(Published May 15, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor
Still among the better-written US sitcoms on television, “The Office” continues to explore the hilarity of workplace dynamics, but also manages to sneak in serious and heartwarming moments.
Now in its seventh season, the weekly “mockumentary” further elicits laughs through well-developed characters, romances and rivalries. The 9-to-5 grind is made extra-challenging by Michael Scott (Steve Carell), regional manager of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, whose delusions and lack of smarts and tact often unsettle his employees.
But Michael is unquestionably driven and manages to get out of scrapes, sometimes with the help of friends. His subordinates recognize his need for attention, and often humor him just to get things moving.
There were a couple of notable changes in the previous season—the wedding of Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer), and the birth of their child. Dunder Mifflin was bought by Sabre, a printer company headed by Jo Bennett (recurring guest star Kathy Bates). Michael had a short-lived relationship with Pam’s mother; and Andy (Ed Helms) and the new receptionist Erin (Ellie Kemper) also got together. It got complicated, however, after Erin discovers Andy’s previous engagement.
Season 7 has interesting subplots involving Dwight (Rainn Wilson), Angela (Angela Kinsey), and Ryan (BJ Novak), established characters that didn’t get much attention previously. Michael’s cool and quirky ex Holly (Amy Ryan) also returns; she’s probably the only woman who totally gets him.
Remarkably portrayed by Carell, Michael is a unique and iconic goofball. The current season is also Carrel’s last, so expect a different, but hopefully a similarly hilarious and dynamic next season, when Michael Scott’s replacement takes over.
(“The Office” airs Saturdays, 9 p.m. on JackTV.)
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