Office 5/10

[Dids]

I actually would argue that Kramer did at times, but I'm that guy.

However, part of the point of Kramer was that he was a luckbox who lived a consequence free life. It's not the same with Michael. The Office, at it's best, is about how a manager can be totally horrible but keep his job (which trust me, happens). It falls appart when Michael does stuff that would get him fired instantly in any real world context.

[tomdemaine]

I think the problem is the show can't decide whether it wants to be a regular sit-com or a fake documentary. They keep busting down and then rebuilding the fourth wall. I think this has something to do with the fact that they have multiple writers whereas the UK office was all Gervais and Merchant. That said it's still the best show on TV.

[chucksim]

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I thought this episode was average. I'm surprised so many people loved the Pam bit at the end. That bit was good right up until when she walked over the coals. It should have ended there. Having her run into the middle of the group and say a bunch of really personal stuff just seem contrived to me. I didn't like it at all.


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I disagree. Pam's speech made the episode. It was mostly funny, slapstick stuff with nothing serious mixed in. Then Pam has her moment, which she was building up to all year. Michael crapped on her the whole episode, and this was finally her moment to let it all out.

The show does so much in so many subtile ways, it was great to see Pam take an explicit stand for a change. I think the Casino Night climax was better, but not by much.

I wasn't rooting for Pam most of the season, but now I am again.

[Michaelson]

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I think the problem is the show can't decide whether it wants to be a regular sit-com or a fake documentary. They keep busting down and then rebuilding the fourth wall. I think this has something to do with the fact that they have multiple writers whereas the UK office was all Gervais and Merchant. That said it's still the best show on TV.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not sure what 'the fourth wall' is, but one thing that annoys me in the american version of the office is the psuedo documentary feel in conjunction with multiple camera angles that clearly demonstrate that the shot has been constructed. In the last episode, for instance, there's a shot with Pam contemplating the fire walk in the background, and then they cut to a close up of Pam from the other side.

I've never seen anyone else complain about this, so I guess it just doesn't bother anyone else. To me it just seems pretty cheap attempt to have it both ways, though, and is always distracting.

[billyjex]

I'm surprised Dwight's coal walk is geting so little love. I thought it was hilarious.

I thought it was a pretty funny episode. Pam's speech felt a little forced and, a little silly I guess.

[72off]

It's a sitcom, take it for what it is. The last episode didn't have enough laughs, but probably helped move the plot forward. But I agree with those who think that Michael Scott is a bit too over the top and unbelievable sometimes.

[Michaelson]

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It's a sitcom, take it for what it is.

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Well, it's also a sitcom that exists in the shadow of one of the most brilliant television series ever produced... I think high expectations are reasonable enough.

[Jack of Arcades]

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David Brent pulled off the character much better without being completely unbelievable and too awkward.

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David Brent had no redeeming qualities.

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but he wouldn't have been fired every 3rd episode. He was just an ass, but a mostly believable one. His performances made you cringe because they were so awkward, but they were believable, so it hurt to watch. In episodes like this, Michael is just retarded. He has his moments, but when he's bad, he's really, really bad.

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With Michael, you at least get the sense that you know how he ended up at his job. He's a fantastic salesman and he's endearing to both top clients and, presumably, the higher ups.

Furthermore, with Michael, you at least get the sense that he's trying to do good and he's genuine - visiting Pam, etc.

I agree, he's over the top and I skip over the really cringe-worthy scenes, but I did the same thing with David Brent.

[NicksDad1970]

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I'm surprised Dwight's coal walk is geting so little love. I thought it was hilarious.

I thought it was a pretty funny episode. Pam's speech felt a little forced and, a little silly I guess.

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I think the firewalk had more potential. Watching him walk/sit/lay on the coals I was wondering how they were going to show him after.

I was thinking shirt burnt up, someone putting sun burn cream on him since they didn't have anything else etc. But they didn't do any of that. They just changed gears and went on with the episode.

[wonderwes]

Someone please oh please make a avatar of Stanley in the sumo wrestling suit getting all mean.