What I'm Watching: The Office

The Office: Season 4, Episode 2 "Dunder Mifflin Infinity" (A-)

There is almost too much great material here to write about. Why NBC does not extend this show to a one-hour block each week and just scrap "My Name is Earl" is a mystery to me. The Must-See TV comedy lineup would truly have returned with "30 Rock" at 8, "Scrubs" at 8:30, and the best comedy around in a one-hour format at 9. Hopefully they will take my suggestion. In the meantime, however, I am happy to praise what already exists.

First, the funny: I laughed for about five minutes straight after Michael drove his car into the lake. I could not believe he actually did it. He was, after all, relying on that technology he so detested, and look where it got him. Kelly faking a pregnancy to get Ryan to go out with her is so characteristic and funny. Creed dying his hair and trying to use hip phrases after Ryan's presentation makes him think that the old-timers are out is amazing. I am thrilled that Creed is now a full-time cast member (along with Andy and ?Darryl?). I love that Andy and Kevin are now fast friends who idolize Ryan and his new $200 haircut (okay, maybe they do not respect that part). And the confrontation between Ryan and Jan is not to be missed.

Second, the surprisingly touching: All in all, Michael is actually a great salesman. The reason he hooked up with Jan in the first place was because, after an evening of shenanigans, he subtly introduced a pitch and the client ate it up. In this episode, he remembers a former client's daughter's nut allergy. On another note, I am so glad that Jim and Pam are in the open, because their relationship is even cuter. Their whole "magic is gone" conversation and Jim saying "how dare you" when Pam kisses him in the break room are just so endearing. And everyone's favorite line, uttered after newly-made-asshole Ryan asks out Pam, "I guess he can't get any girl he wants."

I love this show.