Throwback Thursday, Part I: Business School (Season 3, Episode 17)

So, since Throwback Thursday was posted so late last week, and since voting was practically tied this week, I’m doing TWO Throwback Thursdays this week! Just a warning: the second one will probably be posted later Thursday evening.

Directed by Joss Whedon, this episode featured everything from VampireJim to Pam’s art show (some of the saddest scenes all season, in my opinion) to Michael’s hilarious candy bar presentation at business school. I often read complaints about Ryan the [Former] Temp’s smug attitude and cocky demeanor. I get that, but I never found BJ Novak’s character to be smarmy or annoying–I always thought it was funny. Essentially, Ryan is like the viewer-he was introduced to “The Office” at the same time we were, way back in the pilot episode. I always though his deadpan looks and Michael-avoidance techniques were to be expected. But in “Business School,” Ryan outs himself as a tool by dissing Dunder-Mifflin and feeding Michael to the [MBA-hungry] wolves. Maybe ‘outs’ is the wrong word, since we kind of knew he was a tool all along. But I think you get my drift. Or maybe not. Hash it out in the comments section, I might be on my own here.

But I digress. Jim convinces Dwight that he’s been bit by the bat and has turned into a vampire:

Dwight: If a vampire bat was in the U.S., it would make sense for it to come to a “sylvania.” Like PENN-sylvania. Now that doesn’t mean that Jim is going to become a vampire. Only that he carries the vampiric germ.

Karen plays along with the joke, and does a nice job as Jim’s sidekick. Meanwhile, Pam spreads the word about her art show. I have to say, I was completely shocked when Jim didn’t show up. I was just watching and waiting for the last moments of the episode, sure he’d show up, apologize for being late, and slip into that easy, breezy, Halpert-Beasly conversation we love to see. But no! Roy, on the other hand, shows up with his brother, and gives Pam this amazing compliment:

Your art.. was the prettiest art of… all art.

Roy demonstrates that he feels like Pam’s art show is just a way to score points with her now that they are back together, and it’s just another indicator that Roy just doesn’t understand her. By the way, how cute was Jenna Fischer in that smock, and how bad did you feel for Pam as each ‘guest’ commented on her work? I harbored a little resentment towards Oscar (and a LOT towards Gil) after their inconsiderate conversation.

Finally, Michael saves the day in a touching Michael-Pam scene. For all the grief that he gives her, Michael was the only one from “The Office” who truly came through for her. At the end of the day, they are good friends who take care of each other (though Pam is usually the one doing the taking care of).

I couldn’t find the deleted scenes anywhere on the Web yet (let me know if they’re somewhere!) so a life lesson from Michael Scott will have to suffice:

Further Reading
1. Wikipedia Entry, Business School
2. Jenna’s Blog, Business School
3. Episode Recaps at NBC.com, Business School
4. OfficeQuotes.net, Business School

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