If you’re up for a good laugh, then tune into NBC’s “The Office” to watch the hilariously sarcastic cast make a parody of everyday life. With an unconventional office atmosphere that promotes the throwing of scissors, misuse of office equipment, and relaxed relationship between employees and management, “The Office” pokes fun at the typical day job of many Americans. From flirty office relationships, to the routine day in a cubicle, this show covers it all.
Last weeks episode “Sabre” addressed the current economic situation affecting many Americans with a comedic twist. The infamous Dunder Mifflin paper company has been bought by an electronic company called Sabre run by Kathy Bates’s character, due to the fact that most branches are going under. Michael (Steve Carell) finds that his staff are unhappy with the changes that Sabre has brought to Dunder Mifflin.
It all begins with the arrival of a package which Michael anxiously opens, not realizing it is not addressed to him. Along with the help of office workers Pam (Jenna Fischer), Dwight (Rainn Wilson), and assistant manager Jim (John Krasinski) they manage to tape the box back together. Just as Michael is promoting the “great team-work” of his employees, they hear a cell phone ring. It’s in the box. It’s hard to hold back a laugh at the stupidity of a company manager who can’t even complete a simple task.
Upon the arrival of a Sabre representative, two employees of Dunder Mifflin prepare a song to the beat of Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA,” in which they mispronounce Sabre for “Sab-ray,” ruining the overall fluidity of the song when they are corrected half way through. This scene provokes laughter and a bit of sympathy from the audience as we watch them struggle through the rest of the song, making them look incompetent.
Expecting parents Jenna and Jim have more on their mind than the office. In pursuits of finding the perfect day care for their expected child, they encounter an arrogant headmaster. Like most parents who just want the best for their kids, this scene shows the competitive nature of the day care industry. The anticipation of their baby keeps viewers interested in future episodes of “The Office.”
Audiences may wonder, what exactly do they do at Dunder Mifflin? Work seems to be the last thing the employees execute. The television show serves as a relief for the many Americans who work in an office, in retail, or management through the humorous situations employees of Dunder Mifflin encounter, that we too may have experienced. With “reality-type” filming, one-on-one conversations, and character eye contact with the camera, the show almost invites you into their world.
Dunder Mifflin must conform to the new rules of Sabre when company manager Michael realizes there is nothing he can do. Much like the real world today, many companies are bought by larger ones because they cannot financially survive. Employees must adhere to new company policies and regulations. “The Office” recognizes that, so why not address it with comedy? If you can appreciate abrupt scene changes, an unclear plot line, and comedy without fake laugher, then this show might grab a few laughs. The work place situations that leave us stressed, irritated, and exhausted are mocked in this satire that airs every Thursday night on NBC at 9/8 Central.
My Rating: ****
*- Dull/Boring
**-Held my attention
***- Forced a few laughs
****- Easy to follow and funny
*****- Overall comedic genius
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