The Office (US) Season 3 Review


Emotional Magnificence.

The Office (US) improves upon its stellar second season, in a season which ups the drama whilst maintaining sharp humour throughout.

One of my favourite aspects about this season is the way the show decides to open up it's world, through the introduction of the Stamford branch of Dunder Mifflin. Seeing Jim in a different environment with new characters is refreshing and helps to keep the show feeling fresh as it maintains its successful comedic formula.

Also the addition of a love interest for Jim in the form of Karen is a wise one. The tables were turned this season, as Pam pined for Jim, although Jim's relationship was a more positive one than Pam and Roy's. It still dumbfounds me why Jim eventually chose Pam over Karen, as the explanation is never quite clear, but I'm glad that the show waited until now to unite the star-crossed lovers as their relationship could've grown tiresome had they hooked up at the end of season 1 for example.

 Dwight and Angela continue to go from strength to strength and remain my favourite couple on the show. Andy Bernard, whilst incredibly irritating, is the perfect foil to Dwight and it was entertaining watching the pair trade blows for much of the season. It also felt justified seeing Andy become Dwight's lackey, in the same way that Dwight sucks up to HIS idol Michael.

 Speaking of Michael, his romantic journey reached another level this season, albeit not a positive one. His relationship with Jan is tumultuous and clearly very toxic, so watching him crawl back to her in the finale was disappointing to say the least. It appears, having failed to obtain the corporate job, that Michael will now be returning to Jan's side. I hope their relationship either improves drastically next season, or that Michael is finally able to meet someone he truly connects with.

 Aside from the major players, the incredible supporting cast continue to go from strength to strength. Watching Stanley roll his eyes at Michael, Creed make weird comments and Kelly obsess over Ryan is all very rewarding and hilarious in its own right. Each personality in the office differs from the other and the way they clash creates drama and comedy aplenty. The winning formula here isn't just the writing, but the characterisation.

 The Office (US) then once again defied my expectations by crafting a more expansive world filled with eccentric characters the viewer can't help but warm to. The way the writers give each actor and actress a chance to shine in their role is commendable and I hope the show goes on to grow larger in scope as the seasons progress.

 RATING: 9/10 

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