anoel: anoel lioness (office kelly fangirl by _onebreath)
Anoel ([personal profile] anoel) wrote2007-05-01 10:34 pm
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The Office: Product Recall and other news

It's May now so I can pretty much say that I have lived through one year without a real winter :D Minus the three week vacation time, I have seen no snow or freezing cold at all. And I am still not tired of the beautiful sunshine and warmth on my face each day. It still makes me happy and puts a smile on my face. Today we had Spring Sizzle, kind of a fun day with groups performing and groups setting up game booths. There was also a bouncy castle like on The Office! I jumped around on it like Michael would. Never lose that childlike wonder as he would say.



So this was the first time I've been disappointed with an Office episode. I think it was a mixture of many things. One I didn't find it very LOL funny besides a few moments (beginning and end especially). I thought the Michael storyline was weak and I didn't like it much which is similar to other episodes that I haven't liked as much (Drug Testing, A Benihana Christmas). It lacked closure as the lady just left with resignation threats and the apology video seeming like a throwaway plot and the Jim/Andy plot had some closue but we never saw what happened with the prinipal and with his girlfriend. I needed another more emotional connecting moment besides the Jim/Andy one which I did like but I thought the rest of the plot was boring. Part of the problem is also that I saw two of the best clips online since I had already seen the Jim as Dwight scene many times and the conference room even more times since its my favorite of the episode in representing my show as a whole. I have decided to not see the last two episode spoiler clips to avoid that problem (not the next one since I'm massively spoiled for it already). I was already aware before I saw the episode that there wasn't any Michael/Jan so I wouldn't blame that but it definitely would have helped to have at least a phone call. I think they could have done the Kelly/Angela interaction better as well, at least have included the deleted scene which I found a lot funnier and had more character love than what was in the show. I had high expectations with the episode, the idea is awesome and I wished they handled it better which along with the fact that I wanted a really funny episode that I would love, probably helped contribute to me not feeling the love for the episode.I'll stop harshin the office mellow as I really do love the show which is why it kets me down so much when it doesn't make me fully happy.

I love Pam's little smile at Jim when he first walks in. She of course knows what he's doing. Perfect prank by Jim, he's got everything about Dwight with not only the short sleeved yellow shirt, glasses, watch and bangs parts a little but even the rigid actions and speech. authoritative actions and of course all of the dwightisms like question, facts and his loves of the four B's (bobbleheads also fits ;)). And of course Dwight goes along with him at first because it all fits into his world. Loved the identity theft with Dwight caring so much about the law. Michael! was too perfect and just cemented the idea that Dwight is Michael's stand in son, going to his dad when something goes wrong. Hee. I am upset. Don't I sound upset? is the best little character moment because of course Stanley always sounds the same. Love the group messing around with Michael and his crazy abbreviations.

Threat Level Midnight! Best continuity ever. I love the zoom into Jim's face to show he knows. And it was awesome to see Kelly finally have her moment to shine doing customer relations lessons and her cute smile when Michael announces it. This day is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S. This day is bananas, B-A-N-A-cut to Angela "preparing" with pills was full of hilarity and character love. I'll never get tired of watching that. Her little side to side head motions! Hee. How is this show making me love Kelly so much? More continuity when Michael puts his leg on the table talking to Jim just like he did in The Secret. Sweet cheeks! *boycrush love* Ryan not making a sale! The continuity in this scene is awesome. I need two men on this-that's what she said-no time-but she did-no time! My other favorite line because that is Michael to a T. I love him being so much of a leader doing damage control but can't help throwing in his favorite joke (that fit oh so perfectly). And Dwight with the "no spin zone"! Haha. His press conference controlling you and the OJ reference was funny with him try...I love his long headline that just proves how much he loves the company and believes in them. "Battlestations" shows how much of a hero he thinks he is in getting everything fixed. Oh, Michael.

Like I did. When I was a homeless man. Hee! Homeless!Creed is canon. Kelly is too cute with the accountants. You are no longer losers Hehe. And I love that Kevin was the only one that clapped. I love that Kelly interpreted Angela as enthusiasm showing she just takes things at first value and not even that, just take a little piece of the meaning and makes it positive. I like the sunshine mention, that's cause its LA, Andy ;) *loves my city* Andy singing instead of putting on music was awesome. Lord, beer me strength Nice continuation of the joke. I love how Jim kept cutting off Andy's options. Pam run a comb through your hair Aww, thankfully I can't help loving Dwight being himself and putting the plant in front of Phyllis. Wow, I need that beet right now. Those are the money beets. Does this ever actually happen? Oh the beet love. Level three security clearance, don't get too excited, that's out of twenty Hehe. And of course Dwight shuts the door in his face when he doesn't think he's important. knock over mailbox with her friends Oh, Andy. It's so sad but you can't help but feel bad for him.

You have so many good qualities, thatthe one you might want to work on is apoligizing. Aww Kelly, you're so nice and good at handling Angela. Because every client is our most important client. That outlook is how Michael's able to sell things. There was a lot of empty, hollow scenes for me in this from Creed talking, press conference scene and Jim and Andy in the principal's office with no laughing or emotion or much of anything. I love how Angela can't change the tone of her voice even when she's *apoligizing* or rather saying the company is doing it. Dwight's entire consensual sex talk and TH was hilarious in a totally WTF, crazy but so Dwight way. I have to agree with Michael on her being ungrateful, too funny. Michael's youtube video was too funny. He says he needs a women's touch Doesn't he have enough of that with Jan? ;) Not enough Pam in this episode, sadly. I love Dwight spraying Michael's hair for so long but yet ruins the video by taking Michael's words too seriously that he could never withstand a SWAT team because we know Dwight is all about the law.

Kevin and Oscar's little high fives and still said it kid like attitude was too cute. Loved that even though I think they should have left in the Kelly/Angela deleted scene in. Michael doing an ultimatum just because he sees it in movies is great. Now I love Creed and I totally understand him wanting his job enough to get someone fired because I don't want to see him go but it was kind of mean and didn't do much for me. Stealing the money was funny but I would have liked more WTF Creed. Jim singing a Lion King song (YAY!) was too cute to get Andy to feel better. Awww. Very Email Surveillance moment there. Dwight trying to prank Jim was the BEST and such a great twist. He actually looks great in blue and he even got his bag right. I adore how he hangs around Pam's desk like Jim always does used to do and imitates his movements but can't quite catch the essence of Jim as he's more into showing how Jim is wrong (as in calling him an idiot) and pronouncing who he is. Dwight's Jim face and "little comment" was too amazing. Brilliant move there. So much love for that end scene.



I was reading Entertainment Weekly and in an article about how much TV stars are paid, I read a quote by Steve Carell on how they don't want to ask for too much or the public think they're being ridiculous. But at the same time, the studios are making a lot off the show. Usually I'm skeptical of stars threatening to leave shows and the like because of salary but in The Office casts case? They deserve all the money in the world. Steve makes 175,000 an episode it said but if they wanted to give him and everyone else a couple million, I'd be happy. The whole cast is so awesome that I would love to see them rewarded. They're generous people anyways.

So apparently, there's a chance The Office may become a 1 hour show next season. If it happens, WOW. Talk about all my dreams coming true. I can't get enough of the show and more would be heaven. As long as it doesn't decrease in quality, I'm good with it. Casino Night was 30 minutes long and it was brilliant, add in some supporting character screentime and flesh out the main plot a bit more and The Office would be even better. I think they should give it a chance and see if it works.

I also love Angela Kinsey. Her article here is great. I love her point about Michael coming between Dwight and Angela and would love to see a storyline like that play out on the show. I love how it shows that the whole cast is like a family with her and Oscar going way back not to mention her being super cute with Jenna and the guys hanging out playing Madden football. One of the things I'm disappointed about in leaving California is I think I'm not going to get to meet any more Office people. Which yeah I know I'm lucky to meet a bunch and I will DEFINITELY be at The Office convention in the fall and I'm going to go to the Premiere of Dan in Real Life (really early) but I was hoping to see Melora's film (again) or see her live performance or see Kate this weekend and it doesn't look like that's going to happen *sigh* At least it looks like I scored another RL friend convert to marathon Office episodes with. I feel like Kevin in A Benihana Christmas...California or college? No College or NY? In the end, like him I have to go with my less than favorite but I will come back. Ashley/California will be reunited again.

On that circular note, I'm done as I don't have the energy to write about anything else. Two more days til a new Office episode!

[identity profile] fadsy.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 06:13 am (UTC)(link)
Ahhhh, I need Thursday NOW. I'll join you in attempting not to get too spoiled for the last two episodes. I want to be surprised, especially for the finale. But I'm weak, so my plan will likely fail miserably.

I agree with you about Product Recall. A bad Michael plot can completely ruin an episode for me. This episode falls into that category. But it's alright, because this week is totally going to make up for it.

[identity profile] anoel.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 06:19 am (UTC)(link)
Seriously Thursday really needs to hurry up and get here already. We've waited for this episode for 2 MONTHS, it's about time it gets here. I really think I can do unspoiled. Watching other shows that I'm not spoiled for and not being too desperate waiting for the WA clips have helped me think I can do it. It's just the 6 and 2 week hiatuses that cause me to try to find every Office tidbit I can. Also getting good M/J helps a LOT as after Cocktails, I didn't feel as desperate for new stuff.

Yeah watching the episode again, I was even more disappointed with the Michael plot besides the conference scene. He's usually the most hilarious one and I love adoring him so none of that leaves me feeling kind of empty. I am definitely really looking forward to seeing this week's plot for him *vibrates with excitement*

[identity profile] fadsy.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 06:27 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah I think WA can carry me through to the finale too. I just need a hearty bowl of Jan and I'll be good to go for a while. :D

[identity profile] anoel.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 06:40 am (UTC)(link)
Yes exactly! I hate the long gaps without Jan and this will definitely help.

[identity profile] mayonegg.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 06:18 am (UTC)(link)
Wow, if that was the commentary on an episode that you didn't like...no wonder you ran out of steam! ;)

[identity profile] anoel.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 06:20 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, I can't help that I'm a perfectionist that loves my show too much. It's not that I didn't like it, I was just kind of meh to it as a whole. It had some great and classic moments though so it's all good in the end.

[identity profile] stephmck.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
my god! you got all that out of twenty minutes???

And seriously? they're talking about making it an hour? OMG SQUEEEEEEEEEEE!! Though typically sitcoms have half hour timeslots, so I hope the move won't be the death of it :(

I loved Dwight returning the prank, not only was it a great twist to the episode, it's a great twist in the Jim/Dwight dynamic.

I agree the apology press conference followed up by the video was a little lame and didn't offer a complete story line with a satisfying ending.

You're off to college? Well good luck with everything ♥

[identity profile] anoel.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 03:34 pm (UTC)(link)
There's always a lot of meat in Office episodes, that's why its so fun to watch them again (besides character love). The hour is definitely a possibility although I'm not getting too excited until it gets announced. I don't think extra Office could ever kill the show. I agree, I love how Dwight stood up for himself and returned it back. Yay for him! I'm already at college, trying to make it through until I go home in the summer.

[identity profile] iamwhitelady.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 11:02 am (UTC)(link)
I also thought this episode was kinda meh, even though the first and last scenes were gold.

You've met The Office people? You're so lucky! I wish I could :(

Anyways, just so you don't think I'm a stalker or something, I've just friended you - I "found" you in the frandom friending meme, hope it's alright.

[identity profile] anoel.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 03:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah meh Office makes me sad but at least it was new and had some good parts in it. I'm definitely lucky to meet them, that's part of why I wanted to go to LA in the first place. New friends are good with me :) *friends*

[identity profile] lianhanshee.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 04:06 pm (UTC)(link)
I totally agree with you about the ep. It was meh for me, too, and my favorite parts were the same as yours -- the cold open & the tag, the conference room scene with Michael: "That's what she said! No time -- but she did -- no time!" and the Kelly/Angela-accountants moments.

Your thoughts really helped me realize something I was trying to put my finger on about why I wasn't crazy about the ep (even though one of the writers wrote "Business School," which I thought was brilliant) -- it was definitely a character ep. It didn't really advance any season-long arc, and it didn't seem to fit thematically with much of what we've seen lately... although I do think the third act with the apology video and "it'll take a SWAT team to get me outta here" line must be setting up something. They made a pretty big deal about Michael's reaction to the suggestion that he resign, devoting the entire third act of that storyline to it. But aside from that, it seemed like an ep designed mostly for character moments. I need to think about it a little more for my forthcoming meta, but I wanted to thank you because your thoughts totally opened up my thoughts on the ep. Thanks!

[identity profile] anoel.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 07:24 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad it helped :) I was surprised too since I loved Brent Forrester's The Merger and Business School especially the latter which I think took a brilliant idea and had it meet my expectations. I usually like character eps because I do love the characters but there wasn't enough character love for me to truly get into it. I did love Michael's determination in staying at Dunder-Mifflin as that did seem to be a BS type moment. Hopefully that will come back in later episodes.

[identity profile] nighthawkms.livejournal.com 2007-05-02 09:30 pm (UTC)(link)
ONE HOUR *HYPERVENTALATES*

[identity profile] anoel.livejournal.com 2007-05-03 04:34 am (UTC)(link)
Eeee I know! It'd be so awesome.

[identity profile] mozartfan1313.livejournal.com 2007-05-03 03:49 am (UTC)(link)
I have mixed feelings about The Office being an hour long next season. Part of its charm is that it's quick, snappy and quirky. I think a part of me worries that it the they make it an hour, the jokes will be stretched thin and will go on for too long. I'll be happy with it being an hour as long as the writers are confident that have the comedic goods to fit that time slot.

I think it's a good think that the cast doesn't ask for more money. Fans will love them for it and the company will reward them with a bonus, likely in the near future.

[identity profile] anoel.livejournal.com 2007-05-03 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
But I think The Office is so character based that they can easy come up with a lot of good, funny jokes that fit all of the criteria that you describe. I mean, I worry a little about that but I faith in The Office until it messed up which it hasn't really. So I'd gladly take the risk for more of my favorite show that I can't get enough of.

Oh I'm glad too, I just wouldn't care if they made a lot.