Remember when the camera crew first rolled into Scranton Park?
That was when Michael first introduced the audience to The Office workers that would captivate them for the next seven years.
However, long gone are the days of the scandalous affair between Jan and Michael, and audiences no longer get to watch mousey receptionist, Pam, shyly flirting with her future husband. Rather, loyal fans had to sit through the travesty that called itself the premiere of the last season of this great show on Thursday night.
After Michael’s departure at the end of season seven, viewers had little faith for the future of the show. However, its writers initially proved them wrong through cleverly utilizing the dynamics between the remaining characters.
In the ninth season premiere, however, Andy is expected to inherit the role of crazy manager. Though Andy is a sufficiently hilarious supporting character, he fails to fill the massive shoes that Michael left behind.
In the previous season, newcomer Nelly stages a coup in Andy’s absence, forcefully absolving him of his managerial position. He responds this season by gracelessly hazing her. Although some remnant of the wit in previous seasons can be seen in Andy’s statement, “There are two things I’m passionate about: recycling and revenge,” audiences see that his actions have taken a venomous turn that is not characteristic of the past Andy.
Two new characters bring on mid-life crises for The Office. Pete and Dwight Jr. (given nickname) are said to be younger versions of Jim and Dwight, respectfully. Dwight tries to get to know his makeshift progeny, only to find out that Dwight Jr. is only interested in stealing his clients. Even worse, Dwight Jr. has no interest in farming. In observing Pete’s young ambitions, Jim remembers the ambitions that he let slip away during the years he wasted away in the office.
Pam’s conviction that they have nothing exciting left going for them makes Jim even more cognizant of the rut he is in. If reading this wasn’t sad enough, try watching Jim’s puppy dog eyes through the TV screen as his youth passes him by.
Angela and Oscar’s storyline is the only one that shows continuity from the previous season.
In the last episode of the eighth season, Oscar and Angela’s senator husband are seen exchanging numbers. That plot is taken from funny to Gossip Girl-esque dramatic.
Oscar is seen having a clandestine phone conversation with the senator, suggesting an extramarital affair. It is hard to see how a cheating in-the-closet Senator can be portrayed as comedic without crossing major lines.
Some viewers felt that the banter was witty, but the episode overall was lacking in continued plot. There were a few scattered moments where viewers felt like they were supposed to laugh, but the jokes were so canned that they just couldn’t muster up the energy.
The story had barely started before the thirty minute mark came up, and viewers were caught by surprise when the credits finally rolled around.
In conclusion, this episode lacked continuity and humor.
Though this episode certainly fell below typical Office par, many audience members will loyally keep watching in hopes of some spark of genius reminiscent of the good old Michael days.
