What I’m Watching: The Office

The Office: Season 6, Episode 7 “Double Date” (C+)

This show has always been at its best when it utilizes its fantastic ensemble and gives all of them something to do. Usually, this show does that well, evidenced by the wedding episode from earlier this season which was really spectacular in its use of characters like Kevin and Oscar. Jim’s promotion seems to have shifted the focus onto the primary five characters, with Andy replacing the still-credited Ryan as the fifth, and away from any of the other office workers, who now serve as observers only and, if they’re lucky, get the opportunity to emit one funny comment in the span of an episode. It’s actually Pam, interestingly enough, who’s been at the center of the majority of the plotlines recently, and while it’s great to see as much of Jenna Fischer as possible, they’re not always strong, and the episode feels unfinished and incomplete when there’s only one big event per episode. It’s always important to note that Dwight and Andy will never be Dwight and Jim, and their attempts to constantly be the last to do the other a favor were funny a few times, but not as the only supporting storyline in a whole episode. In this episode, Pam’s discomfort and disgust at Michael’s affection for her mother was quickly done away with, and perhaps it’s the way that Michael never changes that’s so frustrating. His delayed realization of Helene’s age feels so expected from Michael, and also seems like such a both minor and predictable thing to end his highly buzzed-about relationship. It’s not as if their encounter allows Jim much to do, and Pam’s ultimate decision to punch him as the way of getting back at him is sort of dumb. Toby’s eagerness to show her the proper form and the subsequent panicked look on Michael’s face was fun, but nothing great. This episode isn’t using its best assets, and needs to realize that and correct the error.