What I’m Watching: The Office

The Office: Season 9, Episode 19 “Stairmaggedon” (C)

Objectively, the notion of Stairmaggedon is funny, but it just didn’t play out that way here, minus a few mildly amusing moments. Clark and Dwight are continuing their path to friendship thanks to their latest adventure, and though this show has presumed similar things in the past, I find it hard to believe that a drugged-up Stanley managed to impress a client enough for them to sign a contract and close a deal. The increasingly undeniable existence of the camera crew’s series, which inexplicably will air on PBS, is causing more problems that aren’t making for entirely compelling plotlines. The Senator announcing that he is gay with Angela by his side and then revealing that he is in love with his chief of staff started out in a good way and then turned peculiar and over-the-top fast. Andy’s desire to be a movie star was just silly, and there’s only so much stupidity that can be believed. Paying a $5000 flat fee to hire a talent agent is hardly the most regrettable thing Andy has ever done, but it’s certainly not his proudest moment either. I find it strange that Pam and Jim should choose to confide in, all of people, Nellie and Toby, about their impending couples counseling, but it’s nice at least to see them walk out and smile at each other rather than despair about the reality that they both have very different visions of what their futures together look like and where they are. I think they’ll make it.