“I told Dwight that there is honor in losing. Which, as we all know, is completely ridiculous. But there is, however, honor in making a loser feel better, which is what I just did for Dwight. Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy: both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” These wise words are spoken by infamous television character Michael Scott. It is difficult to describe “The Office” in a way that does justice to this hit comedy, now in its third season on NBC. The show is set in the Scranton, Penn., branch of Dunder Mifflin Paper Co. Each new episode highlights the employees’ seemingly mundane workdays, complete with hilarious and often awkward office situations.
First and foremost, a new viewer should be introduced to Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell. Michael, the manager of Dunder Mifflin, is the epitome of the boss everyone dislikes. Not only do his employees detest him, but his personality forces loyal “Office” fans to despise him as well sometimes. His offbeat comments and complete lack of work ethic push his fellow coworkers to the breaking point. And yet, amid the frustration, one cannot help but laugh at all his absurdities. His sidekick and partner-in-crime is the ever-annoying Dwight K. Schrute. One must experience Dwight first-hand to fully understand his quirks, and he is always at Michael’s side.
Let us not forget the chemistry between desk receptionist Pam Beasley and salesman Jim Halpert. At times the romantic tension is unbearable. For the entire first season and most of the second, Pam and Jim were friends with a bit of innocent flirting. This restraint was largely due to Pam’s engagement to Roy, who also works for Dunder Mifflin. The second season concluded with Jim revealing his feelings to Pam. When Pam denies Jim’s pursuit, he requests a transfer to another branch.
The third season opens with Jim at the Stamford branch and a newly single Pam, who has broken off her wedding plans with Roy. Eventually the Scranton branch absorbs the Stamford branch, which means Jim returns to Scranton – and to his old flame. Karen, Jim’s attractive coworker from Stamford who clearly has feelings for him, also joins the Scranton branch.
The Marquette “Office” fanbase seems torn on which woman to root for in this love triangle. After all, it was Pam who turned Jim down. Freshman Pat Feavel said, “I am rooting for Karen because she is the underdog. In my personal opinion, Karen is far more attractive.” If you are new to the show, episodes such as “Fire Drill” or “The Injury” are a great place to start. In the latter, Michael actually burns his foot in a George Foreman Grill, using the excuse, “I like bacon, so sue me.” Other characters – like the very conservative and judgmental Angela, and Phyllis, who is engaged to Bob Vance of Bob Vance Refrigeration – add to the comedic dynamic of the office environment that you will surely enjoy.
Many Marquette students find it essential to gather in large hordes to fully enjoy the show. Andrew Miller, a freshman in the College of Business Administration, falls into this category. “On average, we have about 25 billion people watching in one dorm room every week,” said Miller.
The clever script and awkward glances to the camera make the show irresistible. With the absence of a gaudy laugh track, “The Office” becomes even funnier to watch because one is never quite sure when it is appropriate to laugh. Freshman Becky Moylan of the College of Arts and Sciences said, “‘The Office’ makes me glad I am not in the College of Business Administration.”
“The Office” can be seen Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on NBC.
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