Three's Company at The Office

Lately on Thursday nights we have not got around to watching much "same night" TV on the TiVo (especially with a 9pm-ish reading period strictly enforced)... so usually, we just get to one NBC sitcom... more often than not, it has been The Office.  I hate to admit it, but Scrubs just isn't quite doing it for me this season... not sure about the whole Turk/Carla baby thing and JD's girlfriend most certainly needs to go (perhaps George Costanza can send her some envelopes to lick?). 

But anyhow, back to The Office.  I am pretty surprised it is still on the air.  I always liked it, but it just didn't seem like one of the show a major television network would keep on despite any critical acclaim and one that will never be a big audience/mainstream success.  I think the show has really hit its stride of late...

That said, I still think it can be pretty hit-or-miss.  There are times when I think Michael Scott is even more than I can handle... and I think some of the Jan stuff from last week's episode was insanely out of character.  I think the show is far more successful when its subtle or even silent, uncomfortably silent.  I particularly love the supporting players... Phyllis, Stanley, Ryan, Kelly, Meredith, Toby, etc!

Going into this season, I was most worried about the handling of the Jim-Pam thing.  I am savvy enough to know that the TV gods were not going to make them a couple anytime soon.  But still the initial office physical/distance split and the emergence of an "other woman" through me off for a bit.  However, I am pretty pleased and think the storyline has been handled with quite a bit of care.  The viewer has been privy to some private and unexpected moments with each character... Pam's little cry, Jim not so sure he's over Pam, and Karen's reaction to Phyllis' little Jim/Pam slip last night.

Now while my other half likely will not agree, I think that why this has worked is that they have made Karen a likable character.  I think part of it is that I have preemptive sympathy for her... wrong place, wrong time, wrong person... and ultimately pulling the short straw in this scenario.  So credit to Rashida Jones for creating a character that could have been so easy just to "love to hate."  (BTW, I was not at all familiar with Rashida before this ... did you know she is the daughter of music icon Quincy Jones and actress Peggy Lipton?!)

tags:  the office

Comments

[Kenna]

I didn't know anything about the actress playing Karen - thanks for the info! I haven't been following Scrubs either, but I have latched onto My Name Is Earl. Try it - I think you'll like it.

[David Brent]

Actually, as I understand it John and Rashida were dating in real life for a time and it was he who helped line her up for the role. I think she's great.