NBC’s The Office Goes on the Road
January 12, 2007 by Kath Skerry
WOW! Not since “Casino Night” have we had such an jam packed (notice I used a lower case j-a-m) episode. I’ve only watched the episode 1.5 times, so I’m truly not qualified to properly judge. That being said, I thought it was a great episode. I’m not sure it was the funniest one I’ve seen, but that may be because I’d previously seen some of the biggest laugh out loud moments as I have ZERO willpower and watched them over on Yahoo Wednesday. I mean seriously, STOP tempting me.
In honor of the Dunder Mifflin’s sale de force, I thought I would provide some “constructive” criticism on their performances tonight. I hope they don’t mind. And if you didn’t catch tonight’s ep, make sure you download it tomorrow on iTunes (hint: it will be the show at the top of the list). And if you’ve watched the ep but want to catch the 2-minute recaps, click here.
Dwight and Jim – way to team up and rock the sales call. Brilliant! Dwight, I thought you were just trying to be, well Dwight, and sabotage the meeting. But then you boys pulled a fast and slick one on us (TWSS) and the two of you proved that if you combine your powers for good you can achieve great things. Now Jim, it’s your turn to step up as ARM, Michael’s #2..whatever your want to call it. Just do what you have to do to get Dwight back to Dunder Mifflin.
Fun and perky Angela. We’ve never this side of you Ms. Martin and I fear that we won’t be seeing you this happy any time soon. At least not until you have Andy’s head on a platter. The evil eye you gave him at the end? I got chills. Be afraid Andy. Be very afraid.
Speaking of Andy. Dude you went from hero to zero in my book tonight. The playful competition with Dwight was fun but serious lines were crossed. I for one will not abandon my loyalty to the original Scranton Branchers in favor of a Stamford transplant. And Cornell isn’t even that great of a school How do ya like me now?!
Ryan and Stanley‘s Great Adventures. After tonight I’m convinced that I would watch a show all about Ryan and Stanley on sales calls. Make it the new buddy comedy for NBC. Um, and don’t try to steal the idea because I already copyrighted it. Ryan, for being the cockiest guy in the office, and always acting like you’re better than everyone else, you really do suck at your job. I know you’re eager and you are trying. But try harder. And Stanley, I could listen to you laugh all day “hi hi hi hi hi hi”. These young whippersnappers think they know it all.
Jim. Oh Jimmy. You and I need to have a serious sit down brotha. I know you’ve been damaged goods ever since Pam broke your heart in May, but discounting the feelings you had for her? Blowing it off as a schoolboy crush? I’m not down with it. Yes, I know you are with Karen now, but it wasn’t too long ago that you pretty much admitted that she was a rebound and you still loved Pam. Or did you forget?. Don’t make me find the clip on youtube.
That brings me to Ms. Phyllis. I could kiss you right now. Yes, even in that horrible make-up. You sly dog. I knew you were a JAM shipper. Despite the debate, I KNOW that you knew exactly what you were doing in that car. Since Jim and Pam can’t seem to get their act together, it was nice of you to give them that little nudge. I don’t care what Jim told Karen in the coffee shop, you’ve planted the seed of doubt in Ms. Fillipelli’s noggin’. Now it’s just time for Jim and Pam to water that seed until Karen’s roots are ripped from the ground below and she has to replanted in a bigger pot. Perhaps a pot the size of New York. Nice work Phyllis.
Michael, I was most impressed with you tonight. Right up until the end where you blew it. It was nice to be reminded why you are Regional Manager. You showed impressive restraint when Andy was making a buffoon of himself in front of that client. I thought you could see through his smoke and mirrors but in the end you didn’t trust yourself and you didn’t trust your most loyal companion. I know his prior actions gave you doubt, but he’s still Dwight. Go get ’em back. Grovel if you must.
Favorite Quotes…
Harvey: Me so horny. Me love you long tim.
Pam: Who’s long tim?
Stanley: And you just said, “Hi. Hi. Hi.” You sounded like my niece. And she’s six months old
Phyllis: I’m so gald you’re with Jim. He was hung up on Pam for such a long time. I didn’t think he would ever get over her.
Karen: Let me ask you a question. Did you ever have a thing for Pam?
Jim: Pam? Did I ever have a thing for…no. Why did she say something?
Jan: Dwight’s name is on the security sign in sheet, but I don’t know who he met with. And where it asks you to state your business he wrote: Beeswax Not Yours Incorporated
Michael: You know what they say. Fool me once – stirke one. But fool me twice? Strike three.
Michael: I want you to think about it long and hard.
Dwight: That’s what she said.
Michael: Don’t you dare.
Angela: How is it going to be ok Dwight? Everyone will know our business.
Dwight: That’s not the worst thing in the world. I’ll just stand up in front of the office and declare out true love. It won’t be too bad. Look at Kelly and Ryan.
Angela: I hate those two people more than anything in the entire world!.
Andy: Oompa Loompa doompadee dossum.
Dwight is now gone which is totally awesome.
Why was he gone he was such a nice guy?
No he was not he was a total douche
Doompadee do
Dwight: One of my life goals was to die right here in my desk chair. And today, that dream was shattered
What did you think of tonight’s episode and the events that went down?
All photos courtesy of NBC Universal.
Highlight: Jim sounding like a smitten 14-year-old when asking Karen if Pam said anything to her about the “crush”.
But can I get some more Toby?
My laugh-out-loud moment was when Dwight was saying how he could block Jim’s attack and got smacked anyway. Loved the look on Dwight’s face.
I laughed so hard during this entire episode. I love the long and awkward moments that The Office is amazing at but tonight was really fast paced and I loooved that!
And OMG how amazing was Angela’s face at the end of the episode during Andy’s talking head? Her hair was all messy like she was going to explode. That was just awesome! I love that Dwight quit to protect her. Too cute.
I full-on belly laughed when Dwight insisted on sitting in the back seat because it was safer and then Jim slammed on the brakes. Oh my, the looks on both of their faces was so good. They could seriously have their own show. Oh, Young Jim…
This was my favorite episode this season by far. I’m just pissed because I missed the very end. Grrr.
The second I heard the “long tim” quote I thought, “That’ll be a gmmr t-shirt soon.” 😉
You know me SO well. It’s in the works and you can expect to see it in the GMMR Store later today.
God Dwight’s head slamming into the back of Jim’s seat was hysterical. And Bizarro Happy Angela! AMAZING
I thought it was perfectly played that Jim was not in the office when Michael confronted Dwight and Dwight ultimately quits. This never would have happened if he was there. He would have talked some sense into Michael and defused the situation.
So, when Dwight hugs an unknowing Jim in the parking lot, it was just so sweet.
Have I mentioned that I loved these two guys together again….
This is one of my fave eps ever- loved how fast paced it was!
I have to admit that I was expecting Pam to come to Dwight’s rescue and say that he had taken something to the NYC office for her, so I was really suprised when that didn’t happen.
I also wondered if Phyllis had ulterior motives when she brought up Jim & Pam to Karen.
I REALLY hope they do commentary for this ep on the season 3 dvd. At least have Rainn and John, that’s all I ask!
This is the first time I’ve wanted to cry for Dwight. I did love Andy, but not anymore. Maybe he will be the next to go. When Dwight hugged Jim, I just started to tear up.
I had told my mom that I thought Pam would make everything alright. I was so sure she’d go tell Michael that Dwight went to the office for her to get her some supplies she forgot to order or something like that. I guess it’s in Jim’s hands.
One of my favorite parts of tonight’s episode was when Dwight asked if anyone wanted to change partners and Jim said he did. How cute!!!
I love the way Angela was so mad she was vibrating. You can see it in the way her hair moves. Awesome. But Angela, how could you do that to Dwight? Surely having your relationship public can’t be worse than Dwight being gone altogether!!!!!
Booooooo Andy.
Mandy, that was one of my favourite parts too! The look on Dwight’s face was great when Jim said that.
I wanted to see Jim find out at the end that Dwight quit. Jim missed him so when he was at Stamford, sending him faxes, etc. Who will Jim torment now?
Just a great episode. Had to pause a lot so I would not miss anything when I was laughing!
Loved the episode, though I too was spoiled by the very funny clips on Yahoo. I thought it was a great transition episode into the rest of the season and I’m sure a lot of good storylines are coming up. I am a little surprised at how unlikable they made Andy in this episode, but I’m sure it was for a reason. I love Ed Helms, but Andy was just mean last night. I’m sure Michael, Jim and Pam will have a hand in Dwight’s return, though.
As for Jim’s talk with Karen, even though he dismissed his feelings for Pam, it was totally defensive and of course Karen was the last person to whom he was going to admit what his true feelings were (and are) for Pam. I’m sure that this will only lead to more JAM in the near future!
Last thing – I love the “kinda friendship” that was beginning with Pam and Angela last night. Happy Angela is great once in a while, as long as she doesn’t completely change! 😉
Wow what an episode! Friday morning after I have unfurled all my stomach knots and can be a little more objective, I always love it. A few thoughts:
1) While you’re making new shirts GMMR I would soooo buy “young Dwight and young Jim” on a shirt with the caption “the gay team” heeee
2) Loved Jim and Dwight together, awwww. Really hope Jim brings him back.
3) Karen’s 80’s mall hair, tooo funny! And Jim’s “Look at you” when he sees it 🙂
4) Booooooooooo Andy!
5) Go Phyllis, Go Phyllis, it’s your birthday…. 😛
6) Jim telling Karen….ouch. Man they’re good…soooo good at this. And it hurts so much to watch but I saw all kinds of hope there for Jim and Pam “Why did she say something?” awwww Jimbo. So sorry for Karen though, but I gotta have Jim and Pam together, just gotta!
7) Get out of my offive!
Had to add this – I was never sure what Kelly did at Dunder-Mifflin, but now that I know she’s the customer service person, can you imagine the conversations she might have with customers? 🙂
Andy made me very mad in this episode. He made me laugh of course but still… Aww I miss Dwight already. That hug he gave Dwight was very sweet.
A crush? What? Jim you did not have a “crush” on Pam. Grr!! Someone should have slapped Jim in this episode too.
Jim and Dwight together helped to make this one of the best episodes yet. The slamming against the driver’s seat, the slap, the succesful sales call, the big ol’ bear hug! They are awesome together. I can only hope the Dwight situation gets resolved quickly because the Jim/Dwight interaction was sorely missed the first part of this season. Oh, and yeah…Andy can leave now.
I really hadn’t thought about Phyllis having an ulterior motive regarding the JAM revelation but, the more I think about it, that makes total sense. She has always been excited about the prospect of Jim & Pam being together so she would do whatever she could to help that situation along.
Some of my favorite moments:
-my personal favorite, the old photo of Jim & Dwight — OMG, I almost fell off the couch laughing!! Dwight with a fro, HA!! (and I was laughing too hard to really hear, but I think Jim said something like, “Oh, young Jim. If there was any way I could warn you about things to come, I would”, presumabley referring to Pam). I would totally buy a shirt too!!
-how Stanley could not stop lauging at Ryan’s pathetic attempt to greet the potential customers. Anytime Stanley gets tickled, it’s hilarious!
-Of course, the reveal of Karen & Phyllis’ makeovers. That was CLASSIC!!!
-The Dwight/Jim sales call was great, as was Jim slamming on the breaks after Dwight said that the back passenger seat was the safest part of the car.
-Angela & Pam were in the coffee shop and Pam was talking about what a good mood Angela has been in, etc. Then, Angela was practically glowing while talking about “Noelle” and “Kurt”. Then, on a dime, she changed personalities and went back to the old Angela with her “Hello?!?” when they couldn’t get any service. That had me cracking up!
-I HATE that Jim is “really glad” that Karen is in Scranton – gag!
-His reaction to her makeover was great though. He managed to have several emotions pass over his face in a matter of seconds.
-Ok, I am officially off the Andy bandwagon. I liked him at first but, if I have to pick between him or Dwight K Shrute, it will be Dwight everytime.
This whole episode was great and encompassed everything that is great about The Office (except no JAM moments). One of my favorite eps ever, for sure!!
Sorry, I completely forgot about another one of my favorite parts:
While Andy was doing an interview and the women’s restroom was noticeably in the backgroud. The, all of the sudden, Michael comes out of the women’s room and says to the camera, “The men’s room was disgusting!” as if it was just no big deal.
That was hilarious!!
So much went on it this episode. Here are some of my observations and favorite parts:
1) I love how easily Jim and Pam play off each other which was so apparent in the opening scene in Michael’s office. Even though it was the only scene they had together in the whole show, it spoke volumes.
2) I love how Michael kept getting annoyed at Andy the more he put down Dwight, but was dissapointed in the end when he decided to believe the seemingly “hard evidence” over Dwight’s word. I laughed so hard when he couldn’t remember the saying “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.” and came up with that stupid strike one, strike three thing.
3) I didn’t think that they writers would ever have a character act like a bigger buffoon then Michael, but I think Andy’s behavior last night topped any idiotic thing they’ve ever had Michael say or do. I’m no longer an Andy fan. I think it’s because they made him not only buffoon-like, but vicious as well, and Michael has never been vicious like that. No offense to Ed Helms though, he was great.
4) Dwight and Angela – It was so gallant of Dwight to sacrifice himself for his lady love (that’s about as midevil as I get). However, I thought it was a little snotty of Angela not to just go along with Dwight’s suggestion of going public with their relationship. Especially since the whole coup thing was really Angela’s idea and she pushed Dwight into it and he almost lost his job then (and we all know how much his job means to him). I also find it hard to believe that even though she was so worried about the forms and Dwight’s little “errand”, she still had time to make herself look so pretty. I must say I think this is the nicest we’ve ever seen Angela look. Maybe that was supposed to be Dwight’s reward for doing her the favor. I hope it was worth it. She gave Andy the evil eye at the end, but she should be just as upset with herself.
5) Stanley and Ryan – loved all of it.
6) I bow to Phyliss’ genius. I never laughed so hard as when the client turned that picture around and showed his wife as a Peggy Bundy clone. The look of understanding that came over Karen’s face and the look Phyliss gave the camera was priceless. Although the Pam comment was obviously intentional, it was very understated and you could immediately see the wheels turning in Karen’s mind.
7) Dwight and Jim’s interaction the whole time was so classic; the short stop, the slap, the sales call. The hug at the end was so sweet. I think that Jim will soon realize that Andy isn’t as fun a toy as Dwight is and he will be instrumental in bringing Dwight back.
8) The look on Jim’s face when he saw Karen in the hair and makeup was the best.
9) I was very dissapointed in Jim for completely denying any feelings for Pam at first. I was yelling, “liar, liar” at the TV (does it make me a heretic to call Jim a liar). He must have known that Karen would find out about their history eventually and he would have to deal with it; he should have been more upfront with her. It probably would have been better if she had found out before she had a chance to form a friendship with Pam though. It will be interesting to see how Pam and Karen interact with each other now that the cat is out of the bag. He also didn’t seem too convincing when he assured Karen that he’s glad she was there, and Karen didn’t look to convinced either.
I liked the way this episode delved into all the relationships and I think it will prove to the pivitol episode of the season. I laughed a lot, but I also came away feeling bad for Dwight and Karen. I’m sure I’ll get over my empathy for Dwight faster then for Karen though. As much as I would like to see Jim and Pam together, I’ve really grown to like Karen and I think she deserves to be more than just a “fun distraction”. She came into the situation innocently and she’s going to end up with her heart broken.
OK – that’s enough out of me.
carn3150 – I forgot about the bathroom thing. That was hysterical. OK, I take it back, maybe Andy’s behavior isn’t as outlandish as Michael – still vicious though.
Absolutely loved this episode – so many classic, brilliant moments. And I agree with you GMMR, I totally think that Phyllis was being all sly and told Karen about Jim’s long crush on Pam because she is actively trying to bring JAM together. Saying something like, “I didn’t think he’d EVER get over her” is a not so subtle way of saying, “He probably STILL isn’t over her”. You go, Phyllis!
Though, I do feel kind of bad for Karen, because she had no idea about any of this history, and she truly likes Jim and isn’t afraid to admit it – unlike a certain someone else [*cough* Pam]. But still… she must go, and JAM must be together. End of story.
Definitely loved all the Jim and Dwight stuff – that was brilliant, for all the reasons you said, GMMR – but my favorite moment of the night was Jim’s priceless look of shocked horror upon seeing Karen’s makeover. John Krasinski played that moment so seamlessly and realistically… man, he is SO GOOD.
Fantastic episode – I can’t wait to rewatch it! I still think Ed Helms is brilliant, but Andy not so much anymore. I kinda hate him. How dare he mess with Dwight? That’s Jim’s job and while Jim probably goes a little too far sometimes, he would never cross the line to nasty and hurtful.
I agree – Phyllis knew exactly what she was doing in that car. Phyllis is now my idol!
And seriously folks… where is Creed? This is the 2nd episode in a row without a Creed! moment. I need my fix people.
I absolutely loved the look on Dwight’s face when Andy picked Michael and was kissing up, it makes one think that perhaps he was getting a weird view of what he always looked like…lol.
And of course I loved the whole episode, I DVR’d it, and watched it again immediately after it went off, I am so lame! =D
Lastly, I can’t wait to see how they play out the Dwight issue, they obviously WILL bring him back, I mean seriously! Won’t they? *sigh*
Yeah! Where’s Creed? How about Meredith too? She has such great scenes that get deleted!
I agree w/ some of the other comments about Pam sticking up for Dwight. I really thought Pam was going to say something or tell Michael that Dwight had done something for her. I really thought she was going to fix everything, but she didn’t. Sigh. It would be so perfect if Jim got Dwight his job back. That would be awesome!
Dwight and Jim’s interactions are my favorite parts of the show, especially since they’re my favorite characters. I was just now enjoying their interactions again, and then Dwight goes and quits?! So pissed. I’m glad i got to see so much of them together. I know i echo everyone else but the picture to the abrupt stop to the slap to the sales call to the final hug –everything about those two together is comic gold. They have to get Dwight back ASAP.
I must bring up a thought that no one else has mentioned. Could it be that Angela didn’t know, or couldn’t bring herself to stop Dwight’s actions in quitting? He could also have insisted upon doing this as the right thing to do and she was resolved to stand by her man. Maybe Pam wanted to say something but saw with her look at Angela that she was not to interfere. Also the final shot of Angela who looked like she was about to snap was so very good to see. I can hardly wait to see the repercussions of this episode play out.
I didn’t like Andy but at least in the past he was entertaining with his antics. Now I want him to suffer and be gone. Also I agree with pretty much everything that everyone has said. I think this might be the best episode of this season even though I wasn’t happy about things that happened (JAM still being separate, Dwight leaving, etc.)
My favorite Jim/Dwight moment was just before they went into the sales call, when Dwight tells Jim to leave him the keys. Jim says, “You still do that thing?” and then patiently waits while Dwight psychs himself up with a little “air guitar”. The whole scene says so much about their past history as fellow salesmen, foreshadowing their *awesome* teamwork in landing a big sale. Who would have thought that these two *together* would be so heartwarming AND funny AND dysfunctional? Brilliant writing.
so… sad… to… say… it’s quite impossible to love andy bernarnd now. i can handle him being rude to dwight on a certain level, but he just went too far. dwight and jim in the car was hilarious. how jim slammed on his brakes. how jim also slapped dwight, i was laughing so hard i thought the soup i was eating would spill. young jim… cute and loveable. angela’s glare at andy had me in stitches & of course “I hate those two people more than anything in the entire world!.” personally, i thought it was one of the funniest episodes, i loved phyllis and karen’s hair, and the fact that karen totally hated it
Hey NeverEnoughJam!! Good to see you!
I think Pam would have said something but Angela gave her a look that said “please don’t”. I have no spoiler knowledge of next week but think that Pam *will* play a role in getting him back.
As for Phyllis – I’d been saying for months that she’d be the one to spill and she did not let me down, love Phyllis. And it was absolutely intentional. If you have a chance to watch it again look at only her during that exchange and you’ll see a look that puts all speculation to rest.