THE OFFICE: The Promotion

I’d imagine that if you are a casual fan of THE OFFICE then “The Promotion” probably wasn’t your favorite episode.  The laughs were scarce and the awkwardness was off the charts.  As a devoted fan of THE OFFICE from way back in Season 1 I can tell you that this week’s ep wasn’t my favorite either.  But I would imagine the distinction between the casual viewer and the die hard OFFICE fans is that some of us in the latter category can find other enjoyment in the show besides the laugh out loud moments. (Or maybe we are just much better at making excuses for the show we love.)

And with that intro, let me launch into my self indulgent, over analytical take on a half hour comedy.

Please allow me to explain. I don’t mean to say that they show can do no wrong in my eyes and that I’ll find the funny even if it’s not there.  It also doesn’t mean I can forgive the writers when they clearly miss the mark.  But after years of being fully committed to the show, maybe I am more open to finding the enjoyment in the emotions and the growth of the characters. I know this is a cheap way out for me, but at the core, the show is a documentary about the sullen and mundane lives of people in an office.  On that aspect the episode delivered. But like you, it’s not the reason I watch “The Office”.

Last night’s episode was short of truly comedic moments, but to an extent I thought some of the choices the writers made, especially when it came to the portrayal of Jim, were very interesting. If “The Office” has a hero, it’s Jim Halpert.  He’s the voice of reason. One of the only sane voice in a den of crazies. So to have an episode that shines the spotlight on the flaws of the hero was slightly daring.  But it wasn’t forced and out of the blue.  We’ve seen glimpses of Jim’s inadequacies as a manager a few times over the years. He thinks he’s a better manager than the is. But now that he’s in a true position of power, his shortcomings are on display.

Maybe I’m too invested in these characters, but I think last night’s episode was important to the overall storyarc of Jim. Here’s a guy that, for the most part, has been a bit of a slacker his whole life. He’s never taken his job too seriously.  He’s always been more interested in pranks and finding ways to avoid work than he ever has been in advancing himself within the company.  Any advancements he has had have been handed to him as a result of his personal relationships with people. He’s charming, for sure, and that’s brought him far.  But here he is now, a week out from getting married and with a baby on the way and he’s trying to play catch up.  He’s trying to force himself into a role that he isn’t prepared for, and he’s going at it with gumption. Hence the disaster that was the raise allocation. Jim’s approach was right as was his rationale, to a certain extent, but he forgot that being a manager isn’t just about making the tough decisions, it’s also about managing the fallout from those decisions and keeping the work environment productive and happy as a result (well as happy and productive as Dunder Mifflin Scranton could be).

Oscar had it right, two popes just isn’t a good idea. David Wallace is the one to blame here. In this scenario, he’s actually the worst manager of them all. In theory I see what Wallace is trying to do. For some unknown reason, the Scranton branch is very successful.  Since how this came to be is a complete enigma, Wallace can’t afford to rock the boat. He has to keep Michael on board. But he’s not a fool and he realizes what a risk Michael is.  By putting Jim in an equal position of power, he hopes that Jim will reign in Michael’s antics, and the company will be better off.  Wallace knows Jim is a nice guy, but he’s never seen his lack of leadership abilities first hand. I don’t think he was able to foresee the power struggle and disaster that would come to pass as a result of having two bosses.

I’m glad the episode ended the way it did, with Michael coming around and seeing that having a co-manager meant that he had a partner in crime, so to speak.  Usually when Michael makes horrible or unpopular decisions he’s alone when facing the firing squad.  Jim’s really tall…maybe Michael can now hide behind him. And if they continue to hide away in the office, which we knew from episodes such as “Healthcare”, is Michael’s go-to move, then at least the guys have their gin and their ‘World’s Best Boss’ mug.

The real winner in all of this is Dwight.  He loathes the fact that Jim was promoted over him, but the joy he is getting from everyone turning against the golden boy is sickly hilarious.  The subtle ways in which he manipulated his co-workers into loathing Jim was a thing of beauty. “People are starting to notice how terrible Jim is. This is great.”

Actually scratch was I said about Dwight being the big winner here.  That would be Ryan Howard. He’s the one getting Pam to pay $50 for her own wedding gift. Oh Pam.

Other moments that deserved a Boston baked bean…

• I thought it was cringeworthy how tacky Pam was about asking for money for her wedding gifts.  But then I realized that she knew exactly who she was dealing with.  Even when you ask for money you’re still going to end up with a homemade bird house.

• Our first ever six-person talking head.

• Michael: “Why do you mean by these people?”

• Creed: “Why haven’t we ever, um….”
  Meredith: “We have.”
  (Of course they have)

• Where did Jim’s office come from? I’ve been to the Scranton branch, there’s never been an office there.  Strange. And does this move mean we won’t be seeing Jim at his old desk anymore?  I wasn’t prepared for that. I needed a little warning.

• If he wasn’t so damn adorable, Pam might be rethinking the wedding after Jim’s incredibly awkward rewind dance.

• Stanley: “If you don’t smell this, you’re fired.”

• Kevin: “In the memo line I’m going to write, ‘to love’s eternal glory.’

• Pam: “Oh look, Mrs. Pam Halpert!”

• Jim: “Michael’s my only friend left in the office.  Except Pam. I think. She still upset?”

And per usual, Kelly Kapoor takes home the award for my favorite talking head of the night.

• Kelly: “I love rivalries.
  Michael or Jim?
  Paris or Nicole?
  Heidi or LC?
  It’s so much fun. But I guess if I’m really thinking about it and answering your question honestly, I’d have to go with LC. Heidi is a bad friend, and her skin is terrible.”

I feel like I know my fellow OFFICE fans pretty well, and I imagine many of you will be with me on the lack of laughs in this episode. But I also know that at least a few of forgave the previous 30 minutes when you got a glimpse at Jim’s speech during next week’s wedding episode. Whether you have a big of Jim & Pam wedding fatigue or not, you have to admit it was sweet.  If you haven’t see the promo, check it out here: THE OFFICE Wedding Promos.

A Wedding Gift for You…
Yes, Jim and Pam will be getting married next Thursday night. Traditionally the bride and groom spend the night before their wedding apart.  I’m not sure what Pam is up to, but if things go as planned, we’re all going to hang out with Jim.  Is that ok with you? Final scheduling is still being worked out, but it seems that John Krasinski will be chatting live with YOU right here on GiveMeMyRemote.com next Wednesday night…the night before his big day. (UPDATE: We are still working on final scheduling. John might not be free on Wednesday night. Stay tuned.) More details coming soon, but I hope you all keep next Wednesday night open.  And start thinking of your questions.  Will you be able to join us? This should be fun!

But first let’s talk about “The Promotion”.  Talk to me Dunder Mifflinites!