Welcome-ish, PEOPLE OF EARTH

Article first published as PEOPLE OF EARTH Review on Seat42F.

TBS is a network for experimental sitcoms, so their latest offering, PEOPLE OF EARTH, should fit right in. An accomplished journalist is assigned to cover a support group for people who believe they have been abducted by aliens. Anxious to get past that waste of time and onto something meaningful, he barely gives the theories of the crazy people a second thought… until he has an extraterrestrial encounter of his own.

Yep, it sounds like a bizarre premise, and it is. It gets even more bizarre when viewers get to start seeing the aliens, knowing this isn’t just conspiracy theories, and is actually a real problem. The aliens plan to take over the world and aren’t too happy that our hero, Ozzie Graham (Wyatt Cenac, The Daily Show), is onto them. After all, no one is going to listen to a bunch of crackpots, but an actual reporter who is determined to find proof? That could threaten all of their plans!

I like the cast of this show. Besides Cenac, the large ensemble includes Ana Gasteyer (Suburgatory, Saturday Night Live), Luka Jones (Up All Night), Brian Huskey (Another Period), Michael Cassidy (The Magicians), Oscar Nunez (The Office), Nancy Lenehan (My Name Is Earl), Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Selfie), Alice Wetterlund (Silicon Valley), Daniel Sherman (Run All Night), and Tracee Chimo (Orange Is the New Black). This isn’t an A-list bunch, but there are quite a few familiar faces, and some very funny people on the list.

I also like the concept. Alien abductions are usually dismissed as nonsense, and if they were to be played for laughs, it’s by laughing at the characters. Here, we have some people who fit that stereotype of someone who isn’t to be believed, but knowing they’re right changes the dynamic and feel of the series. It’s kind of a weird world that doesn’t feel like our own reality, even though it looks and sounds like it, which makes for an interesting watching experience.

Where it goes wrong for me is the execution. The aliens themselves aren’t portrayed nearly as well as they could be. They are an inept bunch, even though they’ve been able to operate in the shadows for some time. They’re too sloppy to feel realistic. There are plot holes, one of the invaders making a very strange decision in retrospect, which feels very obvious by episode two. We’re still very much in the dark about who they are and what they want, but there doesn’t appear to be a cohesive idea behind them that will make the mystery worth it. And, while some have cool designs, others are pretty lame.

Because of that, I don’t know where this is going, and I’m not that interested in finding out. If PEOPLE OF EARTH can’t get through two half-hour installments without making me doubt the reality they’re presenting, I don’t know that I can stomach a weekly show that may not pay off.

The one aspect that gives me a bit of hope is that delusions that Ozzie experiences. By setting the narrator up to be unreliable, there is a possibility that the inconsistencies and plot holes could be purposeful, clues that not all is as it seems to be to those of us watching at home (another level beyond the ignorant, unprepared humans who don’t know the aliens are coming). If this were embraced more fully, PEOPLE OF EARTH could be a ground-breaking sitcom.

I just don’t think that’s where it’s going, though, so while I was amused and interested in the first couple of installments, I’m not sold on continuing, especially on a network that had yet to distinguish itself as consistently reliable in the comedy realm, airing both good series and total duds, often at the same time.

PEOPLE OF EARTH premieres tonight at 10/9c on TBS.

USA Not Likely to Be BENCHED For New Sitcom

Article first published as TV Review: 'Benched' - 'Pilot' on Blogcritics.

USA’s newest comedy, premiering this week, is called Benched. A smart lawyer named Nina (Eliza Coupe, Happy Endings, Scrubs) suffers a breakdown after being dumped by her fiance, Trent (Carter MacIntyre, Undercovers, Drop Dead Diva), and being passed over for promotion at her company. Her explosion is spectacular, and leaves her lucky to find employment in the crummy public defender’s office. Here, though, she might just find a sense of purpose amid the downtrodden misfits.

Benched doesn’t have much that one could call fresh and original. The Jerry Maguire-opening and tale of a person who finds deeper meaning than money is nothing new. There are quite a few other shows like it on television, both dramas and comedies, and so it seems like USA is just repeating a common structure. But there’s something charming and breezy about Benched that makes for good entertainment, even if it’s not exactly high quality.

One thing Benched has going for it is the quirky supportive cast. Like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, our lead is surrounded by a number of cartoonish players who give the proceedings a hyper reality. Sheryl (Maria Bamford, Adventure Time) looks to be very near the edge, even as she’s flighty enough to not let much in her day bother her. Oscar Nuñez plays Carlos, a role that, at first glance, seems quite similar to his part in The Office, non-showy, but still funny. Micah (Jolene Purdy, Under the Dome) keeps Nina going, the intern who tells the hard truths. Phil (Jay Harrington, Better Off Ted), a compulsive gambler, serves as a love interest and cautionary tale for Nina. And Trent is still around, often facing Nina in court. Because of these various personalities, I like the show.

Coupe is a great leading lady. She has proven her worth as part of an ensemble, and as much as I enjoy seeing her do that, she can also carry a program as the protagonist on her own. The second fiddle here is Harrington, who has been desperately missed on television, a few years having passed since his last starring role, and together the pair have terrific chemistry. It’s a no-brainer match, one audiences are sure to eat up. I did.

In the first episode, a lot of time is spent establishing the premise. We have to see Nina get to where she’s going to be. Still, it seems like there is time for her to start to find her footing, giving viewers an idea of what Benched will be on a regular basis. Nina spends time in the court room, sparring with Trent, Judge Nelson (Fred Melamed, Silk Stalkings), and a grumpy bailiff (Cedric Yarbrough, Reno 911!). While the case isn’t all that important, just watching the cast interact is good enough, and will probably be the best part of any installment.

Benched is genuinely humorous, well-crafted by creators Michaela Watkins (last see on-screen in Trophy Wife) and Damon Jones (Tammy). Even if they didn’t come up with many ideas of their own (maybe they were instructed not to by the network?), they show great talent in putting the various pieces together to make them work. Not every effort in this vein is nearly as good as Benched is. It takes some people who know what they’re doing to pull it off, and given the small writing resumes of the creators, this is a fine first big effort to be proud off.

Benched is far from perfect, and it has a lot of work to do if it wants to become anyone’s favorite show. Yet, there are some excellent ingredients here, well stirred, so it’s worth checking out. Given how funny those involved can be, it is likely there will be payoff if you start watching and stick with it.

Benched premieres Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET on USA.

NEW GIRL "Cruise" Through Finale

Article first published as TV Review: 'New Girl' - Season Finale Review on Blogcritics.

FOX’s New Girl sends its cast out on a boat for the third season finale, aptly titled “Cruise.” This is supposed to be a romantic getaway for Nick (Jake Johnson) and Jess (Zooey Deschanel), but having broken up, they decide to bring all their friends with them, hoping that will lessen the weirdness. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of activities for lovers that the couple must engage in, reawaking feelings, made worse when no one is helping them through it.

The chemistry between Nick and Jess is electric throughout the first couple of seasons, which New Girl then decided to go for in year three with a full-fledged relationship, only to have it fall apart after a short time. This is not what fans want. Television shows have tried for years to unnaturally string along a leading duo, tossing every obstacle in the way they can (see: Friends, Bones, Castle, The Big Bang Theory, The Office, etc.). What most have figured out, though, is they have to give into it eventually or risk alienating those who watch mainly to see the pair end up together.

The sooner New Girl does this, the better. Watching Nick and Jess interact in “Cruise,” it’s very clear they belong together. She rejects him when he goes in for a kiss, but they share many lingering looks. This screams for resolution, and there’s no reason to wait five years to get it. If the writers are afraid they won’t be able to keep up interesting stories after this, then the writing is weak in the first place. It’s time for character development.

The other couple on the show is in almost the same boat, excuse the pun. Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Cece (Hannah Simone) have been dancing around one another ever since their break up at the end of season one. Schmidt loves her, of course, even if his idea of grand, romantic gestures isn’t what will get him this girl. And New Girl teases us in the finale by having Cece gaze longingly at Schmidt in a picture, proving the feelings are mutual. Why not go for it?

Of course, putting four of the six main characters (Damon Wayans Jr.’s Coach has now been deservedly upgraded to full-time cast) in long-term relationships would drastically change the show. That’s a good thing. Sitcoms often try to stay stagnant as long as possible, not wanting to mess with their dynamics. Yet, when they give in and allow life to take its course, it allows them to go deeper. Did Jim and Pam getting married ruin The Office? Is The Big Bang Theory less funny now that most of their guys have partners? No to both.

It’s time for New Girl to undergo a similar transformation. Doing so will keep the series fresh. That might mean Coach and Winston (Lamorne Morris) have to take a step forward, especially in the love department, but both performers are more than up to the challenge. All comedy can grow stale if it treads water. So far, the show is still good. Let’s hope it makes the right choices to continue to be that way, unlike, say, How I Met Your Mother, which got extremely disappointing in the middle years when it couldn’t allow itself to evolve.

It’s really interesting that Coach has returned and is sticking around. He appears in the pilot of the show, but then disappears because the actor was in Happy Endings instead, and is replaced by Winston. Now, Winston isn’t going anywhere and Coach is added to the dynamic, making for a physically crowded apartment, but not a too-big cast. It’s not often a character and their replacement can co-exist so easily, but New Girl has somehow done it, and it’s working well, which is only possible because they made the wise decision early on to play to Morris’ strengths, not making him a clone of what Coach is introduced as.

“Cruise” itself is a humorous episode. Two good guest stars, Oscar Nunez (The Office) and Kerri Kenney-Silver (Reno 911!), are underused, but only so that the focus stays on who it belongs, the principles. Winston, in particular, has some of his best awkward moments, petting Coach’s ear and shouting his name to Oscar at a weird time. However, each member of the ensemble is served, from Coach’s fear of the water to Schmidt being tickled by strangers for being a Grumpy Gus. Hilarious!

New Girl has been officially picked up for a fourth season, which will begin this coming fall on FOX.

Raise an "A.A.R.M." for The Office

Article first published as Raise an "A.A.R.M." for The Office on TheTVKing.

Things have mostly gotten back to normal for The Office in "A.A.R.M.," a fine example of a classic episode, while still allowing those emotional, end-of-the-series plot developments to creep in. Jim (John Krasinski) plays a huge practical joke on Dwight (Rainn Wilson), Pam (Jenna Fischer) questions whether she's going to make Jim resent her, Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) gets jealous when baby Phillip is in the office, Andy (Ed Helms) tries out for a singing competition, and Darryl (Craig Robinson) tries, and fails, to leave without saying goodbye.

I love "A.A.R.M." because it has something for each member of the cast. While the main story sticks with the characters who have been front and center this season, the rest of the supporting players get focus and moments, too, both in the normal plot, and in their interview cut scenes. Yes, they are all sort of lumped together with saying goodbye to Darryl, but doesn't that just feel right, that they don't want to lose one of their own? Watching the culmination of the plot, where Stanley (Leslie David Baker), Phyllis (Phyllis Smith), Creed (Creed Bratton), Meredith (Kate Flannery), Erin (Ellie Kemper), Toby (Paul Lieberstein), Nellie (Catherine Tate), and the others dance with Darryl feels special.

Then, they all go to a bar together to watch the premiere of their documentary. What this episode reveals is that these people are a family. We've known it all along, of course, but the point is driven home now. They could be by themselves, watching the show on their own television sets. Instead, they choose to be together, off the clock, to face this new adventure among people that are their family. And hearing Michael Scott's voice in those final moments brings back the one person missing, making the clan complete. It's a perfect episode ending.

Even Andy attends the viewing party, as no matter what he does, he is one of them. Sure, he's gone all day, trying to be famous (which is a funny little side story with wonderful guest stars), but when all is said and done, he returns to the group.

Jim feels that his family in The Office is enough. Pam questions that she is holding him back, and she should feel bad, but he tells her this is his decision and he won't regret it. In fact, Jim does everything he can in "A.A.R.M." to prove that this is where he wants to be, with Pam, even getting the documentary crew to make a video tribute of the two of them over the years, and giving her a long-held-back card. It's hard to understand how Jim could give up his dreams and be happy, but seeing him with Pam, and with the others at the end of this week's installment, Pam, and I, finally believe it's true.

We don't need to know what's in the note. As not much has been in these people's lives, it's private.

It helps that Jim has his "brother," Dwight, around. Jim teases him mercilessly, tricking Dwight into being the assistant to his own assistant, and mimicking many of the things Dwight did when he was assistant to the regional manager. But there's no cruelty in it, the two seeing each other as comrades. Dwight seems to be in on the game, as, when Dwight really needs Jim, he tells him so, dropping the charade they have been perpetrating the entire hour.

Jim is there for Dwight when Dwight needs him. Dwight isn't sure if he should marry Esther (Nora Kirkpatrick), the woman who is perfect on paper, or Angela (Angela Kinsey), whom he has always carried a torch for. Jim helps Dwight figure out his feelings, and gives him sound advice, which Dwight acts on. To me, this is the culmination of everything there is between them, and it's a very satisfying story.

Angela doesn't make it easy for Dwight, refusing to acknowledge that Phillip is Dwight's son until Dwight proposes. This makes sense, as she doesn't want him with her out of obligation, but instead, out of love. Yes, this plot develops a little quickly, but at the same time, it's been years in the making. And seeing Dwight, Angela, and Phillip end things as a family is almost as satisfying as the final Jim / Dwight story. So thank goodness Dwight's spin-off did not get picked up, or this may not have been possible.

I also really enjoy the dynamic in Accounting when Angela brings in Phillip, with Kevin acting as the insecure big brother, growing jealous of the attention Angela and Oscar (Oscar Nunez) give the baby. For anyone else, this story could come across as dumb, but the three actors involved sell it so well, and the resolution is so perfect, that it is enjoyable, rather than annoying.

That's long been a theme of The Office, taking tales that, in lesser hands, wouldn't be funny, and creating characters that, without such brilliant performances, wouldn't be sympathetic, and making them both. It isn't just a realistic look at life in an office environment, but also a celebration of people that make things work, even when they shouldn't. Despite a recent rocky path, The Office is doing the finale right, and "A.A.R.M." is the perfect penultimate episode to set that up.

The Office concludes next Thursday, with a retrospective at 8 p.m. ET, followed by a one-hour-and-fifteen-minute episode, set six months after this one, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

The Staff of The Office Are "Livin' the Dream"

Article first published as The Staff of The Office Are "Livin' the Dream" on TheTVKing.

NBC's The Office begins winding down to their series finale (airing May 16th) this week with "Livin' the Dream." Two weeks out from the release of the documentary, the staff considers what is important to them, and begins to think about where they want to be. For some, that means finally realizing something they have longer worked towards. For others, giving up one thing they love might be necessary to hang onto what they care about the most. And some are ready to take a leap of faith, no matter what it could cost them.

Dwight (Rainn Wilson) has always wanted to be the manager of the Dunder-Mifflin Scranton branch. When we are introduced to him, he isn't anywhere near ready to lead, and he has many rocky years of trying and failing to establish himself as a leader. Even a couple of years ago, after the departure of Michael Scott, Dwight has no idea what it means to really run an office, as we see during the brief time he grabs power.

But Dwight has grown a lot. In recent months, he has lost family members and found love. He has considered giving up the paper business altogether, but decided against it because his spin-off was not picked up. At least, right before the curtain closes on the series, he is ready for the job.

Not only does Dwight's promotion feel totally earned, he is supported by the entire staff in an incredibly sweet sequence. No one begrudges him the accomplishment, and even as he celebrates a bit too much, both after getting his black belt and this news from David Wallace (Andy Buckley), they are happy for him. They all know just how much he cares about their company, and Dunder Mifflin will be in good hands.

The best moments are between Jim (John Krasinski) and Dwight, naturally. There has long been an undercurrent of affection in their rivalry, with a relationship not unlike brothers. Jim recommends Dwight for the promotion, and could not be happier for his friend. Dwight getting Jim his desk back from Clark (Clark Duke) proves the feeling is mutual. And the interplay when Dwight offers Jim the position of assistant manager is not only a call-back to the earliest days of their ribbing, but a way to say "I love you" without saying it out loud, as men do. Perfect!

Of course, for Dwight to rise to that level, Andy (Ed Helms) must first be de-throned. David intends to fire him, only to have Andy quit first, set on following his dreams of being a performer. Everyone thinks this is a bad idea, and Andy waffles, temporarily accepting a return to the sales team, where he didn't flourish, but got by better than he has as manager. But in the end, passion trumps sense, and he makes a go at becoming famous.

I am a bit disappointed with Andy's trajectory. He works so hard at bettering himself, after being introduced as a terrible man, and then slips backwards in this final year. Andy does almost everything he can to leave with shame and pity, not good wishes. Even his excellent farewell performance doesn't make up for what he has done, nor promise him a successful career.

The Office will likely let Andy go "Livin' the Dream." I think the fact that he pulled out a song far better than what anyone expected was the writers' attempt to set him up to soar. However, realistically, it feels like Erin (Ellie Kemper) has the more likely prediction, that Andy will end up homeless and starving. What a tragic ending to a briefly beloved (during the middle of his run) character!

It's also sad to see what Jim is giving up. He makes Pam (Jenna Fischer) his priority, quitting work in Philly and telling Darryl (Craig Robinson) he won't go on the road. This shows us what a dedicated family man Jim is, and what he is willing to do for the love of his life. It's romantic, of course, and it paints Jim in a very good light. What's more, he seems at peace with his decision, like he will never regret making the choice that he does.

But he shouldn't have to make that choice. Pam is being selfish. Yes, Jim doesn't handle the start of the business well, in regards to consulting Pam. But she agrees to support him before they begin to fall apart. Her behavior, while somewhat coming from a place of love, is holding Jim back. With the opportunity now presenting itself, she needs to sacrifice, too. And, since she overhears the conversation between Darryl and Jim and knows is at stake, I think she will.

Many of the side characters remain side characters, and don't have their own subplots in "Livin' the Dream," nor will they likely in the next couple of weeks. The exception to this, though, is Angela (Angela Kinsey). Evicted and with her cats, whom she considers her babies, taken away, and realizing that she loves Dwight, who is with someone else, this is the lowest we've ever seen Angela. It's not easy to like her, but it's hard to watch her suffer.

Thankfully, Oscar (Oscar Nunez) steps in and offers her a place to stay and a shoulder to cry on. There's something poetic here, Angela being supported by the man who contributes to the downfall of her marriage. Oscar may be trying to make up for something, but there's also a kinship between them, both tossed aside by the same guy. It's special.

Most likely, The Office will see a reconciliation between Dwight and Angela, but I think this is the wrong move. Like with Andy, I wish they'd take a less predictable tact, with Dwight marrying the farm girl, and Angela becoming Oscar's roommate and best friend. Perhaps it isn't that realistic that Angela could learn to care about Oscar deeply (and platonically, of course), but that's what I'd really like to see. They could be like Karen and Jack from Will & Grace, living together for the rest of their days.

The end is near, and one can sense it in the air. At least before it goes, The Office has found a lot of what makes it special again. "Livin' the Dream" isn't perfect, and there are signs that the series finale won't be either. But it will make a lot of fans happy, and the emotional heft, barely begun to scratch the surface this week, should be significant.

The Office airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC for two more weeks.

Oh, and TVLine.com reported yesterday that Michael Scott will appear in the series finale!

The Office turns depressing

Article first published as The Office turns depressing on TheTVKing.

As NBC's The Office starts its wind down to the series finale in mid-May, the plot has turned really depressing. I expected to be taken through a more emotional segment of the journey, but maybe not for a sitcom to go quite as dark as it has. This week's episode, "Couples Discount," was absent of much joy, and yet, incredibly good.

Andy (Ed Helms) returns to his post after being gone for three months. He wants to act like he never left, and to be caught up on all the latest going-ons, but is it because he cares, or because he is covering his butt with his boss, David Wallace (Andy Buckley)? He should have returned humble and contrite, and instead, chooses the opposite tack, attempting to re-assert dominance and control.

When Andy sets sail last fall, he is a beloved character who has earned his place among the staff, and is finally settling into the boss's job. He is part of the group, someone who doesn't always do right, but who tries hard, and seems like a good man. Considering where he starts from, as the detestable invader from another branch with anger management problems, it is a satisfying place.

However, Andy has been totally and permanently ruined. From the moment he walks back in the door, it is clear that he no longer belongs. He tries to take credit for the work the staff has done, and accepts a bonus for the quarter he is gone. This ruffles a lot of feathers, to be sure, and it's no wonder that everyone turns on him. It's heartbreaking to see this happen with Andy.

Even worse, Andy single-handedly screws up the biggest account the office has ever landed, Jan's (Melora Hardin) white pages, ruining a lot of hard work that Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Clark (Clark Duke) put in. Fans will feel just as shocked and betrayed as Dwight and Clark upon seeing this, and it's a rough moment to get through.

In the end, no one is mean enough to really rat Andy out to David, but Erin (Ellie Kemper) accidentally tips him off. This is how it should be. Andy will get his comeuppance, probably making this episode a one-time return, rather than a rejoining for the character, and no one has to be thought of as a bad guy for getting rid of Andy. The rest of the employees may be mad at him, but they're not so cruel as to be the one that stabs him in the back, and this twist saves any of their characters from that damnation. A few small lies that they tell Andy can be written off as justifiable, but revealing to David the truth would have gone too far.

At least Erin can finally be with Pete (Jake Lacy), free and clear. When Pete first arrives, he seems like an interloper, moving in on Andy's girl. But at this point, it's clear his feelings for Erin are pure, and he certainly deserves her more than the absentee boyfriend. Good for them!

So who will be the new boss? Last season, The Office floundered as it searched for a manager. It was not a good year for the series. However, these past three months without a boss have worked really well, both for the characters, and the series. Everyone knows their jobs at this point, and even if they goof off a little, they don't need a babysitter to keep them in line. Maybe this is how it is supposed to be. Maybe David doesn't need to appoint a replacement. Though that is pretty radical thinking for such an environment.


The other major development in"Couples Discount" comes when Jim (John Krasinski) learns the full truth about how Pam (Jenna Fischer) has been hnadling his absence from Brian (Chris Diamantopoulos), the fired boom guy. This takes the couple to a major make-it-or-break-it-point, where their relationship could go one of two ways. Jim, sadly, picks the wrong one, wanting to head back to Philly and avoid a fight, which would probably end their marriage, since it cuts off communication, and could even drive Pam into the arms of Brian, who is most definitely interested. But Pam chooses Jim, fights and all, and in doing so, puts them back on the right path.

It's a teary moment when Pam tells Jim that she wants to fight. What is she saying? That she wants to fight about what's gone on between them? Or that she wants to fight for their marriage? Jim and Pam have come so far in the past nine seasons. To see them fall apart now would be intolerable, and because they're working it out, they will only be stronger for the experience.

Lastly, there's a blink-and-you-miss-it moment when Darryl (Craig Robinson) almost turns Oscar (Oscar Nunez) down on acting like a couple for a mall discount, and then, seeing the camera, changes his mind. Setting aside that this leads to a fantastic genuine moment later on, where Darryl defends Oscar's homosexuality, it also is a sign of the changing tone of the documentary being made.

Before, this kind of thing hasn't been seen, so it was likely cut in the editing room. Now, this isn't the first slip up allowed in, and it makes me wonder what is going on with the rest of the crew. Brian's incident definitely isn't the only thing of interest happening behind the camera, and I can't wait to find out more.

"Couples Discount" is a superb episode of The Office. It may not be as laugh-out-loud funny as it has been in the past, but the real emotional heft more than makes up for it. This has been a terrific season, and a fitting bounce back from the weakness of last year. Catch more episodes of the final season Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter.

The Office celebrates a "Dwight Christmas"

NBC's The Office continues the emotional journey of its final season. In "Dwight Christmas," Pam (Jenna Fischer) manipulates her co-workers into throwing Dwight's (Rainn Wilson) dream holiday celebration as a gift for Jim (John Krasinski). It works, and Jim is giddily amused. But when he cuts out early to head to Philadelphia for his new job, Dwight feels slighted, and calls off the celebration.

"Dwight Christmas" makes obvious what many of us have long suspected, and what The Office has allowed small glimpses of from time to time: Dwight and Jim have a brother-style relationship, at least in Dwight's eyes. He claims to hate Jim, but how hurt he is when Jim leaves tells a different tale. This proves not only a deep affection for the other man, but also how much Dwight is going to miss Jim when if he quits Dundler-Mifflin completely and moves away.

The Office may portray a dysfunctional family, but make no mistake about it, the co-workers do comprise a family. Every clan has their tiffs and disagreements, but in the end, they care about each other. Whether it's Oscar (Oscar Nunez) trying desperately to heal things with Angela (Angela Kinsey) after sleeping with her husband, or it's Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) and Stanley (Leslie David Baker) promising to help Jim out after giving him a ribbing, as they did last week, these people mean something to one another.

What better way to mark a final season than to demonstrate this? There is definitely starting to be a sense of an end in sight, with several characters considering paths that will take them away from the group. It's a shame, but it's also life, and viewers should be grateful for these people while we've had them. We've gotten to witness such a long stretch of their lives, and what they mean. It's very relatable, and as much as the employees may shed a tear in the end, so, too, should the fans at home, who have become invested, and may even feel like part of the family themselves.

During the party, Darryl (Craig Robinson) gets drunker and drunker, angry at Jim for seemingly forgetting about him in his new venture. It's a classic case of misunderstanding, as Jim hasn't forgotten to include him, but has not remembered to tell Darryl exactly what Jim has done for him. Yet, even while playing out such a familiar, unoriginal trope, "Dwight Christmas" still manages to be good because Robinson, along with his fellow actors, know how to sell the heart that beats at the center of the series.

Speaking of heart, a couple of relationship developments happen in "Dwight Christmas," too. Toby (Paul Lieberstein) senses some interest from Nellie (Catherine Tate), who may return the feelings. It's interesting that former boss, Michael's (Steve Carell), nemesis would get with new boss, Andy's (Ed Helms), foe, but there's also a bit of poetry in that. Plus, neither one has any other prospects in (or outside of) the office, and it's cool if they end up finding something in each other. Even if their co-workers might judge it the grossest pairing in the company.

Unfortunately, at the same time, a couple many are rooting for is falling apart. Andy is still MIA, not only continuing his run of being a bad, absentee manager, but also threatening things between himself and Erin (Ellie Kemper) by neglecting her. A lonely Erin falls sway, somewhat, to the charms of new guy Pete (Jake Lacy). It's hard not to think that Erin might be better off with Pete, who definitely cares about her, and at the same time, it's difficult to give up on Andy after everything we've seen from him over the years. It's a complicated, messy situation that will likely not resolve itself until the very end.

The Office, in its final season, is embracing the things that have made it so good in the past. This is a relief, considering the wandering, less-than-stellar past year. The show is taking its victory lap, and in doing so, has found itself again.

Watch The Office Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published on TheTVKing

The Office lands "The Whale"

NBC's The Office continues its great final season this week with "The Whale." Dwight (Rainn Wilson) is given the opportunity to double Dundler Mifflin's growth when a new potential client asks for a meeting. Learning the meeting is with a woman, and knowing how bad Dwight is with relating to women, several of his female co-workers try to intervene and improve upon his manners. But no one is prepared when they learn who Dwight is actually being sent to talk with, and it will take everything Dwight has to land this impossible account.

Yep, Jan (Melora Hardin) is back! Jan is one of those character who is a delight every time she arrives on screen, mostly because she makes everyone squirm. This is the type of humor that The Office frequently lands, so it hits the perfect tone when it is returned to. We haven't seen Jan in awhile, so it's a great surprise (if you avoided NBC spoiler-filled promos), and the way it's played as a horror film moment when it slowly dawns on Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Dwight just whose office they are in is priceless.

This being the final season, we are likely to see a good many familiar faces in the coming weeks. Even former boss Michael (Steve Carell) is rumored to be making an appearance by series end. It's a well deserved victory lap, nine years in, to revisit these past people.

But it's not just done for nostalgia's sake. Jan's reemergence allows for a really good Dwight story. He may not be best at dealing with girls, but he is an expert salesman for a reason. Even Jan, who has absolutely no intention of dealing with her former employer, and is just taunting them, comes around to Dwight's skills when he uses what he knows about her to change her mind. Meaning, he dangles Clark (Clark Duke) as a sex object. And Dwight and Pam get a very nice friendship moment.

This continues the trend of giving the characters nice payoffs this year. While last season floundered as the company searched for a new manager, this year is back to the basics, exploring the main characters, reminding us who they are, allowing them to make some big decisions, and hopefully sending them on their way with sweet, satisfying endings.

There is drama. Jim (John Krasinski) is trying to start a business on the side. Andy (Ed Helms) is taking advantage of Erin (Ellie Kemper), driving her away. Angela (Angela Kinsey) seems to have realized that her husband, the Senator (Jack Coleman), is sleeping with Oscar (Oscar Nunez) and other men. But all this should be resolved, probably with happy results, by the end of the year. So rather than sweating it, as might have been done in earlier seasons, there's a sense that all of this is just the last few bumps in the road.

If you drifted away from The Office, as many have done, now might be a nice time to catch up. However it ends, it should be memorable.

The Office airs at 9 p.m. ET Thursdays on NBC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Last day at The Office

NBC's The Office returned this week with "New Guys," the final season premiere of the long-running sitcom. It felt like the end, too. Sure, there were a couple of new staff members at Dunder Mifflin, but others have moved on, and a couple of the leads are contemplating their next step for their future. I don't know if this final season can make up for the mess of last year, but "New Guys" gets them off to a promising start.

Kelly (Mindy Kaling) is gone, whisked away to the glamor of Miami (Ohio) by her fiance, Ryan (B.J. Novak) trailing her and trying to pretend that he's not. I really wish there had been an entire episode where this played out, rather than a couple of scenes shown with voice over, but at the same time, Ryan and Kelly were never the focus of The Office. It's an appropriate ending for them, as far as the series is concerned, though I will miss them. (Kaling and Novak are both currently working on The Mindy Project, which premieres this Tuesday on FOX).

Jim (John Krasinski) considers moving on, too. A buddy of his is starting a business based on Jim's idea, and wants Jim to be a part of it. At first, Jim hesitates because it would mean moving his family and taking a big risk with their financial future. But when he sees what he has become through a new employee his co-workers dub "Young Jim" (Jake Lacy, Better With You), he decides that he must give it a shot.

Does Jim have the luxury of following his dreams now? Before having children, sure, as long as wife Pam (Jenna Fischer) is on board. As a creative person herself, she probably would be. Now that he has a couple of little mouths to feed, though, is it selfish of him to leave the security of the paper company to work on a venture that could fail? I guess it would depend on what kind of savings he has tucked away. But it's TV, and we're near the end, so anything can happen.

Dwight (Rainn Wilson) feels much the same as Jim when viewing his own "Young Dwight" (Clark Duke, Greek, Hot Tub Time Machine), but doesn't have the same prospects that Jim has. Learning Angela's (Angela Kinsey) baby isn't his adds to his misery. So, with no outlet for these feelings, Dwight acts out by trying to ride a bicycle on a wire off the roof of the building. It does not go well.

Most people who follow television know that Dwight is about to get his own spin-off called The Farm that will open a completely new chapter of his life. And he's ready for it. Dwight is no longer the same goober he once was, having grown as a person. He can't be held down by a menial job. He needs something more. It's time.

Seeing Dwight and Jim reach this point almost simultaneously is thrilling. These are two beloved characters who we have seen shaped over nine years. To be present at the time of major change is great, and it's nice that the writers are going to take their time with these plots, rather than just toss them in the last few episodes of the season. In this way, the conclusion should feel natural, and make watching The Office this entire time totally worth it.

In other plot, Andy (Ed Helms) comes back from leadership training more confident and in charge. This isn't good news for Nellie (Catherine Tate), whom Andy justifiably resents after she tried to steal his job. The thing is, as much as I've disliked Nellie, seeing Andy being such a bully to her makes me feel bad for her. This poor woman is just looking for an anchor to hold on to, and she has nowhere else to go. Hopefully, Andy will see that soon, and take pity on her. Having the bravado stripped away has humanized Nellie in a single episode. Terrific job.

Awesome throwback that Andy finally hates Toby (Paul Lieberstein) as much as Michael did! It seems like balance that I hadn't even noticed was off has been restored to the universe.

Lastly, it turns out that Oscar (Oscar Nunez) is having an affair with Angela's husband (Jack Coleman). I can't say that I didn't see this coming, but it's a regrettable turn of events. Unless Angela leaves with Dwight for the spin-off (she hasn't shown up in the current cast list), this leaves her with no happy ending. She is a miserable person, but no one deserves to be cheated on. It's not a bad story, but I'm still hoping the writers find a way to satisfactorily resolve this, and I have no idea what that could be.

Oh, and Creed (Creed Bratton) has gone completely insane, which doesn't bode well for the safety of anyone who works there. Might there be a death looming? Might he even be the infamous Scranton Strangler (assuming you don't believe the Jim Carrey theory).

The Office's final season continues Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

Don't bring your children to The Office

This week's outing of NBC's The Office is called "Jury Duty" because that's what Jim (John Krasinski) says he is doing when he misses a week of work. But Dwight (Rainn Wilson) grows suspicious, and goes on a quest to get his nemesis fired. Knowing he's in trouble, Jim confesses the truth to Andy (Ed Helms), that he was at home with his kids, who only makes things worse by trying to continue the cover up. Luckily, before Dwight can get corporate involved, he stops by the hospital and sees Angela's (Angela Kinsey) baby, who looks an awful lot like a Schrute. Suddenly, Dwight has the much more important thing of fatherhood to worry about than a feud with Jim.

It's long been known to viewers that Angela's husband, The Senator (Jack Coleman), is gay. But until the baby is born a "month early," at over nine pounds, it's unclear whether somehow he impregnated her or not. Why the Senator remains oblivious to the truth of the matter is unknown, but perhaps he is so caught up in his lie that he doesn't question it. Presumably he does have sex with Angela at least once, so it could be his, right?

Angela and Dwight's relationship has been a very slow burn over the years. Never getting too much focus in The Office, there has always been something special between them. Even as Angela tries to push Dwight away, it's hard not to hope that they will be together. They are strange in very different ways, and yet, their pairing works somehow. Both have taken turns being in pursuit of the other. This baby born in "Jury Duty" changes everything, and could possibly set up a happy ending for the two. Which would be ideal. Though, given how The Office has handled things so far, it could be years before Angela even acknowledges publicly that the baby is Dwight's. That would be a shame, because it's likely that The Office will be off the air by then.

Unless Dwight is wrong. However unlikely that possibility seems, it is a possibility. While the timing lines up much better for the child to belong to Dwight, there is always the chance that, in the end, he could be wrong. Dwight surely sees what he wants to see in the child's features, and often thinks he knows things that he doesn't. Mightn't the more unexpected and exciting option be that the baby is not Dwight's?

Nah.

Being a daddy finally gives Dwight a way to connect to Jim. Dwight always has a fondness for Pam (Jenna Fischer), but it's not until he learns he is a father that he shows any respect towards Pam's husband. Now, this stuff in "Jury Duty" will not herald a new dawn between the two; they will always hate each other. Dwight is only kind in a moment of weakness because of his own excitement. But a new understanding could crop up, and that could change their interaction in a way that no one quite knows yet. It would be an interesting cap to a long-standing rivalry.

Lots of laughs this week, too. Some "Jury Duty" comedy highlights: Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) begins calling Angela's baby "Little Kevin." Oscar (Oscar Nunez) once more is shown to be ridiculous in how he "prepares" his co-workers to see the "premature" baby. The staff's anger at Jim for lying turns to distaste for his kids, whom they can't wait to send away. Ryan (B.J. Novack) agrees that Angela having a black baby would be slightly more exciting than a Chinese one. Creed (Creed Bratton) thinks Pam has brought in Angela's baby, or possible that Pam is Angela. Wonderful episode!

     The Office airs Thursdays nights at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy The Office DVDs, streaming episodes, and other merchandise, please click here.

The Office faces the battle of "Gettysburg"

     This week, on NBC's The Office, Andy (Ed Helms) takes part of the staff to "Gettysburg," trying to inspire them to approach their job as a battle. Unfortunately for him, while his employees to go, and even wear his stupid hats, they show no enthusiasm for the idea. Jim (John Krasinski) finally tells Andy to give it up and stop trying so hard. Back at the office, Robert (James Spader) presses the staff for bold new ideas to improve sales. He believes Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) may be onto something with metaphors about cookies, until Ryan (B.J. Novak) proves that Kevin is only talking about food.

     This is not the first interaction Robert has with Kevin, who fascinates him. This is funny, because Kevin is the most idiotic simpleton on staff. If someone needs to be fired for downsizing, Kevin's name will be at the top of the list. But Robert is such an outside-of-the-box thinker, he assumes others are the same, and sees a kindred spirit in Kevin. That is, until a jealous Ryan proves the truth of what Kevin is really talking about. A pity, really, as watching Robert be in awe of Kevin is really quite funny.

     The opening of the episode veers too far from the beliveable path. Apparently, Pam (Jenna Fischer) keeps faking going into labor to get out of things she doesn't want to do. In "Gettysburg," she even adds a bottle of water hidden between her legs to make the whole thing seem more authentic when Gabe (Zach Woods) holds a long, boring meaning. This takes away all credibility Pam has with her co-workers, as now they will find it hard to trust anything she says, let alone something important. God forbig she actually go into labor and need help from one of them! Though it is strange the others don't embrace the fake labor in this instance, even if they know it to be a ruse, if not just to get out of Gabe's boring lecture.

     Andy is a different boss than Michael Scott (Steve Carell). He does verge on Michael-like antics while pulling them around an historical site he isn't really respecting, but Michael would have been far more offensive in his actions. Yet, Jim is telling the truth when he tells Andy the staff likes him. Andy lets them do their jobs, for the msot part, instead of pulling them into personal obsessions. Even the Gettysburg trip, while taking them away from their work, has business purpose, in Andy's head anyway, and is not just a flight of fancy. Surely, productivity must be up under his reign.

     The adjustment of Andy not being buddy-buddy with his employees isn't too bad, either. Perhaps this is because Andy is kind of a loser, and never does develop many close friendships within the office. Everyone tolerates him, but no one wants to have him over to their house. Well, except for Erin (Ellie Kemper), of course, but Andy is involved with someone else now, and unavailable. A boss should have authority and respect, and Andy has at least the latter of those things. He makes a serviceable manager.

     There is a funny little side plot where Gabe is mistaken for an Abraham Lincoln impersonator, and must perform a show at Gettysburg. Gabe is kind of a dumb characters, and so it's great that he gets to be humorous, and make people laugh. Meaning the tourists, more than The Office fans, but still...

     Even better is the argument of "facts" between Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Oscar (Oscar Nunez) over the Battle of Schrute Farms. Awesome watching the two go at it. There could not be a test of will between two more know-it-all characters, with fans rooting for neither to be right. In the end, Dwight's humiliation at what really happened is worse than Oscar's for being ignorant of the whole situation, and that's OK.

     The Office airs Thursdays nights at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy The Office DVDs, streaming episodes, and other merchandise, please click here.

The Office holds a "Garage Sale"

WARNING! SEVERE SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT READ UNTIL AFTER WATCHING THE OFFICE EPISODE "GARAGE SALE"!

     I admit it. I cried like a baby while watching this week's episode of NBC's The Office. It started when Michael (Steve Carell) begins taking Holly (Amy Ryan) on a tour of all the places that played an important role in their relationship in the Dundler-Mifflin building. That place is Michael's life, and it only makes sense that his true love would share his fondest memories there. It got worse as Michael opens the door and reveals the staff, all of whom have shown up to support him. Truly, his family, there to shower the two with love and share in their special moment. Of course she says yes! She has to! Though I knew the announcement would eventually come, but didn't expect it to come right then, Michael tells his co-workers he is leaving the company, leaving them, and they all stare back, speechless and stunned.

     It is necessary to walk through those moments again, certainly among the most powerful The Office has yet produced, to get just how great this is. For all the squabbles and antics the staff of Dundler-Mifflin goes through, they are a tight-knit group. When it was announced long ago that this would be Steve Carell's final season with the show, it was a sad day indeed. But it didn't really sink in to me until Michael broke the news to the other characters. Their looks tell it all. I'm tearing up just remembering it. Their boss, leader of the gang of misfits, is going away. They are just beginning to cope, and now it's time for us, the fans, to do the same.

     The fact that the writers chose to bundle that news with Michael's proposal to Holly make the emotional impact a double punch. One second, it is tears of joy pouring forth, the next, tears of sorrow. A better time could not have been chosen to make the biggest possible impact. When Michael is fondest in our hearts, they rip him away. I am not complaining; it's the gripping intensity that made the scene so good. Michael still has a few episodes left (Holly will be leaving sooner), but now there's an end in sight. A ticking clock, if you will. Evey moment that Michael Scott is on screen from now until the end will be infused with sadness at his imminent departure. Keep the tissues handy.

     Now who will be the new boss? Rumors abound, as everyone has an opinion. Will Ferrell (Saturday Night Live) will begin a several episode arc next week. Recent reports that Will Arnett (Arrested Development) will be in this May's season finale have also sparked speculation. After all, series creator Ricky Gervais, who starred in the British version, has said Arnett would be 'amazing', and nominated him for the job to NBC. Gervais himself will appear in the finale, too, I assume to reprise his British character for a second time (he had a cameo in an opening this past January), but I find it highly unlikely he could be drawn to the show on a permanent basis. He has too many other things going on, and as much as I enjoy David Brent, he doesn't match the American tone well enough for an extended stay.

     Myself, knowing three new staff members will soon be added, am in favor of internal promotion. There is no need to take away any more screen time than necessary from the central cast, and plenty of staffers could take the baton. My top suggestions are Darryl (Craig Robinson), Stanley (Leslie David Baker), and Toby (Paul Lieberstein), each of whom would bring something very different to the table. Pam (Jenna Fischer) could also work. I am not in favor of either of the obvious choices, Jim (John Krasinski) or Dwight (Rainn Wilson) because both have temporarily taken control before, and neither went very well.

"Michael, you've had two ideas today. And one of them was great. And the other one was terrible." ~ Pam
"I am not in the mood for riddles, Pam." ~ Michael

     Those lines are spoken as Pam catches Michael in the middle of executing his first proposal idea, spelling out his question in gasoline in the parking lot, dangerously near everyone's cars. Of course, the road to asking Holly is quite bumpy. Michael only pulls off his great success (even the sprinklers going off didn't detract) with the help of Pam, Jim, Oscar (Oscar Nunez) and Ryan (B.J. Novak). It is those people who care about Michael most that help him with the biggest task of his life.

     I think the writers knew it would be folly to make this episode anything but touching. While there are some funny bits, the B stories focus on relationships, too. Andy (Ed Helms), Darryl and Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) engage in a round of Dallas: The Board Game, making up their own rules as they go. Andy and Darryl have been hanging out more and more, and their buddy-buddiness is a highlight. Two wonderful actors, brought into the series as their careers were taking off. Both do movies (The Hangover, Hot Tub Time Machine), but both still have time to have fun on a brilliant sitcom.

     The second subplot involves Jim tricking Dwight. A good prank between the pair has been a staple of The Office from its earliest days. Getting back to that chemistry is always a good time, and this is no exception. Jim convinces Dwight he has magic beans, so to speak, and Dwight, while continually insisting he won't fall for it, can't bring himself to pass up the possibility. He trades Jim a telescope with a $150 price tag for the legumes. The final teaser shows Jim replacing the soil-filled pots Dwight has planted with large stalks. Talk about commitment to the joke!

     Relationships don't have to be all nice and romanticized to work. I think Jim and Dwight are a great pairing. We have seen that they are willing to come through for each other when the chips are really down, but most of the time, mild animosity rules. It is perfectly realistic to believe you can be friends, of a sort, without liking each other. They may not hang out much in their off-work hours, but there is a certain level of respect and trust between them, and I do not see either one ever getting malicious. It's more of a sibling vibe. I definitely think Jim would not put up with someone else being seriously mean spirited towards Dwight, and vice versa.

     I will likely be covering The Office again soon, as the rest of this season has some big changes ahead! Make sure you do not miss out. The Office airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

Article first published as TV Review: The Office - "Garage Sale" on Blogcritics.

For an alphabetical list of all of Jerome Wetzel's Current Season Reviews, please click here.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.