THE OFFICE Recap: ‘Threat Level Midnight’

After three years of writing, one year of shooting, four years of re-shooting and two years of editing, tonight for the first time ever, audiences across the world got their first look at ‘Threat Level Midnight’ – a film by Michael Scott (‘Great Scott!)  And let me be the first to tell you that it was spectacular!

Michael Scarn and ‘Threat Level Midnight’ were first introduced to OFFICE fans back in November of 2005 during the show’s damn near perfect sophomore season. In the episode entitled ‘The Client’, while Michael is out of the office at a meeting, Pam discovers his screenplay for ‘Threat Level: Midnight’ and shares it with Jim who quickly gathers the whole office for a dramatic table read.

Six years later Agent Michael Scarn and his team of merry misfits are brought back to life by writer B.J. Novak (Ryan Howard/the original Samuel L. Chang) in this standout episode.

Some of the roles have changed from the original conference room table read (it was Oscar and not Jim who was the original Golden Face) but the spirit of Agent Michael Scarn remains the same. The overly dramatic, gun-wielding, resistible, not-so secret agent is still the only guy to turn to when the world needs saving (and you’re really, really desperate).

When notorious bad guy (and part time glitter factory owner) Golden Face threatens to blow up the NHL All Star game, the President calls in Michael Scarn to stop him. It only makes sense given how well Scarn knows Golden Face – the man that killed his wife, Catherine Zeta-Jones. (I’m sure Agent Scarn’s track record for saving major sporting events came in to play just a bit as well). Not only is it the agent’s job to stop the bomb (cleverly hidden in a hockey puck) but he also needs to save the hostages Golden Face is keeping locked in the arena. What’s a man to do?

While on his mission, Michael Scarn turns to old Cherokee Joe (Creed) for guidance and inspiration. He is also assisted by the lovely lounge singer (Jan) that gives him a crucial key to the mystery.  But he still feels defeated by his enemy.  That is until someone hits G9 on the jukebox and Michael hears his go-to tune – ‘Do the Scarn’. Leading a bar full of patrons (including Karen Filippelli) in song and dance gives the Agent the confidence he needs to find the bad guy.

And he does.

After putting everything he has into the most important penalty shot of his life, Agent Scarn was able to launch the bomb-puck right out of the arena and in to the hands of the unsuspecting Golden Face. Kaboom! Sayonara, Golden Face.

Two thumbs up! Way up! Not only for the movie but for the entire episode. Can’t wait to watch it again, and I’m equally excited to check out the deleted scenes which I have no doubt will be great.

A few more thoughts while I contemplate the cinematic contributions of ‘Antz’ versus ‘A Bug’s Life’

• As much as I loved seeing Karen and Roy (did you all catch him in the hostage scene), the throwback guest star which had me clapping the most was Troy! Do you guys remember him? Ryan’s friend from New York City. His appearance was probably a bit Easter Eggish for most, but I’m thinking it was a nice touch for OFFICE superfans.
• Samuel L. Chang has certainly been a victim of rewrites. Formerly Agent Scarn’s partner, Chang is now Michael’s advanced android, human robot. But some things never change – ‘Ha ha. Agent Michael Scarn, you so funny. Word.’

• Tonight was the second time in just a matter of months that we’ve seen John Krasinski sporting a full-body spandex suit. In case you were wondering, that’s not a complaint. Nor am I complaining about seeing Jim’s old hair. Funny how messing up a guy’s hair and bringing back his brains can make him look years younger. Oh Jim. Sigh.

• Had to laugh at the great pleasure Michael took in killing Toby’s ‘wanted animal rapist’ character – over and over and over again

Thoughts on tonight’s episodes of THE OFFICE?  The comments are open.

• “You jump to the right and you shake a hand.” – ‘Do the Scarn’  – finally a dance craze that I can get it on.