Michael

Hi Everyone,
Ok, so if you've noticed i loove sharing my opinions with you all, i can't help it!
I've decided to right my first real opinion piece on Michael.

I think Michael is probably the hardest character to write for on the show. He must straddle the line between believability and idiocy, he IS the branch manager and therefore needs to be competent, but he is one of the main comedy cornerstones of the show and certainly is what i would call an odd duck. He is politically incorrect, a sheltered mama's boy, maladjusted to the real world and has a warped sense of relationships. At the same time he is sweet and the only animosity we truly see is when Toby is around (although i think Ryan is up for the part of Michael's nemesis this year).

The main reason that Michael must be kept believable is because unlike his counterpart on the UK Office, David Brent, the show, the writers and its creator obviously want to keep the character around for a while. For David Brent, as Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant had basically planned for a 12 show run, David could be as horrible as possible as he would eventually be fired, thereby maintaining the believability that the show really was documenting the workings of a real company. David Brent was a terrible person, both in actual skill and in personal likability. He threw his branch under the bus in order to secure himself a promotion and was waaay beyond inappropriate most of the time. Michael can't be.

And therein lies the problem. Michael needs to be reigned in. Season One established Michael as quite the oddball and very inappropriate at times, but in order to let the audience know he's capable, Season Two gave us The Client. This is probably one of the most important shows of the Office. Not only did it start the Jan and Michael Romance, but it established what an amazing salesperson Michael is...he is smart and can be manipulative in order to make a sale. Thanks to this episode, much of what Michael does can be forgiven because he is a GREAT salesman and we can see why he was promoted. Take Your Daughter To Work Day also gave us a glimpse into who Michael really is. They say kids can see something adults don't and Sasha did, Michael is a sweet guy with really good, although sometimes misguided, intentions.

Season Three also gave us Traveling Salesman, where Michael's great attempts were thwarted by the less than great Andy, his love and loyalty to the office was shown in Branch Closing (vital in differentiating him from his UK counterpart) and Grief Counseling and Women's Appreciation showcased his vulnerability.

Yet sometimes Michael is shown to be really politically incorrect, to the point that it is impossible he doesn't incur some legal consequences in fact (Diversity Day, Sexual Harassment, Gay Witch Hunt), as well as petty (The Fire, The Convention, The Coup, Business School), idiotic (The Injury, Safety Training) and way beyond believable inappropriateness (Email Surveillance, Cocktails).

Now so far this season, Michael has run over Meredith, driven into a lake, failed in a business basket plan and kidnapped a pizza boy. I dearly hope this is not the layout for the season. I cannot stress how important it is that Michael is shown to be capable. I get that he is an easy source for comedy and yes, his antics do make me laugh, but he is still a higher up in a company run by intelligent people such as David Wallace (possibly minus Ryan). My message to the writers is clear, please show us some more of "The Client" Michael, the Michael that awes us with his salesman and business finesse...please for the future of the show. That being said, I'd be cool with him running over Ryan...

Season 4 Episode 3: Launch Party Uber Summary

So here’s the Office Season 4 episode 3 lowdown:

The episode opens in the Conference Room, where Michael is brainstorming about improving quarterly reports (including adding a race car to it when it’s positive) while the rest of the office decides to watch the little dvd logo that acts as a screen saver bouncing around the screen. Jim elaborates by saying that they are all hoping to see it go right into the corner…Pam says she saw it once, when she was alone, riiight. Finally it happens! Standing O for the logo…although Michael is content to believe that it’s all for him.

Meredith comes back and she is really glad Jim visited her in the hospital…the fact that everyone else also went isn’t really important. She wants Jim to sign her cast…her cast is, umm, on her pelvis. He signs (for those who care, he clearly signs his real name, John Krasinski as evidenced by the dotting of the i’s). Meredith says she’s going to read it at home ;).

So today is the day of the great Dunder Mifflin Launch Party and Michael is headed to the great NYC for an all “VIP” party complete with sushi and important people. He also informs them that when the website goes up, it will inevitably become the #1 paper salesman in the company. This causes Dwight much ire. Not only has he lost his lady love (and apparently his razor) but also his pride in his salesman abilities. So, just like Dwight would, he decides to compete, not just for the title of #1 salesman, but to impress Angela. Andy decides to cheer him on, of course by exclaiming sales with a blow horn.

Not only is there a launch party in NYC, but each branch will be planning their own satellite party, which will be webcasted live. Angela has been planning for weeks and unfortunately, has become even more grumpy and anal thanks to the death of her cat and the break up of Dwangela. Phyllis, resourceful as ever, has decided to Google “dealing with difficult people” and has a bunch of ways to cope (unfortunately none are very effective, especially when Phyllis creates a banner for a Lunch Party)

Dwight is going head to head with the machine and, of course, Pam and Jim decide to have a little fun with him. They decide to convince Dwight that the computers have become self-aware and that the computer is now able to communicate with Dwight via instant messaging. The machine vows to take Dwight down. Kelly isn’t helping. She likes putting the little paper icon into the little shopping cart icon and has Darryl deliver some paper. Dwight is outraged, but smooth talker Darryl comes to Kelly’s rescue: “You still miss Ryan” “Not so much” “mm”…interesting.

Back to Michael. Jan does not want to go to a party for a company that let her go and leaves Michael dateless and searching for a new victim, umm, no, victim is accurate. Into the kitchen with Jim and Pam and Michael awkwardly asks them if they’re busy tonight…in their “secret language” Pam and Jim agree. But unfortunately, Michael neglected to mention that only one of them can go. After a gripping round of “Not it” (which ended in a tie and Pam’s declaration that the girlfriend gets the tie) Jim is going.

Michael calls shotgun (obviously he’s still burning from the last two weeks of car mishaps) and Jim and he are off to NYC, with a copy of Green Eggs and Ham for Ryan in tow (they were out of Oh The Places You Will Go). Halfway to the city, Michael declares that the party takes place at the exclusive “Chat Room” and that you require a password to get in. Jim clues in and verifies that it is in fact a web party (the address starts with www). They turn around after a dejected Michael lets Ryan know how he feels (like throwing up).

Back at the branch, Dwight has won!! Yet Angela is unimpressed. Pam, feeling sorry for the guy, messages him (as the computer of course) and lets him know that, yes, he is the superior being.

Andy has now decided to narrow in on Angela, apparently her attitude change has aroused him and he like-y. He’s going for it…

Michael returns (much to the confusion of his workers) and lets the branch know that their satellite party is going to be off the hook…and no it’s not going to be that party that Angela’s been planning for 3 weeks, “this is going to be good”. He demands, among other things, an ice sculpture and a famous person. He wants to blow away the New Yorkers…with the presence of Al Roker apparently (nice little nod to the fact that the Roker will be broadcasting live from the Office Convention in Scranton next week).

Angela is in a crisis…the party she’s been planning is scrapped. Andy to the rescue…hey Angela, you looking for date? Rebuffed, Andy will try again later.

Phyllis and the 20 Post-It Notes Angela has sent her enter the conference room Phyllis has had enough. She crumples those suckers up and throws them in Angela’s face (“That shut her up”).

Michael has ordered Alfredo’s pizza for the party…wait…Pizza by Alfredo or pizza from Alfredo’s Pizza Café? Nooo it’s Pizza by Alfredo, which Kevin describes as eating a hot circle of garbage…yum!

Well the pizza boy has come, yet he will not honour Michael’s coupon (the 50% off only applies to purchases of 2 pizzas). Well, Michael is not paying…the solution: lock the kid in the conference room until he accepts the half payment (and half tip). Michael then proceeds to call in a ransom to Alfredo’s, not only does he want half off, he wants a few free pizzas, it’s a no go. Obviously Alfredo’s does not negotiate with terrorists.

Resigned to the fact that Michael has now committed a felony the party goes on, thanks in part to the ice sculpture Andy managed to get, umm, steal (he must really want to get into Angela’s pants). Pam and Jim in the meantime escape to the rooftop to reminisce about when they first fell for each other (Pam led Jim to his desk on the first day and told him to remember this moment as the last moment before he met Dwight, Jim told Pam that her mixed berries yogurt had expired).

The party is in full swing and it’s time for Michael to introduce himself to the other branches through a webcast. He tells Ryan that Dwight beat the website in sales and that Ryan is an a-hole. Kelly then proceeds to smush some pizza onto Ryan’s webcast face.

After much debate and pleading by the rest of the workers, Michael decides to pay off the pizza boy, well he makes Dwight pay him off.

Andy decides that the way to win over Angela is to serenade her with some Abba…Take a Chance on Me…with some phone in back-up…What do you say Angela…Umm I need to go clean up…but she did have a little smile…and Dwight is even more depressed now.

Michael has been hurt by Ryan and the only thing that will cure it is the fulfillment of his desire for some New York style sushi…in New York…at the party he wasn’t really invited to of course. Dwight comes along and gets thrown out along with Michael. Sitting on the hood of their car, Michael is recognized by a Dunder Mifflinite who did get to attend the party. He loves Michael and is kind of glad Ryan’s plan went off with a few hitches…more mockery of Ryan ensues.

And the perfect ending: douche-y Ryan winking at the webcam. (Okay so that was partly opinion but he is a douche)

Phew..the end

S4E3 "Launch Party"

Today at 7:22pm

The Office
Season 4 Episode 3
"Launch Party"
October 11, 2007

John Wenzel

8:39pm

Wow, how interesting that we're launching our site the same night Dunder Mifflin launches their's. We totally didn't plan this, but it's a nice touch. I am excited about tonight's show. I'm looking forward to Meredith coming back and I'm still waiting for that Michael/Toby back-story pertaining to why they hate each other.

Natascia Anastasio

8:43pm

I wanna see just how bitter Toby gets about the Pam/Jam situation. I'm also looking forward to more Ryan/Kelly interaction as well as further insight into the warped mind of our dear Creed. Honestly, i also want to know whether Pam and Jim have gone all the way, *wink wink*...just curious. Oh and please God, the return of Dwangela...two people were never more meant for each other.

Natascia Anastasio

8:49pm

Alright Office-o-philes, are we prepared?
This is how it's going to go down:
John and I will be having a very insightful conversation back and forth on what is currently happening and you'll be able to read it and comment etc etc.
Also I will be posting quick summaries during each commercial break, so that if you miss something, let's say cause you had a crazy urge to go buy some sushi, then you can get caught up.
Lastly, later tonight or tomorrow we will post an all out summary of the episode plus let you in on what we thought about it...
So stay tuned!

John Wenzel

9:01pm

OMG I totally do that with the DVD thing all the time!!!

Natascia Anastasio

9:02pm

Summary Part 1:
Cold Open:
Ah the conference room…wow, I know what Jim means, I always want to see that little DVD icon go into the corner…and Jim, jeez stop doubting Pammie.

John Wenzel

9:02pm

That cold open was even better than Micheal hitting Meredith in my opinion.

Natascia Anastasio

9:02pm

Man do i want Jim to sign my pelvis...

Natascia Anastasio

9:04pm

Is Dwight so depressed he's stopped shaving?

John Wenzel

9:05pm

Meredith is so creepy.
See everyone people hit on Jim just as much as people hit on Pam.
OMG Dwight is seriously effected by the break-up
Thanks for the summery Pam.

John Wenzel

9:06pm

Andy's pants, wow, I smell an Andy meltdown.

John Wenzel

9:07pm

This is gonna be Phylis's episode.

John Wenzel

9:07pm

Michael called Angela "Booster Seat" LOL!

Natascia Anastasio

9:09pm

Oh my god, the rise of the machines!!

Natascia Anastasio

9:09pm

A Jim is an entity so sexy it makes ladies weak

John Wenzel

9:10pm

Oh this is shaping up to be a great episode.

John Wenzel

9:13pm

European Cut? I thought that meant Lady's cut.

Natascia Anastasio

9:13pm

Summary Part 2:
Okay, so basically, Michael is heading to NY for a party filled with important people and sushi. It’s purpose: the launch of the DM Infinity website. All the branches will also be throwing launch parties (or lunch parties in Scranton’s case)
Dwight has taken the break-up hard, apparently scruff is the way to show it.
Angela is also extra snappish, which makes her about 100 times more grumpy than a regular person.
Dwight is flummoxed when he finds out that the website will now be beating him in sales, well that sounds like a challenge, especially to a Amish dutch farmer descendant….

Natascia Anastasio

9:14pm

From the MissTerious line maybe?

John Wenzel

9:15pm

Tie does NOT go to the girlfriend.

Natascia Anastasio

9:16pm

Dwight is getting his scruffy ass kicked...

Natascia Anastasio

9:17pm

Wow, so Angela defies every "difficult person" method Phyllis is trying...poor Phyllis

John Wenzel

9:17pm

I'm taking bets, who will blow up first this episode? Phylis, Dwight, or Andy?

Natascia Anastasio

9:18pm

KELLY...what are you going to do with the paper? make a little hat or a dress?

Natascia Anastasio

9:18pm

OMG, Darryl and Kelly!?!??!

John Wenzel

9:20pm

What would their name be? Deli? I'm not sure about this. Darryl is just hitting on everyone. Remember Elizabeth from Fun Run, or the squirrel?

Natascia Anastasio

9:22pm

Summary Part 3:
Well, Michael is wearing women’s clothes again and Dwight is not doing so well in the competition.
Oookay, Michael asked out Pam AND/OR JIM and Jim is the winner and gets to attend the party…
Phyllis’ plan to “deal” with Angela is not going well at all, but Jim’s prank of making Dwight think his computer has come alive a la Cyberdyne in Terminator is.
Kelly then infuriates Dwight by buying paper, wow Kelly, and yeah then Darryl makes a pass at her…inneresting…
Well Jim and Michael are off to the party…and Michael called shotgun!

Natascia Anastasio

9:22pm

Hey that squirrel was sexy and possibly rabid...i get it...

Natascia Anastasio

9:25pm

I loove Michael in the car, he comes out of his shell...oh man a JAM and MAN double date

Natascia Anastasio

9:25pm

HAHA...it's an online party..OMG so sad...wow

John Wenzel

9:25pm

What? LOL, Micheal is so funny! I'm am so confused right now?

John Wenzel

9:27pm

That question hasn't come up since the 19th century.

Natascia Anastasio

9:27pm

Dwight's a notary?

Natascia Anastasio

9:27pm

Awww Dwight cried over the machines respect...

John Wenzel

9:28pm

Angela and Darryl or dare I say it Angela and Roy? He did pick her in "who'd ya do?"

Natascia Anastasio

9:30pm

Nice reference to the fact that Al Roker is broadcasting from Scranton next week for the convention

Natascia Anastasio

9:31pm

Summary Part 4:
Okay, so guess what…the party takes place at a club called Chat Room and you need a password…OH NO! Michael has been confused by modern lingo and the party actually takes place online.
Dwight BEAT THE COMPUTER…YAY!!! The computer aka Pam, concedes that Dwight is the superior being.
Michael returns to the office, hurt by Ryan’s disregard and disrespect.
Michael wants to scrap Angela’s party and go for the gusto, and umm, famous people. He wants a party that will make all the other branches cry, just like he did over Ryan.

John Wenzel

9:33pm

Don't do it Andy.

Natascia Anastasio

9:33pm

Nooo, Andy noooo

John Wenzel

9:34pm

Phylis wins!

Natascia Anastasio

9:35pm

That is a lot of post-its...love you Phyllis!

John Wenzel

9:36pm

As a person who has delivered pizza, this kid offends me.

Natascia Anastasio

9:37pm

He's no hunter

Natascia Anastasio

9:37pm

I've been screwed by coupons so many times, i feel ya Scott!!

John Wenzel

9:37pm

Wow, did you just go there?

Natascia Anastasio

9:39pm

Summary Part 5:
So Andy wants Angela’s lovin? Get ready to get destroyed by a Schrute…unless you heed his advice and date Toby.
Score Michael’s bringing pizza…but lo and behold, Pizza by Alfredo sucks vs. Alfredo’s Pizza…ask Kevin how bad it is…hot circle of garbage bad.
Phyllis finally finds a way to shut up Angela…throw post-its at her
Andy’s making his play…oooh noooo
Poor Michael is really hurt by Ryan and takes it out on a pizza boy, who he convinces Dwight to kidnap and keep in the conference room until he honors the 50% off coupon.

John Wenzel

9:40pm

Dwight grows weed?

Natascia Anastasio

9:42pm

Dwight is officially my hero...he just beat a computer...i hate computers

Natascia Anastasio

9:43pm

And Michael doesn't think or do anything

Natascia Anastasio

9:43pm

I HATE this kid

Natascia Anastasio

9:45pm

Aww because he loves her pizza idiot!

John Wenzel

9:45pm

awww, so cute. I thought they might go to the mixed berry yogurt.

Natascia Anastasio

9:46pm

Hey where are all the secondary characters? CREED

Natascia Anastasio

9:46pm

OMG...the ROOF!!!!

John Wenzel

9:47pm

Creed had his moment last week this is a Phylis and Andy episode.

John Wenzel

9:48pm

Also, Michael's speech to Ryan, was perhaps the highlight of the show. I just love it when Michael gets bleeped.

Natascia Anastasio

9:49pm

Pam and Jim are so beautiful...that was adorable...

Natascia Anastasio

9:50pm

Summary Part 6:
I knew! Michael kidnapped that kid! And apparently Dwight grows beets AND weed.
Time for a pizza boy conference and Michael gets called a loser 
Michael calls Alfredo’s for a ransom of 50% off his pizzas plus a few more free pies...excellent plan...even Jim can’t dissuade him.
Andy is pulling out all the stops for Angels, getting an ice sculpture for the party..well stealing an ice sculpture…
Jim and Pam relive when they fell in love with each other...Jim: when Pam told him to prepare himself for life with Dwight and Pam: when Jim told her her yogurt was expired.
Wow, Michael introduced himself to the other branches and drops an a*hole bomb! And Kelly smushed pizza on Ryan’s TV face.
Angela rejected Andy…duh
Michael realizes that he’s committed a felony and will have to pay 70$ for crappy garbage pizza…

John Wenzel

9:50pm

Hey, you know who's missing. Toby!

John Wenzel

9:52pm

I forgot, Dwight sucks at tipping.

Natascia Anastasio

9:52pm

Yeah Dwight's never gonna see a penny!

John Wenzel

9:53pm

A "Here Comes Treble" reunion!!!

Natascia Anastasio

9:53pm

Wow Andy has great friends...sad sad great friends

John Wenzel

9:55pm

I have to say, good call on the sushi Natascia.

Natascia Anastasio

9:56pm

I Love that that guy doesn't like Ryan!

Natascia Anastasio

9:57pm

Thanks, i'm friggin psychic when it comes to TV

John Wenzel

9:57pm

I'm employed by DMI!

Natascia Anastasio

9:57pm

Summary Part 7:
Ryan calls up Michael and asks about the kidnapping…Michael hangs up. He offers the kid a whopping 10% tip as a pay off for not snitching…well Dwight pays him off.
Pam and Jim on roof…sigh
Andy still trying with Angela...give him credit…and now he’s singing with phone in back up…Take a Chance on Me in harmony with phone dudes…and Angela says….i have to go clean up…awkward Dwight Angela moment
Michael wants Authentic NY sushi…in NY…where the launch party with Ryan happened…they drive there, get kicked out, and sit on a car hood. Amazingly he gets recognized by another DM worker at the party…Much mocking of Ryan ensues (it’s totally deserved)
Back to Scranton…

John Wenzel

10:00pm

Quick before the close, will Angela go out with Andy?

Natascia Anastasio

10:00pm

Well that's it, that was exhausting...overall, great episode, lots of stuff that i'll be laughing about for the next week, even though i miss Creed. My highlight, Kelly smushing Pizza on Ryan's face...classic

Natascia Anastasio

10:00pm

Guess we'll never know...i don't think so, Dwight is the only one who could "get" her

John Wenzel

10:01pm

I am disappointed by the close. I was hoping to see what Angela chose to do. Not an extra 5 seconds of Ryan.

Natascia Anastasio

10:01pm

I didn't get a close in Canada...OMG, i am actually in pain right now...

John Wenzel

10:03pm

Well kids I hope you enjoyed this, we're all learning so cut us some slack. Any ideas to make this blog better can be directed to the comments or our e-mail address: ustheofficeca@gmail.com .

Natascia Anastasio

10:04pm

Goodnight may dreams of Michael beeping Ryan sustain you til next time!