Life In The Office

So, from a “Scrantonicity-istic” standpoint, I was quite anxious about this episode, “Pool Party;” Could we expect a big splash, or would they go off the deep end? Would the writers just tread water? Float some new ideas? Would they sink or swim? Well, it’s time to dive right in… 

 

“Oooo-kay,” I can hear you grumbling. “Bob, we know what you’re doing here; You have almost no material for “Scrantonicity,” so you are pathetically padding this column with bad puns to fill up space.” Yeah… you caught me. You regular readers are sharp; I can’t put anything past either of you. But I did manage to scrape a few tidbits of “Scrantonicity” from the bottom of the pool. So, let’s take the plunge.

 

All it takes for me to be somewhat satisfied is one decent new Scrantonistic sighting. Something besides the usual suspects, like the Froggy101 stickers, potato chip bags, and the local college pennants. And I found that satisfaction, early in the show. Robert California is sitting at a Dunder-Mifflin desk, lamenting his current situation as he stares at the computer screen. I was able to freeze-frame that computer screen, and it was a bonanza of bogus local information. It was the ReMax “listing” for RC’s mansion, as follows:

2376 Oak View Place

Waverly, Pa 18471

$6,749,000

Beds: 6

Baths: 8

Sq Ft: 11,325

Lot Size: 26,710

Days on market: 42

Type: Single family home

MLS# PA586753

Agent: Mari Potis (complete with photograph)

 

2376 Oak View Place doesn’t exist, but they picked a great place for this non-existent home. The area around Waverly, Pennsylvania is the first place that I thought of when I was watching the show. I actually mumbled “Abington Heights,” but Waverly is in that general neck of the woods. My sister lives in Clark’s Summit, which is not too far from there. Although she lives in a somewhat, uh… more “cozy” mansion.

 

Once again, I am so impressed with the detail on this show. That computer screen image of the real estate listing was only visible for one second, yet they took the trouble to “construct” a property of grotesquely enormous proportions, one that an egomaniac like Robert California would deem appropriate for himself. On a hunch, I Googled the “listing agent,” Mari Potus. She happens to be the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce liaison, the one who coordinates the “prop drops” between area businesses and “The Office.” So, this was a nice “tip-of-the-hat” to her. She also happens to live in Clark’s Summit, Pa, so she is probably responsible for the suggestion of the placement of the “Pool Party” mansion. Mari is also a graduate of Lakeland High School, the same alma mater as my wife. I’m speculating here, but maybe Mari’s graduating class had a “pool party” senior weekend. Mari, if you read this, please confirm the party in the comments section.

 

I think it is important to point out Robert California’s complaint about his real estate situation: He wailed that it is “mid-recession in a depressed area of a faltering state, and I’ve got the most expensive house on the market.” “The Office” has been very kind to the Scranton locale throughout the life of the show. Calling Scranton a “depressed area” was a realistic assessment, and I get the feeling they didn’t take that step lightly. A lot of people were nervous that a show would use Scranton as the butt of economic jokes, much as the original British Office derided their hometown Slough, England as an “armpit.” I’m very happy that this hasn’t been the case here. “The Office” treats Scranton with respect, and uses “kid gloves” when necessary. OK, stop right there, what the heck are “kid gloves?”

 

There were a few other scattered Scranton references worth mentioning. Visible behind Meredith desk is a poster for the radio station 98.5 KRZ. I’ve seen it before, but never this clearly. In big letters at the bottom of the poster, it reads “Lattemer Club.” A quick check of the radio’s website shows that “Moves Like Jagger“ is playing at this moment, but it doesn’t explain who “Lattemer” is, or what membership in the “club” entitles you to.

 

Dwight has a coffee cup sitting on his desk that reads “Lackawanna County” something-or-other. There is also a logo of a badge, so I’m guessing it is a Sheriff’s Department coffee cup. That would make sense on Dwight’s desk, although I get the feeling the sheriff would confiscate the cup if he found it.

 

Darryl is shown at the pool party drinking from a Red Solo Cup, as is mostly everybody else. Later, he is shown working up his courage to strip down to his swimsuit, by drinking from a bottle of Stegmaier Beer. Toby is swigging on a bottle of Chateau Margaux ’95, a real (and expensive) wine. Oscar is chugging Chateau Galmon, a wine that Toby couldn’t think of anything complimentary to say about, and which naturally does not exist. All I kept thinking of was how much fragile glassware was being handled around a pool, which is not a wise choice. It’s not as bad as drinking and driving, but still not a good idea. Red Solo Cups are the way to go at any pool party. Mari would agree.

 

~ Bob