"The Office" is having some problems

I haven't liked most of the current season, which just aired its fourth

Dr Zoidberg...

So have I.

karl...

After missing the premiere, I've liked it well enough, It's a bit
surprising as I found the Pam/Jim interactions 75% of the enjoyment of the
show last season. Given that they've taken that out but I still enjoy it
indicates that - for me at least - they've really improved the rest of the
show.

Speaking of which, I really like Dwight's coup d'etat attempt. Seeing the
power go to his head was hilarious, and Angela's reaction was priceless.
Hooking those two up works on so many levels. Seeing Dwight strung up like a
WW2 Nazi Sympathizer was priceless.

Other pluses to the season so far:

-Giving a reason why Michael wasn't fired long ago: Sometimes he makes the
big score like at the convention.

-Moving Jim to another 'normal' office and then showing that it is just as
dysfunctional as Scranton but just in a different way. They could have
really screwed up the Pam/Jim climax of last season but so far it's still
working.

-Movie Day in Scranton and office combat in Stamford really cracked me up.

Overall they have done a wonderful job of smoothing over the rough spots of
Michael's character and the staff's reactions to it.

My Prediction:

Thanks to Michael's big sales score at the convention the Stamford office
will be closed and merged with Scranton, bringing Jim and his new office
love interest into the Scranton family. Look for fireworks as Pam and the
new girl compete for Jim.

Rob Jensen...

I think your prediction is on the mark (and loved your analysis that
the Stamford office is just as screwed up as Scranton but in a
different way -- great observation), I just wish they'd go and do it
already. The Scranton Office really needs Jim back to keep Michael
(and especially) Dwight in line -- in terms of performance, even.
Wilson has nothing to balance out his over-the-topness without
Krasinski there to underplay every reaction (and steal the scene)
behind his back.

-- Rob

theresa...

Given the theme of the season premiere, I found it odd that
didn't come up...

show. The last ep (Grief Counseling) wasn't funny at all and the one

Tony Calguire...

You've gotta be kidding... His "capa" was "de-tated"! Laugh out loud
funny.

before it (The Coup) had Dwight doing something out of character.

mister-hand...

Grief Counseling was funny. It was worth it just to have Dwight
describe Ed Truck's statue:

"We could have his eyes light up and his arms move."

"That is not a statue, that is a robot. How big do you want it?"

"Make it life-sized."

"No, best make it 2/3's. Easier to stop it if it turns on us."

People might jump and say it's because Jim has moved to a new office.
But I think it's the writing. And Jim's new coworkers aren't nearly as
interesting as the old ones.

SoHillsGuy...

This past episode is a classic case of the parts outweighing the whole.
There were a lot of very funny lines and moments, though the overall
plot was a bit thin.

Don't worry. You can bet Jim won't be left hanging in Stamford for
long.