The Office – Deep inside perfect pork anus

Last night’s The Office was noteworthy for a single reason: Dwight. Whether flying high or riding low, Dwight can always be counted on to put on a good show … as long as the writers are smart enough to give him something to do. Does his impending trip to Tallahassee promise more or less of him? We’ll just have to wait and see.

For now, it was news of a “promotion” of sorts that had Dwight karate chopping and kicking his way across Andy’s office. In truth he’s more being given an opportunity to be project manager of a team tasked with developing and launching a chain of Sabre stores, a temporary assignment meant to mollify a solid salesman who Robert California turned away empty-handed a few weeks back. I’m surprised that the obvious intent of the “promotion” wasn’t made into an issue, but maybe it will be once Dwight inevitably discovers that he’s really not in charge. Can you see Robert California being hands-off for the implementation of such a major strategic move?

Anyway, there wasn’t much to the episode, but the struggle between Dwight and Andy was fun. Special Project Manager Dwight Schrute was hunting for team members who a) were loyal, b) would help him make inroads with the gay Hispanic community, and c) wouldn’t be missed. That meant no idiots, good for nothings, meth heads, or Cathy (Lindsey Broad), whose name he couldn’t even remember (he was not alone there). So who’d he get? Darryl, Phyllis, Cathy, Kelly, and Kevin. Two out of five ain’t bad, right?

Well, let’s just say I’m glad Dwight convinced Andy to let people make a case for their inclusion on the team. Phyllis had a swimsuit she needed to break in, Ryan advocated his youth knowledge, Kevin the fact that he can finally start going to dog races again, Toby was looking for an escape from the long, lonely winter, Stanley presented happy and sunny “Florida Stanley,” and Erin was looking for a nice way to clear her head. And then there was Jim, who got in on a technicality. Hey, anything to keep him and Pam apart and him and Dwight together. The latter is a much better pairing.

Dwight’s orientation session was great. His attempts to get Cathy, Stanley, Ryan, Erin, and Jim to “ring the bell” were rather amusing, and I loved that in addition to setting the temperature and humidity he released three hundred mosquitoes into the conference room for authenticity’s sake. I wish we’d gotten to see the frogs taking care of them after-the-fact.

But even with some laughs this episode was missing any manner of significant meat. I’m reserving judgment until we see what Dwight’s assignment entails, but this season seems to be floundering as far as direction is concerned.

“It’s like the Nation of Islam down here.” – Darryl, upon seeing all the warehouse guys wearing hats that Val knit

“Sometimes Batman’s gotta take off his cape.” – Kevin, on needing a vacation

“If anybody’s going to Florida it should be me. Every shirt that I have that isn’t a work shirt is a Tommy Bahama. I’m the only person in this office who watches Burn Notice.” – Stanley

“Do you shower at night, or do you shower in the morning? Cause I wanna shower when you’re showering, save some water.” – Jim to Dwight

Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Feb 10, 2012 @ 14:17 EST5EDT