Thursday nights are traditionally the best night for television. It would have been so much better had NBC not pushed Parks and Recreation to midseason (which is something I won't harp on, since I have done that plenty already), but it is what it is.
And what it is is not what it used to be, at least when it comes to "the Office." Tonight's episode just proved that it is a shell of what it used to be and should have been put out to pasture. Keep in mind, this is coming from a die-hard fan of the show.
Last night's episode, "Nepotism," was easily the show's weakest season premiere and did not set the season off on a high note.
Here's a recap: The show left off last season with ... wait a second. The events in "Nepotism" had absolutely nothing to do with the events of the closing of season six. It's not known what came about after the printer recall. They made it such a major deal at the end of last season and it was dropped in this episode.
Anyway, suddenly, Dunder Mifflin hired an assistant, something they hadn't needed before (and where did they get that money to pay him?) and Michael hired his nephew to improve his strained family relations. He's your stereotypical douchebag that everyone else hates, and long story short, Michael ends up spanking (yes, spanking) him in front of the whole office, while his co-workers cheer him on. Really? The same people who would be frustrated by Michael's sexually explicit comments and mindless office pranks would cheer on such an awkward and inappropriate gesture? Sure, he was annoying, but I don't even think that would be an appropriate reaction from anyone - and I'm referring to both Michael's gesture and his subordinates' reactions.
Also, in a throwaway talking head, Jim mentioned that Dwight bought the office building. Wait, what. Why? What use would that have? Another question - what was with Dwight's water-filled backpack? Did it have a purpose? I know, it's Dwight, and very few things Dwight does often make sense, but even that seemed outrageously pointless. Can someone help this confused viewer out?
Overall, this episode had maybe one or two chuckle-worthy moments, but nothing to write home about. It's a shame that such a brilliant show has become so slapstick (no pun intended) and unfunny. I wasn't a fan of the cold opener, either. Why is that they have to constantly reference or parody viral Internet videos? Is this Tosh.0 now?
So, thank God for "Community" and "30 Rock." Both shows returned strong last night, especially "Community's" incredibly meta episode (Donald Glover/Troy campaigned to play Spiderman! So Troy wears Spiderman pajamas!). It followed up on last year's romantic drama by creating truly funny moments between Jeff and Britta, yet it also developed a nice satirical flair by making fun of CBS' latest attempt to seem cool, "$#*! My Dad Says" (look how cool they are ... swear words!). You know this is a fantastic episode when Betty White's role was the weakest part, and I mean nothing bad by saying that. She was brilliant and outrageous, especially performing Toto's "Africa" with Troy and Abed. Way to go, "Community," for utilizing her well.
"30 Rock" had some brilliant one-liners ("The Harry Potter theme park is a hit with both Anglophiles and pedophiles"). Matt Damon's previously one-dimensional character was given a funny backstory and made Ina Garten cool. It wasn't their absolute funniest episode and had some awkward plots (I have trouble believing Jenna would be such a brilliant and ruthless producer, even though she's a sociopath), but they did not let them take away from the enjoyment of the show.
"Outsourced," the show NBC bumped "Parks and Rec" for, was incredibly offense, both on a cultural sensitivity level and a "so unfunny it's 'Two and a Half Men'-bad" level. Sure, "Parks and Rec" was weak when it started and it overcame its pitfalls. But it didn't have the offensive premise and execution to overcome. I don't see it laughing.
To be honest, I think "the Office" is a lost cause and that's why Steve Carell has turned in his notice. I'm only watching out of habit, not hoping for quality. However, I do hope "Community" and "30 Rock" stay on their hot streak.
Agree, disagree? Have opinions about any other shows? Leave a comment!
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