# The Office 2/8/07 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 9, 2007, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459 "2007-02-09T04:50:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/21 "2007-02-09T14:40:45Z")
[QUOTE=Caricci] Michael was just too painful tonight. Accusing Phyllis of letting a stinky fart? Come on! [/QUOTE] “Wow…that was really…pungent.” ---
**Author:** ![Caricci](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Caricci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caricci)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/22 "2007-02-09T14:41:43Z")
I never saw Toby smile like that before. How handsome and happy he looked! ---
**Author:** ![h.sapiens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@h.sapiens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/h.sapiens)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/23 "2007-02-09T14:44:26Z")
I thought Michael was being a bit too obnoxious and clueless, too, but I’ve read enough horror stories on the Etiquette Hell website to know that it’s not completely unrealistic. Although it’s usually a relative of the bride or groom, not an employer, that makes inappropriate comments and tries to steal the show. Roy was being pretty nice, and he hasn’t really exhibited any of his old jerky behavior since they broke up. I can see why Pam went off with him, under the circumstances. Maybe he’s changed a little, but I can also see him going back to the guy he was if he and Pam get back together. I was so glad they didn’t go with the tired old joke of hideous bridesmaids’ dresses. They did have all overweight bridesmaids, but the dresses were nice. Of course I suppose they would be if Pam originally picked them, but we don’t know for sure if she did. ---
**Author:** ![Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/bc8723/32.png) [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/24 "2007-02-09T14:52:00Z")
[QUOTE=Smitty] When Ryan batted the bouquet away from Kelly [/QUOTE] 😃 And I was planning on watching the web video, so I deleted the show from the TiVo, damn it! Oh, and I forgot I loved how the photographer played Michael. Clearly he is used to finessing obnoxious asses. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/25 "2007-02-09T15:48:12Z")
[QUOTE=Trunk] I think that **hajario** jsut meant that now that there’s another season it gives them license to string it out. I think there are more Offices this season. [/QUOTE] Yes. In fact there is an episode next week. Ryan invited Michael to speak at his business class > [@h.sapiens](#): > > I thought Michael was being a bit too obnoxious and clueless, too, but I’ve read enough horror stories on the Etiquette Hell website to know that it’s not completely unrealistic. Although it’s usually a relative of the bride or groom, not an employer, that makes inappropriate comments and tries to steal the show. My Cousin Joel did something like that at my Bar Mitzvah in 1977. My Mom still brings it up occasionally. > [@Unauthorized Cinnamon](#): > > I just wanted to slap Jim when he looked all distressed at Pam leaving with Roy. Hello? Idiot? She was available, and you decided to go all-in with Karen. It’s YOUR FAULT! Huh? He told Pam that he loved her and she turned him down. If he had any idea that Pam was interested at any time since then, he would have jumped on it. Pam blew it. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/26 "2007-02-09T16:05:43Z")
I thought it was an hysterical episode, even if a bit over the top. The scene in the dressing room was just hilarious. And the classic Creed MomentTM of swapping the gift card was priceless. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/27 "2007-02-09T16:19:32Z")
Pavlov’s Dwight had me rolling, as did Michael’s “I bet you can hear me too.” ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/28 "2007-02-09T16:37:39Z")
I dunno; six weeks for honeymoon time is pretty sweet, but I don’t think I could have an ass like Michael in my wedding party for it. The price is just too high. It was interesting how none of Michael’s staff called him on stuff, but Bob Vance (of Vance Refrigeration) did. I suppose his staff is so used to him and just ignoring him that it doesn’t occur to them to tell him to sit down and shut up. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/29 "2007-02-09T16:46:59Z")
I just read something fun on the IMDB. The actress who plays Phyllis was an NFL cheerleader (for the St. Louis Cardinals) in the 1970’s. I’d love to see a picture of matronly Phyllis back in the day. ---
**Author:** ![Elza\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Elza\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elza_B)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/30 "2007-02-09T16:49:47Z")
[QUOTE=hajario] Huh? He told Pam that he loved her and she turned him down. If he had any idea that Pam was interested at any time since then, he would have jumped on it. Pam blew it. [/QUOTE] But Jim’s with Karen. He doesn’t have the gonads to break up with her, so Pam doesn’t think he’s available. I always got the feeling at the beginning of the season that she would have said something to him IF he wasn’t with Karen. I think Pam’s just not able to break through that barrier of “Well, he’s dating Karen, so I can’t say anything to him about how I feel.” right now. E. ---
**Author:** ![cbawlmer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/71e660/32.png) [@cbawlmer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cbawlmer)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/31 "2007-02-09T16:51:44Z")
Jim’s wedding crasher prank on Dwight could have backfired really badly if Uncle Al had been hurt while wandering around unattended. Way to go, Jim. I loved finally seeing Scrantonicity play. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/32 "2007-02-09T16:57:33Z")
[QUOTE=Elza B] But Jim’s with Karen. He doesn’t have the gonads to break up with her, so Pam doesn’t think he’s available. I always got the feeling at the beginning of the season that she would have said something to him IF he wasn’t with Karen. I think Pam’s just not able to break through that barrier of “Well, he’s dating Karen, so I can’t say anything to him about how I feel.” right now. [/QUOTE] Definitely. She invited him out for coffee on his first day back and he told her that he started seeing someone. If Jim had known that he had a chance to get with Pam, he would have discouraged Karen from moving to Scranton. It is these things that put the sit in sitcom. I was just disputing that Jim blew it. ---
**Author:** ![Elza\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Elza\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elza_B)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/33 "2007-02-09T17:00:18Z")
[QUOTE=hajario] Definitely. She invited him out for coffee on his first day back and he told her that he started seeing someone. If Jim had known that he had a chance to get with Pam, he would have discouraged Karen from moving to Scranton. It is these things that put the sit in sitcom. I was just disputing that Jim blew it. [/QUOTE] Ah, gotcha. The blame’s definitely on both of them, but I can’t really blame Pam for going home with Roy last night. I like Karen, but I wish Jim would suck it up and end it. He’s no better than Ryan right now. E. ---
**Author:** ![Raygun99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Raygun99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raygun99)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/34 "2007-02-09T17:06:42Z")
[QUOTE=cbawlmer] Jim’s wedding crasher prank on Dwight could have backfired really badly if Uncle Al had been hurt while wandering around unattended. Way to go, Jim. [/QUOTE] OK, so there’s a documentary crew filming all this, right? That’s the premise of the show. Then why the hell didn’t they save Uncle Al and bring him back? (Maybe they did. It’s unseen how he got back to the wedding) ---
**Author:** ![Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/bc8723/32.png) [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/35 "2007-02-09T17:08:15Z")
[QUOTE=Elza B] But Jim’s with Karen. He doesn’t have the gonads to break up with her, so Pam doesn’t think he’s available. I always got the feeling at the beginning of the season that she would have said something to him IF he wasn’t with Karen. I think Pam’s just not able to break through that barrier of “Well, he’s dating Karen, so I can’t say anything to him about how I feel.” right now. [/QUOTE] Precisely. Yes, Pam did the initial rejecting. But then Jim came back with girlfriend in tow, and there have been a couple times when he could very reasonably have broken it off (the moving issue, and when she flat out asked him about Pam), and he decided to stick with Karen, rather than risking asking Pam how she felt about him. I think it will be interesting if Roy decides maybe he’s not so in love with Pam after all. Not that I wish Pam ill, but if she dumps him again it’ll be painful. Anyway, all this just goes to prove how great the writing is. Despite occasional missteps with Michael, the staff clearly knows how to create believable and sympathetic characters. I love each and every supporting character (OK not Packer, but he’s a Maguffin, not a character). ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/36 "2007-02-09T17:11:09Z")
[QUOTE=Raygun99] OK, so there’s a documentary crew filming all this, right? That’s the premise of the show. Then why the hell didn’t they save Uncle Al and bring him back? (Maybe they did. It’s unseen how he got back to the wedding) [/QUOTE] Bingo – I know it’s kind of “breaking the fourth wall”, but that really yanked me out of the show. It would work in any other sitcom style, but the documentary setup here made that a bad situation (unless the camera crew have some sort of Starfleet-style “Prime Directive” that _must_ be obeyed). ---
**Author:** ![Elza\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Elza\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elza_B)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/37 "2007-02-09T17:14:36Z")
[QUOTE=Raygun99] OK, so there’s a documentary crew filming all this, right? That’s the premise of the show. Then why the hell didn’t they save Uncle Al and bring him back? (Maybe they did. It’s unseen how he got back to the wedding) [/QUOTE] Well, they were still following him, right? So they obviously weren’t going to let him come to any harm. I’m guessing they did eventually bring him back to the wedding, but we didn’t learn that. Since this doc crew seemingly has a fantastic way of becoming part of the story without being IN the story, I’m guessing that’s what happened. And did we hear right? Phyllis’ dad is named Alfred, and her uncle is Uncle Al? ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/38 "2007-02-09T17:24:44Z")
[QUOTE=Elza B] And did we hear right? Phyllis’ dad is named Alfred, and her uncle is Uncle Al? [/QUOTE] Could be her mom’s brother, right? ---
**Author:** ![Elza\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Elza\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elza_B)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/39 "2007-02-09T17:27:57Z")
[QUOTE=hajario] Could be her mom’s brother, right? [/QUOTE] :smack: Very well could be. I have two cousins named Jamie on opposite sides of the family. E. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2007, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459/40 "2007-02-09T17:30:46Z")
[QUOTE=Hal Briston] Bingo – I know it’s kind of “breaking the fourth wall”, but that really yanked me out of the show. It would work in any other sitcom style, but the documentary setup here made that a bad situation (unless the camera crew have some sort of Starfleet-style “Prime Directive” that _must_ be obeyed). [/QUOTE] We’re assuming that the camera crew would have known the old guy had Alzheimer’s when Dwight was throwing him out. There were some hints of it in Uncle Al’s reactions and I knew it was coming, but that’s partially because I knew it was a sitcom. I do think the “documentary” conceit has been a little inconsistent, though. There’s never been any indication that any of the characters have actually watched this alleged show or even that it’s ever aired. One would think that Karen really wanted to learn more about Jim and Pam’s history, she would go back and watch the first two seasons of this “reality show” (or is it a movie?) My favorite moments were Ryan deflecting the bouquet away from Kelly and the way Kevin casually ripped right into “Roxanne” without pausing or changing his affect after reading the Uncle Amber Alert. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-2-8-07/391459.md?page=3)