterfriend

amensisterfriend

Just rewatched the Business School episode from season 3, and one of my favorite scenes is when Michael shows up at Pam's art show. T

 

I love this so much as well. Actually, I think Season 3 has become the very "best" season for me, even more than Season 2. I may even love Season 1 and parts of Season 4 more than Season 2...but that could be because I overdosed on Season 2 by watching it way too many times. 

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hoosiergirl

hoosiergirl

I just finished rewatching the whole series. I hated Erin the first time around, but I liked her more upon rewatching. At first I thought she was too stupid to function. Hated her with Andy, but loved her and Plop together. I hated what they did to Kevin at the end, although I did like that he got fired. I hated the Jim and Pam ending. I wish she had let him go on the road trip. She just came across as a jerk and it really did seem like she was holding him back. But then it always annoyed me that he did all of the heavy lifting in their relationship. He obviously loved her way more than she loved him.

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Kalliste

Kalliste

I just finished rewatching the whole series. I hated Erin the first time around, but I liked her more upon rewatching. At first I thought she was too stupid to function. Hated her with Andy, but loved her and Plop together. I hated what they did to Kevin at the end, although I did like that he got fired. I hated the Jim and Pam ending. I wish she had let him go on the road trip. She just came across as a jerk and it really did seem like she was holding him back. But then it always annoyed me that he did all of the heavy lifting in their relationship. He obviously loved her way more than she loved him.

I actually felt like he was the jerk (Jerk!Jim) for the most part in the season.. Yes he was trying to help get the start up off the ground and should have gone on the road trip, however.. he did leave her at home with 2 young kids and work to deal with. I felt like he ignored that she was unhappy and felt overwhelmed so he wouldn't have to come home and deal with it all.

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hoosiergirl

hoosiergirl

Maybe it was JFs acting, but I hated Pam for most of the last season. There was one point where she has a talking head and says, "I like goofy Jim". Like he just existed to entertain her at work or something. Let the man grow! It just rubbed me the wrong way I guess. I agree he could have been less of a jerk about leaving her at home with two kids, though. When she has that breakdown about her not being enough for Jim I wanted to shout at her... Have you not been paying attention to your own relationship, woman!?

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Ruprecht

Ruprecht

I've got a Dundie to present: Best Facial Expression Award to Michael Scott in the episode "The Job" when he sees Jan's enhanced breasts. He manages to combine "horny old man" with "twelve-year-old boy" and it is hysterical. 

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Kalliste

Kalliste

Best Office Christmas episode Dundee: S2, Christmas Party. Classic, wonderful Office.

Worst Office Christmas episode Dundie: S7 Classy Christmas, because I hate-hate-hated the snowball fight stuff.

I'd rate S2 Christmas Party as one of the worst episodes. I found it so incredibly frustrating that I wanted to turn it off. I know that it was written as Michael being an arse but still, I couldn't stand his crap and wished someone had called him on it.

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VCRTracking

VCRTracking

(edited)

I know the pilot is criticized for essentially using the same script as the pilot of the British version but now we can compare and it's interesting to see the changes from direction to the casting makes the same scene different, like the one where the boss decides it would "funny" to fire the receptionist and make the new temp his accomplice.

 

The American version:

 

 

and the scene from original UK series:

 

Edited by VCRTracking
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