THE OFFICE Covers Business Ethics

The other day I came home to find tonight’s episode of THE OFFICE waiting for me.  I’m telling you this not to make you jealous (ok, yes I am) but also to warn you that the following post contains some spoilers for tonight’s ep.  But I think you know me enough by now to know that I’d never spill too many details…just enough to get you excited (like you weren’t already!)

Can you believe we are in the 5th season of THE OFFICE and this is the first time the writers have directly covered business ethics?  You would think that with what goes on at Dunder Mifflin, there would be a need for a daily business ethics seminar.

Only at Dunder Mifflin could an ethics seminar end up in the employees standing up and sharing just how unethical they have been.  But when Meredith takes things a bit too far, Michael sees the tougher side of Holly and memories of Toby come creeping back into his mind. Could his true love Holly be just another coporate hack?  Say it ain’t so.

If you’re a fan of Holly and Michael (and come on how can you not be) then you’re going to really dig tonight’s episode.  These two are such a perfect fit in every way.  As Jim has said, Holly is a big dork, but she’s a dork who gets Michael like no one else (I’m talking to you Jan).  Holly gets his sense of humor and his childlike personality. And although they share a similar sensibility, Holly is a bit more aware of her surroundings and how her behavior is perceived, and in that way she really helps to balance out Michael’s sometimes over the top antics and reactions. I don’t mean to over analyze the comedy here, but Michael has in fact changed so much since meeting Holly, and you can really see that in some of his reactions tonight.  Oh and together these two are hella funny.  “Let’s get ethical, ethical.  I wanna get ethical.” – the complete brilliance of THE OFFICE wrapped up in one tiny scene.

As I’ve said before, while it’s hard not to be completely enamored with Michael and Holly, it’s tough when we the viewers know that Amy Ryan’s fantastic bit as Holly has a shelf life of only a few more episodes.  Never could have I imagined someone new walking into Dunder Mifflin and fitting in so perfectly with the tone of the show.  I’m so going to miss Holly…and Amy.

As for the future Mr. & Mrs. Halpert, well it’s been two weeks (at least for us) since their engagement and I want nothing more than to see the lovebirds basking in their new fiancedom.  But let me be the first to warn you – you ain’t getting that tonight. In fact you won’t be seeing Pam at all tonight – not even via iChat – although you will hear from her…briefly.  But for those of you who have seen the promo know, Jim finally does make the announcement that he and Pam are engaged.  And while you’re watching him tell his coworkers, please think back to your own feelings as Jim got down on one knee at Exit 17 – I’m betting that your reaction was a bit different than that of the Dunder Mifflinites.

Speaking of James Halpert (my very favorite subject) tonight we are blessed with a classic Jim/Dwight prank.  When Jim accuses Dwight of unethically stealing time from Dunder Mifflin, Mr. Schrute sets out to prove his co-worker wrong.  At least he didn’t cut his penis this time (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it).  It’s not hard tosee why Jim isn’t more successful in his professional life when you see the lengths he goes to piss off Dwight.  But when he’s dropping”facts” about Battlestar Galactica, The Lord of the Rings and other such Dwight-ish topics, you can’t help but not care about his future and instead just adore him.

Tonight episode was funny as all hell, and although it did feel a little safe I like to think of it as familiar.

Oh…and Ryan is still a douchebag.

I don’t think I need to remind any of you…but THE OFFICE airs tonight at 9pm on NBC.