Does it ever get that bad between two people in an office? Worse. So much worse. It's one of the reasons I'm a freelancer now. I just couldn't take all the real-life stupidity around me in an office microcosm. I had just quit my job and started freelancing when my husband & I got the DVD set of the British office. It was so accurate, and so close to what I had just left, that I actually couldn't watch it. Truly painful.

But what I really wanted to comment on was a subtle little thing at the end of the episode. When they're all leaving and head out into the parking lot, Ryan gets into a station wagon that I suspect was driven by his Mom. I just thought that was so subtle, and so funny.

Damn I almost cried when MSPaper Co. made the first sale.

That was a great moment. Really really great.

The cringe level was almost close to the British Office. The interactions between Jim and Minor were absolutely brilliant.

Jim wouldn't have asked Minor about what a "run down" was because he has, mostly inadvertently, already made enough of a negative impression of himself on Minor, that asking Minor a simple question like "what is a run down?" would really push Charles over the top.

Also, If I remember correctly, none of the negative experiences between Jim and Charles have been directly related to Jim's work ethics. Jim's tuxedo, his lack of attention in the meeting, etc. have not been directly related to his quality of work, though there were pointers to that in this episode ("why work harder than you should?"). So, I believe, it was only natural for him NOT to ask Minor what it was, which made it even more painful and hilarious to watch.

Did I mention I take great pleasure in other people's pain?

I love this show!

Ryan having an MBA doesn't mean squat. As far as I know, he still hasn't made a sale. He acts like he's better than everyone he interacts with (which does not go well with potential clients).

I think Michael would have better odds going out to companies and try to get their business, than having kooky pancake (shaped like pieces of paper) breakfasts and such. We know Michael is a good salesman (albeit unconventional).

I thought a "rundown" was basically a summary of some sort - like maybe Charles wanted a list of Jim's clients. But then I thought maybe he needed to include information on like number of sales or whatever. I know Jim wants to make a good impression on Charles, but frankly, he should have just asked him what he wanted. Worst case scenario - Charles fires him, but David Wallace likes Jim enough - I think he would be safe.

that was pretty cold that he said that.

he bitter cuz he didn't get to date her.

season 1 and 2 pam was a 6 the new pam is easily an 8.

i like the new dynamic they introducing to the show. showing a strugglin start up and then showing the trouble that arises in at DM. however, i'm not thrilled to see the three guys being so clueless. Ryan has an MBA. doesn't he have any sales leads or anything he can give mchale to get some clients.

My favorite part was the talkin head of michael.
"This company was a mistake, i should leave them and start another paper company" so clueless.

i think the whole "pam talking to minor" will play a role in the future, michael doesn't forget.

maybe jim did not know what a "rundown" was because when michael worked for him he would just slack off, because he did not care or because michael had him participate in a fun run or some other stupid thing instead. overall, i used to to think that this season was pretty stale, but they have totally changed it around since this charles guy was brought in the mix.

I agree with Ryan though, Pam is pretty bland when in NY. I can see how she can considered a hot slice of ass in a one horse town like Scranton

"Pam is a New York 6 and a Scranton 7? How dare you Ryan Howard? How dare you!?"

I had to pause my DVR so I didn't miss anything I was laughing so hard at this moment.

Jay, in your article on "the Dream Team" you mentioned how good The Office is at the little things like the inate need to find common ground with a hard ass boss. Another "little thing" that The Office hit the nail on the head was with Jim being given an assignment and him having no clue what Charles was talking about. I've done that before in my own office as I'm sure many have.

I can't help but wonder if Jim could have just said that he was wearing a tuxedo because of something to do with his impending nuptials to Pam. Maybe that could have left a different first impression on Charles. Maybe Charles would have seen the adorableness in Jim.