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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 exa...

Love is a Mystery. In an eventful and emotional episode, Jim, Karen and Michael all interview for a position in corporate. After getting back together with Jan because she got a boob job, Michael finds himself in an uncomfortable position when the job he is interviewing for turns out to be hers. It sets up a very funny breakdown scene, although it leaves the future of the toxic couple shrouded in mystery. I'm not even sure if they are still together or not after this finale. The other huge event ended up being Jim choosing to BAIL on both the corporate position AND his relationship with Karen to date Pam. Whilst cute it its intent, I can't believe Jim wasn't happy with Karen. She seems so much more fun and adventurous than Pam, not to mention she is RASHIDA JONES. Unbelievable decision, but I'll remain open to the idea of Jim and Pam as a couple. I will admit that if nothing else, it was a sweet ending to the season. The subplots revolving around Dwight taking over...

Funtivities. Michael holds a series of challenges on beach day to test out Jim, Dwight, Andy and Stanley and see which would be best to replace him if he gets a new position that has been offered to him in corporate. The ensuing comedy is consistent and hilarious, particularly EVERYTHING that comes out of Stanley's mouth. That man is by far the funniest character on the show and his interactions with Michael are just brilliant. Jim and Karen are also both applying for corporate, which will be interesting going in to the series finale as we see which member of the couple is getting promoted. The other big moment this episode was Pam reaching a milestone in her mission to become more confident, as she opens up to her colleagues in an adrenaline-fuelled moment. She reveals how much she misses Jim and berates her workmates for failing to show at her art show. It's great to see her finally speak up for itself, despite a cringe-inducing execution. All in all, the penultimate epi...

A Man, a Map and his Penis. Michael leads a women's appreciation day in the office after a man flashes Phyllis outside of the building. It ultimately turns into Michael venting his pent up frustration about Jan to the ladies of Dunder Mifflin on a trip to the mall. It was sweet seeing the girls and Michael grow closer, whilst he also took a big step in dumping Jan, ending a relationship that had clearly turned toxic. Pam continues her renaissance as she changes a tyre and helps Michael with his relationship problems. Pam and Karen subtly butt heads over the subject, with comparisons being draw to Karen's relationship with Jim. It's an innovative way to raise tensions between the pair as we go into the final few episodes of the season. The boys had a meagre subplot in comparison, doing little but sit in the decked out girls bathroom. Dwight and Andy were entertaining to watch however. Overall a great episode with the right balance of comedy and emotional drama. ...

Control the Story. Dunder Mifflin Scranton scramble to respond to a paper crisis when inappropriate watermarks are printed and distributed to their customers. It was interesting to see an episode focused on the actual work in the office, since a lot of the time it seems our beloved characters don't spend ANY time working. Jim and Andy's subplot fell a bit short, with the random introduction of Andy's high school girlfriend causing him distress. It was sweet to see Jim support him at the end but overall it felt like a pointless story line and one which lacked the humour to support it. Michael's chaotic handling of the watermark situation is the real highlight here and is the funniest element of 'Product Recall' for sure. Overall whilst the plot was fun, it felt a bit too thin and the jokes weren't up to the usual standard of comedy that the show boasts. BEST MOMENTS Jim impersonating Dwight was a QUALITY opener Gotta love a good paper crisis! ...

NERF Life. Michael sets out with a point to prove when Darryl accuses office work as being "shenanigans". Naturally, he takes it way to far as he attempts to fake a suicide. It's an amusing concept for an episode and well written, but I didn't laugh nearly as much as I have with other episodes throughout the season. The side plot revolving around betting seemed a bit pointless, although had a few pay off moments such as when Kevin made Karen uncomfortable and Kelly's long speech about how to use Netflix. Seeing Darryl get so much screentime was awesome, as his deadpan humour is always appreciated. Overall, this episode did little to move any plot threads forwards, although we did discover that Michael and Jan are going through a rough patch. If they do break up I hope he finds someone more suited for him, as the viewer is truly invested in this poor man's plight to find love at this point. BEST MOMENTS Drew "A bunch of new techniques for...

Even Stevens. The office reels after Roy's attempt to attack Jim is thwarted by Dwight and his pepper spray. Jim goes on to try his best to thank Dwight, to amusing ends. I admit, I grew more fond of his character after this episode, as he clearly has the capacity to be selfless and thoughtful. Also, keeping Dwight and Angela a secret is the perfect repayment. Meanwhile, Michael and Darryl embark on a mission to get raises in their salaries. Hilarity always ensues when the two are paired together and this was no exception. My favourite aspect of this episode however was seeing Roy apologise for his actions and even motivate Pam. It shows that after everything, maybe he has now grown a bit more mature and there's no denying that he loves Pam. It was a good ending to their relationship and now I wonder if Pam will take her ex's advice and pursue Jim anyway. BEST MOMENTS What an cold open! Drama!! "Everyone here is extremely gruntled" Roy's been fired...

Jan and Michael. Michael goes public with the news of his and Jan's relationship at David Wallace's house party, cuing a stream of inappropriate comments and behaviours throughout the evening. The party was a fairly dull affair, with few truly stand out moments. The real interest for me lay in Pam and Roy's developments. The couple seem to have finally broken things off for good, after Pam revealed that she kissed Jim. Roy, just when he was starting to become likeable, through a huge fit and smashed up the bar in a scene which served to remind us that he hasn't really changed, despite attempts to reform and regain Pam's love. It set up a spicy confrontation next episode - Jim v. Roy! I look forward to seeing how that will pan out. Overall though, this episode wasn't funny or strong enough to garner a higher mark. One of the worst episodes this season, which shows how good the show is since this is still a good episode. BEST MOMENTS Michael's magic ...

A Good Manager. Ryan brings Michael in to discuss Dunder Mifflin at business school, although soon Michael becomes upset upon learning that the former temp believes his beloved company is doomed. It was moving to see how upset Michael became when defending the job he loves, serving as a reminder to how much he really enjoys his role in an office. What started off as a strop, developed into Michael actually teaching Ryan an invaluable lesson about business - that people matter. The sub-plot this episode saw Pam displaying her work at an art show, which sadly none of her friends go to see. Roy is clearly trying harder to keep Pam now but it is clear that he hasn't changed that much and still doesn't pay much attention to his girlfriend's feelings or hobbies. The highlight of the episode came when Michael visited Pam's exhibition, being genuinely appreciative of her work and being the first person to pay her any form of real compliment all day. It proved that despite ...

Employer of the Bride. Michael is tasked with pushing Phyllis' father down the aisle on her big day. Naturally, it ends in calamity as he is 'upstaged' by Elbert getting up and walking Phyllis down the isle himself. There was numerous cute moments in this episode, between Phyllis and Bob, Jim and Karen, Dwight and Angela and even Pam and Roy got back together (uh oh). I expected this episode to induce more cringe than laughter, but it was surprinsgly hilarious with numerous fresh jokes and one-liners. Overall, one of the best of the season. BEST MOMENTS Jim's experiment on Dwight The Cameraman getting Michael out of the picture haha "It's a big day for Phyllis, but it's an even bigger day for me" "You look as beautiful as the Queen of England" - adorable "If you want to vomit, that's ok. I did" "You're probably worried about pleasing Bob" Michael's anger over the wheelchair debacle "Easy R...

Prima Nocta. In a laugh-heavy episode, both Bob Vance's bachelor and Phyllis' bachelorette party's are carried out in Dunder Mifflin Scranton. Michael wrestles with guilt when he lets a stripper dance on him, which is very apt for his character, whilst a Ben Franklin impersonator entertained the ladies of Dunder Mifflin. It was funny seeing how into his character Franklin was, although the bachelor party wasn't quite as amusing. SOMEHOW, Jim managed to talk things through with Karen and they're still together, although signs are showing that their relationship is destined to crumble. I just hope Jim doesn't waste this second chance to date the insanely attractive Rashida Jones. Pam's jealousy over Karen continued to intensify and it seems like it might boil over soon if Jim and Karen keep on seeing each other. BEST MOMENTS The fork and the gunk haha "Learn how to take off a woman's bra" He doesn't even know how to! "Thanks...

Sucking Up. Dwight returns to Dunder Mifflin in grandiose fashion when Michael is driven insane by Andy, and Andy is driven to punching a hole in the office wall when Jim and Pam hide his phone. The bond between Dwight and Michael is unique and this episode goes out of its way to express that, much to the satisfaction of the viewer. OSCAR IS BACK ! I've missed his dry sense of humour so will be good to have him back in the fold. Angela was redeemed in my eyes in the way she apologised for her homophobic actions in episodes prior to this. I thought it was a smart idea, as she has an endearing quality to her character which was tarnished by her earlier discrimination. The final big development, was Jim admitting to Karen that he still had feelings for Pam! WHAT ARE YOU DOING MAN?!?! I honestly can't believe he's treating someone as hot as Rashida Jones this way. It seems this is the beginning of the end for Jaren! BEST MOMENTS Andy calls Ryan 'Big Turkey'! ...