THE OFFICE: “Did I Stutter?”
May 2, 2008 by Kath Skerry
Last night I was flipping through the stations trying to find something to watch (Ugh, would it kill the networks to put at least one show on Thursday nights?) when I stumbled across this documentary about people working in a paper company. Well, I think it was a paper company, and I think they were working. To be honest, there was a lot of screaming and yelling and uncomfortable moments so I can’t be sure.
While I can’t say that last night’s episode of THE OFFICE will go down as one of the greats (or at least one of my favorites), I still thought there were some really brilliant moments. And while not all of those great moments were necessairly funny, they served a purpose that will be played out soon. I think. I hope. They better.
Give me any episode that takes place almost entirely in the confines of the office and I’m a happy viewer. I always think the show is the strongest when it’s based in office-related humor. I know the writers are more about following the lives of the people that work in this office, and sometimes it works, but I’d rather see these characters interacting together from 9-5.
Let’s chit and chat a little about last night, shall we?
Michael has been immortalized…
Michael’s joy at discovering wet cement is the essence of Michael. He’s a kid at heart and a kid that just wants to be remembered and adored. That’s why it’s so great that he could Will Smith-ize the cement in front of the Dunder Mifflin offices. Maybe it’s not the Grauman Theater, but Michael’s children can always come back to the Scranton business park in and look at their daddy’s face hole. Oh and yet another mention of Michael’s future children. I’m starting to see a pattern here.
Jim’s speech was brilliant but I wish he would stop joking around so much. Someone should really say something to him.
Dwight: Force it in as deep as you can.
Michael: That’s what she said.
Did I Stutter?…
Stanley and his black sass crossed a few lines last night. Sure Michael can be an insensitive, racists, misogynistic boob but he’s still the boss. What is it with all the Dunder Mifflinites becoming asshats as of late? First Ryan (ok well I guess Ryan isn’t as much of an asshat as he is a douchebag), then Toby and now Stanley. What gives? Is there something in the water?
Stanley’s insubordination led to a very hurt Michael. Michael just wants to be loved. He doesn’t really care about being respected as long as he’s cared about. An important distinction. Stanley’s sass led to one of the more realistic moments of the night when Michael put him in his place for his behavior (well kind of). It needed to be said. Michael didn’t want to fire Stanley as much as the moment may have called for it. And Stanley didn’t want to sue Michael as much as every minute of every work day calls for it. They came to an understanding and will move on from there.
Half-Beard and The Divorcee Need to Check Themselves…
[A note to Toby and Ryan] Ryan. Dude, I’m ready to bitch slap you all the way back to NYC. Did you really come at Jim like that? Seriously? We know you’re all pissy because you are jealous of him. His natural ability to get along with everyone. The fact that you got your job only because he turned it down. His girlfriends. His height. But seriously, step away from the Halpert. Yeah, ok, some of your criticism may have been baked in truth, but do you have any idea how quickly the Scranton branch would crumble without Jim? He keeps Michael relatively in check and a number of lawsuits away. So what if he pranks Dwight a bit and hangs at reception? I think I remember YOU making our with your girlfriend in your cubical and almost setting the office on fire. You’re not perfect coke boy.
Oh and Toby. Yeah, we’re going to have some issues too. What happened to you? You used to be a nice guy, but now you’re just a creepy perv who is throwing someone who used to be one of your best friends in the office under the bus. Remember Jim? Your old buddy? The guy that babysat for your daughter? Listen, I don’t want you to go to Costa Rica but you better do some soul searching and get your head on straight.
5…4…3…2…1…Do it! Do it! Do it!…
Dwight has been all kinds of bad ass as of late. First we find out that he’s a stud with the ladies, and tonight he borrows some of Stanley’s black sass to pull one over on him arch nemesis, Andy. Nice [/kevin]. I kind of like this unpredictable Dwight. It’s much better than the driveling, heartbroken guy we saw earlier in the season. Angela doesn’t seem impressed just yet with his antics, but I think she’ll come around. I think she likes a little danger….even if it’s just his middle name.
And if you’re an Xterra type of guy (or girl because girls are always driving Xterra’s) head over to Office Tally to find out how you can bid on the vehicle and some of THE OFFICE goodies that come with it. Yup, you can actually own Andy’s, or actually Dwight’s, Xterra.
The Proposal…
Before tonight’s episode I wasn’t 100% convinced that Pam would say ‘yes’ when Jim proposes. But now I am. For her to say ‘no’ would make zero sense, especially in light of the way she’s been reacting to Jim’s proposal fake outs. And I have to say, keep ’em coming. I actually think it’s all pretty funny. And I actually think that Beesly’s ass is going to be kicked when Jim is ready to proposal for real because I’m sure she’s going to think it’s just another fake out. It’s coming…and I think it’s going to kick all of our asses.
Other great moments of the night…
Creed: “A lot of jazz cats are blind, but they can play the piano like nobody’s business. I’d like to put the piano in front of Pam, without her glasses, and see what happens. I’d also like to see her topless.”(WATCH)
Darryl: “In the gang world, we use something called fluffy fingers.”
Michael:“What is that?”
Darryl: “That’s when someone really gets in your face, you know, you just start tickling them.” (WATCH)
The Future…
I think there’s going to be a few things from tonight’s episode that will play themselves out before the end of the season. I think that Ryan’s formal warning for Jim will be a catalyst for something else. Will it be Jim’s self realization that he leave Dunder Mifflin? His firing (which he could just dispute with Wallace)? Fisticuffs with Ryan, or Toby for that matter? I’m not sure but I don’t think this is all for not. Then again, John Krasinski’s not leaving the show so I really don’t know if the ‘Jim might leave Dunder Mifflin’ storyline will play out well.
And of course, the fake proposals must mean something good is coming, right? And in case you were still on the fence (as I was just last week) about Pam’s response. Think about it this way. THE OFFICE is a business and NBC can’t risk having a depressing season finale that leaves people with a bad feeling about the show all summer long. They can leave us with a cliffhanger, but not with Pam simply saying ‘no’. Good things happen in the season finale’s for these kids, and I hope this year is no different.
Done and done. Whew. Sorry for going on and on again. I just can’t help myself sometimes.
People were kind of split down the middle on last week’s episode of THE OFFICE. What about this week? Were you feeling it or were you left wanting more (and not in a good way). Did you have a favorite moment that I forgot? The comments are now open for you to share with your fellow OFFICE addicts.
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Filed under Dwight Schrute, Jim Halpert, Michael Scott, Pam Beesly, The Office
I really liked last night’s episode…I can feel everything being set up for the season finale and I can’t wait…
One of the things that I love so much about this show is that there seems to always be an ongoing vibe that doesn’t totally come together until the end of the season. I love the chaos that has been season 4 because I know that the writers are going to give us a huge payoff!!!
Also, I totally agree with you about Pam. I can’t imagine her saying no now…And I can’t wait to see how Jim actually does it!
i thought last night’s episode was full of some of the best one liners ever! not a not of substance to it but great laughs!
I loved last night’s episode. Anytime they stay in the office, everything just feels right with the world.
I cannot wait for Jim’s proposal that will kick both Pam’s and the rest of world’s assses. I already tear up just thinking about it. I have complete faith in the writers.
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I loved, loved, loved the shout out to Newsies as one of the many gangs Darryl’s been a member of.
Kath, I ‘m with you. Before last night, I was worried that Pam might say no. But her, “If you propose to me in a Michael meeting, I’m going to say no”, was pretty much a promise that, should Jim propose for real, her answer would be different. I’m still not sure that she knows how serious he is though. That’s what will kick her ass. When she sees the ring and realizes he is serious.
Who else thought that, after Michael kicked them all out, Jim was going to lead Pam to wherever he is planning on, put her glasses on her and do it right then??? My personal wish is that he do it on the DM roof, complete with tons of candles. That roof is significant to them and it coulde be very romantic and ass kick-y.
I think Pam is going to propose by showing Pam footage of their best times together through the years. Can you imagine? I would love that.
I know that John Krasinski isn’t going to leave the show but I still think they are going to set it up that Jim has had enough and decides he’s going to quit. Maybe he won’t do it right now but I think he’s going to start thinking about it. He might start taking classes or something that will lead to him getting a job as a sportswriter, teacher or another perfect career for him. I think they could carry this storyline over a season or two.
I think the show will end when Jim decides to leave and bring his wife Pam with him. Michael thinks the family is breaking up and he leaves too.
Have I thought about this too much?
Thanks for posting the Creed and Darryl scenes.
I didn’t think last night’s episode was all that great. The whole story didn’t thrill me. There were some funny parts thought.
I really liked last night’s episode, although it didn’t really seem to move any storylines forward. (No talk of Toby in Costa Rica, no reference to Ryan’s drug problem, no Michael/Jan…) – which makes me think the next couple of eps are going to be huge. The calm before the storm!!
I’m worried about my Jim Halpert, too. Seems like they are leading us to some kind of Halpert climax. I really hope it doesn’t have to do with him leaving – the show or DM for another office. Maybe he’ll take over for Ryan at corporate?
And Toby – bad bad Toby! Throwing Jim under the bus like that was not cool. I thought the same thing GMMR – he babysits your daughter!! There’s gotta some big thing happening soon for Jim.
And yahoo – I love the fake out propsals – and so does Pam. No panic from her last night, thank goodness. 🙂
Come on people! No one mentioned Michael’s Rodney Dangerfield impersonation!?!? That was hysterical!
I thought last night could have been extended to an hour. I think they could have done more on Pam’s glasses, Daryl’s gang life, and Dwandy’s Xterra. I loved last night’s episode.
I really was left wanting more last night! (That’s what she said!) In a good way.
Jake – I didn’t mention the whole Rodney Dangerfield thing because I didn’t think it was funny. I know others did but I thought it just went on way too long.
And as for you JENNYL, I’m sorry but you can no say “some kind of Halpert climax” on GMMR without a proper “That’s what she said”.
Sammi – Maybe Jim will decide to leave Dunder Mifflin this season. What if Jim decides he’s had enough and he’s going to leave and is just about to tell Pam his exciting news when she lets him know that she’s pregnant. This forces Jim to stay at Dunder Mifflin. Pam finds out and decides that Jim has already given up too much to be with her and she runs off. And then in a twist, Jim’s evil twin brother finds Pam as she’s running away and pretends to be Jim and they get married. What if?
Oops, I think I let that get away from me.
Don’t you think that Pam could have figured out another way to explain the glasses other than spending the night at a “friends” house. Like maybe pink-eye or something that would require her to have to go without her contact lenses? I think she likes dropping little hints to the camera about her and Jim’s relationship. They were pretty dorky glasses.
Also, Pamela “Martin” Beesley? Really?
Stanley the manley was awesome and I
I enjoyed last night’s episode (particularly Darryl’s scene and Dwight’s flowchart), but one thing I didn’t like is that they turned Toby into a vindictive, a-hole perv. Really? First of all, what about last week, when everyone in the office saw him inappropriately touching Pam? No one said anything about that? And why didn’t Jim talk to Ryan about it, or someone else at Corporate, after Ryan’s douchebag “warning”. That bugged me.
Otherwise, I loved the fact that instead of yelling at Stanley in their “head-to-head”, Michael almost broke down crying. Soooo wonderfully Michael.
HCH – It’s Pamela MORGAN Beesly 🙂
LaLa – yeah, it’s like the whole Toby pam knee/costa rica thing never happened.
I enjoyed last night’s episode, not as much as Dinner Party, but still good.
My favorite scene was when everybody had to leave the office and Pam couldn’t find her glasses. I loved how Jim had a bit of “fear” and an anxiousness NOT to see the scene with Michael and Stanley. It was such a beautiful urgency. Leave the glasses, take my hand & let’s get out of here!
Also, I knew it was a good episode when I felt fear that after showing some true managerial skills by establishing boundaries, Michael would ruin it all by using fluffy fingers.
Phew! Dodged a bullet there!
Well.
I liked last night more than the week before, but not my fave. The Stanley interaction was pretty cool, because in the end, Michael just dropped all the b.s. and said what he needed to say to Stanley, which Stanley actually did respect. I love it when Michael shows up like that (but he will never do it in front of everybody….).
I also appreciated that when Jim came back in from meeting with Ryan and Toby, and Pam said “what was that about” and Jim said “Nothing”, the look on her face said “Oh, it was something…”. She knows her Jim and knows when something is wrong.
Darryl, oh Darryl. You could just see the thought process behind his admission. “Is he serious? Really? Oh. OK, how do I play with this?”
Magnefique!
Also worth noting was the look on Angela’s face when she heard Dwight “winning” with regards to Andy’s car. She noticed, all right, and one thing Angela likes is a STRONG DISCIPLINARIAN! (she is SO dark….)
You know, very frequently on this show they do not refer to things that happened the week before. I think, as is usual in any office, that a week has gone by and people just move on. I will confess, however, an urge to smack Ryan upside the head. Toby too, although I just feel sorry for that sad sack of s**t. Yeah, I am pissed at him too.
Finally, I also felt the “Respect” scene at the end just kept going and going. Not funny, really….more like filler…..
I am loving the “proposal” scenes too! I want Jim to propose to me, but I am going to have to wait in line. Kath, you get him first. That is how much of an honorable gentlewoman I am.
But watch your back….. :>)
In my opinion, Craig Robinson stole the show last night. Newsies!! Fluffy fingers!! Darryl is my hero.
Solid episode. It didn’t count my socks off or anything, but it was a half hour of enjoyable tv.
Me thinks Toby and Ryan will get what’s coming to them before this season is over.
Angela thrilled over the worst mad lip ever gave me some laughs. I may be along in this, but leave Andy and Angela together. Also Dwight’s mad lib after flipping Andy’s car was also hilarious.
Speaking of Dwight was amazing in his dwightness. The emergency chart layover was pretty funny. His constant quest for meaningless power never gets old.
Is it next thursday yet?
For the record, I LOVE when Ryan (the GMMR reader not the DB from DM Corporate) is happy.
Melissa, Craig was awesome last night. I keep watching when he says “oh my goodness” – so funny.
I actually had to stop the show when Darryl said he was a Newsie. I may have been a couple of glasses of wine in, but that was DAMN funny!
I could watch a hundred fake out proposals and love every one of them. The real one? I am quite certain my husband will have to peel me off the floor.
I love it when sincere Michael shows up. He’s actually very bright – the problem is he only shows up once or twice a year.
I would love to see nothing more than Ryan demoted and Jim promoted. Our Halpert needs to grow a pair and stand up for himself right quick. I read a random theory online that Jim would get the promotion but be allowed to stay based in Scranton (possibly with the conference room as his office!). I would pay good money to see that! :0) Toby can go to Costa Rica for all I care. Creepy perv! (Michael was right all along…)
Actually, if you look at the invitation shown during Phyllis’ Wedding, Pam’s middle name started with a “J”. Yet another continuity hiccup for this season, I’m afraid.
Great review and I’m taking this opportunity to tell you that I love your podcast with Ducky, Kath, and I think you should consider a career in broadcasting. I am not kidding.[/Jim]
Actually, if you look at the invitation shown during Phyllis’ Wedding, Pam’s middle name started with a “J”. Yet another continuity hiccup for this season, I’m afraid.
Great review and I’m taking this opportunity to tell you that I love your podcast with Ducky, Kath, and I think you should consider a career in broadcasting. I am not kidding.(/Jim)
My favorite line of the show:
“before you know it you go to church together and get an ice cream cone”
Loved last night’s episode! It felt old-school to me, and that’s a good thing. Much of this season has felt off to me, but not Did I Stutter? Dwight’s org chart alone was worth the price of admission. I’m going through something really difficult right now and my sense of humor is lacking. But I laughed my ass off last night! That says something.
I’m with you about Pam saying yes! If she’s unsure or not ready, I think she would let Jim know, instead of playing along. And I’m sure Jim has something spectacular planned for the real one. It’s going to be awesome!
Really not liking how this Toby thing is going. I never liked the storyline about him having a crush on Pam and now it’s just creepy.
And what a coincidence! I was also in the Newsies gang!
The episode seemed kind of off to me last night. The previous 3 episodes were much better in my opinion. I did love the fake proposal too. I totally agree with you about Pam saying YES now, I had my doubts before. I think they set a lot of things up for the next 2 episodes and I hope (think) they will be fantastic!!!
I hate Stanley. Truly. Deeply.
Never liked him. Probably never will. Ever since I heard about the spin-off, I’ve been praying that Stanley leaves.
So, any scene that involved him was, to me, a total waste.
Anyhoo, everything else involving everyone else in the episode was perfection.
“Did I stutter” to use that phrase makes it seem likes its a bad thing to stutter.
check out http://www.stuttterblog.com/blog/view/id_75/title_/
and open your mind to other peoples feelings.