The Office - The Lover Episode Review
A Review of NBC's Groundbreaking Mockumentary: The 10/22/09 Episode
Oct 28, 2009
NBC’s The Office, airing every Thursday at 9:00 PM, has had a highly publicized sixth season so far with the wedding of Jim Halpert and Pam Beasley. In fact, actors John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer appeared on the cover of Entertainment Weekly in September as their respective television characters. So, after the wedding of Jim and Pam, what is next for The Office this season?
Jim And Pam: After The Wedding
Cue “The Lover,” the sixth episode of the sixth season. The cold opening announced the return of Jim and Pam after their honeymoon in Puerto Rico. Several storylines were then set up, including Dwight 's surveillance of Jim's office utilizing a mallard duck as a gift of appreciation to Jim, but the most important was the ramifications of office manager Michael Scott (actor Steve Carell) dating Pam's mom. They first met on Jim and Pam's wedding night.
Of course, Michael can't keep a secret. Since Jim is now a co-manager, Michael was shown in Jim's office, announcing that he is dating Pam's mom. Everyone is upset, except Michael, who is thrilled to tell everyone and any camera present. Jim went so far as to swear several times upon hearing the news.
When Pam realized Michael was dating her mom, she became ballistic, very uncharacteristic, since she is known as one of the few voices of reason in The Office. Michael actually attempted to take control of the situation by reprimanding Pam, yet his words were hypocritical, since his character has never established any boundaries between personnel and management.
Keep in mind that during the final episode of season five this past May, Pam realized she was pregnant. Jim, as well as the other Office members, were also not happy about Michael and Pam's mother, yet they remained largely silent.
Michael Scott's Fragile Emotions
Featuring strong writing by veteran Office writers Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, the episode was also directed solidly by Eisenberg. Although largely played for laughs, the issue of Michael's happiness was an underlying theme throughout the episode. He repeatedly asked during the episode whether Pam wanted him to be happy in his life, but Pam exploded in anger, saying she didn’t care at all about his happiness.
Michael's loneliness, established since season one, was readily apparent, causing the viewer to sympathize with him. Steve Carell continues to impress with his complete understanding of what makes Michael Scott tick.
Ellie Kemper Scores
The character of Erin, portrayed by newcomer Ellie Kemper, is quickly developing into a very likable person. In “The Lover,” she stood up to Pam in a scene involving candy brought back from Puerto Rico. Ed Helms, currently enjoying a great 2009 with his hugely popular film The Hangover, portrays Office sycophant Andy Bernard. Andy has developed a crush on Erin, yet she has not shown any interest in his overtures. Perhaps with the marriage of Jim and Pam, another Office relationship will blossom.
Comedy Done Right
Funny scenes included Michael fake apologizing to Toby, portrayed by actor and Office producer/writer Paul Lieberstein. Lieberstein originally wrote and produced many episodes of the long-running and successful animated comedy, King of the Hill. Toby believed that they could finally become friends, adding a touch of sentimentality to the episode, since Michael has always hated Toby because he spoils Michael's fun activities with his rules and regulations. Later, when Toby failed in convincing Pam to take the day off, Michael turned on him as usual, treating him with contempt.
Dwight Schrute: Still No Emmy
Another hilarious scene centered on Dwight, portrayed by actor Rainn Wilson, rubbing Michael's back while chatting with Michael to soothe his tension. In addition, Dwight told a story about volunteering and having to put down 150 pets at the local animal shelter in one weekend. Often nearing insanity with some of his comments and schemes, the character of Dwight is highly original, and it is high time Wilson receives an Emmy for his performance. He has been nominated three times for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series (The Office) since 2007.
Since the beginning, a rivalry has existed between Dwight and Jim. In this episode, Dwight’s surveillance of Jim was a secondary plot. At one point, Jim humorously played opera music very loudly, aggravating Dwight tremendously. For the epilogue, Dwight revealed to the audience that he intentionally let Jim discover his wiretapping in the mallard duck, opening up further welcome storylines in the future centering on Dwight’s spy tactics.
“The Lover” was another excellent episode of the mockumentary and award-winning The Office. Kudos to the cast and production team for continuing to inject enthusiasm into a show already in its sixth season.It will be interesting to see how Jim and Pam’s married life alters the dynamic of the remaining sixth season episodes.
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