What I’m Watching: The Office

The Office: Season 2, Episode 12 “Scott’s Tots” (B)

This is one of those Michael-related storylines that’s just too uncomfortable and awkward to be truly enjoyable. Simply put, I don’t share Stanley’s laughter about the situation. When all is said and done, the fact that Michael promised a whole class full of kids that he would pay their college tuition and that he’s not going to do it is a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. Watching Michael get guilted into writing someone a check for a kid’s books is just sad and not really amusing at all. Dwight’s plot to get Jim fired seemed a bit too outrageous, but seeing him grin at the camera every time he detailed his plans was pretty funny. Dwight’s devastated discovery of David’s calm reaction to Jim giving himself the Employee of the Month award was also completely hilarious. The best part of his whole elaborate deception was his spot-on ability to mimic the voices of so many of the office employees, and I have to give Dwight also as much credit for his brilliant plan as the terrific Rainn Wilson for his performance. The plot seemed all for naught when David didn’t blame Jim for what happened, but the revelation of Dwight’s surprising ally was a nice twist. Ryan already displayed a distaste for Jim when he had Jan’s job, and now it’s clear that he still has a score to settle. It will be nice to see Ryan back in the spotlight again.