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Daoust · 10-13-2007, 12:22 PM

This is an excerpt from a post I'd made on another forum, and just felt like posting it here. I was originally defending the show against a barrage of negativity from some "fans" who were unfairly critical, (I felt) of season four to this point.

Quote:

So far, I feel that the show has risen to that challenge. While I feel that The Office is better as a half hour sitcom, and the one hour episodes that have started this season have been "good, not great", but I still can't help but think that things are returning to Season 2 form, and the magic of that season is back as well.

I am learning to adjust to the newly minted couple of PB and J. I'm used to the angst, and the heartbreak and the will-they-or-won't-they between these two and it's taken me a while to get used to them together, but it's growing on me. Believe me, I was the biggest skeptic before they got together, and part of me still wonders what they're going to do with Jim and Pam now that they're together. Happy couples don't usually make exciting television, and see Ross and Rachel for proof.

What I am liking the best about season 4 so far is the extra contributions from the rest of the cast. Meredith, Kevin, Stanley, Phyllis, Andy, Angela, Oscar, Kelly, Toby and Creed have all had some amazing and hilarious scenes and lines so far, and I expect that to continue throughout the season.

For me, I believe the key to this seasons success lies in a couple areas, and they all have to do with balance. First, the delicate handling of PB&J, and keeping them real, and interesting, and funny in a B plot role. I suggest that if Pam and Jim lose their allure, the show suffers.

Secondly, as mentioned, increased and yet balanced contributions of the secondary characters. So far the powers that be have done a great job with this this season. Keep it up!

Thirdly, Season two was the season of Jim. Season three was the season of Pam. I believe that the intent for seaon 4 is to make it the season of Michael. So far, Michael is the only thing about season 4 I do not like. His over the top plotlines and Jim Carrey-esque acting has been very difficult to digest. The writers need to tone Michael down. Make him more believeable. In previous seasons, (read: 2) Michael elicited the perfect balance of pity and laughter. I want that Michael back. I trust the writers to be able to do this by the end of this season.