Okay, I'll get to everything else in a second, but first I want to raise one point.
THAT is the way to make Erin/Andy interesting. THAT is how you do it - when Andy kept messing things up, it became a one-note trick, and this is something they should have implemented earlier. Andy just noticing that Erin was talking about family movies like that and doing something nice for her is the sort of subtle nod to Jim and Pam that this relationship seemed to be all about. And yeah, it does come at the expense of Gabe, but I've never really liked Gabe, so it doesn't really worry me what happens to him. But damn if that didn't set off the way I used to feel about them as a couple.
Though it was only for a fleeting moment, I loved seeing Ricky Gervais guest appearing as David Brent. It wasn't the David Brent from the original series, not at all - though I don't blame Gervais for that. When you don't play a character for 7 years it must be hard to remember exactly how you played them. But still, it was a nod to how far Steve Carell had brought Michael Scott as a character, from the carbon copy asshole in the Pilot to the well meaning but hazardous man we know today.
Outside of those two moments, I felt like the episode was treading water. What's up with John Krasinski? That's two episodes in a row where he's only had a minor role. Though he got more time here, his D-storyline accomplished nothing, setting up a joke that wasn't really all that funny and playing out exactly the way Jim had expected. I just.. didn't get it. Pam's not-really-sly jog over to Jim when he called her over though was a lovely reminder of how one of Jenna Fischer's most unique comedic qualities is that she's funny when she's being cute. I don't know many actresses who can do that.
Andy's seminar was okay, but it was just another really good example of why Andy becoming manager would be an awful idea. Andy doesn't work well under pressure, he is easily compromised (if Darryl hadn't explained to him that he was being played, he wouldn't have realised it on his own) and he's really socially awkward. That just sounds a little bit too much like the current boss, no?
Having said that, I loved all of Kevin's presentation, from picking up food as he went for his third run around, to vomiting in the bin while collapsed on the floor after telling people the key to success was 'picturing a winner'. Love it. And I quite liked the Greek couple once Holly got on board - but I knew Michael would make a pass and of course she would reject it. Heads up - I think we've got a few more of these to come.
The Scrabble game? Meh, just meh. Oscar as a know-it-all is usually a good well to go to, but it was done better than this not that long ago and I kept comparing it to that. But I guess if it was all for that lovely scene at the end then it was worth it.
It's not a complete bounce back, but a couple of strong episodes before Christmas has given me a little more momentum before I jump ship again.
What did everyone else think?
