Episode Title: "Job Fair"

Synopsis: Jim hits the links with Andy and Kevin to try and land his biggest client ever; meanwhile, Michael sets up a booth at a local job fair, which happens to be at Pam's alma mater, to find "the best and the brightest" for Dunder Mifflin's summer internship program.

Discuss.

Like it or not, I actually thought Fischer wasn't half bad here. She had some really good scenes (arguing with Michael over the paper; kissing Jim; the scene at the Graphic Design booth). While it was no "The Job", it could certainly put her in contention if she switches tapes (that's not to say "Fun Run" isn't good, or that next weeks finale won't be good for her, which I think it very well may be).

As for the episode itself, it was fun, nothing groundbreaking, but for the most part, it was a relativly funny episode.

Episode Grade: B/B+

Steve Carrell as Michael Scott walks a fine line between hilariously awkward and uncomfortably inappropriate. I feel like he crossed the line this episode. There was nothing endearing to redeem the way he treated the kid, the way he treated Pam, or his crazy speech at the end.

Loved Krasinski in this episode though.

The character of Michael Scott has definitely crossed the line in the episodes since the strike. Before, his poor behavior as a boss was the result in his wanting his staff to like him,and be the "cool boss", even at the expense of professionalism. But you also saw glimmers of why he was the boss- sales skills, etc., and actual caring for his employees- going to Pam's art show, buying a piece.

Now, it's like his character is not rooted in any kind of reality. The only time I've seen it in months was in his closing monologue last week. Otherwise, he's just been an over-the-top, mean, hurtful buffoon.

I'm not enjoying this show the way I used to.

I didn't see Michael any differently here than any other episode in the entire series. Michael is Michael and I always expect the worst from him. It is a treat when he is kind because it is so rare. I loved Michael saying that he thinks Pam is a wonderful person and a gifted artist, but won't tell it to her face. HA!

Nice to see Jim succeed for once. It seems like the past few weeks he has been feeling the heat. He did that all for Pam, which was incredilby sweet. And the kiss at the end? Niiice.

Liked Pam re-tracing her steps at her alma mater. I felt bad for her because the day was not going well for her at all. The scene in the art room was especially heartbreaking and Jenna played that scene perfectly. Her acting is so sbutle and real, which is great to watch.

Enjoyed Dwight/Angela in the office. I smell something good coming up for them. Creed calling Angela "pumpkin" and telling everyone to "ditch this bitch [the office]" was a highlight.

This episode would be a much better submission for Fischer than Fun Run. Dare I say, if she submits this, it could land her another nod.

Also, Krasinski now has two very strong tapes: this and Branch Wars. I really hope he chooses one of them.

I don't think this episode would be good for Krasinski to submit. While he was good, I don't think either the comedy or the "serious" stuff was great enough to let him have any shot at actually getting in.

Hopefully him and Fischer both have an excellent tape in the finale to submit...maybe something with a huge proposal in it?! : )

Jenna should stick with "Fun Run" unless she has something amazing next week. This would be a decent submission for Krasinski (better than last year), but "Branch Wars" is still his strongest outing.

very funny, very normal...very B+ as most of the season has been.....

this was an awesome episode! jenna fischer was great! so was john krasinski. this should be their tapes!... it is perfect for the both of them! steve carell was great, but as sirkevin said above, "Michael Scott walks a fine line between hilariously awkward and uncomfortably inappropriate." He was very funny last night, but it was a little too far, he still was funny, and thats what makes the show so funny, and thats what makes us that think that michael scott is much more of a jerk... steve carell is brilliant!

Grade: A-
MVP: Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, & Steve Carell.

Michael was just being Michael here for the most part. I'm loving the awkward gestures that Steve Carell's been giving to the cameras in these past couple of episodes, b/c that's a direct homage to David Brent. The episode itself was fairly filler-ish, except the part at the end with Pam considering a new job and the possible relationship roadblock with Jim. The job fair scenes was an interesting out-of-the-office storyline departure, but they could have been funnier than what they were, like making Michael grovel to get the high school guy to intern at Dunder Mifflin, or Michael going all out at the mic stand. The golf scenes with Jim, Andy, and Kevin could have been better too, though I did like seeing Andy bumble around trying to impress the client. Everyone ditching work except Angela and Dwight was funny. I thought it would lead to something else -- maybe it will next week.

Grade for "Job Fair": B-

Hey, I thought I would post it here in this thread, but there is a rumor spreading online that Academy Award-nominee Amy Ryan ("Gone Baby Gone"), who guest stars on the finale of The Office (this upcoming episode), is set to be a regular and takeover Toby as the new HR, which means he may be the one leaving, since it has been confirmed that one of the characters will leave the show!

*How awesome is this!?! I love Amy Ryan and I can't wait to see her on the show! They better give her good stuff!

quote:

Originally posted by bocaboy7:
Hey, I thought I would post it here in this thread, but there is a rumor spreading online that Academy Award-nominee Amy Ryan ("Gone Baby Gone"), who guest stars on the finale of The Office (this upcoming episode), is set to be a regular and takeover Toby as the new HR, which means he may be the one leaving, since it has been confirmed that one of the characters will leave the show!

*How awesome is this!?! I love Amy Ryan and I can't wait to see her on the show! They better give her good stuff!

I knew she was going to be on next week, but is she really going to be made a regular next season? That's pretty cool if it's true and kind of surprising with her movie career exploding.

It would be a thrill if Amy Ryan did in fact join the cast, but I can't help but feel that next week's departure is going to be one no one will see coming. All the signs point to Toby, yet considering how the cast/crew are remaining oh-so tightlipped over the secret, I think it's going to be someone totally out of left field.

I'm really pumped about the finale now, and maybe Ryan will be able to finally score an Emmy nod for this (would be a nice way to cap the year for her).

quote:

Originally posted by Neurotic21:
I knew she was going to be on next week, but is she really going to be made a regular next season? That's pretty cool if it's true and kind of surprising with her movie career exploding.

I know, thats what I was thinking - she just got nominated for an oscar and now shes going to tv, but I'm sure there is a good reason as to why. I mean, The Office is a hilarious show, and maybe she wants to test her range...

quote:

Originally posted by Moviemjk102:
It would be a thrill if Amy Ryan did in fact join the cast, but I can't help but feel that next week's departure is going to be one no one will see coming. All the signs point to Toby, yet considering how the cast/crew are remaining oh-so tightlipped over the secret, I think it's going to be someone totally out of left field.

I'm really pumped about the finale now, and maybe Ryan will be able to finally score an Emmy nod for this (would be a nice way to cap the year for her).

I read online that the other rumor is that the spinoff will be of pam & jim moving and living in new york. apparently, the finale is called "goodbye, toby" and apparently that is something that pam says as she is leaving. So, I guess she gets a job in new york for art and jim gets a promotion for that BIG sale in last week's episode, and they get married. I don't know if that is true, but do you think the spinoff will work for Jam?

I really don't think Pam and Jim will be the spin-off. I would have no idea how they'd manage that in the documentary format they have set up for themselves. I have a feeling they may want us to think Pam and/or Jim are leaving, but I doubt it happens.