Chronicles of a Writer

The Office 6×14 ‘The Banker’

As the first "best of" episode for The Office, they've certainly earned quite a roster of hilarious, dysfunctional and touching moments to compile.  For the most part, 'The Banker' is nothing but a rehash of this show that I love. The Summary While I usually hate flashback episodes, this one was somewhat tolerable simply because of the nature of the show.  When you start to add up the Dwight moments, the Jim/Pam moments, the Creed moments, the sexual harassment moments and the general over...

The Office 6×13 ‘Secret Santa’

Despite Michael's horrible tact, 'Secret Santa' is both a comedic and moving episode for The Office. Lost in Translation Although it's hard to judge Erin and Andy's chemistry at this point, the way their mutual miscommunication stalls their relationship is frustrating, hilarious and in an odd way, adorable.  Andy and Erin emulate the roadblocks of Jim and Pam in the earlier seasons, but with a very refreshing and juvenile take on the dynamic.  Andy's big gestures have always been an admira...

The Office 6×12 ‘Scott’s Tots’

If there's ever been a premise to promise awkward moments, it's 'Scott's Tots', and the episode certainly delivers in that department.  Ah yes, there's nothing breaking the hopes and dreams of children to make The Office a hoot. The Promise While the storyline feels a bit out of nowhere, it does two thing I appreciate.  One, it puts Michael under the spotlight.  Michael's a man who yearns for the most positive aspects of life but often fails to deliver any happiness himself.  While the sta...

Parks and Recreation 2×11 ‘Tom’s Divorce’

It's been some time since I've taken a serious glance at Parks and Recreation.  However, it is not by any means due to a decline in quality.  As 'Tom's Divorce' indicates, the show has found a comfortable place between pleasantry and idiocy. Feeling the Feelings Despite my adulation for mockumentary style sitcoms, it can be difficult to make those comedic characters go through emotional development.  While there's no Jim and Pam on this show, Tom's recent separation from his green card wif...

The Office 6×11 ‘Shareholder Meeting’

It is not sheer comedic brilliance that makes 'Shareholder Meeting' such a memorable episode for The Office.  With knack for portraying the corporate climate with a fine eye, this episode is a hilarious rendition of that world with the ultimate corporate event: the shareholder meeting. Knight in Shining Armor While this would've deviated from the realism of the issue, I was hoping to see Oscar or Michael save the day during this massively awkward meeting.  Then again, in Michael's naive an...