Watching The Office

So, here’s what we know…Michael is a secret genius, while Stanley is a hilarious black guy with sass. Directed by Joss Whedon and written by Mindy Kaling (who plays Kelly), the episode, Branch Wars, had a few highlights but I can’t exactly say if this was genius offering.  This episode marked the reappearance of Karen Filippelli, whom I had been waiting for and who we learn is now the Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin - Utica.

Karen has been approached by Stanley into transferring into her branch. When Michael learns of this, his pride is bruised and he is overcome with competitiveness. Talking with Karen via phone, he persuades her to take Toby instead….which would be ridiculous since Toby isn’t who Karen wants, much less, the salesman Karen wants. So Michael tells her he’s going to take one of Utica’s best if Stanley’s transfer does happen.

Michael tries to lure one of Utica’s sales people. But instead of winning him over, he learns how the other branches think of Scranton. Which is to say that the branch don’t expectedly hold a sparkling reputation. Offended about the perception, Michael seeks the help of Dwight and misleads Jim into driving up to Utica and commit a prank… which is  actually bordering on vandalism and misdemeanor. Funny!  The boss’ plan wasn’t as well thought of and is, as usual, quite lame. It involved women’s warehouse uniforms, fake mustaches and stink bombs. Jim is revolted when he finally realized what the two were up to, more so dismayed at the thought of running into the girl he dumped (Karen). So, when all three arrived at Utica, Jim decides to stay put inside the car and contacts Michael and Dwight, who already snuck inside to steal Utica’s industrial copier, via walkie-talkie.  But Karen spots Jim at the parking lot and we then see all three of them inside Karen’s office.

It was a ridiculous moment…with all three sitting in Karen’s office and getting berated by their former co-worker. Despite everything, Karen tells Michael she will still take Stanley in. Defeated, Michael and Dwight leave but Jim is asked by Karen to stay for a bit. And this is perhaps the only conversation the ex-couple had since the break-up. Jim, who was already uncomfortable to start with, was trying to say the right things to her. But it all came out upsetting Karen even more. Karen tells the viewers that her break up with Jim left her crying for months.

Back at Scranton, Michael gets emotional and tells Stanley he can pack his things and move to Utica. Stanley then later tells Michael he changed his mind and decides to stay in Scranton. And Stanley tells the documentary camera person he was, in fact, just bluffing for more money, never believing that Michael would consider it.

Meantime, while the adventures of Michael, Dwight and Jim at Utica was taking place, Pam, Toby and Oscar had something of their own as well. The Finer Things Club is an exclusive group where all three talk about…well, the finer things like art, food and literature. It is so exclusive that even Jim isn’t a member, while Andy desperately hopes to become part of it. Actually Jim became part of the group much later, but I think it will be his first and last invite since he clearly did not do the required reading of Angela’s Ashes.

Anyway, Oscar calls Finer Things Club the other gay thing about him, other than having sex with the same gender. Once in a while, the club meets inside the common room in the office, amidst annoyances like having office mates around to use the vending machine and microwave.

Other things to note:

• There was less supporting cast this time around. I don’t think I remember seeing Creed or Angela.
• Dwight peeing inside the car was disgusting and I had the same reaction as Michael’s. But I did laugh out loud on: “I think I cut my penis!â€? Uhm, lame 12-year old toilet humor but….what the heck, I find it really funny.
• I am not too sure I am loving Finer Things Pam. It was really more Pretentious Pam to me. Am I the only one feeling that? But did you notice the teapot she is using? That’s the gift from Jim from A Benihana Christmas if I’m not mistaken.
• I can feel the awkwardness between Jim and Karen! I, however, would like to see more of her.

The Office, The Office episode recap, The Office Branch Wars