“The Office” has become America’s darling marking its intensity over the past couple years. To be able to see the set per se is a study in the new element. The shooting location buried in a corner of would-be considered Van Nuys at the Valley Chandler Studios lives up to the non- descript, below-the-radar permutation of the actual show. Entering into the back loading area, it could very well be a Home Depot delivery staging spot or even a storage center. The lighting scheme plays into this as well with very natural inflection.

Walking out into the parking lot, the small sign detailing Scranton barely peeks out above the wall daring you to make eye contact. Aside from a small amount of passenger vans, the license plates of a couple cars, especially an aptly placed PT Cruiser, are adorned with Pennsylvania license plates. Walking past the craft service truck, you enter the holy grail currently of comedy shows: the main office. Right next to the reception, Kate Flannery, who plays the undeniable Meredith on the show, finds us with her fire red hair.

As we stand and listen, the picture of Pam & Jim on Pam’s desk wisps out of the corner of the eye, abundantly clear. As we take pictures in Michael’s chair, you understand the organic nature of what the set is. Michael (played by Steve Carell) can see Jim’s desk directly from his point of view which is right next to Pam’s. Any specific point has its eye line direct although sometimes it is interesting to say which way the camera would actually be looking when we see it on TV. Unlike most sets the lighting here is done via florescents so the actual keys for shooting are interesting across the board.

Kate takes us through the kitchen area and the undeniably pink bathroom of lore. The vending machines which some characters rudimentally beat the crap out of are there as well, just steps away. Meredith relates that all the cast and crew end up eating a boatload of potato chips so the food never goes bad. The prop department, which we got a good look at when we went through the back aspect of the set (which is the first time you actually you get a sense of its construction), has some great cast and crew photographs based on the wall and there is a lit up sign of Room 728 which begs a question.

Entering back into the main base hall, the entire cast files in as each of us is given our own Mifflin desk appliance. Paul Lieberstein, the exec producer, jokes at the beginning of the session that the Buffalo office was closed because sales went down. It was a toss up between there and here in Scranton. In terms of the new season, he relates that the main storyline will be following Jim & Pam when they going back and meet their families Michael was obviously the antagonist the first season but now has softened a bit which will continue to unfold. In the new season, we will find out that Andy likes Erin but Erin is unaware. But, in all aspects, it might be a rough year for Michael Scott. To this, Steve Carrell retorts rather intently: “Delicious!”

Carell says that the evolution of Michael from the pilot to the first season is that he lost 20 pounds because he did “40 Year Old Virgin”. Carrell jokes that he became extremely changed yet he says that he has always seen Michael as a sympathetic character. With people who are obnoxious and get in your face, there are always gray areas, he explains. With this guy, his intentions are good and his heart is in the right place but he has emotional blind spots, according to Steve. In the first couple seasons, he, as an actor, had to be more willing to guard the character and not show everything. As that happens, the other characters will let their guards down as well.

The next aspect brought to point is the famous “glance” courtesy of Jim (played by John Krasinki). John says that nobody has ever named it before. It came up in the pilot. He says jokingly that he has convinced the powers that be that he will be able to shock the audience with one of these at any given moment so he can get down to business. He says, of course, that all of this comes down to the writing. In terms of his favorite moment so far on the show is on the booze cruise when he is on the top of the ship with Pam. He likes this because there is a moment of silence that allows the gravity to breathe and sink in. He also says that the aspect of having Pam be pregnant before the wedding was a great stroke of genius. In terms of his perception of Jim’s ambition, John says the guy does the work but definitely tries to keep his head low

For Jenna Fischer who plays Pam, she is just surprised by all the attention, especially when she went to Europe recently. She jokes that her relationship with John as Jim started off rough. At first it was unrequited love. When they finally got together, she started to see from her fan mail that the fans were growing up with them and wanting to know when they would get married. Now the aspect of kids has set in. Jenna says that Pam will be walking down the aisle very soon since she is pregnant in the show and that there need not be time to wait. The consensus is that the wedding will be in Episode 4. Jenna was also excited because she got fitted for Pam’s wedding dress literally a couple minutes before we arrived. She says it was a very special moment for her personally. This girl, when she was first started playing her, didn’t know who she was and was with the wrong guy. Now she is with the right guy. She has seen part of the wedding episode and thinks it is really funny.

Greg Daniels, who was the brains along with Ricky Gervais, in bringing the aspect of “The Office” to America originally told NBC that, like the British version, it might take a couple seasons to establish an audience and the ratings on the show. Why this concept seemed to work is that it had the energy of a reality series because it was in a mockumentary format but that structural angling and writing made all of the difference. Daniels jokes that to keep Jim and Pam from moving on and evolving in the show in terms of not leaving the company, he conspired to have the economy destroyed so they could stay.

Lieberstein, when pressed for ensuing story lines next season, says that Michael will meet with an Italian American gentleman the week after Jim and Pam get married and are on their honeymoon. The thought that starts to permeate around the office is that Michael is meeting with the mob and setting up an insurance scam. Liberstein also alludes that there will be a shareholders meeting that occurs sometime this season,

The essence of the entire cast in this would-be playhouse is an embarrassment of riches. A thick and vibrant sense of humor seems to run through the whole cast and crew led by Carrell and exec Paul Lieberstein which seems to infect the whole cast. What also seems apparent is that the show works so well because of that synergy in that it creates a sense of symbiosis. In a show that is all about the problems of the workplace, it seems to create a complete paradox in its actuality making the show as original and funny as it is.

(Season 6, Episode 2)

I agree with Jim’s attempts to keep his meeting with David Wallace a secret from Michael. Of course Michael would be capable of completely screwing it up. It’s what he does. What Jim needed to do, though, was having the meeting outside the office without Michael even being aware of it.

I guess it wouldn’t have really mattered, though, considering that Michael was able to screw things up pretty good even after the meeting. I’ll put some of that on Charles Wallace, though, for presenting it in a threatening manner to Michael before clarifying the double-promotion aspect.

It’s almost as if David still doesn’t know what kind of person Michael is. You’d think after all these years he would have figured out how best to present things, but David’s a complex character that we barely understand. And, in Michaels defense, the reviews of Jim’s poor performance were accurate. It’s been a few years, but that was him.

I wonder if Jim hadn’t been in the room during that last phone call with David if Michael would have agreed to the Co-Manager angle? I guess David came up with this because they were no loner fully confident that Jim could handle managing the branch by himself. So it’s like a transitional thing for both. If it works out, Michael should get that full promotion to regional manager.

In less serious news, it’s always great when Darryl shows up. I was surprised that Dwight was able to lure Toby into his madcap scheme to reveal Darryl as lying about his workmen’s compensation case. Toby has always been the level-headed one, even if it has left him incredibly sad and left out.

Nevertheless, they’re surveillance of him (and his sister) lead to some truly funny moments. Even more surprising was that Dwight was ultimately right. Darryl had lied about how he got injured, though it was nothing more reckless and dangerous than some of the things Dwight has done in and around the office (parkour anyone?).

Air Date: 09/17/2009
Written by: Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: Paul Lieberstein

Summary: Michael feels left out of the office gossip so he creates some of his own, only to find he has guessed one or more correctly.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Lapin
Stanley Hudson
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Kelly “Erin” Hannon
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Andy Bernard

Recurring Jokes:

• Michael asks “what’s the scuttlebutt?”

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• None noted…yet

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

• I was slightly disappointed by this season opener.  Pam and Jim are adorable of course, but the rest of this episode was kind of a bust to me.

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 05/14/2009
Written by: Jennifer Celotta & Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: Ken Kwapis

Summary:  It’s the Dunder Mifflin company wide picnic and the Scranton branch gets competitive in the volleyball game while Michael reunites with Holly.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Vance
Stanley Hudson
Andy Bernard
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Kelly “Erin” Hannon
David Wallace
Charles Miner
Bob Vance
Holly Flax
A.J.
Kendall
Terri Hudson
Jake Palmer
Rolf

Recurring Jokes:

• None noted…yet

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• None noted…yet

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

• Okay, who doesn’t love the ending of this season?  Jim’s reaction and the tears in his eyes are so adorable!  I can accept a Jim/Pam pregnancy if they continue to have Jim be the cutest and sweetest fiancee / father-to-be ever.  The Michael and Holly storyline was also really cute – I really hope that those two end up together!

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 02/01/2009
Written by: Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: Jeffrey Blitz

Summary: When Michael finds out that he stresses everyone out, he plans a roast of himself.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Vance
Stanley Hudson
Andy Bernard
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Darryl Philbin
David Wallace
Kendall
Bob Vance
Terri Hudson
Mr. Beesly
Michael

Recurring Jokes:

• During the fire Dwight asks, “have you ever seen a burn victim?”
• Kelly says she would rather kiss Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter (among others) over Michael.
• Dwight points out that Michael is wearing a man’s suit (not a woman’s suit) (deleted scene).

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• None noted…yet

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

• This episode had a lot of funny moments, but was sort of a let down following the Superbowl.  I hated the “movie” storyline with Andy, Jim, and Pam but I am glad that they kept celebrities out of Scranton and put them on a computer screen instead.  Of course, the Jim/Pam storyline was cute where Jim once again proves he’s the most perfect and loving fiance ever!!

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 05/15/2008
Written by: Paul Lieberstein & Jennifer Celotta
Directed by: Paul Feig

Summary: It’s Toby’s last day at Dunder Mifflin and Michael can’t help but want to celebrate in a big way.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Jan Levinson
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Vance
Stanley Hudson
Andy Bernard
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Darryl Philbin
Holly Flax
Bob Vance
Hank
Mose
Gino & Leo
Mr. & Mrs. Bernard

Recurring Jokes:

• None noted…yet

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• None noted…yet

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

• I absolutely love this season finale.  Michael’s singing and dancing to “Goodbye Toby” is awesome, and Holly thinking that Kevin is mentally challenged is hilarious!  Poor Jim can’t propose, Andy and Angela get engaged instead, and of course who doesn’t love the jaw-dropping cliffhanger?

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 10/18/2007
Written by: Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: Paul Lieberstein

Summary: Jan’s spending has taken a toll on Michael’s finances, forcing him to take a second job.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Jan Levinson
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Vance
Stanley Hudson
Andy Bernard
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Darryl Philbin
Vikram
Mose
Mr. Figaro

Recurring Jokes:

• Michael acts out “Devil Wears Prada” with Pam.
• Michael calls Pam “Mo Chuisle” from “Million Dollar Baby“.
• Dwight reads “Harry Potter” to Jim and Pam.
• Michael tells his coworkers about the spy screenplay he’s writing (Threat Level Midnight).

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

Air Date: 05/17/2007
Written by: Paul Lieberstein & Michael Schur
Directed by: Ken Kwapis

Summary: Michael interviews for Jan’s job, while Dwight tries to take over as Michael’s successor.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Jan Levinson
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Lapin
Stanley Hudson
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Andy Bernard
Karen Filippelli
David Wallace
Hunter
Grace

Recurring Jokes:

• Pam responds to Dwights question with “absolutely I do.”
• Pam sneaks a yogurt lid medal into Jim’s sales report.

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• Creed’s Word document reads: “Creed Thoughts!  Hey-o, everyone out there in SyberWorld.  It,s old Creed Bratton coming at your again, here from my perch as a Quality Assurance Manager at Dunder Mifflin paper.  Just a few observations on the world around me.  What do you guys think is the best kind of car?  To me, you can’t top motorcycles.  They,re small  and dangerous.  I got into a car a …”

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

• This season finale can’t top Casino Night from Season 2, but it’s a pretty good episode.  You’ve got to love Jim’s haircut, Pam being secret Assistant to the Regional Manager, Dwight taking over and painting Michael’s office black, Jan’s breakdown, and of course….Jim realizing that Pam is the one and coming back to Scranton to tell her!

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 02/22/2007
Written by: Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: J.J. Abrams

Summary: David Wallace holds a cocktail party for the higher-ups, and Michael and Jan make their debut as a couple.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Jan Levinson
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Stanley Hudson
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Roy Anderson
Karen Filippelli
David Wallace
Rachel Wallace
Dan Gore
Kenny Anderson
Melissa Hudson

Recurring Jokes:

• Dwight shows skin changing clothes with Michael.
• Dwight asks Dan Gore if he’s ever seen Battlestar Galactica.
• Dwight performs a code inspection on David Wallace’s house.
• Michael wants some Splenda with his scotch.

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• This looks to me to be the debut of the “Jim wig” when Krasinski had to cut his hair for a movie role.
• I don’t like Karen’s prank on Jim about all the guys she dated.  It’s not very funny and doesn’t have the same lighthearted  feel to it that Jim’s pranks usually do.

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

• This isn’t one of my favorite episodes but it’s necessary to further the Michael/Jan, Jim/Karen, Pam/Roy plot along.  I did like Dwight’s code inspection, Jim and David Wallace playing basketball together, and the office gang hanging out at happy hour.

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 10/05/2006
Written by: Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: Greg Daniels

Summary: Encouraged by Angela, Dwight attempts to take Michael’s job.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Jan Levinson
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Phyllis Lapin
Stanley Hudson
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Roy Anderson
Andy Bernard
Karen Filippelli
Josh Porter
Hannah Smotridge-Barr

Recurring Jokes:

• Michael makes everyone watch an episode of “Entourage“, then later tells Dwight to “hug it out, bitch.”

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• Karen’s Call of Duty name is “Karen theJimSlayer”
• While Pam is talking about Movie Monday, a shot of Michael offering Ryan popcorn is shown and you can see B.J. Novak laughing.

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

• This episode has lots of great moments that take many viewings to notice, like Michael’s faces when he talks to Dwight about his promotion and Dwight’s groveling at Michael’s feet.

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 03/02/2006
Written by: Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: Charles McDougall

Summary: Michael accompanies Dwight to a sales convention where he is supposed to deliver a speech.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Lapin
Stanley Hudson
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Roy Anderson
Darryl Philbin

Recurring Jokes:

• “Question.  Do their pizzas play DVDs?”
• Dwight asks Michael if he will be at his speech, and he responds “absofruitley.”
• Dwight gets excited when they pass the science fiction convention because the cast of Battlestar Galactica is there (deleted scene).

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• Among the things in Michael’s closet are a mirror, a picture of Jan from the Dunder Mifflin newsletter, Old Spice deodorant, and Pepto Bismol.
• Michael’s plaque reads “Michael G. Scott Keynote Speaker North East Sales Assosiation Top Salesman Dunder-Mifflin Paper Company 1996″ (yes, Association is spelled wrong), and his certificate reads “Certificate of Achievement Top Salesman Of The Year Dunder Mifflin Paper Company 1997 Awarded To Michael G. Scott.”
• The Mussollini Doctrine of Fascism that Jim prints out for Dwight is real.

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

• I absolutely love this episode.  It has some really quote-able moments (“fruit, grapes, nailed the joke, matter of time” and Dwight’s story about misspelling the word failure in a spelling bee).  Dwight’s speech is hilarious, and his delivery is even better.

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 01/26/2006
Written by: Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: Victor Nelli Jr.

Summary: Something unpleasant appears on Michael’s carpet, moving him to Jim’s desk and forcing Jim to the annex.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Lapin
Stanley Hudson
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Roy Anderson
Darryl Philbin
Ed Truck
Todd Packer

Recurring Jokes:

•  Michael shows a flashback picture of Michael with Ed Truck.  Love the fanny pack, Michael!

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

•  The headline of the October 1, 2003(?) newsletter reads “Michael Scott achieves top sales honors for Scranton for the Third straight quarter.”  The column on the right has the same blurb as the previous newsletter shown in “The Alliance” 01-04.
• The frost on the car windows when Jim eats his lunch is a nice little touch (deleted scene).

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

•  This isn’t really one of my favorite episodes.  The carpet soiling storyline is a little too outrageous, but I really love the messages Pam leaves for Jim, showing that she was thinking about him all day.

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 11/08/2005
Written by: Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: Greg Daniels

Summary: Michael and Jan set out to land a huge client that could keep the Scranton branch afloat while the employees of Dunder Mifflin find a new distraction in the form of a screenplay.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Jan Levinson-Gould
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Lapin
Stanley Hudson
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Roy Anderson
Christian

Recurring Jokes:

• Michael writes in to Small Businessman Magazine about Chilis being the new golf course.
• Michael tells a proctologist joke at the meeting at Chili’s.
• Michael’s screenplay is called Threat Level Midnight with Agent Michael Scarn as the lead character.
• After sleeping on the couch, Dwight walks through the office in an undershirt and underwear.

 Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• Dwight, rather than being offended for being the inspiration behind the lame sidekick of Agent Michael Scarn, is offended simply because Michael misspelled his name. “D-w-i-g-H-t.”
• Nobody acknowledges the fact that Catherine-Zeta-Jones, who throws herself at Agent Michael Scarn, is probably supposed to be Pam!
• Michael grew up  on Kenneth Road in Scranton.  There doesn’t appear to be a real Kenneth Road in Scranton, however.

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

•  I really love the screenplay storyline of this episode and all the Jim/Pam action.  This is also an episode that shows us that Michael is not completely incompetent and that he’s actually a good salesman.  Of course the cringe worthy kiss brings a new storyline to the series, and I really love the ending of the episode with Jim and Michael sharing a little moment.

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

Air Date: 04/05/2005
Written by: Paul Lieberstein
Directed by: Ken Whittingham

Summary:  Michael is given the task of choosing a new healthcare plan for his employees, but, daunted by the prospect of making this decision, assigns Dwight to the job instead.

In this episode:
Michael Scott
Dwight Schrute
Jim Halpert
Pam Beesly
Ryan Howard
Jan Levinson-Gould
Angela Martin
Kevin Malone
Oscar Martinez
Phyllis Lapin
Stanley Hudson
Creed Bratton
Kelly Kapoor
Toby Flenderson
Meredith Palmer
Devon

Recurring Jokes:

• Michael’s assignment isn’t going to be a popular decision around the old “orifice”.
• Dwight and his Office/Workspace dilemma.
• Michael plays with a Dunder Mifflin Truck while pretending to be busy.
• Meredith had a hysterectomy. “I still have a vagina.”

Other Extras, Tidbits & Observations:

• Michael has a giant pencil on his desk (never noticed it in all of my viewings until this ep).
• Scranton Travel, Inc.’s address is 150 Adams Ave in Scranton, PA 18503.  This is a real address located close to the Steamtown Mall and is actually the location of a Scranton Travel, Inc.
• There really is a Lackawanna Coal Mine tour. No laser tag though.
• When Dwight reads out the fake diseases, two takes of the actors breaking are used–Angela and Kevin, and Stanley.
• According to his survey, Stanley suffers from sleep disorders, depression, mood swings, muscle cramps, and fatigue.

In My Opinion (because I have something no one else has: my brain):

• This episode is so quote-able.   Dwight’s abuse of power cracks me up every time, as do Jim and Pam’s made up diseases.  The deleted scenes are gold as well, especially Dwight’s failed “workspace” signs.

Favorite Quotes: coming soon!

The Office, S5, E17

The Office

Season: 5

Episode: 17

Episode Title: The Golden Ticket

Michael is interrupting Pam on the phone by repeating what she is.  They say that makes them look unprofessional.  He says they’ll never know it was him!  Hah.  Dwight says “Knock, Knock” Michael says “Who’s there?”  Dwight says “KGB”, and Michael begins to talk and Dwight slaps him in the face and says “The KGB answers no questions!”

Michael comes in dressed as Willy Wonka. He sees the Jelly Beans on Pam’s desk, and calls them Extraordinary Jelly Beans.  He’s talking about the Willy Wonka golden ticket promotion, and its the best idea he ever had.  He slips the tickets into paper orders so whom receives them gets 10% off their order.  He tells the office it’s their turn to come up with ideas as great of his.  Jim says they could lease out their delivery trucks on the weekends.  Andy says ‘Golden Girls’ that’s a golden ticket idea.  He doesn’t get it. Michael asks them what will be the state of the company if he’s the only one coming up with ideas.

Kevin tells Andy he thinks that he should call that girl from last episode and ask her to lunch.  Andy says he’s making it too easy for her.  Jim says why don’t you just go on a date with her.  Kevin is confused, he doesnt like getting advice from more than one person at a time, he’s a textbook deep thinker.

Michael is actuing like Willy Wonka too.  Jim tells him it’s a big client, Michael agrees and walks away.  Michael asks Oscar how much that will hurt them if they get 10% off thier order.  Oscar tells him that will hurt them.  Their customer says they found 5 tickets, and its not one ticket per customer.

Michael calls Darryl an idiot.  Darryl says “start over.” Michael asks Darryl what a pallet is.

Now Michael is pretending that this idea of the golden ticket wasn’t his.  David calls Pam, Pam makes an excuse for him.  Michael throws his Willy Wonka clothes in the trash.

Oscar says they CAN fire everyone, what does Michael think “closing a branch” means.  Michael’s like “then we’re screwed!”  Michael tries to balme it on them.  Jim says he lost a lot of money today and he has a mortgage, so he’s not happy.  Michael says its not his fault he bought a house to impress Pam, that’s what carnations were invented for. Creed says “No its not.”

David calls Pam again, she makes another excuse.  Michael is on the phone with David.  David asks him what the heck is going on.  David asks WHY he okayed this golden ticket idea…they’re going to lose a fortune!  Michael says they hired an outside marketing consultant.  Then he says it was an inside person, he asks who it was.  Michael lies and says it was Dwight! OMG!

Michale calls Dwight into the office, and tries to blame him for the idea.  Dwight denies that it is.  Dwight runs out of the office, and gets his diary and says March 4 is when Michale came up with the golden ticket.  Michael asks Dwight why he has a diary.  He says its to keep secrets from his computer. Dwight says the idea of his is impossible, because he could not eat sweets or watch movies.  Michael asks him if he’d like to go out to lunch with him. Dwight says with all his heart.

Pam, Andy and Jim argue over what Kevin should do.  Andy is bitter after Angela.

Michael tries to tell Dwight that he wants him to fall on his sword for him.  Dwight said he did that once, it was on his belt and he was running, it wasn’t fun, won’t do that again. Michael asks why Dwight even wants to work there.  He says Dwight is too manly, but Michale would be lost without this place.  Michael has this idea for fancy men’s shoe store called Shoe-la-la.  Michael says Dwight and he went for a stroll, and although he’ll probably never do it again, he had a nice time.  Dwight says he loves working there.  Michael tells Dwight he can’t put a price on freedom, that’s why he’s made the decision.  Dwight says he hasn’t made the decision.  Jim tells Dwight he cannot take the fall for him.  Dwight says he’d do the same thing for him.  Jim says no he wouldn’t, otherwise he would right now, in this situation.

David shows up.  Dave says that he owes Dwight an apology, that the customer was so excited about the golden ticket promotion they have decided to make Dunder Mifflen their sole office products provider.  David says “Congratulations Dwight.”  Dwight looks at Michael, then at Dave, and says “Thanks, Dave.”  Michael looks robbed!  Just Desserts!

David tells the team how proud of Dwight Schrute he is.  David says “this is huge!”  Dwight says “that’s what she said” David and Creed actually laugh.  No one laughs when Michael says that. Michael challenges Dwight how he came up with the idea.  Jim backs up Dwight as does Pam.  David wants Pam to setup a meeting with the marketing people.  Michael is not allowed in on the meeting.  Dwight tells the people at the meeting about candy.  People can hear someone listening in, a dog maybe, its Michael.  Dwight was inspired by the golden ticket theme.  Michael says that Dwight is a liar and has taken his idea.  Michael tells him the whole truth.  Dwight says it is his idea.  Michael asks Dwight if he came up with Toilet Buddy!  Dwight says “Horse Boat!” A horse that goes in a boat, so you can ride on water.  David looks overwhelmed.  David says enough.  He asks Dwight if it’s true.  Dwight says yes, it was Michael’s idea that he forced on him by threat of death.  Michael says he wants the credit without any of the blame.  David tells Pam not to send him those notes, he’s gone.  Wow, what an idiot.  Michael is such a jerk.

Kevin goes up to the lady that he has a crush on.  He tells her he thinks she has thebest smile and wants to take her out to dinner and amovie.  She says ok.  He says nice.  boobs.  haha.  So close, yet so far away.  She just looks at him.  Andy looks at them and says “well, it’s his funeral.”

The Office

Season: 5

Episode: 16

Episode Title: Blood Drive

Opens with a man coming in trying to sell an automated telephone services.  Pam wants him to go away since it’s her job basically.  They try to keep Michael away from him.  Jim distracts Michael hollering “Eeeeeh” at Michael, thus starting everyone to go “Eeeeeeeh, Eeeeeeeeeeh” to everyone.  Michael is so easily distracted.  This scares phone guy away.

It’s Valentine’s day.  Michael asks Kevin if he’s okay today.  Kevin says it’s hard now that he and Stacey aren’t together.   Michael says he has been broken up with Amy for 4 months and that Amy was way hotter than Stacey, so imagine how much more he’s hurting.  Kevin says he can’t even imagine. Kelly gets a valentine from a secret admirer.  Its from her dentist.  Michael puts Pam’s flowers on the ground, since they’re making him sad basically.  Michael says that just about everyone in the office is single right now (not true), and that everyone’s not feeling good about valentines day.  Michael tells Jim that today is a difficult day for a lot of people in the office and he needs to stop the sexy looks between himself and Pam, and that sexy becomes hostile. Michael invited Jim to “suck it” and he invites everyone to the lonely hearts club for singles only.  cause they DO have each other.

At the blood drive, Dwight is giving blood, and he says he can retract his penis up into itself.  I don’t even want to picture that.  Ooops, just did. Michael goes in to give blood.  there’s a new woman in the blood truck and she says she’s very nervous and can’t stop babbling, but that she’s trying not to talk so much.  Michael says she’s actually talking a lot.  Michael says he feels like a human juicebox, and makes jokes that he’s Type O-cean Spray, it makes the woman laugh.  Phyllis asks Jim and Pam if they want to go to lunch with Bob and her since Michael is afraid of Bob so he won’t be around, they agree.

Michael tells the woman to distract him about stuff with NO blood in it.  She says he’s cute.  He’s like “WHAT?”  Michael passes out.

Michael wakes up and asks how long he was out, he turns around to where the lady was, and there’s the security guard glaring at him.  Michael says he needs her name, they won’t give out that info though.  Kelly is ripping hearts in half and decorating.  Meredith rips off the angels wings off cupid and says now its just a stupid looking baby.

Bob Vance asks Jim how “that old jackass, that other jackass and that new jackass ” are.  Jim pauses.  Phyllis says he means Michael, Dwight and Andy.  Haha.  Bob Vance is a great character.  So is Phyllis.  They’re like those odd friends your parents had growing up.

Michael’s “singles” party sucks.  He wants everyone to go around and talk about their worst relationships.   He makes Kelly feel bad about Ryan.  He asks Oscar to get something off his chest, Oscars like “no.”

Back at lunch, Bob Vance talks about his bowling scores.  Pam says that Jim uses a 6lb ball and that he has dainty fingers.  They’re getting along so well.  Pam and Jim are kinda a young Phyllis and Bob.  But, you know, good looking.

At the party, Oscar tells a story about how he was in love with a man, and he told the man this, and the man said he wasn’t gay.  But then a friend saw him later in a gay bar.  Michael doesn’t understand.  He says its a happy ending, that the guy is obviously gay now, and Oscar should go call him.  Whoosh.  Angela says that the worst thing that happened to her is when she had two men she worked with duel over her.  They all point out that they already know about Dwight and Andy.  Angela corrects them that this was another time when she lived in Ohio three years ago.  Oscar is like “wait, you’ve had TWO sets of men duel over you?” She’s says yes she suppose she has.  Michael asks where Andy is.  Oscar says he’s on one of his honeymoons.  Andy put down all non-refundable deposits for his honeymoons, so he’s knocking them off one at a time.  Tomorrow he has hang-gliding and a couples massage.  Kevin says his worst time was one morning when he and Stacey were reading the paper and he makes a comment about the Eagles winning a championship, and Stacey was like “we’re done.” Michael regrets this type of party, and he thinks they just need to find another single person.  Dwight suggests a giant net.  Michael says they should have a mixer.  Dwight thinks its a terrible idea and they’re not letting natural selection take it’s course, like the guy who invented the seatbelt. Michael just wants to find that woman in the bloodtruck.

Michael asks Dwight how hes holding up about being single.  Dwight says “meh.”  Michael greets two lovely ladies that show up at the door for the mixer, he sets up a bigger redhead woman with Kevin Malone.  This is awkward.  Michael says to run with the ball.  Kevin and the woman stare at each other without saying anything for awkward seconds.  Kevin stands there with a gaping maw.  Michael tells the woman Kevin only gets better. Dwight is hitting on an Angela look-a-like.  Dwight tries to sell her paper and looks like he’s going to “faint.”

Back at lunch, Pam says that Bob and Phyllis have been gone to the washroom for like 20 minutes.  They start picking at their food waiting for them to come back.

Kevin chats up the redhead, but he mentions that his fiance left him…then corrects that he left her, then admits that she left him.  He thinks he blew it.  It all happened so fast.  Michale tries to fix up this awkward guy with Meredith.  He’s still waiting for that woman to come in.

Michael tells them he met a woman when he was giving blood and hoped she’d come by.  Kelly says that’s so romantic, and even more that he has her glove.  Meredith says he could be her soul mate. Dwight says no that’s probably not possible, there’s 3 billion women in the world and most of them are in Asia, the numbers just don’t add up.

Pam keeps eating Bob’s food.  She wonders if they dined and dashed.  But Jim corrects her that they didn’t dine, they just dashed.  Pam thought they were having a nice time, and is insulted that Bob and Phyllis may have bounced on them.  They check the washrooms, they’re empty.  They check the wheelchair one, they hear “noises.”  They’re like “Oh god!”  Pam and Bob come back from the “washroom.”  Jim looks like he’s lost his appetite.  Phyllis is out of breath and drank down all her water.  Bob feeds Phyllis some of the meat off his plate. Pam and Jim glare into the camera.

Kevin apologizes to the redhead, saying he gets very nervous talking to pretty girls.  She’s flattered.  He says he sweats a lot when he gets nervous and she should feel how sweaty his hand is.  She does, and says wow, it’s really sweaty.  Gross, not the only thing I bet.  He asks if she’s on email, she says yes and gives him her card. Kevin says it’s a good valentines.  Dwight keeps trying to sell this woman paper, she declines.  He says thanks for wasting his time and calls her an idiot!  He’s got a way with women he does.  Everyone’s sticking around waiting for Michael’s mystery woman to show up.  He says they can go home, they stay anyways.  They all start cleaning up, and then they say it’s time to leave.  Oscar says they should all go out together.  Michael concludes that his odds are good at finding another woman and getting over Amy.

Stanley goes up to the bloodtruck and says that he needs another cookie cause he feels dizzy and shows the woman his arm with his cotton and tape appendage.  The blood nurse says that they used bandaids, not cotton and tape.  Stanley pretends to be too dizzy to understand what she’s saying and runs away.  On his way out, Phyllis is waiting with her cotton and tape.  Stanley says to her “bandaids.”  Phyllis walks away and says “darn.” Creed stole some blood in a bag out of the truck.

All in all, another funny episode.  Not the best, and i question why they didn’t air this around Valentine’s day instead?  It’s more than slightly dated now.

Ok, so I know Hollywood couples split up on a daily basis. Marriages can’t take the spotlight, celebrities acquire wandering eyes, yadda, yadda. So it really shouldn’t come as a huge shock that Warren Lieberstein and Angela Kinsey (Angela from The Office) have just separated.

Except that I’m really sad about it.

The couple just had a baby girl, Isabel Ruby Lieberstein, about 8 months ago. It just seems so sad that they are splitting up after just starting a family.

Also (fun facts), Angela’s best friend in real life is Jenna Fisher who plays Pam on the show. And Warren’s brother* is Paul Lieberstein who plays Toby. I completely love that the actors and actresses are such a tight-knit group. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Like despite how awful some things are (like this separation or the ebola virus or finding a rogue hair in your lunch that is obviously not yours), somehow, someway everything will be ok in the end. And it is my sincerest hope that Jenna Fisher (Pam) and John Krasinski (Jim) fall in love for real…unless I get him first of course. In which case, watch your back Pammy, because as much as I adore you, I have no problem taking you down if you attempt to come between us.

Consider this your first and final warning.

*My mistake. I wrote that Paul was Warren’s uncle. Thanks for the correction!

**photo from evilbeetgossip.com

Do you realize how much good TV comes on Wednesdays? Wednesday is my new Thursday. Booya.

• A bunch of analog stations switched over to digital yesterday ahead of the new deadline. So far the FCC is reporting very few issues. Sidenote: A kid I work with just submitted his application for a converter box. I asked him “What took you so long?” He said, “I didn’t know anything about it.” If you don’t watch enough TV to hear about the digital transition, I think it’s okay if we transition without you.

• Amy Poehler’s new show, Parks & Recreation,  started filming today! Color me geeked! Kristin Dos Santos has an interview with the star herself.

• Angela Kinsey (Angela from The Office) and her husband Warren Lieberstein have separated. If the name Lieberstein sounds familiar, it’s because Warren is Paul Lieberstein’s (aka Toby Flenderson) brother.

• I think a recession era economy, novelty shoes should be the first things to go. Check out these Family Guy and Fresh Prince insprired sneakers.

• The Roots are Jimmy Fallon’s house band and word on the street is they can only perform all new original content. That’s about 200 new songs a season. Better get crackin!

• Speaking of late night music, U2 is going to perform on Letterman…for a straight week. I’m sorry, but that just doesn’t sound appealing to me.

• Jorge Garcia from LOST blogged about his  salt crystal deoderant. I kind of want to try it.

• Speaking of LOST, it better watch it’s back. It’s losing viewers every week and it will have to compete with American Idol starting in March.

• After 19 seasons The Simpsons got brand new opening titles. It’s the same general theme but we get to see a lot more of our town favorites. There’s also a few homages to past episodes in there.

• Guess which washed up early 90’s rapper is getting a TV show? MC Hammer. I know, I was hoping for Snow too.

• Someone is going to die on Big Love. Michael Ausiello runs us through the odds.

• Tracy Morgan’s apartment caught fire due to a busted light in a fish tank. Surprisingly the fish were okay, as were the rest of the folks in his building.

• And finally, my favorite non TV related link of the week:  “Fidelity: Don’t Divorce Us” Take part in the Courage Campaign if you’re so inclined.