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May 18, 2013

The Office: Office Olympics

by Michael Sciannamea, posted Oct 4th 2005 11:22PM

office3I think The Office has turned the corner into separating itself from the British version. Although Michael still garners the most attention, the other characters are beginning to break out. This was evidenced by Michael actually leaving the office for a while to close a deal on his new condo while bringing Dwight along as his "representative" (Dwight's words). While they're gone, Jim and Pam decide to hold an "Office Olympics" featuring all sorts of events using office supplies and personal belongings. At first, only a few join in on the festivities, but by the end just about everyone gets in on the action.

Meanwhile, we see Michael's self confidence shrivel up as he finds himself buying a home he really doesn't seem he can afford. We finally get to see him at his most vulnerable and not able to rely on his humor to extricate himself from a situation. He then gets back to the office in the middle of the Olympics, but he's so deflated that he doesn't even question what is going on. Jim later calls Michael out and awards him a gold medal (a yellow yogurt lid) and Dwight a silver medal. Michael is heartened by the gesture.

This episode definitely stood out on its own merit. My only concern (as I've mentioned before) is that Dwight is too creepy. I'd like to see the writers tone down his insanity a bit. Some of the things he says (like the reference to his beet farm) really have no context and seem to me as a way for a bit of "off-the-wall" humor being thrown in to make sure we viewers know that this is no "standard" sitcom. I don't think it's necessary.  

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Jessica Kupferman

I love Dwight. I love that he said the Shrutes produce very thirsty babies. But the best part was when he sang a verse from Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire" and enthusiastically sang "RYAN started the FY-AH!" Ahhh, I laughed so hard I paused and rewound about a hundred times. It was funnier each time.

October 27 2005 at 2:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lacy Hall

I think this season's episodes have been hilarious! I think this show is really coming into its own soon. I laughed outloud a bunch of times last night. And so did my roommate. I think Earl/Office combo is a winner on Tuesday nights.

October 05 2005 at 1:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Sean

I used to cringe watching this show, but I have to say the last two or three episodes have REALLY been great...

October 05 2005 at 11:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dwight's Representative

Dwight Shrute is awesome... Remember in season 1, when he asked Jim if he had tickets, and Jim asked, "to what", and Dwight pulled up his sleeves, kissed his guns, and said, "to the gun show" That was classic. I think Dwight is creepy, but without him, I would not have nearly the same amount of laugh out loud moments.

October 05 2005 at 10:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
R. Reed

This season I've already had some laugh-out-loud moments. Like when they pulled out the flying doves during the closing ceremonies. I was a fan of the UK version, and this seemed a little too derivative, but as they develop the supporting characters, I find myself identifyng better than I could with the british characters.

October 05 2005 at 8:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
funtographer

I really liked the bit where the temp (I only remember the actor's name) says something like "what would i do with a yogurt lid and a bunch of paper clips?" and then it shows Jim with his gold medal hanging over his desk. That was my awww moment.

October 05 2005 at 3:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Annie W.

I'm a hardcore UK 'The Office' fan that still hasn't particularly warmed up to the American version yet. I watched this episode and still don't really like it. But I've got to admit that they did a good job of giving Michael a human side at the end. Watching Steve Carell tear up made me go, "Awww!" maybe a little too loudly. Really can't stand Dwight though. I agree that he seems a little too "out there". The writers need to remind themselves that this is a mockumentary and they can't get too crazy.

October 05 2005 at 12:25 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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