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Take Two. The Office (US) improves immeasurably in its second outing, focusing more explicitly on its diverse range of characters to create a deeper sense of plot, whilst also refining its comedy to near-perfection. The show achieves all of this by striving to forge its own path, rather than imitating its British counterpart. The script feels more naturally adapted to its American locale, pursuing a different sort of humour which encourages laughs rather than cringe. This is blended with a desire to create each episode as if it were a mini-arc for the characters involved. This heightened focus on emotional investment makes watching the twenty odd episodes so much more rewarding. In terms of plot points and character arcs this season, I was impressed with how the show handled Jim and Pam. I was completely unable to connect to Jim in the first season, for reasons mentioned in my series review. However, the problems were rectified in this sophomore outing for the show, as Jim...

Love. Season 2 packed a punch with its emotional finale, as Michael finds himself stuck in a love triangle and Jim finally reveals his feelings to Pam. Michael's love life has featured often this season and this was an entertaining conclusion to his first romantic arc. Clearly he still has feelings for Jan, but he was respectful in how he chose Carol, in order to respect Jan's demands (which always seem to contradict her desires). The biggest moment though is when Jim tells Pam that he loves her, a moment where I genuinely felt for the character for the first time. He then went and ruined this moments later however, by forcing a kiss on the unsuspecting Pam. It felt unnecessary and needy for a character who had just laid his cards on the table and should've left Pam alone after she rejected him. It is at least, a compelling cliffhanger and one which sets up much drama entering season 3! BEST MOMENTS: Dwight - "Oh my God" "Maybe he did it" [Kel...

Till Death Do Us Part. Michael's attempts to resolve long running conflicts in the office results in everybody falling out in a more downbeat but still entertaining episode. I always enjoy when Michael clashes with Toby and this was no exception! Meanwhile, both Dwight and Angela and Pam and Jim see developments in their relationship. It is revealed that Angela removed her complaints about Dwight, which is sweet, whereas Pam discovers that Jim complained about her in an awkward encounter. It seems Jim really may move on to different things now that he has upset the girl he loves and ruined any slight chance he may have had of making her change her mind about the wedding. Another solid entry in season 2. BEST MOMENTS "Is that a disguise?!" "Your answer to everything is to get divorced" Creed having his photo taken like a mugshot! The Special File in New York haha Meredith "The lights are too bright" "Creed is sick of looking at the r...

Security. After a joint is found in the parking lot, Dwight undertakes an investigation to discover the culprit. The result is a number of hilarious interrogations, whilst Michael tries to cover his tracks. Dwight and Michael went through a sweet character arc in this episode, as Dwight felt shame for betraying his oath, thus Michael promoted him to Security Supervisor as a reward for his help. Meanwhile, I actually liked Jim and Pam's story in this entry. Maybe it was because Jim didn't speak, or maybe it was because his face said more words than he ever could, but the longing for something better was palpable with both characters. As the season finale grows closer, I hope we see a development in the Pam/Jim arc before season 3. BEST MOMENTS "Dwight finding drugs is more dangerous than most people using drugs" Pam's Phyllis impression is adorable "Narc!" "He's a potential drug mule" "That is Northern Lights Cannabis Indi...

Respect the Birthday. Michael is at his selfish worst in a darkly comedic episode, which sees the calamitous boss endure an awful birthday in the office, whilst Kevin awaits news about whether he has skin cancer or not. Michael is hilarious throughout the episode, and somehow Carell manages to come across as both horrible and caring at the same time, a balance only this character could strike. Jim and Pam grew much closer in this episode too, as the pair flirted regularly during their shopping saga. Whilst not as brilliant as its immediate predecessors, 'Michael's Birthday' is an amusing and satisfying episode. BEST MOMENTS "his father runs the freakin' country!" "How is this not a pyramid scheme?" "I have to go make a call" Michael forcing Jan to say happy birthday to him haha "Well I guess I forgot to give you a donut!" Michael thinking the delivery girl is his strippergram!! Michael's pony and cart story is ...

Littlekidlover. I knew this was going to be a great episode of The Office (US)  when I read the title. Mixing the inappropriate humour that the show is famous for with innocent children is a hilarious combination and the emotional weight of the story isn't lost on the viewer either. Seeing Michael bond with the children is very cute, as are the moments where Jim shows Pam how good of a father he would be. Add the fact that there are a BUNCH of great one-liners, and I have to admit that this is one of the best episodes of the show I have watched. BEST MOMENTS "You having a wardrobe malfunction today?" "Hello tiny one" "Better keep the frat boys away from her" "She's in middle school" "I wasn't expecting that" Some of Ryan's looks at the camera in this episode are hilarious! Love how awkward Michael is when Sasha is in his office Cute seeing Michael getting on with Sasha "Mr. Poop" hahahaha ...

Cancel the Wallpaper. Michael takes Dwight under his wing as the latter prepares to give a speech as Salesman of the Year. It's a recipe for disaster, as Michael hilariously "jokes" that every one got a bonus, whilst Dwight imitates a dictator on the big night. There were many proper laugh out loud moments in this episode and much of it came from those two aforementioned scenes. There is also more cute moments in Dwight and Angela's relationship this episode. Meanwhile, Jim decides to take a holiday during Pam's wedding. I found his process of announcing his departure quite annoying, as Jim came across petty and self-centred. I also agree with Ryan that there is no way Jim will actually go away. Either way, this is another great episode in season 2. BEST MOMENTS That cold open was HILARIOUS, one of the best ones I have seen! So so funny! [Dwight eating grapes] "that's what she said" - Michael "insult" [Oscar] "I don't ...

Scranton on Acid. The Office (US)  combines humour and drama to create a winning episode in 'Valentine's Day', the best entry in season 2 so far. Michael causes chaos by revealing he hooked up with Jan in a board meeting, leading to hilariously awkward moments and a cute conclusion to Michale and Jan's story in this episode. That ending threw a real spanner in the works, as it seemed the show was content to just let Jan and Michael die. Back in the Office, it was a very funny saga watching Phyllis receive gifts whilst the other girls grew jealous. Dwight and Angela took another step forwards in their relationship too, as they moved in together in a cute segment. Overall, this episode delivered on every level and is undoubtedly the best episode of The Office (US)  I have watched so far. BEST MOMENTS "her words not mine" "The city of love" Dwight being so gassed about his bobble head! Just wanted to shout out Sbarro pizza in this episode! ...

Equality. In retaliation against Jan's Women in the Workplace talk, Michael arranges an all-male talk in the warehouse. Chaos ensues as Michael wrecks the warehouse, whilst the girls annoy Jan any way they can. It's an episode packed with laughs and some messages about class and society wrapped in as well. Ultimately, this episode does next to nothing to move the overall plot forwards, but it is so funny that it earns a rating as one of the best in the season. BEST MOMENTS Lactation Room. Nuff said. "Some of us like the same girls" - brilliant "Jan aspires to be a whore" "Let's... be... rational... here" "This here is a run down the clock situation. Just like upstairs" Michael making it 'snow' in the warehouse was hilarious "Do Black people like pizza?" DID YOU KNOW?!* The genesis for the episode came from an idea Angela Kinsey (Angela Martin) and Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesly) had while spending ti...

An Act of Terrorism. Michael's office is fouled by a disgusting package, making him determined to discover the culprit whilst enjoying his time back in the bullpen with his employees. His disastrous attempts to be 'fun' made me laugh much more than I expected too, and his eventual realisation that Packer was to blame was tragic. Jim suffered this episode, bouncing between setting up Kelly and Ryan and bumping into Roy and Pam acting couple-y. I am actually beginning to sympathise somewhat with the character, as he actually has had it pretty tough seeing the girl he loves move forward in her relationship with another man. Overall, a solid episode for sure. BEST MOMENTS Michael staring at Ryan was hilarious "Spamster - Spam, Pam and Hamster" "I hate her" [Michael about the cleaning lady] [hate crime] "Stanley knows what I'm talking about" "I'm not a slut, but who knows?" DID YOU KNOW?!* Dwight is calling Rock...

Malfeasance. Michael fails spectacularly to keep Jim's secret safe in a great season 2 entry. The plot revolves around Jim's crush on Pam, allowing for both ample drama and comedy. The Office (US)  also gained its first LGBTQ+ character, as it is revealed that Oscar is gay. With plenty of laughs providing a good pace to proceedings, 'The Secret' is an above average episode. BEST MOMENTS Famous Hispanic cleaning ethic hahaha Michael picking Stanley's drink from the machine! "Boobs, definitely" DID YOU KNOW?!* During the talking head scene where Michael is explaining why he spent so much on magic items, you can see the fake thumb on his hand. It seems he was going to use the prop but it got cut from the final edit When Michael tells Jim "my lips are sealed" about keeping the secret, he sings the titular line from the song "My Lips Are Sealed" and says The Bangles. Michael wasn't correct--the song is actually done by...

Mail Boxes Etc. In one of the less impressive episodes of season 2 so far, Michael injured himself and proceeded to demand special treatment from his employees. The result is an amusing romp, albeit one lacking enough belly laughs to raise its rating. There were a couple of emotional moments, but overall this episode saw very little happen. BEST MOMENTS "I don't want Dwight!"... "Anyone but Dwight!" Dwight throwing up on the bonnet was hilarious "Okay, see you later Pan" Michael on the phone to his mum "A real disability, not a woman's trouble" "We wouldn't, we love Stevie Wonder" "Dad?" "Why is Tom Hanks on the board?" "Twice." Michael parked in the handicapped parking space! "It's hard for you right? Because you're in a wheelchair" Stanley's dirty glance at the camera "I want to clamp Michael's face in a George Foreman grill" Jim sprayi...

Wet. The workers of Dunder Mifflin embarked upon a calamitous booze cruise in this episode, as Michael butts heads with Captain Jack and Jim comes to a realisation. Michael and Jack's petty squabbling was amusing throughout, but apart from that, this episode produced little in the way of laughs. It focused on Jim, who made arguably one of the biggest mistakes of his life dumping Amy Adams... I mean Katy! Michael achieves his goal of inspiring others too by encouraging Jim not to stop pursuing Pam. The pair grow closer as a result of this interaction and now that Pam and Roy have set a date for their wedding, it seems the clock is ticking for Jimbo to make his move. All in all, a very enjoyable episode! BEST MOMENTS Dwight feeding nickels into the vending machine "They're singing their ethnic songs.... actually that might be warehouse" Darryl: "What?!" Captain v. Captain haha Michael interrupting Captain Jack Love how wrong both Jim and Pam...

The Best Day Ever. Michael drives the Dunder Mifflin office insane with his inappropriate behaviour, which is a hilarious watch with a great conclusion. Roy was a huge dick this episode, so it seems that Pam may finally realise she is better off without him soon. The Yankee Swap and oven mit were my personal highlights and the comedy was better than ever, consistently throughout the episode. Season 2 just keeps getting better and better! BEST MOMENTS "Ho, Ho, Ho, Pimp!" "Like booze ever killed anybody" Those crappy little christmas lights killed me Michael's scream when the iPod is thrown Michael storming off over Phyllis' oven mit "Well I call it fun!" Michael is SO rude about the oven mit!! "SUCKER!!" "I'm not going to drink anymore... during the week" "What line of work you in Bob?" Todd Packer!! "What's up my nerds?" Angela's strop! Kelly's kiss! How does Dwight do s...

Party. In a particularly hilarious episode, Jim hosts a party whilst Michael attends improvisation class. The party is fairly eventful, with Dwight and Angela hooking up and Pam being shook by Phyllis' accusation that she and Jim are an item. It's nice to see the focus on plot in this season, which sits nicely alongside the improved comedic formula to produce a series vastly better than the first. Michael's improv was a highlight, especially his hidden gun skit. I'm glad he was ultimately able to go to Jim's, as he continues to be a likeable but flawed boss who the viewer is inspired to root for. BEST MOMENTS That cold open was so inappropriate, but so funny! "Stanley's an ass" Michael's little punching puppet montage was great "You too Dwight?" Michael shooting everyone in improv was hilarious "He told me he couldn't show it to me but he has a gun" - CREASE "There's got to be something else we can t...

Talk About Stank! The Office (US) produces another excellent episode, as Michael attempts to gain closure with Jan whilst conducting performance reviews throughout the office. The Michael and Jan scenes were laugh out loud funny, particularly when Dwight barges in on their meeting. There were some chuckles spread throughout, but the main pro of this episode was the emotional character arc and how it pushed the story forwards. Every bit as good as its predecessor, 'Performance Review' is the joint-best episode I have watched. BEST MOMENTS "Pam you're trustworthy" "Thank You" "And a woman" "Oh no" Stanley's interview was brilliant! "It's all about my bonus" "Yes they are" Wham Bam Poor Tom from Accounting! "Talk about STANK!" "Don't sleep with your boss!" "As is toying with a man's heart" [A serious offence] DID YOU KNOW?!* The song Dwight listens t...

First Dates. Michael experiences his first success with women as he hooks up with Jan Levinson after winning over an important client. As seems apt for his character, Michael immediately becomes obsessed with poor Jan, who it seems regretted the events of the night. I enjoyed getting to explore the boss' love life for once and I hope we get to see more of this side of his character in the future. Meanwhile, the read along of Michael's action movie screenplay was amusing at best as a side plot, although the only real interesting part of this was Jim and Pam being romantic before falling out at the end of the episode. Their tumultuous relationship so far this season has been much more entertaining than last season, which is a definite improvement. BEST MOMENTS "It will, I sent it in. Letter to the editor" "Thank You" "Kiss-Ass" - love how Michael mutters this under his breath at Dwight haha "If she was sitting across from you on a t...

Sweep The Leg. Dwight and Michael go head-to-head in a martial arts fight after the pair argue over who would win. It's a hilariously petty scrap from two characters who are immature at heart, and it ended in a rewarding moment when the two men made up and Michael promoted Dwight to Assistant Regional Manager. The arc felt satisfying and well done. Meanwhile, Jim upsets Pam by coming on too strong in front of their co-workers. It seems that there will be some awkwardness in their interactions from here on out, which spices up the love triangle a little. Other than these two plot lines, the episode lacks some quality humour to elevate it towards a better rating. BEST MOMENTS • Great cold open with Dwight’s desk being moved • “The Perfect Storm” haha • [Imitating Crying] “Bruce Willis, they’re going to leave him on the asteroid. Boo-hoo” • “Now watch, let me take you from behind” • “Sweep the leg” – loved Kevin’s reference to the Karate Kid • Michael trying to spit in Dw...