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-top spirit of the show, the flashback is a nice and quick reminder of just how funny The Office is.  In essence, the episode’s worthiness comes down to the loyalty of the viewer.

The New Year

The downside to this is that after a long break, the last thing people want is a clip show to start off the new year.  While the new footage still retains the humor and dysfunction of The Office, viewers are left with only a sample of what they’ve missed rather than the full entree.  Add to the fact that Jim and Stanley are missing in the new footage, the episode suddenly feels crippled by the bad timing.

While I laughed heartily at the flashbacks, ‘The Banker’ is throw-away episode with little value in the long haul, especially since fans have to wait another week for new material from The Office.

Rating: 6.5/10

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 admirable quality; seeing his continuing efforts in pleasing the woman of his affection only strengthens the viewers’ desire for the pair to get together.

Oscar’s new storyline is a perfect way to add a new layer to the character, something that I hope can continue in the future.  Pam’s constant desire to play matchmaker is also a way to soften her hormonal, pregnant demeanor.

Bought Out

In terms of storyline, ‘Secret Santa’ ends a big chapter of season 6 with the company’s financial struggles.  Although it’s not surprising at all that Dunder Mifflin has been bought out, it is still a relief to see our group saved from separation and an uncertain future with the new corporate structure.  The potential for new storylines continue with this path, but for now viewers can rest easy just like the rest of the Scranton branch.  Ultimately, the only sour moment is in learning David Wallace’s termination.

With lots of awkward moments (thanks to Michael/Jesus Christ), crushes and forgiveness, ‘Secret Santa’ is a perfect way of ending the first half of the season.  The Office goes on hiatus with moderate resolution yet more to look forward to.  Merry Christmas indeed.

Rating: 9/10

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 stakes are much higher this episode, this is classic Michael through and through.

Secondly, Erin grabs more screentime as the receptionist.  While the role has been happily played out by Pam, Erin’s new personality and general goodness never fails to put a smile on my face.  Being ridiculed by Michael only makes her character more likable, and it works brilliantly.  While adding a new cast member is never an easy transition, Erin is an entirely welcome addition to The Office.

The Plan

Again, this feels a bit out of character, but Dwight’s plan is actually quite genius.  No, it doesn’t produce the desired result, but the entire episode plays out with Dwight controling all the pieces of the chessboard.  This is certainly a new angle on Dwight.

‘Scott’s Tots’ is a filler episode through and through, but I won’t deny the amusement it produces through the many, many awkward encounters.  The Office is more precarious this season with its storylines, but ultimately the loyal fans will be plenty satisfied.

Rating: 8.2/10

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 wife does force him to undergo self-evaluation.  This, amongst the gradual development of all the side characters, allows the show to breathe in small doses of humanity.  While the jokes always hits home, this will ultimately be the key to making the show a success.

Boring and Normal

This is how I see the main couple of the show.  If Mark and Ann possess comedic chops, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen it.  That’s the problem with establishing emotional grounding for characters; they tend to lose focus on the comedic side of things.  Still, considering the talent behind the couple, I hope this is only a temporary slump.  In time, hopefully they can explore the relationship comedy that lies buried underneath all the crazy Andy moments.

Parks and Recreation is like riding a ferry.  It lacks the excitement of a canoe, but it makes you feel good.  So far, season 2 fares much better than the lackluster season 1, a shift that can hopefully continue as the show progresses.

Rating: 7.9/10

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 and limited view of the world, it would be more than a stretch.

Some viewers attached to the corporate chain in real life might find the topic uncomfortable to watch, and certainly the storyline takes a more serious tone than most.  Still, if you can get past the pertinence of the episode, seeing Michael rally a crowd of angry shareholders and call the CEO stupid is about as over-the-top as it gets and immensely satisfying.

Ryan and Jim

Bankruptcy aside, the episode also features a hilarious storyline between Ryan and Jim, a very unlikely pairing.  While Ryan is about as useful as his fashion sense, he does pose as the perfect guy to punish in the office.  Jim and Pam’s dynamic is also slowly getting back to normal, which is a relief to say the least.

‘Shareholder Meeting’ is a very plot-driven episode full of real world relatability and not as much escapism.  But, much like the Michael Scott Paper Company storyline from last season, The Office willingly walks a risky path for the show that gives it new life even after six years.  This is a story that viewers want to see to the end, if only to make sure our favorite characters end up OK.

Rating: 8.4/10

Bankruptcy

No need to elaborate on the idea.  What is interesting is that the episode decides to introduce a major storyline that puts everyone in jeopardy and actually leaves it at a cliffhanger.  Most likely, this is done for realism, but it’s still quite rattling to leave the fate of the entire office up in the air.  Ultimately, the one to real feel sorry for is Michael, who has more to lose than anyone else.  Seeing him become more and more manic is actually quite saddening because the few moments where the southern facade fades are where we see the real terror in the situation.

Erin and Andy

Another surprise in the episode is the incredible chemistry between Erin and Andy.  Their little moments bring back memories from the earlier seasons where Jim and Pam are still shy.  So far, this new development is quite entertaining to watch.

If there’s ever been a reason to care about Dunder Mifflin, now would be it.  With a sizable cliffhanger, ‘Murder’ definitely does the trick to bring me back next week for more of The Office.

Rating: 9/10

The Quirk of the Camel

By now, all the members of the parks department have developed a personality that is recognizable and unique.  Despite Amy Poehler’s great comedic timing, having other interesting actors to play off of aides the show a great deal.  In short, the episode celebrates the differences of everyone in the show.

Ron F*#king Swanson

By far the biggest attraction of the show, Ron Swanson continues his deadpan hilarity in this episode with some gentle foot fetish.  As if sleeping with Megan Mullally wasn’t enough.

Not much to say besides keep up the good work.  Hopefully, Parks and Recreation avoids the slew of cancelations this month.

Rating: 8/10

Pam the Barbaric

The nice thing about the episode is seeing Pam somewhat returning back to the land of the sane.  While it’s natural to add some comedic edge to the character (now completely lacking sexual tension with Jim), the pregnant monster is quite the villain when push comes to shove.  The episode still portrays Pam with a new attitude, she has enough rationale to make the punching moment believable.

That is really the highlight of ‘Double Date’.  I’m relieved to find the storyline end quickly, although it once again makes Michael out to be the shallow ass that he is.  Overall, it’s another solid episode into season 6 of The Office.

Rating: 8.6/10

Comedian Playground

What makes the show likeable is that much like 30 Rock, it’s a playground for masters of comedy.  She’s no Tina Fey, but Mullally is definitely a force (and quirky one, at that) to be reckoned with, so this episode gets kudos for the storyline altogether.  Seeing my favorite character, Ron, play fire and ice with his real life wife is also quite enjoyable.  The episode doesn’t get extra points for laughter, but it gets my approval out of sheer personal preference.

Mullally aside, the episode has little meat to it, but it does bring me to my next point.  After a fairly uneventful first season, Parks and Recreation is finally coming into its own.  I find the episode and the season thus far quite entertaining.

Rating: 8.3/10

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