The Office: Something to Get Excited About

The Office redeemed itself this week after a poor couple of showings with an episode that finally had me excited about The Office and where it’s going – and it’s not just because Jim was wearing a tux all episode. (Okay, it’s partially because of that.)

Let’s start with the tux, shall we? So Dwight sent out a memo on the office dress code. Jim retaliated by wearing a tux to work. Of course. Then he got Michael to agree to all of his ideas for Michael’s 15^th anniversary with the company party (more on that later) just by saying the word “classy” over and over – much to Dwight’s chagrin. Michael’s party will definitely be classy – like the opening of a car dealership.

So while Jim’s tux was a big hit with Michael, it did not go over as well with the new VP of East Coast operation for Dunder Mifflin (the new Jan/Ryan), Mr. Charles Minor (Idris Elba). Jim was furious that Michael didn’t tell him about the VP’s visit, but still tried to introduce himself to Charles despite the tux. It didn’t go over too well though since no-nonsense Charles didn’t seem to find Jim’s attempts to prank Dwight very funny. He also didn’t think Jim’s made up position as assistant to the Regional Manager was impressive either. Basically, this guy did not like Jim, and Jim could not deal with that. In a sad little talking head Jim expressed remorse over his career going down the tubes. Now this is the same Jim who in season one was adamant that this job would never become his career – and now he’s worrying about. Oh my gosh, was that just Jim character development?! I love it. Let’s hope we see even more Jim ambition in the coming weeks.

Another plot line rife with giggle potential is Kelly and Angela’s shared crush on new Mr. Boss Man. Kelly thinks he looks like a black George Clooney, and while Angela pretends not to be interested, she later steals his scarf and then tries to return it to him. A hilarious showdown between Kelly and Angela then commences in the rainy parking lot. Though this is not nearly as good as Angela and Dwight (when will those two crazy kids get back together?), I’ll take it for now.

However, the real star of the episode was Michael – who I was hating on last week. This week’s Michael was a child, was stubborn, was awkwardly cutting bagels into “C”s for his new boss’ arrival, and yet he still managed to be endearing. His rivalry with new boss Charles couldn’t have been better. First, Michael wanted him to be his new best friend – like Ryan had been (guffaw!). Then when he realized he’d be micromanaging him, determining his employee’s overtime, and cancelling the party planning committee, Michael had it. The two butted heads time and again, and Michael tried complaining to David Wallace. David, however, stopped answering his phone and had Michael’s calls forwarded to Charles. Well, that was it for Michael. He picked up and went to David Wallace’s office.

Tracking him down outside the bathroom, Michael finally got David to talk to him. Michael told him about his 15^th anniversary party being cancelled and told David that after 15 years of service with the company he deserved more. David couldn’t help but agree with a teary-eyed Michael. He told him they’d put money aside for the party for him, and then Michael stood up and quit.

Seriously, Michael just quit Dunder Mifflin!

It’s a whole new ballgame folks. And I’m so excited.

Season 5, Episode 18: New Boss (originally aired March 19, 2009)

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Thursdays, 9/8C on NBC

Photographs courtesy of NBC