Monthly Archives: November 2009

If You Slap Michael Scott, Does He Not Bruise? (Brief Thoughts on ‘The Office’)

And does he not need a Schrute Farms frozen chicken to ease the pain?

Well, he might bruise, but he definitely needed the makeshift ice pack.

Michael Scott: Bruised Face, Bruised EgoAfter we argued for the usefulness of the lovelorn Michael Scott earlier today, tonight’s “Double Date” served up another helping of that quixotic Scott, while also mixing in his cringe-inducing, myopic unpleasant side.  Realizing that Pam’s mom (aka “Pickle”) is a (sorta) much older woman, Michael slowly, painfully, tries to extricate himself from the relationship.  He’s selfish and inconsiderate, but in this case it’s not so much his intentions that are wrong, just his actions.  His epiphany that being with a soon to be Grandma would hinder his life plans, which still include having children (and maybe snowboarding) is understandable.  Why he didn’t see this before is open for debate, but we must keep in mind that this is Michael Scott, master of obliviousness.  However, instead of waiting another day or two, or at least until after the birthday lunch, Michael decides to break it off right then and there, just as Pam begins to accept him as a suitable mate for her mother (and perhaps as a possible step-father to herself and step-grandfather to her unborn child), creating the awkward tension that Michael has elevated to an art form over the years.  But his heart was in the right place.  Just at the wrong time.

Read on: Michael and Holly = Desmond and Penny?

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Filed under Analysis, Dunder Mifflin, this is Pam, LOST, Must See TV

Score One for Gritty Cop Dramas!

As rumored since its axe by NBC, the Gritty Cop Drama Southland has been rescued by TNT.  What’s more is that the cable net will air the Gritty Cop Drama Fridays at 10pm (starting Jan 12), setting up a smackdown against new nemesis Jay Leno (if Leno survives til the New Year).

No word yet if the addition of Southland to the TNT roster will require the show to add a Strong Female Lead, à la The Closer, Saving Grace and HawthroRNe.  Might I make a recommendation?   Or, if she’s not available, they can take SNL‘s suggestion and bring Penny Marshall aboard:

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Of course, the big question is what does this all mean for Dick Wolf?  Well, TNT already airs syndicated episodes of the flagship Law & Order franchise, so perhaps Mr. Wolf will bring original episodes of the series here when NBC replaces his show with Dateline: To Catch a Biggest Loser.

via Variety

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Filed under Is That Still On?, Must See TV

If You Prick Michael Scott, Does He Not Bleed?

“What is so wrong about me?  I’m caring, I’m generous, I’m sensual. Is it really so horrible that I could possibly go out and find happiness?” – Michael Scott

We’re back from vacation here at Jumped The Snark and before we march on to more relevant subjects (and tonight’s new The Office), we wanted to take a moment and comment on the last two weeks’ of Office entries, most notably in regards to our recent list of the Five Least Awesome Office Episodes.

Prick in a Box! After compiling the lists of the “worst” Office episodes we discovered that the quality of the show most often hinges on which Michael Scott we receive, the childish, clueless but ultimately well-meaning and redeemable Michael Scott or the obnoxious, selfish, boorish borderline psychotic Michael Scott.  In the worst episodes we find ourselves with the latter, a vile, unseemly and ultimately unbelievable character.  In the best episodes we might not always find the former, but he is frequently present in the show’s best, most emotional moments, when he demonstrates his humanity and vulnerability, such as the truly uncomfortably honest beat at the end of season 4’s “The Deposition,” (You expect to get screwed by your company.  But never expect to get screwed by your girlfriend.”) or at the close of this season’s “The Meeting” when Michael brings Jim his very own “World’s Best Boss” mug.

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Filed under Dunder Mifflin, this is Pam, Good Humor, Must See TV