One of the things I love this version of 'The Office' for, compared to the original one, is how the characters, despite their protests, do sort of all care for each other in a weird way.
Like 'Café Disco' before it, 'Andy's Play' showed how an episode that has nothing to do with working in an office can be lots of fun. It was interesting to see how Andy's performing arts personality coped in a musical, and seeing how good he actually was, and how much the other's really enjoyed his performance. And though ultimately, it wasn't enough to win Erin back, Andy scored a different kind of victory in winning a new level of respect from his colleagues as he gave a rendition of 'I Try' by Macy Gray. (Was it Macy Gray? I can't remember.)
And I'm also very, very glad that Michael was able to put aside his childish nature for Andy. Michael is always so adamant to prove that these people are his family, so I'm pleased the writers realised that having Michael get over his issues for the sake of his surrogate brother/son/whatever was a good idea. The only thing that didn't really work for me in that A-story was the all-too-obvious moment where Andy's phone went off, though I laughed a bit that it took him so long to shut the thing up, followed by the wine bottle and the balloons popping just making the atmosphere all the more awkward.
I was neither here nor there with the two subplots though. Dwight and Angela is a pairing I feel expired two seasons ago, and Jim and Pam worrying about their baby has been done a couple of times too close together, and it just felt a little repetitive. Still, I realise that new parents constantly worry about their babies and that this story might have hit home with other parents who have shared that experience. But for me, it just didn't quite work. Erin as the awful babysitter was good for laughs, though.
And finally, just a very quick mention to my favourite joke of the night - Ryan showing Kelly the time on his iPad. I'll admit it, I'm on the Apple bandwagon. I love their products and I think they're really cool. My iPhone is a lifesaver. But I get where that joke was coming from, and I don't mind seeing those sorts of douchebags who obsess with their Apple products being made fun of a little.
What did everyone else think?
