The Office (US) - General Discussion

[Columbo]

Just finished Michael's last episode. Deciding whether or not to continue watching. I have seen season 8 and 9 before and whilst it's ok, Steve leaving lead such a huge hole in the show that they were never going to replace. I think only Dwight gets some good stuff to do in the last two seasons.

 

Anyway, some more observations:

- I think for me the main difference between Karen and Pam is how they react to someone like Michael. Like that scene where Jim and Pam were gossiping about something Michael did. I think it was in season 3. If Karen was in that scene instead of Pam I can just imagine her rolling her eyes and using it as an opportunity to get Jim away from the branch. And I feel that Jim wanted someone who looked at someone like Michael, or people like Michael, with a sense of levity rather than a sense of doom and gloom. There was a sense of self seriousness with Karen that was a bit off putting to Jim.

 

- I know there's been a backlash to the character of Jim, but I've rewatched the show a few times and honestly, I still find him likeable. He's not perfect. His lack of ambition, probably spending too much time pranking Dwight, and I think most importantly his poor way of handling pressure, and how he isn't a great boss is all shown throughout the show.

Like, with the last point, in season 6 the writers show exactly why he's a poor boss. He doesn't have that sense of authoritative presence that even someone like Michael has, it's clear that the others don't really respect him, and it's obvious to me that by Jim being a boss it ruins his character. Because Jim, along with Pam, is meant to be the relatable one on the show. The kind of audience surrogate who has to deal with his egotistical boss and unstable co workers. By putting him in a position of authority it undermines that sense of relatability he gets from just being one of the workers. Also, it's clear that he doesn't need title of the boss when he and Pam are probably the only two preventing Dwight and Michael from burning down the building.

I also noticed how consistently he was written on the show, which was a bit surprising considering how inconsistent other characters were written. But his goal was basically. Be with Pam. And after he was with Pam his goal changed to make sure I provide for Pam and any future children I may have with her.

- I don't think the writers really knew how best to fit in Andy in the show. I noticed how they seemed pair him up with so many different characters on the show. To me he worked best as a foil to Dwight. Both in his personal and professional life. Makes me wonder if Andy would have been better as a kind of traveling salesman where he could be like Dwight's arch enemy. I don't know.

- I noticed this rewatch how childlike Erin is and it's really disturbing and creepy. It goes beyond beyond innocence and makes me side eye the men who dated her on the show. Because surely they would have been put out with even conversing with her for even five minutes. But they were probably liking the power dynamics of the relationship. Like for example Gabe always choosing horror movies because he's better at scrabble than Erin.

- I think Holly was made in a laboratory specifically designed for Michael Scott. I feel she was a little bit too perfect for him. That maybe Michael's ending wasn't really earned, or maybe a bit rushed. 

- I've been thinking what would constitute Michael's cringiest moment on the show. I mean his worst moments on the show were probably his sexual harrassment of the office workers and the racism. But cringeworthy is a bit more difficult. And by cringeworthy I mean something below the racism and sexism. Like something that is clearly awful, but not awful enough like the sexual harrassment or the racism, that you can't laugh about it later or at least see the funny side of it.

 

And I know people always go with Phyllis's Wedding or Scott's Tots for most cringeworthy moments, but I have to disagree.

At first I thought it would be Phyllis's Wedding, but on the recent rewatch I'd forgotten that Phyllis had asked Michael to be in the wedding party. So really you reap what you sow. I guess the tension in that episode is wondering if Bob Vance is going to hit Michael or not.

I've rewatched Scott's Tots many times and I still don't get what is so cringeworthy about it. To me it obviously came out of a good place from Michael's heart. Not realistic, but good. And I think if someone has good intentions and it goes badly it's much less cringeworthy than if someone has bad intentions and it goes badly. Plus why didn't the school follow up with Michael? Didn't any of the parents of those kids try to be at least realistic with their offspring?

To me I'd say Michael's cringworthiest moment would have to be when he got exposed for ruining the woody doll that AJ had given Holly for Christmas. The pathetic way he tried to avoid blame whilst everyone was saying "yeah, that's definitely something Michael would do" made it both cringeworthy and hilarious. 

 

- Todd Packer I feel is the perfect example of why US office is much lighter than UK office. Todd Packer is a bigot, but it's obvious that everyone except Michael dislikes him. But with Packer he's basically a lightweight. His UK counterpart however, Chris Finch, is a bit darker and a bit more menacing in his portrayal. Like the way Finch reacted when they lost that trivia night. I'm not sure I could see Packer reacting like that. Or at least much less darker.

- Ok, my best and worst episode of Michael Scott era.

 

Best is Casino Night because it's when Jim really lays his feelings on the line with that kiss with Pam. With that kiss he's clearly stating his intentions. And no longer can Pam rationalise in her head her closeness to Jim as just being good friends.  Plus the whole casino thing was funny.

 

Worst, well apart from the clip show, was Mafia. And I think what I realised on this rewatch about what I disliked about it was this: the plot of Michael believing that the guy was Mafia rested on Andy and Dwight convincing Michael that he was Mafia. But the thing is Andy and Dwight are probably the least likely people he'd ever listen to on the show. Someone like Jim, Ryan, or Pam who are the cool kids in the office? Yeah he'd listen to them. Dorky Dwight or try hard Andy? There's no way he'd listen to them. More likely Michael gets an idea into his head and Andy and Dwight would fuel that delusion. But it's unrealistic to think that Michael would be convinced, and so easily too, that the guy was Mafia based on the say so of the two people he has very little respect for in the office.

 

[TheLastKidPicked]

On 1/31/2022 at 2:25 AM, Columbo said:

I know there's been a backlash to the character of Jim, but I've rewatched the show a few times and honestly, I still find him likeable.

 

There's a great scene with Jim and Michael, and if you can relate to it then it's like a punch to the gut:

Jim:  I'm glad you're back

Michael:  You are relieved

Jim:  I'm definitely relieved.  I tried to combine birthdays.

Michael:  Rookie mistake.  You'll get the hang of it in ten years.

Jim:  I don't plan on being here in ten years

Michael:  That's what I said.

The moment that Jim realizes that he might still be there in ten years hits pretty hard.

[Columbo]

Finished watching the final two seasons, and by finished I mean fast forwarded through most of season 9. 

I reckon season 8 was ok, not brilliant but I thought it was watchable. Though I was a bit confused about why Jim went to so much trouble to save Dwight's job in Florida. They could have had easily had Packer delay Dwight from the presentation because he wanted to be the leader instead of it being example number 344 of Jim being such a great guy.

 

The worst part about season 8, season 9, ok basically the whole show was Andy and Erin. No chemistry between them plus they committed the unforgivable sin of being boring. 

 

I think the loss of B.J. and Mindy before season 9 was just a big a loss to the show than Steve was in season 7. They helped shape a lot of humour on the show.

 

Season 9 did not have to be 27 episodes, it just did not. 

 

Dwight should not have ended up as manager. He shot a gun in the office. 

 

[peacheslatour]

Quote

I think the loss of B.J. and Mindy before season 9 was just a big a loss to the show than Steve was in season 7. They helped shape a lot of humour on the show.

I love B.J. but I could not stand Ryan. Good riddance.

[Katy M]

19 hours ago, Columbo said:

I think the loss of B.J. and Mindy before season 9 was just a big a loss to the show than Steve was in season 7. They helped shape a lot of humour on the show.

I didn't even really notice that they were gone at first.

19 hours ago, Columbo said:

Dwight should not have ended up as manager. He shot a gun in the office. 

He should have been fired when that happened.  But, since he wasn't, I'll just say that was like 2 years earlier.  I'm not even sure David even knew about that since that was when Sabre owned the place.

[Columbo]

Do you consider Dwight and Jim to be friends?

 

[peacheslatour]

3 hours ago, Columbo said:

Do you consider Dwight and Jim to be friends?

 

Frenemies.

[Ms Blue Jay]

I love at the Glee party at Gabe's house when Dwight says "You married my worst enemy" and Pam says "I know" and Jim interjects something like "Well I really think that we have a playful repartee...." 

I absolutely love Andy and Erin, the best episode for them was the party at that bar where Michael meets Amy Pietz.  I wish the show didn't ruin it with her dating Gabe.  How crushing.  

Edited February 19, 2022 by Ms Blue Jay

[Ms Blue Jay]

On 7/31/2020 at 5:24 PM, Avabelle said:

Literally just binge watched this during Covid. I’m onto the last season And so far this is the weakest one. I hate that they seem to be anhilitating Andy so they can put her with Pete who I don’t care about whatsoever. I know I’m supposed to hate Andy here but so far it’s just making me dislike Pete and Erin. 

I know that this is an old post but let me chime in.  Another thing I hate is how they gave Erin this ultraglamourous makeover with wavy hair that is "done" every episode.  Please!!!!!!!!!!!  She's supposed to be a "rube" (is that what Michael called her?  LOL).  It's so over the top and takes me out of every episode.

[Columbo]

I kind of think the character assasination of Andy, or rather his regression wasn't because the writers were annoyed he was doing a movie but because they got scared his character had become boring so they tried to make him more like Michael in a way. But Ed Helms doesn't have the innocent childlike charm of Steve Carrell to manage such an unlikeable character. Andy works way better earnest and unsure than a Michael Scott clone.

[StaceyNotStacie]

On 2/19/2022 at 12:45 PM, Ms Blue Jay said:

I know that this is an old post but let me chime in.  Another thing I hate is how they gave Erin this ultraglamourous makeover with wavy hair that is "done" every episode.  Please!!!!!!!!!!!  She's supposed to be a "rube" (is that what Michael called her?  LOL).  It's so over the top and takes me out of every episode.

She’s comparable to Pam when she started dating Jim. Pam had frizzy curls when she was engaged to Roy. As soon as she started dating Jim, her hair, makeup and wardrobe looked like there was more effort. It seems like once Erin was finished with Andy (and Gabe) she had the same “makeover” that Pam had with her “true love”. 
 

On 2/19/2022 at 8:21 AM, Columbo said:

Do you consider Dwight and Jim to be friends?

 

I don’t know about friendship, but there was somewhat of a mutual respect that started to show once Michael left. It was shown occasionally in the beginning (Jim knowing Dwight’s middle name at the hospital and Dwight remodeling their kitchen), but when Michael left the show, their interactions together were so much better. They looked to each other when they realized Deangelo wasn’t going to work out, the arc in Tallahassee was wonderful, the final Christmas episode where Dwight was upset that Jim wouldn’t be there for Dwight’s party, and Jim was genuinely happy with Dwight being manager. Even the way he “fired” them in the finale showed that there was somewhat of a friendship and a mutual respect. 

[legaleagle53]

3 hours ago, Stacey1014 said:

I don’t know about friendship, but there was somewhat of a mutual respect that started to show once Michael left. It was shown occasionally in the beginning (Jim knowing Dwight’s middle name at the hospital and Dwight remodeling their kitchen), but when Michael left the show, their interactions together were so much better. They looked to each other when they realized Deangelo wasn’t going to work out, the arc in Tallahassee was wonderful, the final Christmas episode where Dwight was upset that Jim wouldn’t be there for Dwight’s party, and Jim was genuinely happy with Dwight being manager. Even the way he “fired” them in the finale showed that there was somewhat of a friendship and a mutual respect. 

And that extended to Pam as well. I was floored when Dwight specifically called her his best friend in the finale, considering that she and Jim had spent the previous nine years making his life hell (and vice versa).

[Columbo]

1 hour ago, legaleagle53 said:

And that extended to Pam as well. I was floored when Dwight specifically called her his best friend in the finale, considering that she and Jim had spent the previous nine years making his life hell (and vice versa).

I was floored at the lengths Jim went to in Florida to prevent Dwight from being fired.

[peacheslatour]

10 hours ago, Columbo said:

I was floored at the lengths Jim went to in Florida to prevent Dwight from being fired.

And that Pam was urging him to try harder.

[TheLastKidPicked]

On 2/19/2022 at 10:35 AM, Ms Blue Jay said:

I love at the Glee party at Gabe's house when Dwight says "You married my worst enemy" and Pam says "I know" and Jim interjects something like "Well I really think that we have a playful repartee...." 

If you know somebody like Dwight then you understand the "my worst enemy" line.  Dwight doesn't hate Jim in any way.  Dwight needs enemies because he needs the drama to give him purpose in life.

Think about people you know who seem happiest when they are feuding with other people.  It's not that they have any ill will, it's just that they love the drama that goes along with the feud.

 

Edited February 28, 2022 by TheLastKidPicked

[Columbo]

Why does Pam get so much hate? 

[Katy M]

4 minutes ago, Columbo said:

Why does Pam get so much hate? 

I don't hate her, but I think it has to do with emotionally cheating on Roy, staying engaged to him while she was clearly in love with someone else, and hindering Jim's dream.

[Catfi9ht]

18 hours ago, Katy M said:

emotionally cheating on Roy

Roy had no interest in Pam's emotional needs and thanks Jim for giving that to her because it took the pressure off of him.

https://tvquot.es/the-office/quote/5stti0j/

[Katy M]

2 hours ago, Catfi9ht said:

Roy had no interest in Pam's emotional needs and thanks Jim for giving that to her because it took the pressure off of him.

https://tvquot.es/the-office/quote/5stti0j/

Doesnt make what she was doing right.

[Catfi9ht]

1 hour ago, Katy M said:

Doesnt make what she was doing right.

I didn't say that. 

[peacheslatour]

On 3/3/2022 at 7:05 AM, Katy M said:

I don't hate her, but I think it has to do with emotionally cheating on Roy, staying engaged to him while she was clearly in love with someone else, and hindering Jim's dream.

Yes, I wish she had just dumped his stupid ass.

[Milburn Stone]

On 3/3/2022 at 9:05 AM, Katy M said:

I don't hate her, but I think it has to do with emotionally cheating on Roy, staying engaged to him while she was clearly in love with someone else, and hindering Jim's dream.

Jumping into this against my better judgment. I think the key phrase I take issue with is "while she was clearly in love with someone else." It was clear to us; it wasn't clear to her. In fact, she was in denial about it. When it did become clear to her, she acted appropriately.

I never thought she acted any more badly than any other human being in denial and strongly wanting to avoid conflict. To the contrary, I identified with her, which strengthened my bond with the show.

[Ms Blue Jay]

I never hated Pam before she got with Jim.

After she got with Jim she could be a real smug asshole at times.  It kind of baffles my mind that there was a question she'd be hateable before that point. She was very passive in her life so maybe that annoys some people.

Actually, I'm lying.  One time I can remember disliking Pam before Jim is when she and Jim were torturing Andy before he went mental and kicked the wall.

On 3/3/2022 at 10:00 AM, Columbo said:

Why does Pam get so much hate? 

Smug asshole after she got with Jim.  Spends her time torturing Andy and Dwight as a way to flirt with Jim.  After she got with Jim she really thought she was Queen of the office.  I hated the way she talked to certain people , like Oscar.  I think Jenna got a bit too infused with the character as time wore on because she became mean and like she thought she was better than it all, and in reading stuff about background of the show, that's what Jenna thought of herself too.

Edited March 4, 2022 by Ms Blue Jay

[Catfi9ht]

1 hour ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

I never hated Pam before she got with Jim.

After she got with Jim she could be a real smug asshole at times.  It kind of baffles my mind that there was a question she'd be hateable before that point. She was very passive in her life so maybe that annoys some people.

Actually, I'm lying.  One time I can remember disliking Pam before Jim is when she and Jim were torturing Andy before he went mental and kicked the wall.

Smug asshole after she got with Jim.  Spends her time torturing Andy and Dwight as a way to flirt with Jim.  After she got with Jim she really thought she was Queen of the office.  I hated the way she talked to certain people , like Oscar.  I think Jenna got a bit too infused with the character as time wore on because she became mean and like she thought she was better than it all, and in reading stuff about background of the show, that's what Jenna thought of herself too.

Jim played pranks on Dwight and Andy more than Pam ever did. Do you have the same resentment toward Jim?

[Ms Blue Jay]

4 hours ago, Catfi9ht said:

Jim played pranks on Dwight and Andy more than Pam ever did. Do you have the same resentment toward Jim?

Why would I feel differently about it coming from Jim?  I wrote about it in this very thread.

Edited March 5, 2022 by Ms Blue Jay

[Catfi9ht]

10 hours ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

Why would I feel differently about it coming from Jim?  I wrote about it in this very thread.

I didn't know the answer. That's why I asked.

[IntrovertRed]

On 3/4/2022 at 3:44 PM, Ms Blue Jay said:

I think Jenna got a bit too infused with the character as time wore on because she became mean and like she thought she was better than it all, and in reading stuff about background of the show, that's what Jenna thought of herself too.

Interesting, where did you read this?  I hadn't heard that, but I haven't read a whole lot of background stuff on the actors themselves.

I think the hate towards Pam was because she did seem to think she and Jim were better than the rest of the office.  BOTH Pam and Jim could be smug at times.  I personally liked Pam the last 2 seasons of the show the most when it comes to the seasons that she and Jim were a couple.

I also liked that Dwight, Jim and Pam did slowly form a group and obviously cared for one another, though they'd all likely deny it.  Jim and Dwight did hate each other at the beginning but eventually that did grow into being actual friends and co-conspirator pranksters.  

[Ms Blue Jay]

10 minutes ago, KLJ said:

Interesting, where did you read this?  I hadn't heard that, but I haven't read a whole lot of background stuff on the actors themselves.

People working on the show said as the show got more popular, stars like Rainn Wilson and Jenna Fischer started being more demanding, like for example, refusing to be filmed in the background in scenes or in other people's scenes.  That's all I can remember off the top of my head right now, but there was definite chatter like this. 

Edited March 6, 2022 by Ms Blue Jay

[IntrovertRed]

On 3/6/2022 at 3:17 PM, Ms Blue Jay said:

People working on the show said as the show got more popular, stars like Rainn Wilson and Jenna Fischer started being more demanding, like for example, refusing to be filmed in the background in scenes or in other people's scenes.  That's all I can remember off the top of my head right now, but there was definite chatter like this. 

I just bought it from Amazon, I can't wait read to read all the scoop, I love anything The Office!

Is anyone listening to Brian Baumgartner's podcast?  I enjoy in addition to the Office Ladies podcast.  Angela just seems so genuinely nice and fun!  I go back and forth on Jenna, she seems very type A and particular which reminds me of myself, so I kind of don't like her as a result lol

Edited March 10, 2022 by KLJ

[Catfi9ht]

36 minutes ago, KLJ said:

Is anyone listening to Brian Baumgartner's podcast?  I enjoy in addition to the Office Ladies podcast.  Angela just seems so genuinely nice and fun!  I go back and forth on Jenna, she seems very type A and particular which reminds me of myself, so I kind of don't like her as a result lol

I've listened to a couple episodes of Brian Baumgartner's podcast, but I didn't stick with it because I really like The Office Ladies podcast. I love hearing about The Office from a female perspective plus Jenna's and Angela's deep dives are pretty entertaining. Jenna's deep dive on pockets and sexism was one of my favorites.

They have a book coming out in May called Office BFFs and I've already preordered it. I'm looking forward to seeing all the memorabilia they put in it. 

[Ms Blue Jay]

On 9/6/2021 at 12:50 PM, Milburn Stone said:

Currently enjoying a book called The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s, by Andy Greene. It's all BTS interviews, organized intelligently by chronology of episode and/or topic. I'm kind of dabbling in it while I read other books, but every time I go back to it, I almost have to stop myself from reading more, because it's so good.

^ It was Milburn Stone who told me about the book.  I bought it, read it, loved it!

[Zima]

On 3/3/2022 at 10:00 AM, Columbo said:

Why does Pam get so much hate? 

I find that it's mostly incel types who hate her. 

On 3/4/2022 at 12:40 PM, Milburn Stone said:

Jumping into this against my better judgment. I think the key phrase I take issue with is "while she was clearly in love with someone else." It was clear to us; it wasn't clear to her. In fact, she was in denial about it. When it did become clear to her, she acted appropriately.

I never thought she acted any more badly than any other human being in denial and strongly wanting to avoid conflict. To the contrary, I identified with her, which strengthened my bond with the show.

I agree with all of this completely. She was a flawed character, just like a real person would be, and I love that. 

[Columbo]

I found Pam to be the most relatable of all the characters, even more so than Jim. She fails a lot, can be resentful, has trouble sticking up for herself at times, has some impressive amount of self denial in the first two seasons when it comes to Jim, risk averse, and other little things. Probably her greatest achievement in life is marrying and starting a family with Jim. And that's fine. Lots of people are like that. Average people doing average things.

[auntiemel]

2 hours ago, Columbo said:

I found Pam to be the most relatable of all the characters, even more so than Jim. She fails a lot, can be resentful, has trouble sticking up for herself at times, has some impressive amount of self denial in the first two seasons when it comes to Jim, risk averse, and other little things. Probably her greatest achievement in life is marrying and starting a family with Jim. And that's fine. Lots of people are like that. Average people doing average things.

Yeah, I love that. That was kind of the whole thesis of the show...both the show itself, really, but specifically the documentary-within-the-show: the beauty and even drama inherent in normal, everyday people doing a normal, everyday job and living a normal, everyday life. So lovely!

[wknt3]

11 minutes ago, auntiemel said:

 the beauty and even drama inherent in normal, everyday people doing a normal, everyday job and living a normal, everyday life.

Isn't that kind of the point?

 

[auntiemel]

4 minutes ago, wknt3 said:

Isn't that kind of the point?

 

Awww....made me tear up! 😊😪

[peacheslatour]

8 hours ago, auntiemel said:

Awww....made me tear up! 😊😪

Me too. 🤗

[Catfi9ht]

12 hours ago, wknt3 said:

Isn't that kind of the point?

 

On a related note, The Office Ladies podcast covered the episode, Mafia, where Jim and Pam are on their honeymoon. Apparently, there was supposed to be a C story where Pam's painting is ruined, but Jenna and others lobbied to get it removed. 

When she described that story was pitched, I audibly gasped. That painting is such an encapsulation of so many relationships on the show, it blows my mind that the writers thought that would have been a good (and funny) story.

[raven]

On 1/31/2022 at 4:25 AM, Columbo said:

I think Holly was made in a laboratory specifically designed for Michael Scott. I feel she was a little bit too perfect for him. That maybe Michael's ending wasn't really earned, or maybe a bit rushed. 

I loathed Holly.  The stupid voices and the PDA in the office.  She was HR!  She's letting her boyfriend/boss sit on her lap in a meeting!  We didn't need another Michael Scott.   She wasn't funny.  I really couldn't stand her.   Michael was, for me, ultimately unlikable - his OTT hatred of Toby was so bizarre - but he showed flashes of warmth and humanity.  Holly was an unneeded Michael clone.

I didn't like what they did with Jan, though at least she got a happy ending without Michael.  Having her date Michael ruined her character.

On 3/21/2022 at 3:40 AM, Columbo said:

Probably her greatest achievement in life is marrying and starting a family with Jim. And that's fine. Lots of people are like that. Average people doing average things.

I was rooting for Jim and Pam all through my recent binge watch (never watched the show on its first go round).    I felt badly when Pam didn't finish her art classes.  When I first started watching, I thought she was just going to be the character who rolls her eyes at Michael's antics, and she was but she was more.  She had a sense of humor about things and she called Michael out.   I really enjoyed the "Michael Scott Paper Company" arc.  

Jim and Dwight were my favorite relationship? friendship?  Just constantly funny and there was some kind of respect there.  The actors worked so well together.   "Garage Sale" is one of my favorite episodes because of them. 

I stopped at the end of S7.   From what I've read, I don't think I'll enjoy 8&9, though maybe I'll watch the final episodes.  

 

[peacheslatour]

Quote

I stopped at the end of S7.   From what I've read, I don't think I'll enjoy 8&9, though maybe I'll watch the final episodes.  

You should. It gets better and the finale is great.

[auntiemel]

56 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

You should. It gets better and the finale is great.

Agreed. 8, for me, is a bit of a rough ride with all the Robert California stuff. But even in there, there are some gems. And, for me, season 9 is fan-freaking-tastic. I know that might be a hot take. But I love it. Jim and Pam's struggles are so realistic.

That fight they have on the phone...the way they are both SO incredulous that the other person doesn't see things from their perspective...they way they're both a little bit right and both a little bit wrong...the way life interrupts it and pulls him away mid-fight...and the way she's holding back tears and trying to keep her voice neutral when she says, "Yep. Yep. I'll talk to you tomorrow." HOLY SHIT! I maintain that is the single most realistic depiction of a long-term committed relationship fight to have ever been put on film.

And then the scene when Jim and Pam are using all of their therapy-speak and Clark thinks they're high...😅 Oh my God, I love it!

[raven]

Well, you're starting to convince me.  I saw a picture of Andy using a car as a toilet and decided I didn't want to see that, ugh.  I don't like Erin nor what I saw of Robert California either.   It would be nice to see how it all finishes up though.

I recently saw the ep where Michael hits Meredith with his car and between that and Dwight throwing a bag over her head with a bat in it, she should have been able to retire with a really nice nest egg.  Kate Flannery was low key hilarious as Meredith, by the way.   Phyllis and her hot marriage, too!

 

[peacheslatour]

Quote

 I saw a picture of Andy using a car as a toilet and decided I didn't want to see that, ugh. 

I don't remember that happening at all.

[raven]

3 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

I don't remember that happening at all.

It's mentioned in this article, complete with photo.

[legaleagle53]

25 minutes ago, peacheslatour said:

I don't remember that happening at all.

Because we didn't see him actually take a dump on the car, but we saw him drop his drawers in preparation.

[Columbo]

2 hours ago, raven said:

I loathed Holly.  The stupid voices and the PDA in the office.  She was HR!  She's letting her boyfriend/boss sit on her lap in a meeting!  We didn't need another Michael Scott.   She wasn't funny.  I really couldn't stand her.   Michael was, for me, ultimately unlikable - his OTT hatred of Toby was so bizarre - but he showed flashes of warmth and humanity.  Holly was an unneeded Michael clone.

I didn't like what they did with Jan, though at least she got a happy ending without Michael.  Having her date Michael ruined her character.

I was rooting for Jim and Pam all through my recent binge watch (never watched the show on its first go round).    I felt badly when Pam didn't finish her art classes.  When I first started watching, I thought she was just going to be the character who rolls her eyes at Michael's antics, and she was but she was more.  She had a sense of humor about things and she called Michael out.   I really enjoyed the "Michael Scott Paper Company" arc.  

Jim and Dwight were my favorite relationship? friendship?  Just constantly funny and there was some kind of respect there.  The actors worked so well together.   "Garage Sale" is one of my favorite episodes because of them. 

I stopped at the end of S7.   From what I've read, I don't think I'll enjoy 8&9, though maybe I'll watch the final episodes.  

 

Season 8 is fine up to the point where the writers decided to stop writing Andy as a competent boss and a likeable person. 

Season 9 is a long slog of a boring mess. The Jim and Pam fights are awful.

[IntrovertRed]

1 hour ago, auntiemel said:

And, for me, season 9 is fan-freaking-tastic. I know that might be a hot take. But I love it. Jim and Pam's struggles are so realistic.

That fight they have on the phone...the way they are both SO incredulous that the other person doesn't see things from their perspective...they way they're both a little bit right and both a little bit wrong...the way life interrupts it and pulls him away mid-fight...and the way she's holding back tears and trying to keep her voice neutral when she says, "Yep. Yep. I'll talk to you tomorrow." HOLY SHIT! I maintain that is the single most realistic depiction of a long-term committed relationship fight to have ever been put on film.

And then the scene when Jim and Pam are using all of their therapy-speak and Clark thinks they're high...😅 Oh my God, I love it!

I love Season 9 especially after the Robert California season.  Pete and Clark were great additions, especially Clark, because they both fit right in.  And I thought that the realism of Jim/Pam having issues, while it did seem out of left field a bit, was nice to see. Soulmates do fight too.

Oh I forgot about Nellie. I was not a fan at first, but she did fit better in season 9.

I do not like Andy at all in season 9.  

[legaleagle53]

16 minutes ago, KLJ said:

Oh I forgot about Nellie. I was not a fan at first, but she did fit better in season 9.

 

I hated her at first because of the way she bullied and bulldozed her way into her job, but she grew on me over time once she stopped being such a bitch to everyone and as I came to understand more of why she was the way she was initially. But she really should have handled the situation with Toby much better than she did. She should have been honest with him from the start of that mess and told him that she just wasn't into him that way and never would be.

[Catfi9ht]

3 hours ago, raven said:

I stopped at the end of S7.   From what I've read, I don't think I'll enjoy 8&9, though maybe I'll watch the final episodes.

Unless you enjoy James Spader being himself, I would skip season 8. You're not missing anything. Season 9 is much closer to the earlier seasons and I think they nailed the ending.

[Ms Blue Jay]

21 hours ago, raven said:

I loathed Holly.  The stupid voices and the PDA in the office.  She was HR!  She's letting her boyfriend/boss sit on her lap in a meeting!  We didn't need another Michael Scott.   She wasn't funny.  I really couldn't stand her.   Michael was, for me, ultimately unlikable - his OTT hatred of Toby was so bizarre - but he showed flashes of warmth and humanity.  Holly was an unneeded Michael clone.

I agree.  I'm kind of like Erin when it comes to Holly.   But I don't care for Michael either.

I can't recommend Season 8 and 9 to you, but I guess there's flashes of fun.  Brief flashes.  LOL.