The Lover opens up with Pam and Jim’s return from their honeymoon. They are greeted by Michael, who is “workshopping” his new comedy/improv character. “Blind Guy McSqueezy” is vintage Michael Scott, appalling offensive and unfunny, with only Dwight appearing to enjoy the cringe-worthy routine. Along with this breathtaking re-introduction, Pam and Jim are then subjected to smaller moments of petty interaction with co-workers, that culminates with Pam sarcastically telling the camera “It’s good to be back.” This beginning was well written, and it will probably ring true for many people. I know that sometimes I will get to work in a good mood, and then a series of off-putting exchanges with bosses and co-workers will dampen that mood in a New York minute.
Michael then confides in Jim that he has taken a lover, and this is where the Dunder-Mifflin-ites start flexing their considerable acting muscles; first Jim, and then Pam, are forced to confront the unimaginable nightmare that Michael is sleeping with Pam’s mother, Helene. By coincidence, my mother’s name was Helene, which actually provided me with an extra dose of repulsive “oomph.” When Pam was screaming in the parking lot, I went out on our back deck and joined in the howling, and I don’t even know why!
Which leads us to the confrontation in the conference room. In my opinion, this scene belongs on the all-time Office highlight reel. One of the things I love the most about the show is the huge ensemble cast, and this gathering is perfectly staged. Pam’s anger, Michael’s hurt, Jim’s helplessness, Stanley’s ennui, Oscar’s indignation, Dwight’s sneering… it was like all the instruments in an orchestra, playing together, creating a beautiful musical piece… it was almost… like an aria from an opera.
The rest of the episode played like the “acceptance” stage of grief counciling. I thought it was brilliant when Jim, with his arm around Pam, began gently “leading” her into happier thoughts. Pam was responding, and you could really sense the skillful way that Jim was handling the delicate situation. Then, of course, Pam regressed, saying that she really wasn’t overreacting, and the alarm on Jim’s face that he might be “losing her” was priceless! This scene was really well-written; it lets us know that Jim and Pam are near-perfect for each other, and that this challenge will be the blueprint for many years of successful conflict resolution in their lives together.
This episode was loaded with those moments that make The Office special; Dwight’s delight, when he revealed the real “listening device” was nice. Creed crying during the opera aria was… well, it was a “Creed” moment, which defies any other explanation. And the Office writers deserve a tip of the hat for the flat-out hilarious sight gag of Ryan’s fedora! Kelly was deviously cute, and Erin is trying so hard to be liked that it is painful (in a good way) to watch. Michael’s spiteful line “I’m going to date her even harder,” is classic “Office.” In fact, I think this entire episode was “classic Office.” I liked it so much, I’m going to watch it even harder from now on!
… Bob
GOOD, GOOD stuff, Bob! I forgot about the aria. Dwight’s annoyance at the height of it was great. They don’t often get to choreograph action to music on this show (never, really) and that was a fun thing to see. And the conference room scene (plus the kitchen scene) will rank as classics. Pam cursing is hilarious (and oddly sexy :-s ). Great episode and a great recap, Bob!
i just loved this episode !
one of the best- *serious* episode of all the season. i liked this side of pam .. that we never saw !! how mad was she !!?? thats a first! poor micheal . the ending was so touching. and the almost-friendship with toby was awesome and not long enough lol
good recap bob
Great recap Bob! You’re a natural at this.:) I agree that the acting in this ep. was great. “Classic Office” for sure! Pams’s expression when Michael revealed his secret lover was just priceless. Pam’s reaction and anger rang true to her character even though we were seeing a very different side of her (Angry Pam). I also really enjoyed Pam’s interaction with Erin over the candy from Puerto Rico. Poor Erin! Trying so hard to find her niche at work and not quite succeeding yet. She’s revealing herself to be a bit quirky. Maybe she will prove to be a good match for the Nard-dog after-all?
Well, I feel like Jim and Pam today as I too am “Back from Vacation”. No rum or candy for me today, just back to the crazy grind. I’m drowning already. It almost makes it not worth it to go on vacation at all. So I can really relate to how JAM was feeling on the first day back. Luckily, I’m not coming back to find out that my boss is sleeping with my mother, so all in all….not a bad day.
Hey, Suri! Did anyone in your office sarcastically ask what you brought them as a gift? Or did your boss do a “Blind guy McSqueezy” routine on you? I hope you looked around your office and sighed “It’s good to be home.”
Hey, is there anybody on our jobs that come the closest to an Office character? On my old job (well, about 3 jobs ago) I worked for a guy that was dangerously close to being Michael Scott. In the sense of humor/clueless way. Sometimes it was just painful to deal with him…
We have a Kelly here, in the sense that she can’t stop talking. Sometimes you literally want to tell her to shut up already. Thank G-d she only comes in once a week though. She’s usually here on Wednesday’s and every week I have to gear myself up b/c I know I will have to deal with her. This week she’s going out of town on Wed. so she’s coming in tomorrow instead. Wish me luck.
Hey guys! THIS is a pretty good idea for an actual new forum thread, something we start here at LITO, oh… every couple of years. I’ll start one in the Office Talk thread, and we’ll see if anybody else works with an “Office character.”