November 30, 2006: The Convict
Two weeks, and two Stamford employees who simply couldn't take the leadership of one Michael Scott. I'm disappointed to see Wayne Wilderson leave us already (and while we're on the topic, there was some disagreement last week as to whether we should refer to him as Purple Grapes or the WaMu guy - I have to confess, in my heart of hearts he'll always be the OSHA rep from that one episode of
NewsRadio where Matthew hurt himself playing a rousing game of "Who Can Get the Paper Cup Off the Light Fixture" with Joe). But I'm putting my money on Nursing Mom to be the next to hand in her resignation. We can only hope Andy's here to stay - Ed Helms rocks my socks. If you changed the channel before the end credits, you missed something special: a super-falsetto serenade to Pam of "Rainbow Connection," complete with banjo accompaniment, with a wonderfully sweet two-shot of Jim and Pam letting us know that everything's gonna be OK. Sure, Jim is dating Karen (and it's hard to admit it, but I'm happy for him!), and there's awkwardness afoot, but at least our star-crossed cubicle lovers are friends again. That's a start. Wisely, he wouldn't let Karen take part in his Pam prank - there are harmless shenanigans and then there's just plain insensitivity. Kudos to our dear Mr. Halpert for knowing the difference. That's why we want to marry him, right?
As for our usual Dunder-Mifflin nonsense, where do I begin? Kevin realizes he might be inadvertently guilty of insider trading; Ryan gets singled out as the belle of the prison ball; in trying to rid the world of racial stereotypes and the impression that cubicle life is worse than a stint on D-block, Michael introduces us to the purple bandanna'd "Prison Mike" - gruel connoisseur and firm believer in not dropping the soap; and Dwight doesn't like criminals whether they're white, black, Asian, German or some kind of "halvsie." Obviously. This one was written by series creator (and the U.K. version's star) Ricky Gervais, and his influence is palpable - Michael was certainly in full-buffoon mode, à la David Brent. He made a slight turnaround by the end of the episode, when arch-nemesis Toby convinced him that all the employees were simply teasing him about prison (forcing him to set them free from the conference room) - but all in all, I prefer a more sympathetic Michael.
No new episode next week (boo!), and then an hourlong holiday episode on Dec. 14 (yay!). See you in two weeks.
