‘The Office’: Weirdness in the workplace

(Published Sept. 19, PDI-Entertainment)
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit
Contributor

Workplace antics and disharmony are normal weekly occurrences in the American version of “The Office,” a hilarious and unique sitcom that centers on the goings-on at a Pennsylvania-based paper company office.

The employees of Dunder Mifflin go through some of the most bizarre office hours of their lives thanks to the unconventional ways of their perpetually clueless boss, Michael Scott (Steve Carell), who tries to inject some “fun” into their mundane daily routines. But he’s often unaware that his offbeat, joke-y remarks and techniques are dumb or offensive (or both) to his team of nine-to-fivers.

The “mockumentary” follows the different characters’ notable actions in and out of the Dunder Mifflin compound. The employees even cooperate with the unseen crew for “interviews” that bridge scenes. The deadpan delivery of witty or sarcastic remarks (especially Michael’s) is useful in revealing opinions effectively. These usually give a broader insight into their thoughts, which traditionally structured sitcoms sometimes can’t properly pry into unless there’s a narration.

The latest season is still funny, but not as entertaining as previous ones, primarily because some of the main employee characters seem to have matured--a little. Jim and Pam (John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer) are now officially an item, so their situations mostly focus on that relationship. They also pull fewer pranks on gullible co-worker Dwight (Rainn Wilson). But the tested boss-subordinate dynamics between Michael and his diverse team are still there, despite being toned-down a notch to bring in some romance-related drama.

Interestingly, some of the background characters--exes Ryan and Kelly --are played by actors BJ Novak and Mindy Kaling, who also pen episodes of the show occasionally.

Carell is remarkable as Michael Scott, whose strange methods usually result in confusion, insubordination, and sometimes, disbelief. But he’s entirely likeable on the viewer’s end; the character’s oft-crazy behavior contributes largely to the formula. What Michael lacks in smarts, he makes up for in a weird combination of eagerness and benevolence. The weekly jaunt into the seemingly normal confines of “The Office” constantly entertains, thanks mostly to that boss who makes and breaks his own rules on a regular basis.

Reruns of the 4th season of “The Office” are airing on Jack TV.