'The Office': Higher education

I'll try to refrain from using baby talk in this post. Promise.

The line between comedy and tragic awkward moments is sometimes blurred when Michael Scott is in the mix. No one knows how to induce a cringe-worthy moment quite like he does. Thursday's episode was no exception. In 'Scott's Tots," we learn that Michael had once promised 15 kids that he would pay for their college tuition -- 15 kids. By my calculations, that comes out to ... a lot of money (I went to Kevin's school of accounting).  

It's money that Michael had to fess up to not having. And it wasn't funny. There was nothing redeeming about the flub like there usually is with Michael's awkward moments. It was just uncomfortable. His remedy was to give them free laptop batteries instead? Hardly chuckle-inducing when you consider that the future of these students is in flux. Which raises the question of what realm this show exists in. When the camera's venture outside the office for too long, reality gets blurred.

Back in the office, Dwight's intent to get rid of Jim is getting a little tired. I get that Jim is trying his best at running (or is that co-running) the office. But he's Jim. Not Michael. Would "sales Jim" really have given in to one of Dwight's/Andy's ideas so easily? Sure, instituting an Employee-of-the-Month incentive seems harmless, but when Bobbsey Twins are involved, it should be a red flag that things will go haywire. 

What did you think of the episode? How long can Dwight's attempt to overthrow Jim continue without jumping the shark?

--Yvonne Villarreal

Photo: Steve Carell as Michael Scott. Credit: NBC Universal

Comments

[Tony]

I think Dwight's attempts to take down Jim have already jumped the shark. The show in general is still the best on TV, but this aspect of it isn't doing it for me. While Dwight has always been a bit looney, he's not quite himself this season. It's a little too dark and over the top. The light-heartedness is missing. I hope they have a good end to this bit in mind. It can't continue all season.

[Jill Fleetwood]

There is a mistake in this article. The last sentence in the third paragraph says, "When the camera's venture outside the office for too long, reality gets blurred." It should be cameras instead (without the apostrophe for possession).

[John]

I was so disappointed with the episode. I was waiting for a happy ending on the college tuition gag which never came. Just not in line with the overall tone of the show. The cliffhanger ending is a new direction for them and one that I wish they would not have taken. Dwight/Jim battle is WAY old. Start developing some of the other brilliant characters.

[Ben]

This was, by far, the worst episode in the series. I too was waiting for a happy ending, but it never came (that's what she said). I look forward to more light-hearted episodes from the Office gang and I'm already loving the acquisition of Dunder Mifflin by Sabre.