What I’m Watching: The Office

The Office: Season 6, Episode 3 “The Promotion” (B+)

It’s funny how Michael never changes, no matter the situation. It’s great to see Jim in a position of authority, with his office way down the hall and completely out of the way, trying desperately to keep Michael from being tragically unproductive now that he has a managerial stake in the branch’s success. Their conversations are just the same as they’ve always been, though I’m not sure anything has been quite as hilarious recently as Michael reasoning out that Jim’s full name was Jimothy and asking if he minded being called Jim. Steve Carrell and John Krasinski must have a blast filming scenes together. Dwight’s decision to switch sides and try to get the non-sales people bonuses just to try and cause trouble for Jim was pretty entertaining, and his rivalry with Jim has always been one of the greatest aspects of this show. Pam asking people for money provided a few nice side tidbits to support the main plot, and Ryan’s doomed investment scheme, totally in character for him, was the highlight of her office-wide search, followed closely by Kevin’s willingness to pay up right away and Pam’s excitement at seeing her married name on a check. This is one episode that, like “Café Disco,” feels terribly brief. It’s an amusing premise, but nothing much happens and the episode’s almost over as soon as it begins. It’s a shame, but I’m not sure it’s necessarily a bad thing – more like wanting too much of a good thing.