THE OFFICE Season Finale…See You in September
May 16, 2008 by Kath Skerry
I never like to share my thoughts of THE OFFICE until I watch the episode at least twice. I’m particularly happy that I didn’t take to the keyboard immediately after I watched last night’s season finale, because what I would have said then as opposed to what I’m saying now would have been completely different.
I loved last night’s episode. I loved it up one side and down another. I thought it was sharp, the comedy was layered, and we were reminded just why we care so much about these seemingly random people working at a paper company. Unlike some of the other hour long episodes of THE OFFICE, this one was tight and not a moment went to waste. The full cast was used (although not as much as I would have liked) and it was an hour of ensemble comedy that I enjoyed and plan on watching many times throughout the long summer months just waiting for my favorite show to come back in the Fall.
Now, had I shared my thoughts after watching the episode just one time, it would have sounded a bit more like this: Are you kidding me? That was so completely lame. Toby left? Ryan arrested? And no engagement for Jim and Pam. Ugh, I can’t believe that’s all we get until next Fall…I’m so disappointed!
I thought it was worthwhile to let you know that despite ending up feeling great about the episode, I like many of you, was initially disappointed in last night’s episode. But what I came to realize was that when I watched it for the first time I was wishing the whole episode away. I had certain expectations of what I was going to see and I spent the whole time just waiting for those expectations to be played out. I was waiting for the promised twists and turns…the reason that the set was on full lockdown during filming…ok let’s be honest, I was waiting for Jim to propose. And when that didn’t happen, I was left feeling let down and completely bummed out. But the real reason to be disappointed was that because of my own issues I had just missed all the small and brilliant moments that made up the fourth season finale.
Since I’m still here in NYC I can’t say that I was properly set up to watch THE OFFICE. I didn’t have my laptop in front of me or even a pen and paper to jot down my favorite moments or lines…and there were MANY. But maybe I can leave that up to you. Today, in the interest of time I thought I would touch on some of the bigger storylines from last night as there is a lot to discuss.
Poor Kevin…
Kevin’s storyline is one of the funniest things I have seen on THE OFFICE ever. I think the greatest part was that Kevin didn’t act one bit different from how he normally does, but with that twinge in perception I completely bought that he was a mentally challenged man. Is someone going to fill in Holly? I hope not.
Holly-gram…
Speaking of Holly, what’s her deal? I don’t think Amy Ryan is joining the cast so I wonder how they are going to resolve her role as the new HR rep. I can’t that I found her particularly funny, but the purpose she served in her interactions with Michael were priceless. So that’s what a female Michael Scott would look like. Are all HR representatives that hard up in the love department, or is it just the ones at Dunder Mifflin that are inappropriate with co-workers. Props to her Yoda impression.
Goodbye, Toby…
Toby’s gone. I had that one all wrong. I thought there would be some plotline to get him to stay. Yes, the writers have kind of made me hate his pervvy ways as of late. But he’s still Toby. He’s still one of the family, and I don’t want to see him gone. I’m going to let him know that Pam said that he was cute…I wonder if that will get him to reconsider.
DB!Ryan Behind Bars…
Ryan is in jail for fraud. Ha ha ha. Good riddance, douche bag. Ha! I think I need to go see that YouTube video again. Let’s hope that the next time we see Ryan Howard he’s still behind bars – for no other reason than I want to see Kelly all dolled up for her taunting conjugal visits. But really, where do you think that story is going? B.J. isn’t off the show, right? Is the spinoff some prison-based comedy? Didn’t that storyline just wipe out any chances for Ryan to ever work for Dunder Mifflin again? How are they going to keep him on the show?
Actually, I will say that I feel a little cheated out of this storyline. One of the show’s major characters was arrested and hauled off to jail and that’s it? No follow up? No talking head from Ryan, or at least lawyer James. P. Albini?
Mr. Andrew Bernard (it has a nice ring to it)…
Andy walking around with a ring in his pocket for six years just waiting to become Mr. Andrew Bernard. Love it! But we all know that Angela loves her D and no little engagement is going to hold her back from being with her man. Did you ever think we were ever going to see sex in the office? Damn Skippy those two were getting it on! What I wouldn’t give for the ‘Angela is pregnant who is the father?’ storyline next year. You figure the writers must have at least considered a Angela-pregnancy storyline in case the strike ended earlier than it did, right? Maybe they came up with some brilliant that they will use next season. Question – have Dwight and Angela been getting it on for some time now, or was this just a reaction to her engagement? Hmm.
But you’re not the Dad…
Jan’s having a baby but it’s not Michael’s? Really? That’s kind of disappointing. I like the idea of Michael being part of the baby’s life, but I would love to know why the writer’s thought it was important that the baby not be Michael’s biological child. I think that was a very purposeful decision on their part, but I haven’t quite figured out why. Do they not want him forever tied to Jan? Theories?
One of these days they’ll get it right…
And finally, my babies…Jim and Pam. They were thisclose to finally getting engaged. My heart swelled with happiness that this was it. We were finally going to see James Halpert ask Pamela Beesly to spend the rest of her life with him. Then Andy went and ring blocked him. That’s twice now that Jim was about to have a life altering conversation with Pam only to have someone steal his moment by jumping on to a microphone and proposing. At least this time around Roy was nowhere to be found. But I’m not worried. Clearly they both want this to happen, and they are in love. But if Jim was just seconds away from asking her to marry him will he now wait until after her time in NYC to propose? Will he do it over the summer and rob us viewers of yet another major Jim and Pam moment? Ugh, I’m going to be agonizing all summer over this one. I want to see the proposal, but then again I don’t want Jim to wait too long and for Pam to think that she’s once again in a relationship with a man who is waiting to long to commit. Then again…nah – Jim would never let it get that far.
Glad that Pam is going to art school. And I’m glad that Jim was so unabashedly supportive. It was a nice throwback to ‘Boys & Girls’. Let’s just hope the time apart doesn’t hurt their relationship. But as Pam said, she wouldn’t go if things weren’t so solid with her and Jim. Oh and the talk of future Jam babies made me all giddy.
So yeah, there were a lot to take in last night. As long winded and self indulgent as this post was it didn’t even scratch the surface. The finale served an important purpose is kicking off new storylines which will propel the show into it’s 5th season in September. It wasn’t perfect and I know there are a lot of you out there that are left feeling disappointed, but go back and watch it again. Concentrate on the funny and I think you’ll realize that no one does it like THE OFFICE (that’s what she said).
I’d love to hear what you all thought of the finale. Was it everything you wanted it to be? Were you left wanting more or were you satisfied and smiling? I’ve got 5 hours to kill on a train so I’m looking forward to reading your comments.
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I absolutely loved it from the beginning. It was the best episode of the season. Starting with the prank on Dwight (my favorite type of cold opens!) and throughout the whole episode it just felt traditionally ‘Office’. I think everything is set up well for next season and I am actually not disappointed that Jim and Pam didn’t get engaged. Obviously her three month stint will probably happen over the summer so it will be interesting to see where their lives pick up in the fall. I was just so happy after seeing this episode.
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One word: Mose! That made the episode all kinds of great.
Regarding the Jan baby: I, as I’m sure many people did, felt horrible for Michael. But, I’m not surprised that Jan would do that to him, even while they were together. I was reminded of Back from Vacation when Michael said “You complete me” and she was all “Oh, my gosh…” under her breath. That scene sums up their relationship. So, it doesn’t seem too far fetched that Jan would be so cruel to Michael while at the same time making him feel like he can be a part of it. I love to hate her for that 🙂
I totally agree with everything you wrote. The episode gets better the more times you watch it. I liked it the first time around, but I let my JAM expectations overshadow my appreciation of the little moments that were so fabulous (like the outfit Andy’s dad was wearing – hilarious!). Steve Carrell was awesome – I always love ‘child-like Michael’ as opposed to ‘mean or politically incorrect Michael’. I also love that some of the ‘fringe’ characters got to shine, and tonight was so awesome for Kevin and Phyllis especially. And who didn’t love seeing Mose, and Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky grilling in the parking lot?!
But the highlight for me was John Krasinski’s performance. I am so biased because my love for him knows no bounds, but he was so fantastic, especially in the scene with Steve in Michael’s office. It’s the subtleties in his face that I find so awesome – he is so expressive. Also I loved when he snapped his fingers to get Michael’s attention during the scene at Jim’s desk. Hilarious! As much as Steve, Jenna, and Rainn have been SO deserving of nominations, if John doesn’t get an Emmy nom this year (based on ‘Branch Wars’ alone) I will be outraged!
This was by far one of the best episodes of The Office. I loved that Jim and Pam didn’t get engaged, but we know it will happen (or should) because they both want to be. I nearly choked on my potato chip as I sucked in breath at the site of Angela (still dressed, gotta love that) with Dwight, I really wasn’t expecting that after the engagement to Andy. I really enjoyed the new HR person…she seems to like Michael or is Michael, but then they add the roadblock of the baby. Kevin is a riot. Oscar talking about Ryan going wrong with the beard. Ryan getting arrested. So much, so good. I just hope if the engagement doesn’t happen over the summer (don’t want it to) that Jim somehow lets Pam know that it’s coming still, maybe even explaining why it didn’t happen with the fireworks (all that money for Andy…what a waste.).
I am so glad you watched it again so you could see all the good. I wrote to my husband who can’t watch because he is in Korea telling him the episode “ROCKED”. I was shocked when it was over. It didn’t feel like an hour at all. Can’t wait for next season!
Thanks for this post, GMMR! I too, was feeling rather disappointed after last night episode. Not that it wasn’t brilliant, but that I was sorely disappointed Jim and Pam didn’t get engaged. I kind of felt like my own boyfriend broke up with me… do I need to see a therapist for my obsession with the show?!
Anyway, after reading your post I feel better. Our little Jim and Pam may have some rough roads ahead of them, but these two crazy kids are going to make it. They love each other too much to do anything different.
Thanks again for your perspective, GMMR!
I loved the episode. I was giddy as a little girl all throughout the episode and after. This whole season I felt as if something on the show wasn’t quite right (besides the whole strike thing). It’s the pranks. Season four was prank poor. (I didn’t mean to rhyme or almost rhyme.) I liked Amy Ryan. According to Paul Lieberstein’s blog, she was intended for the role. They liked her work on “The Wire.” The exchanges between Kevin and Holly were priceless. Regarding Jim and Pam, I wasn’t too disappointed. I’m happy their happy and getting their lives straight (art school, big sales, etc.) The folks at the Office Tally Chat Room were commenting on how funny Andy’s parents looked, uber preppy and waspy. (According to some of them “so Connecticut.”) The tag was great. I love that Phyllis has something to hold over Angela, and I think Angela should wear more green. (or is it orange)
I completely agree. Immediately after watching the finale last night, I realized it was a good episode, but I was still feeling let down. Then I wrote a long email to describe it to a friend of mine studying abroad in France, and going back over things in my mind I realized that I absolutely loved it. As for Jim and Pam… we’ll just have to spend the summer being optimistic, right?
I laughed out loud all through this episode. I thought it was fantastic. I’m afraid too many JAM fans are using the lack of an enagement to dennounce the whole episode. The Officetally message boards reflect this.
From Kevin being “a bit slow” to Oscar’s “the real crime was the beard,” I thought it was classic and brilliantly written. There are many lingering questions, not the least of which is: if Pam is going to art school for three months, what will happen to her job as a receptionist?
I want to see Pam and Jim get married as much as anyone, but I’m willing to be patient. The only scenarios that would ruin it for me is if they get engaged over the break and we don’t get to see the proposal OR if last night’s events become some sort of plot device to drive Jim and Pam apart. That’s what I’ll be worrying about all summer.
It’s interesting to read your post– I was totally disappointed after the finale. I’ll definitely watch again, but maybe I’m on a completely different page. See– I thought it felt like not only was Toby staying (looking at that picture at the end) but also that a Toby-Pam-Jim love triangle was being set up. We had two moments: Pam saying Toby was cute and, the real kicker, Pam feeling awkward next to Toby taking the picture. At first, I thought maybe her line about him being cute was just her being nice again for his big sendoff, but the picture made it seem like she had feelings. Which makes NO sense. Pam’s interactions with Toby have always come off as Pam just being her really nice self and Toby misinterpreting that. Plus, we NEVER got a reference to Toby’s groping Pam a few episodes back. Is that really cute, Pam?
I’m just saying– I hope you’re right that everything is fine and that we’ll have a Jim proposal in the premiere or shortly after. And it did seem like Pam was pretty happy with her relationship, at least early on in the episode. I could see Pam and Jim’s job aspirations coming between them temporarily, but Toby as an obstruction would be SO artificial.
I’m actually glad Jim and Pam didn’t get engaged last night. This season I feel like things have been a little rushed with them, most likely because of the writers strike messing everything up. I hope they show the proposal and if they do, I want Pam to have no idea it’s coming. Last night, if Jim had proposed in that setting, I would have felt let down since she was kinda expecting it.
As far as Amy Ryan, I absolutely LOVED her character. Brilliant. I hope she becomes a season regular. I think it’s hilarious that she’s so much like Michael and that she thinks he’s funny. There’s so many story lines the writers could come up with her character in the future.
The only thing I didn’t really like was Pam’s interaction with Toby. It’s almost like she’s totally forgotten he hit on her, in front of her boyfriend! Pam has never seemed naive to me so it bothered me the way her character was responding to him. I would have expected Pam to be nice but not THAT nice and try to be a little distant from Toby.
#11 (Sam) – I’ve got to say that we totally saw the Pam/Toby scenes in a completely different way. I don’t think Pam was feeling awkward next to Toby while taking the picture. That expression on her face was 100% disappointment that Jim didn’t propose. It really had nothing to do with Toby. And I think her saying she thought Toby was cute was just kind of a little joke…after all this time, Toby maybe wasn’t that far off in his affections for Pam. But at no time did I think Pam every had feelings for Toby.
Go back and watch the Toby/Pam/Jim scenes again…I don’t think they are trying to set up any kind of triangle. It would never work.
Alright, so I’ll admit that I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about the finale. I have decided that I completely understand with the decision to hold off on the proposal. I mean, where would we be now if after Casino Night, Jim and Pam got together and were now happily married and making babies? Let’s be honest, probably not on the air. Was my little heart broken into pieces? Yes. But it was when Pam said “I cant'”, and it was when Jim moved away, and it was when Jim was with that homewrecker Karen… We’ll get through it!
I thought the episode was brilliant. I have been on the fence about season 4, but this episode easily makes my top 10. It was so brilliantly done.
I was really disappointed – but you bring up a lot of good points. I haven’t even re-watched the episode yet, but now I will be watching for other reasons than the proposal! I still don’t like that the last thing we see of JAM is Pam crying. It’s like they hung a carrot in front of us for weeks and then took it away. Made me really sad!
I still didn’t really realize Toby was gone for good until I read the writers blog on NBC. 6 deleted scenes will be posted, too – so there’s that to look forward to! Thanks for making me feel better about the episode – I knew you’d see it differently. 🙂
I have only watched once so far, but I am glad that Jim didn’t propose. Honestly, if he had done it during the party for Toby it would not have kicked our ass, and we were expressly told that it would.
I really loved that Jan said if she was younger she would let Michael have a shot at having a kid with her, but she had to make this one count.
I think that the baby is Hunter’s and Jan doesn’t want people to know that.
I loved this episode! Especially the Kevin story line… so funny! I personally am so glad that the writers decided to wait on the whole Pam and Jim story line. I think it would have felt too rushed.
Sam — I think the weird/uncomfortable look on Pam’s face was her disappointment that Jim didn’t propose. They had just shown her talking about that she thought it would have happened. I think he being in the picture with Toby was just after she realized it wasn’t happening tonight and she was a little disappointed.
I loved this episode! Especially the Kevin story line… so funny! I personally am so glad that the writers decided to wait on the whole Pam and Jim story line. I think it would have felt too rushed.
Sam — I think the weird/uncomfortable look on Pam’s face was her disappointment that Jim didn’t propose. They had just shown her talking about that she thought it would have happened. I think her being in the picture with Toby was just after she realized it wasn’t happening tonight and she was a little disappointed.
I, too, was really disappointed after watching this episode. The interrupted Jam proposal was disheartening, and Pam was so bummed about it. And then there wasn’t even a talking head from Jim, so who knows what will happen now. Will he really wait 3 more months? Or will we be robbed of seeing that moment. That was a real bummer.
I was also really bummed by the fact that Michael is slinking back to abusive Jan, and blowing off Holly, who was so clearly perfect for him and even made him a better and more thoughtful man, as I think TVGuide pointed out. That was just really sad.
That being said, I did laugh a lot for most of this episode. The whole Holly thinking Keving was mentally challenged bit was sooooo perfect. And Michael’s exit interview with Toby was also priceless (especially the “Suck on This” rock). And Creed freaking out when Holly asked him what exactly he does, Mose showing up with the raccoon, Andy wanting to be “Mr. Andrew Bernard”… all great moments. I just wish the episode hadn’t ended on such a bummer, ambiguous note, leaving us all kind of down for the summer. But I guess we have the writers strike to blame for that. Ah well.
Hey– You’re absolutely right. Just watched it again, and I feel SO much better. I think was so shocked by Jim not being able to propose that I wasn’t paying close enough attention. The scene where she takes the picture with Toby came right before her talking head about Jim not proposing.
I still wish we would see some reference to Toby’s rubbing her leg in front of the entire office. And I’m still not sure Pam would say he was cute, but I guess maybe it was just Pam being really nice: more about her personality than any supposed feelings for Toby.
This episode had everything I love about The Office. It was packed with so much in just one hour that I am glad that an actual proposal wasn’t stuck in there. It would have felt rushed at the end. I think it would be a shame for anyone to let the disappointment over a lack of proposal ruin what was a truly fantastic episode.
Creed freaking out that he doesn’t know what his job is. Oscar calling out Ryan’s stupid DB beard. Kevin being “slow”. Michael connecting with someone who actually thinks he’s funny. Micheal’s utter glee at Toby leaving. Pam getting into the art program. Jim’s complete support of Pam and her desire to pursue her art. There is so much to love in this episode. I, for one, am very impressed with Paul and Jen.
As soon as they showed preggers Jan, I screamed “It’s Hunter’s!!!” I have listened to “That One Night” approximately 180 times, so I’m on the Hunter baby train!
Loved the finale! So glad you came around, Kath 🙂
I wish the writers wrote every episode like it was the finale! It was The Office that I’ve loved for years. Not a moment wasted. The Kevin storyline was genius, as was having Holly crushing on Michael. I doubt Amy Ryan’s sticking around too, but I was loving seeing someone actually *liking* Michael.
Someone should tell Angela that schtupping on her desk is whorish.
I’m actually glad Jim didn’t propose. Because we missed so much of their relationship, I like dragging that out a bit longer. And it would have felt too predictable for the season to end that way.
Finally, maybe I’m dense, but I don’t see how last night set up the spin-off. Anyway, I loveloveloved the episode! Can’t wait to re-watch it…
I have to admit this whole time I’ve been hoping that Jim and Pam don’t get engaged because all the talk and build-up about it has sort of been anti-climatic and I kind of miss the old Jim and Pam who just joked around. I also would have loved, sometime this season, to have seem them get into some kind of argument or disagreement and then resolve that issue because it would have made the relationship seem more real. When I re-watch old episodes I love how their moments (like in “The Fight” or in “Boys and Girls”) can make you grin and then suddenly make your stomach twist up from the tension. Last night felt like that and I truly missed that feeling. Season Two did a great job of interweaving Jim/Pam with the comedy and heart of the show and I felt like last night’s episode was a great reflection of those episodes. When Jim’s proposal fell through, Pam expressed her disappointment, and then she stood next to Toby looking so dejected, I felt my stomach twist like it used to and I felt like The Office was back!
When Oscar made the comment about Ryan’s beard, I choked on air!
Kath…I’m in love with you. I’m sorry if that’s weird for you to hear, but I needed to say it. Just once.
Or something like that.
But seriously. I watched it last night, and I seriously was near tears at the lack of a JAM proposal. But with this, and other conversations with friends, I realize how brilliant this episode was (but considering I love Jen and Paul, was there any doubt?)…. it was amazing.
Amy Ryan as Holly was brilliant. At first, I didn’t know how it would work, and as soon as Michael ‘loved’ her, everything on was amazing. She was a great foil for Toby, and… perfect.
Ryan getting arrested. I wanted more follow up, but Jim’s second phone call was great. But I am sorry, also, his first phone call. I screamed “GO JIM!” at the TV. Both great.
And Toby leaving felt rather anticlimatic, but if its so he can be a showrunner with Greg (as said on the Live Blog) – more power to him. Because, showrunner Paul and Greg And Jen mean this show can only get better.
And… what else. Oh Dwangela having sex. Wow. Just… Wow.
Oh, and also, my mom can attest to the fact that last night, as soon as I saw Andy up on the stage, I wouldn’t shut up. I kept going no no no no no no. I knew what was coming and I was NOT happy.
I don’t think anyone suggested this yet but what if Jim is offered Ryan’s job in the city and then Jim and Pam will be together there for a few months. Just a thought.
I sort of agree with you, but for me this episode didn’t feel like a finale.
Office finales are MAJOR, and this just felt like a filler, build up episode.
It was good, but it wasn’t finale good like i’ve grown accustomed to.
Yes, the non-proposal bummed me but I loved the episode anyway. Can we please keep Holly? And while we’re at, can we please keep Holly thinking that Kevin is “special”? OMG, the button scene alone. That whole storyline was comic genius.
Does anyone suspect that Jim dropped the dime on db-Ryan? I do and if so am very proud, very proud indeed.
One more wish… we never saw the first date. Please TPTB, DO NOT LET US MISS THE PROPOSAL!
The awesome part about The Office is getting to watch it twice and then noticing something you never saw first time around.
HAHA. During Pam’s talking head where she asks the camera man if Jim’s going to propose, behind her you can see Kevin jumping on the bouncy castle on the reflection of the glass door.
I was not dissapointed in the Jam proposal gone wrong. I really want it to come at an unexpected time and place (Nov sweeps I’m thinking).
I just thought the episode was not directed/edited as well as last years finally. The writers were trying to get so many twists and surprises in, the flow felt too busy and there was no style, no beats or pondering moments -just plot. Even the remembering list from Jim and deciding to propose seemed out of character. Everything was crammed in esp the dwangela at the very end. We could have done without the whole jan storyline, and it would have been better leaving with the question of did Michael find a perfect match?
Basically the only person who is going to be happy when the truth comes out is Kelly. (Stanley doesn’t count since he was only in the show for 5 seconds.)
And Pam seriously, telling us you think toby is cute is just a ploy to have him come back/not leave when he finds out.
Cheers to whoever called that Jan would be pregnant, I remember reading it here somewhere.
just wanted to say that i love, love, loved last nights episode. and i really hope Amy Ryan sticks around next season. i know michael’s got lots of short comings in the relationship area but i thought they were really cute together. he even sensored a, “that’s what she said.” i mean if that’s not a giant step forward for michael scott i don’t know what is.
and about the baby. while watching i couldn’t help but feel maybe Jan was just saying it was a sperm donor b/c she knew how michael felt about children. i’m guessing next season michael is going to fight his feelings for amy ryan while trying to support jan through her pregnancy and then at some point Jan will explain that the father is either Michael or her former assistant (jeez i can’t remember his name, the one with the cd). either of those seem more likely than a sperm donor.
but overall GREAT episode!
Am I the only one who thinks that Jan is totally lying about the baby not being Michael’s? That’s the vibe I got from her talking head…
I loved Holly and I really hope that she sticks around for at least some of next season.
I also have to say that even though my initial reaction was dissapointment about Jim and Pam, I definately don’t think that the timing was right. I’m patient, and I will forever trust the writers.
This episode reminded me for the thousandth time how much I love this show- because it can rip my heart out and make soda come out of my nose all at the same time!
Is that Michael Schur (aka Mose) as one of the cops leading Ryan out (the second one we see towards the end of the clip)? It looks SO much like him!!
I only watched it once so far and I loved every second of it. I will be watching it again, but not to make me feel better about it, just because it was THAT amazing.
I loved Phyllis in charge of the party planning committee. Michael taking money out of his shoe and then explaining that his grandmother sends him birthday money 4 times a year had me rolling. Who else but Michael Scott would take his senile grandmother’s money?
Creed forgetting what his job was and saying it was nobody’s business was hysterical. I love Creed.
“Slow” Kevin was classic and him thinking that Holly was interested in him romantically was so typical of his character.
I think that Holly hasn’t really had a taste for the real Michael Scott and she might not be so interested once she gets to know the real Michael. I think at this point, he did come off as slightly charming and witty and she is genuinely interested.
Jan is a wacko who either cheated on Michael (even after he asked her not to) or really did go find some superior human sperm to impregnate herself with. Whichever it is, Michael doesn’t have to be responsible and he should run, as fast as he can, in the opposite direction. I’m only worried that his love for children is what’s reeling him back in.
My feelings for the JAM story line was a bit on the let down side, but the good news is that Pam is going to do something to forward her carreer and I’m sure I’m not the only one who was worried that she would let her relationship with Jim squelch her ambitions. I think this was a good move by the writers. I think it’s important to have both Jim & Pam evolve a bit more before making huge committments to each other. I have total faith that it will happen eventually. As is the JAM tradition, we must hold our breaths and wait it out.
Loved the episode! Apparently they need to have Phyllis plan all of their parties, how rockin’ was that party!! The Kevin mentally challenged joke was hilarious…wrong…but freakin’ great! And Oscars “the beard was the real crime” was the best line of the season.
Here are my thoughts about Ryan, glad the arrested to douche bag! But remember Martin? Maybe Michael will hire him back after he gets out of jail since it saves the company money and of course Michael really love Ryan, so he’ll be back I bet.
And I love me some Holly, female Michael is the best! I hope she stays.
I was sad that Jim didn’t ask Pam to marry him since stupid Andy ring blocked him. I hope we do get to see it but I wonder if he ended up asking sooner and we’ll see the proposal at the season premier or something.
And Dwight and Angela getting it on! That was awesome, I LOVE Dwangela!
Great episode all around!
I have only watched it once so far but loved it – easily my favorite of S4. I think you are right, GMMR, and while I hoped Jim & Pam would get engaged, I did not expect it. Pam’s face showing the disappointment – wow! And you are right – JK just nailed this episode. As others have mentioned, however, I sincerely hope this is not a device to break the two up and then spend all of S5 on will they get back together again.
Yeah, I thought it was the best of the season (even on first viewing). The Kevin storyline was brilliant!
I actually was pretty sure that something would happen to screw up Jim proposing to Pam, so I wasn’t too surprised by that. Although I was worried that something would happen to screw up their relationship, and I am glad that that did not happen.
I really did love last night’s episode (except for the lack of the proposal). But, actually, I am really fine with them not being engaged yet – it does feel somewhat rushed. I am mainly disappointed, because I am worried that they will get engaged over the summer and we will miss it. But, I really hope that they don’t do that to us!
Thanks for your comments, GMMR. They are always so great to read.
Two words sum up how I feel:
I cried.
No kidding! I was up till 11 just having a pity party. I really wish I was kidding. This is even worse than the season two season finale.
The point of Holly was to set up a “Jim and Pam” type courtship with her and Michael next season. With Jim giving Michael advise, and Michael and her doing cute office things together. I think the whole concept is brilliant. If anyone was afraid that the magic would be gone once Jim and Pam started dating (and it’s not) now we have a new couple with their same quirky beginning relationship to watch next season! I love it, and I totally didn’t see it coming.
Wow, I thought this episode was really strong and very true for the office.
I have to say my favorite part though was Jim’s first call to Ryan, the courage and just plain awesomeness of it made John Krasinski even sexier!! I didn’t think it was possible!
I am going to watch again soon, but my initial thoughts? They go something like this:
Jim committing to working at DUNDER MIFFLIN?????
Holly obviously interested in Michael, and he blows her off for JAN????
Dwight and Angela DOING IT???? At a desk in the Office????
What the heck were Andy Bernard’s parents doing there, unless he planned to propose all along?????
I loves me some Creed….
Darryl and his band playing the party….
Phyllis explaining the “runner’s high” one gets from successfully planning a party…
JK was totally on his game with this one. His performance was exemplary, as was JF’s. I was SO nervous right before he was gonna propose, my stomach in knots, like he was about to propose to me! Their chemistry is wonderful. Just wonderful.
I too think that the baby is either Michael or Hunters, but if she has been pregnant long enough to show that much, SHE WAS DRINKING AT THE DINNER PARTY!!!! Bad Jan!
So long, Ryan, you sucker! Can’t wait to see your fall next year…
That’s it for now!
I am so glad to hear someone else thoroughly enjoyed the episode as much as I did. Some people are Jammers and while that is perfectly fine, they sometimes forget that they aren’t the only interesting characters in the show. I thought the show was a great ensemble episode as almost everyone that has been in this season appeared in the episode besides David Wallace. Including Mose! I really do not blame Jim for refusing to propose to Pam right there. And I also don’t blame Angela for saying “okay”. Especially since Andy’s parents were right there. It totally makes sense that she just wanted to have office!sex with D. I loved the episode and I love this review. Thanks.
I hope we don’t miss the JAM proposal! I don’t think the writer’s would do that to us. I was sad when Jim didn’t propose, but not because we didn’t get to see it, but because they both wanted it to happen so badly. I felt bad for Pam, she really wants to be engaged to Jim! However, I don’t think an Office party is the proper place for the engagement. I know that Jim was thinking that everything about their relationship has happened at work and because of that I think that I don’t want to see it at work unless it’s super romantic and watching fireworks in the parking lot is just not that moment. I see the moment being a little more than that. YAY for Angela and Dwight, but I don’t understand why she said yes to Andy. I don’t think she would just say yes because his parents are there, she’s not that kind of woman. I don’t understand why she said yes. I thought Jan looked a little pregnant in Dinner Party so I am not surprised to see her showing so much now. But that was a very cruel thing to do to Michael.
OMG, I’m so glad to know that someone (you) were feel’n the same way I was. I haven’t had time to rewatch it yet, but I know I’m going to like it so much better than I did the first time. Thank you!
Just get engaged already.
Very disappointed that Pam and Jim didn’t get engaged. I think this dragging it out went past most fans’ emotional limits for this, and fans are going to start to just not care about P&J any more–really unfortunate. I hope the reason for no proposal was because of the writers’ strike, they just couldn’t get in all the story line of other characters, and do the engagement moment well. If that’s not the case, the writer whose idea it was for them not to get engaged should be tortured by having to take notes for Michael Scott all day for a month and having every writing instrument, stapler, and scissors immortalized in lemon jello for that month.
What I think should happen now is during the summer they should get engaged so when we come back in the fall, it will be like the beginning of Season 3, an immediate segue into the P&J story line, but instead of having called off her wedding, they should have gotten engaged. Then she can go to design school for 3 months, and when she comes back, they can move in together. During the 3 months she’s gone they can have some kind of difficulty–love letters from Costa Rica maybe–so there’s some tension about whether they will move in together or not. But no more tension about engagement.
I agree Melia. The writers know how we have invested in the JAM story line. I am still at a loss as to what the writers were thinking. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love The Office, and the whole cast, and it was a great episode. But this fragile heart of mine cannot handle anymore PB&J angst. It has just been too long. And with the shortened season, they should have thrown us a bone, instead of fake proposals and then Andy cutting in to what have could have been the greatest moment in history. Just.So.Disappointing.
Ummm were Dwight and Angela doing it at th receptions desk? Could you imagine how grossed out Pam would feel after finding out?
To Jen (#48): I think they were at Angela’s desk. That’s what it looked like to me.
I loved every single minute of this episode. I liked it a lot on first viewing, but after watching again, I love every.single.moment.
I don’t have any PB&J angst – I think that it is not so important that they are engaged yet, especially now that we know that both of them want it to happen. Jim will wait for just the right moment. I think it will come when Pam (and all of us) least expect – and I DO think we will see it happen.
Kath – I’m suprised you didn’t mention one of my favorite moments. After the amazing scene when he kissed the top of her head and then they exchanged such a loving gaze, how did he start the aborted proposal? With the same “Hey” as in Drug Testing. That entire sequence just made me swoon – it will be enough to sustain me for the summer. 🙂
Best Lines:
Oscar straight into the camera, “The beard was the real crime.”
Holly to SloKev “This one is a button.”
Michael to Holly “That’s what sh…”
Toby to the office “DOES ANYONE HAVE A CAMERA?????”
Jan’s sperm bank is next door to the IHOP.
Jim to Michael, “We’ve been over this. Pam and I are together.”
Michael to Holly, “And the sequel. Woman stands at desk and works.”
awesome website ya got here. i loved the finale. i didnt think the writers would give us what we wanted so easily so i didnt expect the JAM engagement but i did was hoping Michael would find he’s match. i loved female Toby. Holly is great in my eyes. but here are some theories i have and would like to see.
Jan’s baby= HUNTERS?
Jim will take Ryan’s job and go to NY with Pam while she goes to school.
Ryan will have many court scenes will going through his trial thus not writing him off this season..
Andy will find out about Angela and leave her- sending him on his way for the office spin off.
Stanley more cross word puzzles and maybe suduko.
Philyss will continue to be the party plannin goddess,
and Creed will eventually find out what his job description is.
LOVED LOVED LOVED THE FINALE!!
cheers
ttB
awesome website ya got here. i loved the finale. i didnt think the writers would give us what we wanted so easily so i didnt expect the JAM engagement but i did was hoping Michael would find he’s match. i loved female Toby. Holly is great in my eyes. but here are some theories i have and would like to see.
Jan’s baby= HUNTERS?
Jim will take Ryan’s job and go to NY with Pam while she goes to school.
Ryan will have many court scenes will going through his trial thus not writing him off this season..
Andy will find out about Angela and leave her- sending him on his way for the office spin off.
Stanley more cross word puzzles and maybe suduko.
Philyss will continue to be the party plannin goddess,
and Creed will eventually find out what his job description is.
LOVED LOVED LOVED THE FINALE!!
p.s. ” i think the real crime was the beard”
cheers
ttB
awesome website ya got here. i loved the finale. i didnt think the writers would give us what we wanted so easily so i didnt expect the JAM engagement but i did was hoping Michael would find he’s match. i loved female Toby. Holly is great in my eyes. but here are some theories i have and would like to see.
Jan’s baby= HUNTERS?
Jim will take Ryan’s job and go to NY with Pam while she goes to school.
Ryan will have many court scenes will going through his trial thus not writing him off this season..
Andy will find out about Angela and leave her- sending him on his way for the office spin off.
Stanley more cross word puzzles and maybe suduko.
Philyss will continue to be the party plannin goddess,
and Creed will eventually find out what his job description is.
LOVED LOVED LOVED THE FINALE!!
p.s. ” i think the real crime was the be
I read all the posts and laughed at some of the wonderful insights (many I was going to say but now I don’t need to! OK, shout out to Special Kevin.)
I must mention how I LOVED Jim’s minimal facial expressions during the opening prank on Dwight. His (barely noticable) smirk when Dwight was smashing his phone was hy.ster.i.cal!
I don’t feel that Jim and Pam have gotten to the proposal stage. When they interact in a “lovey” way it seems like they are uncomfortable acting as a couple. They just hug platonically and give quick pecks on the cheek or head. I can’t really put my finger on it. They joke around like they are teasing and not talking in any kind of a deep way like a couple does. They way Jim says “it’ll suck but it’ll be great” seemed so dismissive of the situation (being apart for several months). He reacted like a pal (“Visit me!” “OK!”). Yes, I know they are at work, but when you are with THE ONE, you steal those hot moments when you think you are alone. Stand a little closer than necessary, leave a hand somewhere accidently…something.
I completely loved Steve Carell in this episode (actually this whole season). He is comic genius. The way he reacted when Holly touched his arm and his pure excitement at the cameras afterward was brilliant. I like that the writers gave his character depth by making him too distracted about the baby to see that Holly was asking him out. His scenes with Holly were so “Jim and Pam” of previous seasons! Whoever pointed that out is even more awesome than me (ha)! I like how he said he loved her and we, along with Jim, thought “Yeah…OK Michael”, but then it really did turn into “something”. And his jab at Jim saying that Jim took it too slow (that was purely for the JAM fans benefit I truly believe).
If we don’t get some kind of emotional scene with JAM I’m going to be a…I don’t know what but it’ll be bad. We didn’t get to see their first date but I expected (and still do) some kind of flashback to get us back at that point. We were ripped off to just jump to the “we’re dating” stage with no real emotion. Toby has more emotion in his scenes than Jim and Pam. They are acting like 7th graders “going together” and not adults in their first year of being with their true love. If you are a true romantic you will all agree. If not, you can have Toby’s rock. 🙂
i’m halfway across the globe right now and i’ve been looking forward to reading your commentary of this episode since last week 😉 my gut reaction was a was a little disappointed but after reading this but as expected, you put it all in perspective make some good points. the kevin storyline was brilliant…and i have to say that holly grew on me by the end…
so that’s my super insightful response to you review…i know, i know…what can i say…perhaps i’m just distracted by the view of the ocean in front of me
see you soon! – s, aka. of of your non-cool, un-celebrity friends