In the last two seasons, our hero Jim Halpert won the girl, got the big promotion and upgraded to a suit. These were all things fans were happy about. It was encouraging. But wanting romantic tension to be relieved is never as satisfying as the relief.

All of Jim and Pam’s witty asides and eyerolls in response to their officemates’ antics have stopped being expressions of untapped potential and started to look like passive-aggressive attempts to undermine their peersâwho are the only people who will socialize with them.

Now Jim has developed into the most depressing archetype: a mediocre man who has already realized his full potential.

Gone is Jim’s charming lack of enthusiasm for his job. Now he’s proving exactly where a lack of drive is likely to lead youâto the mediocrity of middle management, where one is gripped by the fear of losing whatever corner of inanity you’ve carved for yourself in the workplace.

Definitely curious to see what exactly this "promise" entails, although it sounds like this might be pretty heavy on the "awkward" humor that many people love (and I tend to not be too thrilled with).  Shall we assume Michael promised to pay these kids’ way through college, or something equally ridiculous?  Michael always has loved making people happy and promising things.  It’s that damn FOLLOW THROUGH that always seems to kick him in the butt...

Lee and Gene wrote this season’s (arguably) best episode THE LOVER, and B. J. Novak is hot off his directorial work on SUBTLE SEXUALITY, so I hold out high hopes for tonight’s installment.

As always, leave your thoughts in the comments section below and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the show to share your thoughts (click on the green "chat" button in the right sidebar).

Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) are out of excuses so they have no choice but to go out with Michael (Steve Carell) and Helene (Linda Purl), Pam’s mother. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) is strangely doing nice things for everyone in the office.

As Kevin mentioned in the last podcast, the "Jim and Pam finally run out of excuses and have to go on a date" thing definitely smacks of DINNER PARTY from season four.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved THE LOVER, but that was mostly an episode about the CONCEPT of Michael dating Pam’s mom.  I hope when we get to see the "real thing" that it doesn’t get too weird to take.  I enjoyed the last few episodes, though, so I am curious to see what they can pull off tonight.

As always, leave your thoughts in the comments section below and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the show to share your thoughts (click on the green "chat" button in the right sidebar).

Jim and Pam return from their honeymoon and are shocked when Michael reveals the identity of a woman he has been dating recently. Dwight makes a strange peace offering to Jim after years of torment.

This plot line has the potential to go horribly, horribly wrong if not handled correctly-- I almost wonder how they could possibly surprise us with the way this story will play out.  Can’t we already imagine it? Pam (and Jim) are disgusted, Michael acts like Pam’s father, etc., etc.  I hope writers Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky can wring something new out of a rather tired premise.  The Dwight plotline sounds interesting, and hopefully it connects back into the season long arc of "Dwight getting revenge on Jim" that they’ve ignored for the past few episodes.

As always, leave your thoughts in the comments section below and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the show to share your thoughts (click on the green "chat" button in the right sidebar).

NBC.com hasn’t bothered to update yet, so via Wikipedia:

THE PROMOTION | 10.01.09 | 9/8c

David Wallace breaks the bad news that not everyone will get a raise this year. Dwight reaches his breaking point with Jim and looks to the rest of the office for allies. Pam would like cash instead of wedding gifts.

-------------

Kevin and I speculated on this episode in the last podcast, and I hope the writers really explore this "Dwight’s revenge" angle to a satisfactory conclusion-- after all these years of Jim’s shenanigans, it’d be nice to see the tables be turned and see how Halpert deals with jerky employees who don’t want to do their jobs. Sweet, sweet karma, don’t fail me now!

As always, join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom before and after the show (I’ll be taking the Eastern and Central times, while Kevin will handle the Pacific). Just click on the GREEN button in the right side-bar, enter your nickname, and chat away. Hope to see you there.

TOBY AND DWIGHT GO UNDERCOVER FOLLOWING AN INCIDENT IN THE WAREHOUSE -- A request by Jim (John Krasinski) leaves Michael (Steve Carell) feeling insecure and defensive. Meanwhile, Pam (Jenna Fischer) deals with the guest list for the wedding, and Dwight convinces Toby (Paul Lieberstein) to investigate Darryl’s (Craig Robinson) worker’s comp claim. Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar NuÃez, Creed Bratton, Ellie Kemper, Andy Buckley also star.

MICHAEL GETS CAUGHT UP IN OFFICE GOSSIP - Michael (Steve Carell) feels left out as the rest of the office gossips about the summer interns. While Michael searches for the next juicy rumor to share, Andy (Ed Helms) struggles with heterosexuality. Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Brian Baumgartner, Leslie David Baker, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar NuÃez, Creed Bratton, Paul Lieberstein, B.J. Novak and Ellie Kemper also star.

--------------------

Both Kevin and I were pretty skeptical about this JAM-bino plot in the finale, so I am really curious to see how that whole thing plays out this season.  Is it too much to ask that the writers knock the first pitch of the season out of the park? 

As always, leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the episode airs.

Julie Crossman: Kevin’s making me watch the worst movie in the world! It’s laugh out loud horrible.

Julie Crossman: It’s called "You," and it’s a movie made by Melora Hardin (of the Office), her husband and her father. It’s independent. It’s supposed to be a drama, but we are laughing ourselves silly.

Let’s Get Sexy with Craig Robinson from Craig Robinson

5 discs, 606 minutes; $59.98 SRP; Anamorphic Widescreen; English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround; English and Spanish Subtitles

Bonus Material:

-Weight Loss Commentary with Randy Cordray, Michael Gallenberg, Brian Wittle, Nick Carbone, Ben Patrick, Alysia Raycraft, Kelly Cantley, and Jake Aust

-Business Ethics Commentary with BJ Novak, Peter & Vartan, and Sergio & Alan

-Employee Transfer Commentary with Dave Rogers, Anthony Farrell, Veda Semarne, Chuck Canzoneri, Kyle Alexander, and Phil Shea

-Customer Survey Commentary with Stephen Merchant, Paul Lieberstein and Mindy Kaling

-Moroccan Christmas Commentary with Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey, and Brian Baumgartner

-The Duel Commentary with Rainn Wilson, Rusty Mahmood, Jennifer Celotta, and Dean Holland

-Dream Team Commentary with BJ Novak, Aaron Shure, Charlie Grandy, and Matt Sohn

-Michael Scott Paper Company Commentary with Jenna Fischer, Gene Stupnitsky, Lee Eisenberg, and Justin Spitzer

-Casual Friday Commentary with Creed Bratton, Mindy Kaling, Ellie Kemper, Brent Forrester, and Claire Scanlon

-Company Picnic Commentary with Paul Lieberstein, Ken Kwapis and Jennifer Cellota

Other stuff:

-Gag Reel
-Deleted Scenes on each disc
-Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences Presents The Office
-Superbowl Ads
-Olympic Promos
-Webisodes

Please help support the podcast by pre-ordering the DVD set through our Amazon link (located to your right), or by clicking HERE.

Directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty) from an original screenplay by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida, this funny and heartfelt film follows the journey of an expectant couple...  Directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty) from an original screenplay by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida, this funny and heartfelt film follows the journey of an expectant couple (John Krasinski [The Office] and Maya Rudolph [Saturday Night Live), as they travel the U.S. in search of the perfect place to put down roots and raise their family. Along the way, they have misadventures and find fresh connections with an assortment of relatives and old friends who just might help them discover home on their own terms for the first time. The movie features the music of Alexi Murdoch.

So far, reviews have been mixed yet decidedly positive-- it’s currently sitting at 65% "Fresh" on the RottenTomatoes page, and at a slightly more worrying 57% on Metacritic.

Critical icon Roger Ebert gave the film 3.5/4 stars in his Sun-Times review today, calling it:

"...a film for nice people to see. Nice people also go to âTerminator Salvation,â but it doesnât make them any nicer. âAway We Goâ opened last week in New York and Los Angeles, and now rolls out after lukewarm reviews accusing Verona and Burt of being smug, superior and condescending. These are not sins if you have something to be smug about and much reason to condescend [...] If their characters find they are superior to many people, well, maybe they are. âThis movie does not like you,â sniffs Tony Scott of the New York Times. Perhaps with good reason."

They did it, in which two main characters have sex, particularly if their sexual tension was deemed part of the show’s appeal. (Ex: Who’s The Boss? or I Dream of Jeannie)

But I think many people agree that the writers managed to keep the show afloat despite having JAM officially hook up.  CAN they do it again with this pregnancy plot?  Do you actually look forward to a Mini-Halpert on the show? How do you think this will play out? Will they dare pull a "miscarriage" plot of some sort?

Give us your opinions below and we’ll definitely reference them in  TWSS #72!

SEASON FINALE - THE SCRANTON OFFICE REPRESENTS AT THE COMPANY PICNIC - OSCAR NOMINEE AMY RYAN ("Gone Baby Gone") AND IDRIS ELBA ("The Wire") GUEST STAR - It’s the annual Dunder Mifflin company picnic and Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) and Holly (guest star Amy Ryan) are reunited, and Michael has some big plans for her. Meanwhile, the office competes in the picnic’s volleyball tournament. Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton, Paul Lieberstein and B.J. Novak also star.

Well, here were are once again for yet another season finale.  What a long, strange trip season five has been-- it feels like we’ve had about 4-5 "mini-arcs" worth of plot twists this year, and hopefully most of them will come together in COMPANY PICNIC.  The MSPC plotline really made me forget about Holly, so will the magic still be there tonight?  Will Charles Miner finally receive that karmic payback we never got during BROKE? Are they going to be able to tell a satisfying season finale story in a meager 21 minutes?

As always, leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the episode airs.

*BONUS FUN FACT: Did you know that some people believe the word "picnic" has a racist etymology, and have actually protested its use? Check out the entry at Snopes.com (it’s not true) for the straight dope!

MICHAEL BRINGS COFFEE AND DANCING TO THE OFFICE - Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) gets into the cafÃ/disco scene. Meanwhile, Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Jim (John Krasinski) decide to take a secret trip. Rainn Wilson, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton, Paul Lieberstein and B.J. Novak also star.

As I mentioned in the last podcast, I can’t think of a dumber sounding plot than Michael bringing coffee and "disco" to the office.  Still, from the humblest acorns, mighty oaks grow. Hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised.  As for the "B" plot-- a huge thanks to NBC for spoiling that for me during LAW & ORDER last night.  Idiots. Of course, it COULD just be a fake-out, but either way, I feel extremely annoyed. Sigh.

As always, leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the episode airs.

NBC has Tina Fey-style plans for "The Office’s" Mindy Kaling, signing the multihyphenate to an overall deal with the Peacock and Universal Media Studios.

Under terms of the two-year, seven-figure deal, Kaling will continue to write for and appear on "The Office" next season while simultaneously developing a comedy in which she would also star.

"This is my first step in a Transformers-style way to take over the whole world," Kaling quipped. "I’ve only ever worked for NBC, and I’ve felt an enormous amount of support from the executives there."

Much like "30 Rock" star-exec producer Fey, Kaling is known for both her writing and acting skills. Behind the scenes, Kaling is a co-exec producer on "The Office," having written notable episodes including "The Dundies," "Diwali" and this season’s "Golden Ticket."

On camera, Kaling stars as Kelly Kapoor, the chatty customer service representative at paper company Dunder Mifflin.

NBC primetime entertainment prexy Angela Bromstad called Kaling "a rare and unique talent."

"Her comic sensibility is perfect for what we stand for in NBC comedy," Bromstad said.

Kaling, who notes that her time at "The Office" has been akin to going through "the Greg Daniels Graduate School of Writing," said her tastes now skew in the single-camera comedy direction -- but that she isn’t opposed to writing a multicamera laffer.

In kicking around different development ideas, Kaling said she’s drawn to workplace comedies but is also interested in buddy shows in the vein of "Flight of the Conchords."

"I’ve always wanted to do another show about women," said Kaling, whose past credits include writing the WB pilot "Mindy and Brenda," along with Brenda Withers, for Carsey-Werner and Steve Martin. That project was about two female best friends straight out of college.

Kaling has been with "The Office" since the show’s launch. As an actress, she has appeared as Richard Lewis’ assistant in "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and on film in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Unaccompanied Minors" and "License to Wed."

Kaling is repped by UTA and 3 Arts.

MICHAEL IS TORN BETWEEN HIS TWO SALES GROUPS - Michael has to mediate a dispute within his new sales team. Meanwhile, trouble brews in the office when several employees take the term "casual" Fridays too loosely. Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton, B.J. Novak and Paul Lieberstein also star.

As mentioned in yesterday’s podcast, I can’t help but think these last few episodes might be a bit of a let down after the thrilling rollercoaster ride that was the Michael Scott Paper Company plotline.  Can an episode about dressing too casually on a Friday REALLY stand up to our newly reborn expectations of excellence?  I will be hoping for the best, but writer Anthony Q. Farrell (who has written only one other episode, "Employee Transfer," and a few of the "Kevin’s Loan" webisodes) has a LOT to live up to.

"Lights Out" centers on Patrick "Lights Out" Leary (McCallany), an aging former heavyweight boxing champion who struggles to find his identity and support his wife (Hardin), a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, and three daughters after his fighting days are over.

That leads him to take a job as a legbreaker, collecting on unpaid gambling debts. He is diagnosed with pugilistic dementia (a neurological disorder that affects boxers who receive multiple blows to the head), so he decides he’ll need to make another big payday to support himself and his family before his brain turns to jelly.

Dream Team

The Michael Scott Paper Company

MICHAEL TAKES GOOFING OFF TO A NEW LEVEL - IDRIS ELBA ("The Wire") GUEST STARS - Michael’s (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) relationship with the new vice president (guest star Idris Elba) becomes increasingly tense, as Michael finds an excuse to goof off even more than usual. Meanwhile, Pam (Jenna Fischer) faces the challenge of a new copier and Kelly (Mindy Kaling) develops a crush. Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Craig Robinson, Creed Bratton and Paul Lieberstein also star.

Well, LOTS of questions to be answered in tonight’s episode-- what will Michael do now? How the reign of Charles Miner be overturned? What, exactly, will happen to all of those figs?  Can’t wait to see how this all plays out.

As always, leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the episode airs.

There was big controversy in some fan forums this week as some suggested that Michael Scott didn’t really "quit" in last week’s episode, "New Boss." Instead, they surmised that he said "I acquit."  Matt and I discussed this on TWSS Podcast Episode #66 and indicated that we didn’t think it was "acquit" and that moreover if that really was what Michael said it might be a "jump the shark" moment.

I’m pleased to report that The Office’s cutest cast blogger has settled the controversy. Jenna Fischer writes in her MySpace blog:

Jenna there is crazy Controversy if Micheal said "I quit" or "I acquit".  Look at any message board, it’s crazy.  Can you please set the record straight? â Erock from Fenton, MO

He said âI quitâ.  And he meant it.  You will see how it all plays out this week on the show.

I’m sure we’ll all the info we need on tonight’s episode. But for those who really want to know, we can thank Jenna for being plugged into the concerns of the fans.

Also, with Brian Baumgartner and Melora Hardin joining Twitter in recent weeks, I predict Jenna Fischer will be Twittering by April 15th.

Michael has big plans for his 15th anniversary party at Dunder Mifflin, but is in for a shock when the new, no-nonsense Vice President (THE WIRE’s Idris Elba) has some ideas of his own. Meanwhile, Jim’s prank on Dwight has some unexpected results.

----------

Well, we’ve been asking for it for months, and the time has finally come-- Michael has a new boss (if only for 6 episodes). Gotta say, the "wacky Michael must deal with a straight-laced superior" vibe seems like the same old thing we’ve had since season one.  I’m hoping that the writers will surprise me and use this new character to pump some life into the tired dynamic.  Despite what I said on the last podcast, this episode was written by the classic team of Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky and is being directed by Mr. Freaks & Geeks himself, Paul Feig. With that combination, I’m hoping this episode can bring a smile to Thursday Matt’s tired, bitter face.

As always, leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the episode airs.

As mentioned in TWSS #64, a new video is available that may be of interest to fans of The Office. In fact, it marks a major milestone in the popularity of the show. The Office is now the basis of a parody porno video.

Adult movie reviews won’t be a regular feature on TWSS but for Office fans with a liberal views on such things, The Office: an XXX Parody from New Sensations may be a turn on. Written and directed by Lee Roy Myers, the 2.5 hour hardcore feature includes thinly veiled characatures of our Dunder Mifflin favorites in an office setting with which we are familiar. Instead of Michael Scott, the "World’s Bust Boss" is Michelle Scott (star Ashlynn Brooke). The receptionist is named "Sam" and a salesman is named "Dwyane." Are you seeing a pattern?  Of course, Kevin is still Kevin and Jim is Jimmy, so the renaming thing only goes so far. And, unfortunately, there’s no Stanley, Andy, Phyllis, Creed, or warehouse characters.  In this video Oscar is straight, which might be a plus or a minus depending on your tastes.

The film features a mix of humor with adult-oriented parody moments about The Office, including a hilarious and completely non-sexual scene between the faux Jim and faux Dwight. But much of the subject matter does quickly migrate into XXX territory. For example, Michelle calls everyone to the conference room for a hands-on sexual harassment seminar that features a stripper with very loose morals.

As for the adult content I wouldn’t call myself an expert in this genre but I am thinking this isn’t exactly hall of fame material. Probably the best mix of humor and titillation is provided in a scene where the faux Toby finally gets to "stick it to the boss," along with a faux Holly. And, of course, there are several versions of "that’s what she said" in the video.

The DVD features menus and packaging very reminiscent of NBC’s version, and there are bloopers and interviews along with an iPod-compatible version of the movie on the second disc. But, really, are DVD extras going to make a difference? Either you’ve decided you have to see this, or you’re shaking your head in disgust.

Trailer, photos, and more info - not safe for work

MICHAEL’S ’GOLDEN TICKET’ IDEA CAUSES QUITE A STIR - Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) causes a huge problem in the office when he comes up with the idea to put "golden tickets" into packages of paper for clients to redeem for discounts. Andy (Ed Helms), Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) give Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) differing advice on wooing a woman. Rainn Wilson, Leslie David Baker, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton and Paul Lieberstein also star.

------------------------

As always, leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS CHATROOM during and after the episode.

Also, NBC posted some all-new cast photos from season five. Check them out HERE.

After seeing Rainn Wilson’s profile raised considerably by his popular Twitter account, Mindy Kaling (not Kelly fierce) is finally on Twitter.   The service allows big stars or actually anyone to send short but important messages.

Among Kaling’s first posts: I am looking for hot, but practical underwear. The kind you reach for instinctively but also won’t make my boyfriend throw up. Suggestions?

Yes, that’s the kind of urgent and important information to be found on Twitter. Of course, you can follow Matt and myself if you so choose.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR...SORT OF - It’s Valentine’s Day at the office. Michael (Steve Carell) meets a mysterious woman at a Valentine’s blood drive. Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) pair up with single women at the office "Lonely Hearts Party." Meanwhile Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) are banished from the office for being too publicly affectionate, and have an awkward lunch with Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) and Bob (Robert Ray Shafer). Leslie David Baker, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Paul Lieberstein and Creed Bratton also star.

Ah, who DOESN’T love a good Valentine’s Day story in March? Bizarre scheduling aside, I’m looking forward to tonight’s episode as it seems rife with comedic possibilities (plus, this will be my first official episode of The Office on my new HDTV).

As always, post your comments below, and join us in the NEW and IMPROVED TWSS Chatroom after the show.

Mindy Kaling (Kelly Kapoor on The Office) participated in an online chat with OfficeTally yesterday. Here are some of the more interesting details.

Lecture Circuit was originally envisioned as a regular one-part episode. When the first cut of the episode came in at 42 minutes, meaning it would be extremely difficult to cut down to 21 minutes for airing. Greg Daniels then went to the network to see about turning this into a two-part episode, and the network agreed.  As an outcome of the episode expansion, the Andy and Angela storylines were hastily added and shot the next week. All of which basically reinforces the observations on the last podcast that these two storylines seem shoehorned in. They were. Literally.

A reader asked about the twitter.com/iamkellyfiece account, assumed to be written by Kaling herself. However, Kaling noted that the posts are being written by two writers assistants. Kaling said she would reconsider twittering in the future.

Kaling confirmed we’ll see more of Jan Levenson (Melora Hardin) in future episodes, and in a bombshell moment confirmed that Amy Ryan will return as Holly Flax! She wasn’t sure for how many episodes, but noted she will appear in at least one this season. One wonders if the key part of that statement is "this season," leaving Holly fans everywhere thinking that more appearances next season are a possibility. I guess we’ll see.

Lastly, Kaling mentioned that she loved Ed Helms’ 1-2-3-4 song from Lecture Circuit like I did.  You can view the entire transcript at:

LECTURE CIRCUIT (Part 2) | 02.12.09 | 9/8c PT | TV-PG L

TOUR OF THE BRANCHES (PART TWO) - Michael (Steve Carell) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) continue their tour of the branches with Michael taking a lesson from their visit to Utica. Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Jim (John Krasinski) struggle to fulfill their new party planning duties with a grumpy staff. Angela’s (Angela Kinsey) new cat causes a stir. Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Creed Bratton and Paul Lieberstein also star.

Hm.  Huge Holly fan that I am, I was initially thrilled by the cliffhanger ending last week.  Unfortunately, I am starting to think that the writers are going to pull something-- some "lesson" about how Holly left and won’t be there or something along those lines-- that is going to leave me an unhappy camper.  I dearly hope I am wrong, but since we haven’t gotten any leaks or announcements about Amy Ryan coming back to the show (think about how long in advance we knew that Karen would be back) I am fearing the worst.  Still, I enjoyed the "Jwight" dynamic last week immensely, and even if Holly is gone I hope those two knuckleheads will keep the smile on my face.

As always, join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during/after the show, and post your comments below.

For those wondering if B.J. Novak’s absence from The Office of late will be worth it, you now have an opportunity to view the teaser trailer for Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds. The WWII film tells the story of a group of eight Jewish soldiers, including Novak’s character, who cross enemy lines and basically kick Nazi butt. Brad Pitt stars as the leader of the group and Novak appears briefly in the trailer sporting a period haircut.

The film will be released on August 21, 2009

We know some of you have enjoyed Twitter updates from Matt Sommer and myself. It’s a great way to keep up to date with the recording schedule or anything going on in our personal lives. NBC has a Twitter feed for The Office as well and now Dwight Schrute himself, Rainn Wilson is on Twitter too.

Wilson started Twittering in the last week and among his posts he pimped his appearance on Jay Leno. And when you’re a big celebrity like Wilson you get followers like crazy; in less than a week over 3000 people are following him. Who knows what Wilson will have to say next, but as he posted this week it is our duty "obey!"  Sir, yes, sir.

STRESSED OUT IN THE OFFICE - SPECIAL ONE HOUR POST SUPERBOWL EPISODE FEATURING GUEST STARS JACK BLACK ("SCHOOL OF ROCK"), JESSICA ALBA ("FANTASTIC FOUR") AND CLORIS LEACHMAN ("MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE") - After Dwight’s (Rainn Wilson) fire safety seminar goes awry, he must make amends to the stressed-out office. Michael (Steve Carell) tries a number of ways to get his employees to relax before discovering that he is the number one stressor at work. So that people won’t feel afraid of him, he insists on a no-holds-barred roast of himself. Also, while watching a pirated movie, Andy (Ed Helms) is convinced that Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) are film gurus. Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton, Craig Robinson, Paul Lieberstein and Melora Hardin also star.

Well, here we are, ready for the big super-show tonight. Lots of questions remain: will the "guest stars" fit into the show? Will the the episode be extra "wacky" to try and appeal to this massive mainstream audience that will theoretically be sticking around to watch? Will Michael’s roast be as predictable as it sounds (Michael throws the roast, no one wants to insult him, he insists, they insult him, he feels bad, everyone has to cheer him up, etc.), or will the writers surprise me as they have done many times in the past? Here’s hoping for the best.

Oh, and if you’re not busy before the episode, there’s apparently some football game or something going on.

FAMILY BUSINESS -- Michael and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) go undercover to do a bit of industrial espionage on a paper company competitor. Meanwhile, the rest of the office holds a debate to settle the question: is Hilary Swank hot? John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Phyllis Smith, Angela Kinsey, Ed Helms, Kate Flannery, Brian Baumgartner, Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson also star.

I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, so to speak, but this episode description doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence. The infiltration plot sounds like BRANCH WARS (will Michael and Dwight bust out the mustaches again?), and really, an entire subplot talking about Hillary Swank?  OK, Office crew, I’m trusting you to deliver a good episode despite the somewhat iffy plot summary.

This much we know: NBC’s new and as-yet-untitled comedy starring Saturday Night Live alumna Amy Poehler as the chairwoman of the Department of Parks and Recreation in a small Indiana town is not a spin-off of The Office â even though that is what Office exec producer Greg Daniels originally was asked by the network to explore.

According to the article, the show will use essentially the same "mockumentary" format used on THE OFFICE and will share much the same comic sensibility (Poehler’s Leslie Knope is also a clueless boss with an exasperated staff). Thankfully, the two shows will never interact with one another:

"Actually, theoretically, we can’t," Michael Schur, an exec producer on the new show, tells TVGuide.com, "because Rashida Jones is playing a different human being â unless [the new show’s] Ann Logan and Karen Fillipelli are identical twins who don’t know the other one exists." Are the new show’s bosses at all bummed that these worlds can never collide? "The network might be more disappointed than I am," Daniels tells us, adding, "I’ve never been a huge fan of those kinds of stunts."

The article also confirms that Rashida Jones will reappear on THE OFFICE in an episode airing some time after February 1st. Poehler’s new show is set to debut on April 9th.

Will there ever be a TRUE spinoff to the show? Greg Daniels had this to say to the folks over at EW:

"It’s not possible, physically, for me to be involved in it right this second, but I’m talking to people over at The Office about another idea, and [The Office’s British creator] Stephen Merchant came back and directed an episode of The Office so were were talking about the idea," Daniels told critics at NBC’s annual Television Critics Tour on Thursday. "It’s possible that some combination of other Office people could produce it without my giving blood for it."

"She will come back," says Daniels. "We haven’t written it yet, but we’re discussing her coming back for the season finale. We’re hoping she’ll be available."

Daniels went on to say that he’s "very open" to working out a more permanent Office arrangement with Ryan. "Because [Michael and Holly] have such a deep connection, I don’t think she can blow in and out every so often," he explains. "It would be too hard for him as a human being. So, we’re hoping to find some very significant things for them. And if we can get her to sign on for a really long period, we’ll do it."

While this is good news, and I am all about Holly returning, IS this truly a confirmation of anything? They WANT Amy Ryan to return, and they’re TALKING about it, but nothing has been officially decided.  I’ll exude more geek-joy when something is down on paper.

For Hollywood funnyman Steve Carell, who spends his summers in Marshfield, the Marshfield Hills General Store was an opportunity too good to pass up.

"This is much more of an emotional investment than a business one," Carell said of his recent purchase of the store.

"I saw an opportunity to help to preserve a little piece of history," Carell said in an e-mail. "I also felt that places like the Marshfield Hills General Store represent a gathering place, and give people a sense of community. These spots are growing more and more scarce. I hope to keep this particular one alive and well."

Carell learned the store was up for sale in October, when his sister-in-law Tish Vivado went to California to visit Carell and her sister, actress Nancy Walls. According to Vivado, who lives in Marshfield, Carell had always been interested in being part of the community. Carell purchased the store in November and the ownership changed hands on New Year’s Day.

The store now is being run by Vivado and staff of four people. But they could get some high-profile help in the summer, when Carell plans to take an active role in the day-to-day activities.

"I will be manning the cash register, and stocking the shelves as time permits!" wrote Carell, a Massachusetts native. "For the time being, however, I am looking to give the building a bit of TLC."

A FIGHT TO THE FINISH - The office is on eggshells because Andy (Ed Helms) still hasn’t found out about fiancee Angela’s (Angela Kinsey) affair with Dwight (Rainn Wilson). When Michael spills the beans, Dwight and Andy take matters into their own hands. Meanwhile, Michael is nervous about being called down to corporate for a meeting with Wallace (Andy Buckley). John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton and Paul Lieberstein also star.

Well, Kevin and I both said we didn’t want to see this drag out all season, so I am very excited to see this resolved so quickly and can’t wait to see how they pull this off without Andy getting himself sent back to anger management.

As always, leave your comments below and join Kevin and me in the TWSS chat room after the show.

A CHRISTMAS PARTY IN MOROCCO - Phyllis’ (Phyllis Smith) Moroccan-themed holiday party goes up in flames when Meredith’s (Kate Flannery) hair catches on fire and Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) is forced to deal with the accident. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) corners the market on the hottest toy of the Christmas season. John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey, Leslie David Baker, Ed Helms, Mindy Kaling, Oscar Nunez, Brian Baumgartner, Creed Bratton, Paul Lieberstein and Craig Robinson also star.

Well, the Christmas episodes of The Office have always set the bar incredibly high... I hope this year’s episode can live up to that legacy! Kind of sad/funny to think about how we never did get one last season.

As always, leave your comments below and join Kevin and me in the TWSS chat room after the show.

SURPLUS SPENDING AT THE OFFICE - Oscar (Oscar Nunez) informs Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) that the office must spend a $4300 surplus or lose it in next year’s budget. When Michael opens up the floor for suggestions, factions break out and officemates square off against one another in order to get what they want. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) takes Angela (Angela Kinsey) and Andy (Ed Helms) to Schrute Farms to work on their wedding plans. John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Phyllis Smith, Creed Bratton and Paul Lieberstein also star.

--------------------------

Post your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS chatroom after the episode.

It’s about four minutes longer than the original cut, and as I thought they (for the most part) simply wove the footage from the already aired deleted scenes back into the episode.  There were a few new bits (Angela’s wedding dress, Phyllis talking about her house, etc.), but most of them weren’t too essential.

Kevin might be happy, as this new cut definitely fleshed out the microwave plotline-- the escalating notes definitely rang true to me (and the "I’ll knock your teeth out" line will be worthy of speculation). A big "boo" to Hulu for blacking out the penises on the notes, though--took a bit of humor out of that deleted scene.

I honestly think this cut DOES make FRAME TOBY a better episode than the original cut, although that might be faint praise for some.  What did you guys think? Did this change your mind at all, or was it just more of the same?

Step 1 - Through iTunes, upgrade software to 2.2 (free update from 2.1)

Step 2 - Go to iTunes app on device. Search or browse to the podcast that turns you on the most (That’s What She Said!)

Step 3 - View the show page for the podcast. Press the "Free" button next to any episode you want to download. Confirm the selection by pressing the Download button.

Step 4 - Watch the download progress. File downloads are limited to 10 MB over cellular networks, so most episodes of That’s What She Said will require a WiFi connection. Once the download is finished, the episode will now be available in the device’s iPod app.

Step 5 - Go to iPod app and listen to the episode. A handy "Get More Episodes" link will take you to the show page in the iTunes app where you can repeat the process.

Dirt is dished over a dirty dish: Tension boils over when a mysterious someone leaves a culinary mess in the office microwave. Meanwhile, Michael has trouble accepting that personnel changes were made without his knowledge.

--------------

FLEEEEEEENDERSOOOOOOON!

As always, leave your comments below and join Kevin and Me in the TWSS chat room after the show.

 Kevin’s been ragging on Novak this season, and I haven’t been a big fan of his cartoonish "villainy," but I don’t think either of us would like to see him leave. 

Thoughts?

CANADA BOUND - Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) is ecstatic when David Wallace (Andy Buckley) decides to send him on a business trip to Canada. Andy (Ed Helms) and Oscar (Oscar Nunez) become unlikely friends when Michael decides to bring them along on the trip. Meanwhile, Jim (John Krasinski) is counting down the days until Pam (Jenna Fischer) gets back from art school. Rainn Wilson, B.J. Novak, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith and Creed Bratton also star.

-----------------------

Andy and Oscar, huh? An unlikely pairing, especially given their obvious animosity during the whole "Finer Things Club" fiasco. Will our favorite gay accountant stop worrying and learn to love the Nard-dog? Only time will tell.

As always, leave your comments below and Join Kevin and me in the TWSS chat room after the show.

THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT - Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Jim (John Krasinski) are shocked when they get the results of the annual customer survey report. Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Jim decide they want to spend every minute together using their bluetooth phones. Meanwhile, Angela (Angela Kinsey) and Andy (Ed Helms) pick an unusual location for their wedding. Steve Carell, B.J. Novak, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez and Creed Bratton also star.

Based on the way things have been going, I’m not sure how anyone would be surprised by a POOR survey of customer satisfaction. Guess we’ll just have to see what the fuss is all about... hey, maybe they’re surprised because people actually LIKE their company?

As always, leave comments below and join Kevin and me in the TWSS chat room after the show.

Someone jokingly brought this up in the chatroom last night, but it turns out that YES, NBC is indeed selling those MUGS at the NBCU store as of today.  You can buy them separately for $12 each, or get all 10 for $90.  If you order before next Monday, you can get 15% off your order using the code OFFICEFAN.

LOVE ALWAYS GETS IN THE WAY - OSCAR NOMINEE AMY RYAN ("GONE BABY GONE") GUEST STARS - Pam (Jenna Fischer) is embarrassed when she is the only person at corporate wearing a costume on Halloween. Holly (guest star Amy Ryan) and Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) take the long trip to Nashua after they get some shocking news from corporate. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) torments Andy (Ed Helms) and tries to get under his skin. John Krasinski, B.J. Novak, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson also star.

Lots of stuff going on here-- are we saying our final farewell to dear Holly Flax? Another Halloween episode, which is a plus. Pam in corporate... more than 30 seconds of air this week?

Leave your comments below, and don’t forget to join us in the TWSS chat room after the show.

In other words, we still don’t know much more than we did five months ago. As I’ve said before, I’m not a huge Poehler fan and still resent the fact that Schur and Daniels are being taken away from The Office in order to produce this new show. Still, I guess we’ll see sometime next spring whether it was worth it.  And hey, worst case scenerio the show tanks and they’ll be back writing The Office in season six :)

BTW, click on THIS LINK for several pictures of the writing/producing staff taken at the event.

DUNDER MIFFLIN FIGHTS CRIME - OSCAR NOMINEE AMY RYAN ("GONE BABY GONE") GUEST STARS - Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) helps Pam (Jenna Fischer) get a part time job at corporate so she can afford to go to art school. Michael and Holly (guest star Amy Ryan) get an early start at the office on their date night. After the office gets robbed, Michael decides to hold an auction to raise money for all the items lost. Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, B.J. Novak, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson also star.

As always, leave your comments below and join Kevin & me in the TWSS chat room during and after the episode.

For the first time, we see what happens over eight weeks of the summer, as a Dunder Mifflin weight loss initiative causes the branch to diet and become obsessed with their weight. Michael (Steve Carell) pursues a friendship with his new HR rep, Holly (Oscar nominee Amy Ryan). Jim (John Krasinski) misses Pam (Jenna Fischer) who attends art school in New York. Dwight (Rainn Wilson), Andy (Ed Helms) and Angela (Angela Kinsey) attend to unfinished business. B.J. Novak, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Oscar NuÃez, Brian Baumgartner, Leslie David Baker, Phyllis Smith, Creed Bratton and Craig Robinson also star.

As I mentioned in episode #48, I will be unable to view the premiere "live" tonight as I am forced to attend my school’s "open house" night. Don’t let that stop you from joining the "chatroom" to discuss the episode with other TWSS fans.  Kevin should be around for the west coast showing.

Man, I can’t believe it’s finally here.

EDIT:

Almost forgot -- NBC is helping to arrange various "premiere parties" for the show tonight in a number of cities across the US.  Check this THREAD to see if anything is going on in your area.

EDIT 2:

Click HERE for a large downloadable copy of Pam’s ASCII portrait of Dwight (warning-- link is to a PDF file).

Also, go HERE to see Andy & Angela’s wedding website.

George Clooneyâs Leatherheads is at once a throwback sports movie about the early days of professional football but also a throwback to the eraâs screwball comedies. Clooney directed the movie written by Duncan Brantley and Rick Reilly, and also stars alongside Renee Zellweger. The Officeâs John Krasinski stretches his acting chops with an effective performance in a tricky role.

Leatherheads tells of the story of Dodge Connolly (Clooney), an aging football hero in the days when âprofessionalâ football was closer to rugby or even organized street fighting. But Connolly sees a way to save his sport by attempting to recruit handsome, glamorous college football star Carter Rutherford (Krasinski). Meanwhile, Lexie Littleton is a star newspaper reporter sent to dig up dirt on Rutherford who is a war hero and product pitchman in addition to the star of the Princeton gridiron.

For the first two acts, Clooney deftly directs a tale that respects and celebrates the subject matter and the type of filmmaking present in those days of yore. He has several effective scenes of snappy dialogue with Zellweger who is brilliant at playing the smart and sexy reporter. Clooney is underrated as a physical comedian and plays many scenes for laughs in the early part of the film that will keep you laughing and smiling throughout.

During the last act, the film takes a distinct dramatic turn as the story heads towards its climax. Will Rutherfordâs slimy agent (Jonathan Pryce) find a way to keep him in the spotlight or will his secret ruin his career? There is true dramatic tension and while it is distinct in tone it is not lacking in effectiveness or in pleasure for the audience. Additionally, as a sports movie the climax provides a true twist unlike any Iâve ever seen in the genre. The twist is among the many well-crafted aspects of this movie that is great fun.

Office fans should take note that Krasinski isnât phoning in the performance as Jim Halpert circa 1925. Instead, Krasinski plays the role with equal parts likable all-star and haunted melancholy. Heâs extremely effective in a trio that involves two Oscar winners, and his role is the most nuanced and well rounded in the film. Krasinski proves he has the acting chops to form a healthy career.

The DVD extras are interesting but Office fans should not feature very little Krasinski material.

   - Deleted Scenes
   - Footballâs Beginnings â an inside look at the making of the film with brief interviews with the stars
   - Visual Effects â an interesting side by side look at the scenes before and after the special effects were added to recreate football scenes from 1925
   - No Pads, No Fear â Preparation for the filmâs football scenes
   - George Clooney â A Leatherheaded Prankster
   - Feature commentary with George Clooney and Producer/Actor Grant Heslov
   â An unfortunate extra that features little of the charm and prankish fun that we usually see from Clooney.

Overall, Leatherheads is a film that is fun for men and women of all ages. Office fans should immediately head to the DVD store to pick up the film and root for their favorite salesman in a different kind of uniform.

Kevin obviously liked this movie much more than *I* did.  See my original review HERE.

If you’re a local, this isn’t a bad way to usher in the premier next week (speaking from personal experience, she is definitely worth seeing live).

The second uses much of the same footage as the first, but we DO get to see Pam’s replacement, as well as Michael Scott in a fat suit:

EDIT: listener Jorgen Petersson (a resident of Sweden) let me know that people outside the US can’t view Hulu videos. Never fear, Jorgen! Here are the links to view the trailers on YouTube:

The most disturbing thing mentioned, at least for me, was the revelation that Greg Daniels is splitting his time and Mike Schur has TOTALLY left the show in order to work full time on the "Unnamed Amy Poehler spinoff show." Schur wrote many of my favorite OFFICE episodes over the last 4 years, and the thought of him NOT being a part of the creative staff for season 5 has me more than a little pissed.  Do you see what you’ve wrought, Mr. Silverman?

FOR SHAME.

For the Comedy and Drama Emmy Awards, nominated series submit six episodes to be judged. The six episodes are divided into three pairs that are randomly distributed to voters who view two episodes from each nominated series. The Office is competing against 30 Rock, Two and a Half Men, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Entourage.

Here are the Season 4 episodes submitted for The Office:
"Local Ad"
"Dinner Party"
"Chair Model"
"Did I Stutter?"
"Goodbye, Toby (Parts 1 & 2)"

These episodes are the most emotionally charged of the entire season, especially for longtime viewers with an investment in the couples’ relationships. "Chair Model" not only features the uncomfortable humor the show is famous for, but also features the start of the "engagement storyline" that went through to the season finale, "Goobye Toby."  Of course, "Dinner Party" is another emotional and chance-taking episode that may reasonate with literate Emmy voters who see references to films like "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf." "Did I Stuffer" features tension-filled moments on par with any episode of "Law and Order."

So, will Season 4 be judged by these moments that transcent mere "comedy" but cross over to real emotional connection to the show’s characters? Or, will Emmy voters be turned off by the sight of Dwight’s Second Life avatar? We’ll find out on September 21st, when ABC broadcasts the Emmy Awards.

Learn more at The Envelope.

We have brand-new year of DMI starting Sept. 4th with new scores, new tasks, new desks and improved features!

Come back and start from scratch! All the SchruteBucks and stats from last year will be wiped and everyone starts over as of Sept. 4th, so it’s a whole new game!

Afraid of losing your profile and hard-earned desk items? Don’t be! Your profile will remain intact as will as the desk items you purchased up until now.

Branches will be open for business Thursday, Sept. 4th and will accept applications from ALL members, current and new. Everyone is guaranteed to get into the first branch they apply to. The new Regional Manager hiring period will also begin the same day.

DON’T FORGET: The SchruteBucks you’ve earned in DMI 1.0 will be revert to zero at 11:59 PM ET/8:59 PM PT, Thursday, August 28th. The DMI site will be shut down for maintenance Aug. 29-Sept. 4, but you still will be able access the DMI Forums. There are a few days remaining to spend your remaining bucks so don’t miss out!

EDIT: The Target set will apparently come with "60 minutes of bonus cast footage and a notepad." No idea what that footage will be. ($36.99)

EDIT 2: Circuit City will be offering a "Free The Office Stapler in Gelatin Mold Keychain with purchase." ($32.99)

IGN.com has posted a small interview with Melora Hardin today. Nothing much in the way of actual season information (you know the drill by now), but it’s worth a quick read.


The article ALSO links to several promo photos that NBC has released for the season five premier.

Now, I have nothing against Robinson (despite my dislike for Darryl, in general), and I am glad that he’s getting the help he needs.  But I can’t help but wonder about the ridiculous double standard that exists in the Hollywood justice system.  If you, or I, or an actual warehouse worker in Scranton, PA was found with ecstasy or meth, you can bet damn well that we wouldn’t get off with 18 months of treatment.  I hope he realizes and appreciates the breaks he has been given.

I’m a little concerned about that last part... what does that mean? Is Michael Scott going to be making an appearance on "America’s Got Talent" or something similar? Why am I suddenly feeling so nervous?

What twist are we dealing with here? Jan’s pregnancy? Something to do with Holly? The mind boggles.  Sommer does a decent job on MAD MEN, although his role so far has been pretty minor.

For those who don’t know, MAD MEN was one of last year’s hot new shows. From one of the writers of THE SOPRANOS, the series is about the life and loves of a group of advertising men (and their families) circa 1960. I missed all of the hype when it was actually airing, but AMC put all 13 episodes "on demand" last weekend, and I got a chance for a little marathon. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Not sure if I love it yet, but I’m definitely "in like," and it’s now a part of my weekly TV queue.

(You can watch the first episode of season two of MAD MEN here)

Once again, Steve Carell was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (for the episode "Goobye Toby"). The Office received a total eight nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series ("Local Ad") and Rainn Wilson for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series ("Money"), along with additional nominations for directing, writing, editing, and sound mixing.

And, it should be noted, Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski also picked up something. Big ol’ snubs! While both were in the listing of "Top 10 finalists" for their respective supporting categories, neither was in the final list (Fischer was nominated last year). And while we certainly appreciate Rainn Wilson’s work, I can’t help but wonder if Wilson’s over-the-top character is a reason why he received a nomination over Krasinski’s more subdued performance.  The fact that Emmy voters officially cast votes on a single episode from an entire season also penalizes actors who transform over a season (see also: Lost).

Outstanding Comedy Series: The Office ("Local Ad")

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series : Steve Carell ("Goodbye, Toby")

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series: Rainn Wilson ("Money")

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series: Paul Lieberstein ("Money")

Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series: Paul Feig ("Goodbye, Toby")

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series: Lee Eisenberg, Gene Stupnitsky ("Dinner Party")

Outstanding Picture Editing For A Comedy Series: Dave Rogers and Dean Holland ("Goodbye, Toby")

Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series: Ben Patrick, John W. Cook II, Peter J. Nusbaum ("Local Ad)

Talking to the AP about her SNL Emmy nomination, Poehler basically confirmed that her participation in the new show is a done deal (although she says she doesn’t know what she’ll be doing, exactly).

Our very own Kevin Crossman just spent some time in Scranton last week, so I guess the lure of the "Electric City" is still holding strong for many an Office fan.  I think I’ll be sitting this next one out, though.

Anyone planning on attending the event?

EDIT:

Go HERE to sign up.  All proceeds will be donated to the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

(206) 666-3728

Personally, I’ve never been a huge "Karen" fan (she never seemed to exist beyond being Jim’s temporary "Pam replacement" in my eyes), but what the hell. I just hope (as I’ve said before) that the spinoff simply isn’t "The Office Utica."

I’m planning to set up an Amazon.com associates account in the next few days, and I would really appreciate it if anyone interested in buying the DVD set could order through our Amazon link.  We currently don’t have any advertising or any other way to make up for the operating costs incurred in making the podcast, so if you have enjoyed what we do on TWSS, please consider ordering through the site.

EDIT: The link is on the sidebar to your right.

THE OFFICE: SEASON FOUR

ARRIVES ON DVD SEPTEMBER 2, 2008
FROM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT


The Office is back with even more inappropriate remarks, uncomfortable silences, and obnoxious behavior in the complete fourth season of the Primetime Emmy(R) Award-winning series! Steve Carell ("40 Year-Old-Virgin") is back in his Golden Globe(R)-winning role as Michael Scott, the clueless boss of the Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch who manages to create unending comical drama despite his best intentions. Trusty and loyal assistant-to-the-regional manager Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) continues to uphold the office honor as Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) find ways to meddle with him and encourage Michael’s hysterics. Plus, see "wunder kid" Ryan (B.J. Novak) in his new role at corporate as he pushes the infinite limits of Dunder Mifflin, often pushing Michael to his limits as well.

BONUS CONTENT:

    * DELETED SCENES
    * GAG REEL
    * OUTTAKES
    * COMMENTARIES WITH CAST AND CREW:
          o MONEY COMMENTARY - Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Melora Hardin, Brian Baumgartner, Paul Lieberstein, Michael Schur, and Jennifer Celotta.
          o LOCAL AD COMMENTARY - B.J. Novak, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Creed Bratton, Craig Robinson, Jason Reitman, and Anthony Ferrell.
          o THE DEPOSITION - Commentary with Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Melora Hardin, Brian Baumgartner, Ed Helms, Lee Eisenberg, Lester Lewis, and Ryan Koh.
          o DID I STUTTER? - Commentary with Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Kate Flannery, Justin Spitzer, Brent Forrester, Gene Stupnitsky, and Randall Einhorn.
    * THE OFFICE CONVENTION - Writers’ Block Panel Discussion
    * And more!

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Street Date: September 2, 2008
Price: $49.98 SRP
Running Time: 404 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen
Languages: English
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1

That makes me incredibly sad, but then again, I won’t start gnashing my teeth until we get some kind of confirmation from NBC.  I *DID* say that Toby could easily come back to the show after having found Costa Rica distasteful for some reason, so who knows.  All I can say is that I’ll really miss her character... is it too soon to make my "Team Holly" shirt? (^_-)

We still have a few hours before Kevin and I are going to record the podcast for "Goodbye, Toby," so if you’d like to leave a voicemail and have it (possibly) included on the show, go ahead and get calling.

I don’t want to have to moderate comments because it really DOES make it less interesting to not see the posts immediately.  On the other hand, I’m tired of having to scroll through the entire pasted contents of my website every 5 messages. 

Let me know what YOU guys want.  Would you rather I just leave them open?

Nice work, Gary.

EDIT:

Here’s some love for the other side.



*This is in no way an endoresment of John McCain or the Republican party in general. 

IT’S TIME TO SAY GOODBYE - SPECIAL ONE HOUR SEASON FINALE - OSCAR NOMINEE AMY RYAN ("Gone Baby Gone") GUEST STARS - It’s Toby’s (Paul Lieberstein) goodbye party at Dunder Mifflin and Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) demands a huge celebration that matches the joy in his heart. Angela (Angela Kinsey), sick of Michael’s unreasonable last minute demands, refuses, and Michael turns to Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) to take over the party planning committee. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Meredith (Kate Flannery) haze the new HR woman, Holly (Oscar Nominee Amy Ryan). John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B.J. Novak, Melora Hardin, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Oscar Nunez, Mindy Kaling, Creed Bratton, and Craig Robinson also star.

As always, leave your comments below.  Join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chat room immediately following the conclusion of the episode.  If you’d like to leave an audio comment (which might end up on the next episode of the podcast) call 206-666-FRAT and leave a voicemail.

Oh, and don’t forget that Paul Lieberstein will be doing a live blog over at NBC.com after the finale.  Hmmm... chat with us, watch the blog... decisions, decisions!

(The blog will always be there, if it helps to make your choice...)

Well, looks like I owe John McCain a can of Duff... according to BJ Novak he IS a fan of the show (or at least knows the "Dinner Party" episode). Now the only burning question is "is OBAMA a fan"?  Maybe we’ll see an OFFICE "quote-off" in November... extra bonus points to whichever candidate quotes from "Dwight’s Speech" in their inaugural...

TWSS listener Greta pointed out that the folks over at TBPP have released an uncut version of the interview which runs about 40 minutes.  I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet, but we’ll definitely share any useful information we find in the next episode of the podcast.

Jim (John Krasinski) hits the links with Andy (Ed Helms) and Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) to try and land his biggest client ever. Meanwhile, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) sets up a booth at a local job fair, which happens to be at Pam’s (Jenna Fischer) alma mater, to find "the best and the brightest" for Dunder Mifflin’s summer internship. Rainn Wilson, B.J. Novak, Leslie David Baker, Angela Kinsey, Creed Bratton, Oscar Nunez, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Paul Lieberstein, Phyllis Smith and Craig Robinson also star.

-----------

Leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS chat after the show.

TAKING ON THE BOSS - When Stanley (Leslie David Baker) snaps at Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) during a meeting, Michael tries to give Stanley an attitude adjustment. Dwight (Rainn Wilson) decides to buy Andy’s (Ed Helms) car. Meanwhile, Pam (Jenna Fischer) deals with an unexpected inconvenience after spending the night at Jim’s (John Krasinski). Brian Baumgarter, Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Paul Lieberstein, Craig Robinson and Creed Bratton also star.

As always, leave your comments below.

EDIT:

Here’s a link to a large size picture of the organizational chart. Whose name is crossed off on the accountants side? And if Devon is here, where are the other Stamford people? :)

EDIT 2:

NBC has made a PDF file of the chart available for download. Click HERE to get the PDF of Dwight’s "emergency" plan overlay.

Michael (Steve Carell) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) decide to surprise Ryan (B.J. Novak) in New York for a night of clubbing and meet his friends. Meanwhile, the Scranton branch is upset when they find out they have to come in on a Saturday for Ryan’s website project. Jim’s plan to save them has unexpected results. Brian Baumgartner, Ed Helms, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Leslie David Baker, Kate Flannery, Craig Robinson and Creed Bratton also star.

-----------------

Leave your comments below, and look for Kevin and me in the TWSS CHATROOM after the show airs (Kevin’s got the Pacific shift).

Michael’s (Steve Carell) fascination with a woman modeling a chair in an office supply catalog makes him feel things he hasn’t felt in a while. With Michael distracted, Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) and Andy (Ed Helms) team up to win back Dunder Mifflin’s stolen parking spaces, forcing them into a showdown with the bosses of the five businesses of the office park. Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Oscar Nunez, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Leslie David Baker, Melora Hardin, Kate Flannery and Creed Bratton also star.

Funny thing is, I’ve seen at least two "screwball" comedies from the 1930s in the last month and a half-- "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town," and "It Happened One Night." George Clooney’s "Leatherheads" takes a generous helping of inspiration from BOTH of these classic films, and while it gets some of the tone and trappings right, it just can’t seem to find the HEART.

John Krasinski, as many of you know, plays and "up and coming" college phenom nick-named "The Bullet." He’s an all-American guy, great football player and a war hero to boot.  He’s got endorsements up the wazoo, and a promising law career ahead of him after he graduates.  Clooney plays the sort of manager, sort of press agent, sort of "star" of a rag-tag bunch of losers collectively known as the Duluth Bulldogs.  Professional football is still a joke, and the Bulldogs succumb to low ticket sales and general disinterest.  Rather than find other work, Clooney comes up with a plan-- do whatever it takes to make sure Krasinski plays for HIS team. 

Back in Chicago, Renee Zellweger plays a "gal reporter with moxie," who, much like Jean Arthur’s character in "Mr. Deeds...," is charged with getting close to and then getting the DIRT on "The Bullet," who seems too good to be true.  Just like Claudette Colbert’s character in "It Happened...," Zellweger ALSO starts falling more and more for Clooney’s "Clark Gable-esque" rascally ways as they spend more and more time together. To make it a classic triangle, she ALSO seems to be falling for Krasinski, and he definitely seems to be falling for her-- so much so that he lets her in on a rather damning secret which may or may not end his career or damage his good name (it’s never really clear WHAT will happen as a result of this information leaking out, actually).

This is essentially where the movie lost me.  The antics showing the early days of football were mostly amusing and interesting, and if the film would have STUCK with that angle, it might have been more entertaining in the long run.  Instead, it focusses on the love triangle.  No big deal, right? Colbert had to throw off her drip of a fiance in order to be with Gable.  Surely, like Arthur’s character, Zellweger will suffer a crisis of conscience, repent of her evil, deceptive ways, beg forgiveness of the man she’s double-crossed, and ultimately come to his defense... right?  WRONG. 

Bafflingly, the movie wants to set up Krasinski as the "villain" to Clooney’s hero, but it just doesn’t work.  We LIKE "The Bullet," we know his war story wasn’t really his fault, and we never see him acting like a jerk or using his fame to manipulate people or do anything worse than take a swing at a man who has stolen his girl.  Zellweger, far from having to search her soul about what to do with the hot story, sells him out in a heartbeat... and the movie wants the audience to be on HER side when she’s then threatened with being fired.  Frank Capra would have known that for the audience to be on her side we need Krasinski to be a total douche, twisting his mustache and threatening to "ruin her" or something.  But Krasinski, as I said, is a NICE guy.  I don’t want to see him ruined, and I certainly wasn’t on the side of a woman who’d romance a secret out of a guy and use it to crucify him (the scene Clooney orchestrates to humiliate him into confessing is also rather painful).

As if that wasn’t enough, the film sends Krasinski’s character to the arch-rival Chicago Buffalos team mere days before the Bulldogs are set to play them.  I guess this was also supposed to get us to see Krasinski as a bad guy or a traitor, but it still doesn’t work: there are absolutely no stakes in the final game, I didn’t really care if the Bulldogs won or not, and I still wasn’t quite sure why Clooney-- and the audience-- was supposed to be rooting against Krasinski’s character.

In the end, The Bulldogs win, Krasinski promisses to "fess up," Clooney gets the girl, and they ride off into the sunset towards connubial bliss. 

As the credits began to roll, I realized a few things: one, that the movie was an interesting attempt to recreate a certain long-lost film style, and two, I simply couldn’t have cared less that Clooney and Zellweger got together. 

After further review, though, maybe they deserved each other after all.

Did you know that WWI (a.k.a. "the great war") ended in 1918? Given the year "Leatherheads" takes place (1925), and the fact that Carter seems to imply that he is 24 years old, he would have been all of 17 years old (maximum) when the "incident" took place. 

I got a chuckle out of some of the comments in the NYT article-- since the show was unnamed, the author asked, what names would its readers suggest for the show?

Reader Jaimie quipped: ’I think they should name it something like âCreative Oversightâ? or âGigantic Error.â?’

Damn right, Jaimie.

Can anyone REALLY see it as a good idea to split the attention of THE OFFICE’s writing staff? A good idea to take characters from one of the most beloved and talented ensembles ever assembled and shuffle some of them off to another show?  THE OFFICE is amazing BECAUSE it has such a huge cast of characters... it’s a TEAM effort, through and through. 

Sure, THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW gave birth to RHODA, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW begat MAYBERRY RFD, ALL IN THE FAMILY spawned THE JEFFERSONS (and MAUDE), and DOCTOR WHO led into TORCHWOOD.  I GET the concept.  I know it’s worked in the past, but it just makes me incredibly sad to think that one of the best shows on TV is going to screwed with in this way. 

For those people who say "But everyone said an AMERICAN remake of THE OFFICE would suck, and look how it turned out," I say "Bah."  The situations aren’t analgous in the least.  The UK show was over, the American version took the pilot idea and ran with it, quickly making the show a very distinct beast.  None of the UK cast came to America, the UK audience didn’t have to watch David Brent or Tim suddenly relocate to Scranton, PA, being replaced by some new "nobodies" (or even worse, not replaced at all).

Will I watch the new show? Of course.  Maybe I’ll even love it.  But right now, it just worries me more than anything else.

They’re both pretty amusing and charming, and John dishes about the future for Jim and Pam-- "Babies. Pam and Jim have Babies. Sextuplets."

Click the video above for a brief sample, and click on the Moviefone link at the top of the post for the entire segment.

In a new book published by Wiley-Blackwell, âThe Office and Philosophy:Scenes From The Unexamined Lifeâ?, Editor and contributor Jeremy Wisnewski has assembled an impressive team of fellow philosophers who take a good look at the popular NBC Television program, âThe Officeâ?.

Originally a BBC creation, the hugely popular show has spawned not just the multi-award winning American version, but French, German, and Canadian versions as well. Each plays to their individual cultures. This speaks volumes about the depth and insight of The Office.

According to the editor, Professor J. Jeremy Wisnewski, âThis show is hilarious, but it has something to say. Our book was written by fans for fans â every day folks who appreciate the show and who are a little more like Michael Scott than Socrates. We grouped the sections like office memos; each one reveals something new about The Office. It raises issues and lets us enjoy ourselves at the same time.â?

Readers will identify with the topics the book raises in chapters such as âLaughter Between Distraction and Awakening: Marxist Themes in The Office,â? and âAttacking with the North: Affirmative Action and The Office.â? The authors cite the perception of class and race differences in the office environment, as well as the differences between the British and American versions of the program. The Office and Philosophy examines the close and personal connection that viewers feel towards a fictional interpretation of a collective and common reality.

The book works to further break down the â4th wallâ? of the showâs audience. The author contemplates why viewers are fascinated by a world where it is acceptable to make outrageous statements and voice beliefs not normally appropriate in a workplace. âThe program offers insight into social expectations and plays with the boundaries of behavior and social mores.â? [VF1]

The manner in which the characters resolve and cope with these remarkable circumstances allow the audience to identify with how they may be able to resolve their own issues. The book delves into the process of self-discovery and self-deception. âWe can see bit of ourselves in each characterâ?, says Wisnewski. âWeâre the analyst and the analyzed at the same time.â?

Political correctness, sexual harassment, business ethics, office flirtation, and humiliation are hot button points that show up in this snapshot of life. Even as it captures something of the human condition, The Office put the âfunâ in dysfunctional. âThis is philosophy that is meant to introduce you to, and help you understand, issues in a way that is as enjoyable as the show itself.â?

There was a lot of talk about Rashida Jones potentially returning to  The Office this season, but then her Fox pilot was picked up and next  thing you know Jim Halpert is driving home from NYC looking for  dinner with Pam.

Unhitched recently debuted, and is also available on iTunes. I had a  chance to sample the first episode last week when it was free on  iTunes. Rashida Jones must have landed a winner if she was willing to  leave a plum role on The Office, right? Wrong. Unhitched is awful.

As if the phallic promo photo wasn’t bad enough, the show was boring,  trying-too-hard- but-not-hard-enough-to-be edgy, and most of all not  funny. Check it out on Fox... while it lasts.

Matt says:

I’ve seen the majority of the first two episodes, and I have to agree with Kevin for the most part.  The show desperately wants to be the new "Seinfeld" (and Fox’s ads for the show certainly go out of their way to make the same connection), but so far it seems more on par with the "made for cable" sitcoms currently airing on TBS. 

Did I laugh at the "shrimp/angel wing/skin tag" plotline from this past week’s episode?  Not really... it certainly WAS rather disturbing (which makes sense, seeing as the show is a product of the Farrelly brothers).  All told, though, I actually sort of liked the "B" story of the mild-mannered doctor friend "Freddy" (played by Shaun Majumder). As for Jones’ story... pretty forgettable.

Have you ever seen the first NEW episode of FAMILY GUY after it returned from cancellation? The one where Peter reads off a list of about 50 cancelled Fox TV shows?  I have a feeling UNHITCHED will be joining that list sometime soon.  I predict a big return for Karen in season five.

Because of all the new spam lately, I have turned off unmoderated comments.  If you leave a comment, I will have to approve it in order for it to show up.  Hopefully we can figure out what is going on and get back to normal soon.

EDIT:

The AP posted a brief comment from Rainn Wilson today, regarding the end of the strike:

Rainn Wilson, a Writers Guild member and co-star of "The Office," said he was hearing that everyone on the show will report back on March 10 to shoot six more episodes.

Early on, the strike was a hiatus from the daily grind for some. By Tuesday night’s overwhelming vote to end the walkout, it was clear they were eager to get back to work.

"The break has been long enough," Wilson said. "Everyone slyly around December was like, ’Actually, this is kind of cool.’ Then it was January, February, you know, so we’re ready to get back."