TV Review: The Office 5.2 - Business Ethics

Posted by Adam Sweeney (adam@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 10, 2008

The Office, NBC, Airs Thursdays 9/8c

Episode: “Business Ethics” (Season 5, Episode 2)

Synopsis: Following Ryan’s (B.J. Novak) recent scandal at corporate, Holly (Amy Ryan) must hold a business ethics seminar. The meeting gets out of control when Michael (Steve Carell) lets everyone speak freely about their unethical behavior at work.

Review: If the second episode this season is any indication of what to expect, The Office is going to reclaim its place on the throne of comic nobility. (30 Rock and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia have been stealing some of the thunder recently.) There were at least ten times I laughed loud enough for my neighbors to hear, also saying “What the hell,” as Michael not only crossed but streaked across the line of good behavior. The height of his inappropriate actions took place in an office meeting that he ruined for Holly, whose quirky cuteness is a nice yin to Jan’s (Melora Hardinson) psychotic yang. It seems that even when Michael is trying to help out he can’t get past his ego.  He’d be a hell of an interview for this feature seeing as he is the ultimate control freak.

Some of the funniest moments in The Office history have come from the mandatory office meetings. It’s clear everyone really dislikes each other so there’s always going to be a comedic spark when the plot calls for them to try to agree on something.

I love the fact that we are seeing a continued rivalry between Jim (John Krasinksi) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson), who at some point will inevitably be connected as long lost siblings. In fact, some writer needs to work on that. Make a distant cousin of Dwight’s become involved with Jim’s sister, assuming he has one, at a Dunder Mifflin family function.

Speaking of Jim, or more like his romantic interest, I miss Pam (Jenna Fischer). Not in a “I hang posters of Pam up in my room because I can’t find a date in real life) way, but I think the show is helped by the discomfort she shows around Michael, Dwight, Angela (Angela Kinsey) … okay, basically anybody but Jim. Gold star to the writer that realized we would want more of Pam the less that we see of her. It appears that absence makes the heart grow fonder for receptionists. Sorry, Ryan just doesn’t do it for me. That only seems to be the case with Michael. His crush on Ryan (obsession?) has continued to grow and I love it. That pairing has Single White Female written all over it. Could we see Ryan have to move in with Michael when he’s at his lowest moment? Okay, no more plot ideas.

The episode continues the exploration of a potential relationship between Holly and Michael. I love Jan and Carol (Nancy Walls)was great but let’s be honest, Holly is clearly the perfect match for Michael. Their sketch where they changed the words to Olivia Newton John’s “Let’s Get Physical” was a highlight of the show and a great bit of tension was created by their conflicting views on business ethics, something which has probably happened to all of us at some point. If and when they date the show will only grow in its ability to create drama.

And we finally get to see a show centered around everyone’s favorite lush, Meredith (Kate Flannery). The webisodes online have showcased the supporting characters of The Office for some time, but as a fan of smaller role actors I thought there was great value into exploring how ridiculous Meredith really is. The ability to draw a story from a character we know little about shows the writing talent The Office has always been capable of. Thankfully they are again starting to realize the potential that once made Thursday nights reserved for NBC viewing.

Up Next Week: Michael practices for the birth of Jan’s baby by having Dwight go over possible birthing scenarios. Meanwhile, Michael tells Holly that he will pretend to dislike her for Jan’s benefit.

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you see this week’s episode of The Office? What did you think?

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