Written by: Guest Bloggers at 6:31 am
Filed under: TV Recaps,Television
Guest Post by: DiDean
Oh Kelly. How I love you. Let me count the ways…for 2 minutes and 42 seconds.
Although this wasn’t a favorite episode (too much “Michael once again does something ridiculous to gain attention and make himself feel loved” stuff) it did have some great subplots (the office bet-a-thon and the return of Andy, now wanting to be known as Drew). And, as always, this show still surpasses all other sitcoms with its near-perfect depiction of each nuance, weird or otherwise, of each and every character.
In the main story, we get safety training by warehouse honcho Darryl, sporting a broken ankle thanks to the hijinks of an office worker “who shall remain nameless,” and office-safety tips from HR rep Toby. While Darryl’s instruction warns of driving a forklift without a license and getting your arm caught in the baler, Toby cautions against the horrors of carpel tunnel syndrome and the need for a cardigan (or long-sleeved T) in the sometimes chilly office.
As you might expect, the warehouse workers find the perils of the office laughable, with Lonny (the great Patrice O’neal) labeling the danger of a sedentary lifestyle “fat butt disease.” After the feisty Kelly shoots back with, “Excuse me, Sea Monster, you weigh like a thousand pounds” Lonny calls Ryan out who, in fear of the hulking guy, neglects to stand up for his gregarious girlfriend.
The warehouse crew (including lone female Madge, who Michael mistakenly calls Pudge) walks out in frustration, with Darryl’s parting shot to Michael. “This is shenanigans, foolishness. Nerf ball. You live a sweet little Nerfy life. Sittin’ on your biscuit. Never having to risk it.” Michael’s response: “I worked in a warehouse. Men’s Wearhouse. I was a greeter. I’d like to see Darryl greet people. Probably make them feel like wimps.”
In an effort to show the warehouse guys that depression is a serious consequence of working in an office, Michael enlists Dwight’s help to “fake” a suicide attempt by jumping off of the building and landing on a hidden trampoline. The duo head to the roof, but after their “test” watermelon bounces off of the trampoline and onto a worker’s car, Michael’s rightly scared.
A great gag starts here when Michael tells Dwight to secure the services of James P. Albini (a reference to the “billboard” lawyer from the “Sexual Harassment” episode) in case the car is Stanley’s because this might be interpreted as a hate crime.
Dwight then goes to Andy, who he has decided to shun upon his return to the office: “It’s an Amish technique. It’s like slapping someone with silence.” Between continually unshunning and reshunning Andy, Dwight tells him to get a blow-up castle moonbounce (complete with drawbridge) to act as the cushion for Michael’s fall. After an encouraging warm- up session with Dwight (and air guitar) on the roof, Mr. Scott is ready to take the plunge.
Meanwhile, the Office workers engage in a fun game of betting, with the question of how many jelly beans in Pam’s bowl eliciting the episode’s single reference (a nice reprieve) to the Jim-Karen-Pam love triangle. Of course Jim wins, Kevin says, because he’s been hanging out at Pam’s desk over and over throughout the years. Karen’s look of concern bodes well for some good drama during May sweeps.
The highlight of the betting story finds Kelly describing the Netflix process to Ryan. While each coworker loses the bet and puts money on his desk, Ryan watches the clock as his lady rattles on for 2 minutes and 42 seconds. Ryan wins but Pam and Jim also get some cash because Kelly said “awesome” 12 times and mentioned six romantic comedies.
I actually “awed” at the sweetness shown here between Kelly and Ryan. He may get annoyed with her and claim to not want the marriage and babies she’s always badgering him about, but he does admire his woman’s “abilities,” especially when it makes him money.
And finally, Dwight calls the entire office outside to witness Michael’s “stunt.” After going through their depression script twice (so Dwight can go back in and get the warehouse workers he forgot yelling, “Attention blue-collar workers!”), the gang looks up at Michael in bewilderment.
That is until Creed goes to the bathroom behind the hedge and notices that there’s a castle behind there. Realizing that Michael’s going to foolishly try and jump from the building to the castle, the workers “talk Michael down.”
Jim and Pam have no luck, even with Pam’s promise to give Michael a present. Darryl, on the other hand, uses his sweet talking capabilities to simultaneously rib Michael (“It takes courage just to be you. To get out of bed every single day just to be you.”) and play to his need for attention (“You braveheart”.)
Although Michael admits that his sex life with Jan has gotten kind of boring lately (I loved Jim and Pam’s subtle cringing!), he still has a reason to live. And so, Michael, still wanting that present promised by Pam, comes down and gives Darryl a hug. Zoppity, indeed.
Definitely funny stuff, but still too much focus on Michael’s cluelessness for my tastes. I did find the ending bit hilarious, with a poor, gaping Stanley leaving work to find the smashed watermelon on his car. We have a repeat next week, but the following week starts the end of the season. I, for one, can’t wait! Look below for some of tonight’s best lines.
Favorite Lines:
Michael: You know what a killer is?
Dwight: Wolves?
Michael: Depression
Michael: Dwight, you ignorant slut.
Michael about Toby: Blech!
Michael: I saved a life. My own.
Kevin: If someone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be one rich dude.
Technorati Tags: the office, comedy, tv show, new season, safety training
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