With the energy that only comes from Halloween and sugar highs, “The Office” takes a breather after the previous week’s intense episode with some good ol’ fashioned trick or treat.

The Halloween theme actually runs a deep thread through the episode.  For one, people everywhere are wearing costumes and fooling people.  Jim pretends to be the good-natured co-manager when he is in fact suffering from a tinge of jealousy.  Pam and Andy pretend to be a couple expecting in order to boost their sales.  In fact, the only person who seems devoid of trickery is Michael.  Yes, he’s a horrible liar, but his earnest personality is also what makes him endearing.

The treat of the episode is the expected but definitely growing storyline between Andy and Erin.  A welcome addition to the cast from last season, actress Ellie Kemper definitely needs more screentime both for her bubbly personality and Andy’s attraction to her.  Could “The Office” be trying to recreate the Jim/Pam storyline with a new salesman/receptionist combination?  Given that it’s two of my favorite characters, I definitely would not mind.

Overall, the episode takes another step away from the heavy concentration on Jim and Pam, which is smart.  Both characters seem to be graduating from warmhearted lovebirds into more comedic yet devious personas.  In any case, what better time to do it than Halloween?  In the end, “The Office” celebrates the occasion in good fashion, including their new buzz single “Subtle Sexuality” by Erin, Kelly, Andy and Ryan.

Rating: 8.5/10

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