Thu, 1 October 2009 NBC.com hasn't bothered to update yet, so via Wikipedia:
THE PROMOTION | 10.01.09 | 9/8c David Wallace breaks the bad news that not everyone will get a raise this year. Dwight reaches his breaking point with Jim and looks to the rest of the office for allies. Pam would like cash instead of wedding gifts. ------------- Kevin and I speculated on this episode in the last podcast, and I hope the writers really explore this "Dwight's revenge" angle to a satisfactory conclusion-- after all these years of Jim's shenanigans, it'd be nice to see the tables be turned and see how Halpert deals with jerky employees who don't want to do their jobs. Sweet, sweet karma, don't fail me now! As always, join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom before and after the show (I'll be taking the Eastern and Central times, while Kevin will handle the Pacific). Just click on the GREEN button in the right side-bar, enter your nickname, and chat away. Hope to see you there. Category: general -- posted at: 12:33 PM Comments[28] |
A few good lines in this episode but overall just kind of 'eh.' I loved Michael's lines about getting the gross nose pores and his heart on. I know it's good stuff when I'm already thinking about incorporating those lines into real life.
And I have to say that I've always been a huge Pam/Jim fan, but I am getting a little tired of the constant pregnancy reminders. I get it and I'm happy for them, I just don't need to hear it everytime Pam speaks. And I'm not enjoying the fact that Jim is so hardcore now. I wish we had the chance to see more character growth from him, not just this quick transition from goof off to hard ass. I'm sure we'll find a happy medium but I hope it's soon. And while I'm in whiny mode, the camera work tonight was making me sick. The quick movements between Jim and Michael coupled with the zooming in and out were too much for me. I noticed Jen Celotta directed - has she directed any other episodes?
Some memorable lines, but otherwise kind of blah. I am looking forward to next week. The stupid promos make me cry, so here's to hoping I won't be disappointed. Oh and I checked out the chat room, but I must have been too
late. Kind of pathetic being in there by myself, so hopefully I'll catch up with you next time.
And I have to say that I've always been a huge Pam/Jim fan, but I am getting a little tired of the constant pregnancy reminders. I get it and I'm happy for them, I just don't need to hear it everytime Pam speaks. And I'm not enjoying the fact that Jim is so hardcore now. I wish we had the chance to see more character growth from him, not just this quick transition from goof off to hard ass. I'm sure we'll find a happy medium but I hope it's soon. And while I'm in whiny mode, the camera work tonight was making me sick. The quick movements between Jim and Michael coupled with the zooming in and out were too much for me. I noticed Jen Celotta directed - has she directed any other episodes?
Some memorable lines, but otherwise kind of blah. I am looking forward to next week. The stupid promos make me cry, so here's to hoping I won't be disappointed. Oh and I checked out the chat room, but I must have been too
late. Kind of pathetic being in there by myself, so hopefully I'll catch up with you next time.
Let me first say that when I watched "Dinner Party" a few seasons ago, I thought it was terrible. But after repeated viewings I now think it is genius and perhaps one of the best episodes of any tv show ever. I don't think I'll be saying the same about "The Promotion" years from now. Not sure if it was the script or the direction but the episode seemed to lack energy and just was not funny. And I've lost interest in the Jim character -- a promotion, a baby, impending marriage -- he has it all. What's funny about that? Time for Dwight to actually get some sweet revenge! Love the podcast,guys. Never miss it!
posted by: Brian on Thu, 10/1 11:33 PM EDT
Lots of problems with this episode, starting with the title. "The Promotion" should have been the title of last week's episode. This week it was "The Raise."
Strange to see Jim's new office...
Strange to see Jim's new office...
posted by: Kevin Crossman on Fri, 10/2 01:53 AM EDT
The Thursday KSoje didn't like this episode and gave it 4/10. As I suspected, having Michael and Jim as co-managers doesn't work and I wonder to which unsustainable situation it will lead. Hopefully, soon we will have Michael as the branch manager and Jim as the sales manager (under Michael).
Plus, as Kate said, Jim's sudden transformation from goof off to hard ass is hardly believable.
Plus, as Kate said, Jim's sudden transformation from goof off to hard ass is hardly believable.
Worst episode ever? Well no. Possibly the least funny episode ever. I didn't even chuckle. Some moments were just mean (Michael's comment about Jim's nose, or Pam asking for cash from people) or pathetic (how dumb is Pam listening to Ryan's scam? I knew she was gullible with internet porn, but this is rock-bottom).
The only redeeming parts of the episode were Michael and Jim bonding, and Kevin selflessly giving Pam a check for her wedding. Anyway I miss season 3, which to me was the perfect balance of serious and funny.
The only redeeming parts of the episode were Michael and Jim bonding, and Kevin selflessly giving Pam a check for her wedding. Anyway I miss season 3, which to me was the perfect balance of serious and funny.
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who didn't like this episode. Every character annoyed me and there was very little funny. What has happened to my favorite show?!
posted by: Jacki on Fri, 10/2 06:39 AM EDT
I'm somewhat divided on this episode, first off I find it so hard to get past Jim's office. It seems so illogical to me. They make the point that Dunder Mifflin is hurting, they shut down the Buffalo branch, then they say that they can't give the regular raise this year, and yet they had to have wasted at least thousands of dollars on building Jim his own seperate office. Couldn't that money have been used to give everyone a raise. I know you guys said that it's getting to the point where we have to just let some of this stuff go for the sake of there acctually still being a show, but this is such a huge plot hole. I would have been somewhat satisfied with that at least being mentioned by somebody. Also, when the hell did that thing get built. Did they do it overnight? The other thing that bugged me was Jim treating Dwight so badly. What did Dwight do to deserve it, all he did was ask him to sign his expense report. I think it's still ok for Jim to prank Dwight if Dwight is being Dwight, but here Jim just came off as a dick. At least when Michael has been one in the past it was somewhat well intentioned, Michael is just socially retarted. Ok with that said. I did enjoy a few things here. I did like the interplay of Jim and Michael, the ending was reminisent to when Jim tried to combine all the birthdays. I think the funniest part of this episode was the scene with David Wallace on the phone, "Michael, are you texting me?" I also enjoyed Dwights speach at the end. Having listened to the retro episode recently for "Dwights Speach" it seemed really reminesent of that, in a good way. As for the B-Plot, eh, middle of the road. I liked Ryan talking about celebrity pregnancies, I think he's been spending to much time with Kelly. Overall I think this was the weakest episode this season. I'm going to have to give this one about a C+, and Kevin I'm going to agree with you on the title thing. Look forward to the podcast, keep up the good work guys
I'm not sure if this was the "Worst Episode EVER" or just the straw that broke the camel's back. I just don't really like either Jim and Pam much anymore so it is much harder to enjoy the show. I'm not really very excited about the wedding, which is sad because Jim and Pam used to be my favorite tv couple ever. The best part of the wedding promo was the clips of Jim and Pam when the show used to be good.
I liked this episode, but can understand why other people didn't. I thought the humor was subtle but very funny especially on second viewing. Michael's annoyance at Jim was great, his hand drawing of Toby and nerd voice imitation was great. Oscar had a great talking head with the "two presidents" bit. It's definitely a transitional time for Jim's character but they still had him goof around with Dwight in the cold open so not to lose that entirely. The situation was a bit silly as they could have solved it much easier but meh. The other two episodes this season may have been a bit better but I liked this one. Check it out a second time.
The show is changing, clearly. JAM's storyline and tension took up the first 3 years. If they were still stretching that out, it would be ridiculous by now.
The show is changing, clearly. JAM's storyline and tension took up the first 3 years. If they were still stretching that out, it would be ridiculous by now.
wow! just watched it and its a really, really good one!
The expected conflict between Michael and Jimothy went really really well. Pam's awkwardness with the gifts, Ryan's algorithm, Dwight trying to gather the troops.
Best scene was Jim's announcement, it bombing, his "rewind," and Pam's pained face watching it.
Bizarre seeing some comments above not liking it -- what the hell? Phenomenal episode!!! I think ya'll above are crazy (but I still like ya'll!)
The expected conflict between Michael and Jimothy went really really well. Pam's awkwardness with the gifts, Ryan's algorithm, Dwight trying to gather the troops.
Best scene was Jim's announcement, it bombing, his "rewind," and Pam's pained face watching it.
Bizarre seeing some comments above not liking it -- what the hell? Phenomenal episode!!! I think ya'll above are crazy (but I still like ya'll!)
you know what? the fact that the one Emmy win was for directing on "Stress Relief" just shows how dumb awards are and how lame and stupid the audience demographic is that The Office is now reaching for. Dwight carved up a CPR dummy. The characters ran around like headless chickens. Jack Black for no reason other than ratings. And the "love triangle" angle of the film Andy is watching was not at all properly connected to his real love triangle at the time. And the episode won a directing Emmy. I remember seriously thinking that The Office was the best show on t.v. Now it's.... not.
I appreciate the fact that Matt and Kev are civil to each other, despite appreciating the show for different reasons. I obviously agree with Matt's opinion most of the time.... There is a place for broad, over the top humor on this show, but not at the expense of character... and yet here with The Promotion we get character building without humor. I think a proper balance is needed.
I appreciate the fact that Matt and Kev are civil to each other, despite appreciating the show for different reasons. I obviously agree with Matt's opinion most of the time.... There is a place for broad, over the top humor on this show, but not at the expense of character... and yet here with The Promotion we get character building without humor. I think a proper balance is needed.
(moved from a different thread)
I agree with what some other poster said, The Office had jumped the shark way before that baby news thing. I was a big fan, so I can't help watching each new episode, and I must say it's becoming more and more painful. The show isn't funny anymore, has become poorly written, Pam and Jim getting together killed both characters... For me season one was a good remake job, season 2 was absolutely brilliant (and hooked me up), season 3 was much less good, and since then the show has been dead. Pam giving that look at the camera at the end of season 3 was a great moment of the show. Painful to say, but it also turned out to be its final moment. Just compare any episode of today and any episode of season 2 and think about it. The show was about representing that everyday life feeling, your job sucks, the girl you love is with someone else, your boss is a childish idiot, your desk mate is a nazi. Not cheerful, but actually close to life. That's what made it funny. Now what ? You got promoted, the girl you love was promoted too and she's expecting your baby, your coworkers are your friends, and your boss is actually a good guy. Of course the writers can't find anything to write nowadays. What's to write about ? It's fucking Disneyland. I wish sitcom writers would understand that making everything perfect for the characters is exactly what ruins all shows.
I agree with what some other poster said, The Office had jumped the shark way before that baby news thing. I was a big fan, so I can't help watching each new episode, and I must say it's becoming more and more painful. The show isn't funny anymore, has become poorly written, Pam and Jim getting together killed both characters... For me season one was a good remake job, season 2 was absolutely brilliant (and hooked me up), season 3 was much less good, and since then the show has been dead. Pam giving that look at the camera at the end of season 3 was a great moment of the show. Painful to say, but it also turned out to be its final moment. Just compare any episode of today and any episode of season 2 and think about it. The show was about representing that everyday life feeling, your job sucks, the girl you love is with someone else, your boss is a childish idiot, your desk mate is a nazi. Not cheerful, but actually close to life. That's what made it funny. Now what ? You got promoted, the girl you love was promoted too and she's expecting your baby, your coworkers are your friends, and your boss is actually a good guy. Of course the writers can't find anything to write nowadays. What's to write about ? It's fucking Disneyland. I wish sitcom writers would understand that making everything perfect for the characters is exactly what ruins all shows.
Maybe something will come between Pam and Jim...like his inability to manage. That look was on her face was somewhat crippling and he did say something to the effect of everyone hating him except Pam...and then asked the camera if she was still upset. Who knows...I just have a bad feeling about the season to come and am not really looking forward to the wedding either. I get misty eyed when I see the preview but it is because of the clips from the good seasons that bring back those feelings of love for the characters and the show. Ahh well. The podcast rocks, you guys make long plane rides much more bearable. Thanks for what you do...hope you will continue it for the remainder of the season.
LG
LG
WORST EPISODE EVER... this season. Overall, this was very painful to watch Jim and Michael struggle against the office. The trend for this season so far seems to be: "Let's make everyone in the office an asshole." In "Gossip," Michael was being mean, but we were used to that. Then, in "The Meeting," they made Pam a little cold to her co-workers. Now, Oscar, Meredith, Dwight, and Jim all being horrible. Jim didn't deserve Oscar's insult, and if Meredith's kid needed shoes, maybe she would stop wasting money on alcohol. "the Promotion" did not give me a "heart-on" at all. Hopefully they can come together at the wedding.
I've never cared about Jim and Pam, they don't bother me much so I actually enjoyed this episode. I always like when Michael is shown to be intuitive rather than clueless, and rebellious Dwight rocks my socks. Plot-wise this episode was pretty strong- while not as funny as other episodes, it moved along at a decent pace and involved all the characters easily.
However I did have one negative reaction- felt a bit sick at the mental image of Meredith and Creed together. Yuck.
However I did have one negative reaction- felt a bit sick at the mental image of Meredith and Creed together. Yuck.
I know alot of people hated this episode but I absolutly loved it, the cold open was decent but should have ended with Dwight being forced to talk to Toby. People seem to be under the impression that Pam is a gold digger or just plain greedy, I disagree, weddings and kids are expensive. Jims new coffee mug was kind of sweet, but how does that help kelly fix Ryans car? The one thing I hated about this episode, we never got a resolution on raise plot, who gets what? it was a major plot but yet we never get the end result, never annoying
when did this page become the spot for people who don't like the show anymore?
If you check out other Office fan forums - most big fans still love the show. I like it now more than ever, and I've probably seen every episode four or five times! Maybe this is more about you than the show. So if you are really mad - take a break from it for a while, watch some other good shows instead - and catch up in a few months.
If you check out other Office fan forums - most big fans still love the show. I like it now more than ever, and I've probably seen every episode four or five times! Maybe this is more about you than the show. So if you are really mad - take a break from it for a while, watch some other good shows instead - and catch up in a few months.
Finally watched the episode. It was ok. I didn't laugh very much at the beginning of the episode but I'm used to that by now. You know, Mike was right in telling Wallace Jim wasn't manager material. Of course, he was just trying to protect his ass at the time. Jim isn't very good at decision making. Looks like he was a decent salesman that was promoted to manager - kinda like Michael. And yes, to whomever said the ending was very reminiscent of the scene at the end of Survivor Man. Mr. Halpert is officially one of those that has settled into an unsatisfying job for the long run.
Money--
This page has always been a place people can express their opinions, both pro and con, of any given episode. If you've been here a while, I'm not sure why you're surprised.
Let me address the sort of "hidden" message to your post, though-- people who like every episode of the show aren't somehow "better" or "real" fans compared to those who have issues.
If you liked it, awesome. EXPLAIN to us why you thought it was awesome. Take a look at Rob S.'s post above yours for a perfect example of how to disagree with the majority of posters while making your own point heard. The minute you start throwing out vibes where those who disagree with you are somehow not "true fans" of the show, you lose all of your credibility-- if people weren't "true fans" of The Office, they wouldn't CARE about the show not meeting their expectations or letting them down. I'm sure many of these people have ALSO watched every episode 4-5 times too. We just have to agree to disagree, so long as we all have reasons to back up our arguments.
I'll give MY thoughts on this episode when we record the podcast tomorrow, but I think you're NUTS if you think the current episodes are "better" than season two :) That said, I have no problem with your opinion as long as you can defend it. That's what this podcast and blog page are all about-- people talking about THE OFFICE.
This page has always been a place people can express their opinions, both pro and con, of any given episode. If you've been here a while, I'm not sure why you're surprised.
Let me address the sort of "hidden" message to your post, though-- people who like every episode of the show aren't somehow "better" or "real" fans compared to those who have issues.
If you liked it, awesome. EXPLAIN to us why you thought it was awesome. Take a look at Rob S.'s post above yours for a perfect example of how to disagree with the majority of posters while making your own point heard. The minute you start throwing out vibes where those who disagree with you are somehow not "true fans" of the show, you lose all of your credibility-- if people weren't "true fans" of The Office, they wouldn't CARE about the show not meeting their expectations or letting them down. I'm sure many of these people have ALSO watched every episode 4-5 times too. We just have to agree to disagree, so long as we all have reasons to back up our arguments.
I'll give MY thoughts on this episode when we record the podcast tomorrow, but I think you're NUTS if you think the current episodes are "better" than season two :) That said, I have no problem with your opinion as long as you can defend it. That's what this podcast and blog page are all about-- people talking about THE OFFICE.
One of my favorite things about "The Office" is the continuity. Birth dates and Scranton area businesses aside the show is superb at setting up plot developments years in advance. We got a taste of Jim's management ability way back in season season 4's "Survivor Man" and here we are years later seeing that premonition come to fruition. Jim's pragmatism against Michael's flamboyance seems to be adversarial, but The Promotion shows us that the two can work together as a ying and yang (Michael obvious being a huge yang) and work for the benefit of the fledgling Dunder-Mifflin. I think that will be a major plot point of the season and I look forward to seeing how these two find their balance.
posted by: Fozzie on Sat, 10/3 05:56 PM EDT
I enjoyed the first couple of episodes, although as the guys pointed out already, the theme of this season is clearly "Michael's a dick!"
This ep, however, was just awful.
Michael's a dick who doesn't have any more of a clue about the big picture than he did about the little picture.
Jim's clueless as a manager -- his basic idea of being honest isn't fundamentally flawed, but you don't just make that kind of announcement on the spur of the moment. You have to think about how to position it with everybody, and you certainly don't single out your fiancee and her sales peers as the ones who are getting the raises. He clearly has a conflict of interest.
I know I have to have some suspension of disbelief, but there's just too much unbelievable stuff going on here -- corporate not setting clear policies on how to distribute the raises; no concerns over nepotism with Jim managing his fiancee; creating a spurious "co-manager" spot that makes no business sense. (Oscar's interview about the Popes and the presidents was the highlight of the show -- great deadpan delivery!)
And by the way, Pam's a money-grubbing bridezilla.
Hope the big wedding ep is more fun than this.
This ep, however, was just awful.
Michael's a dick who doesn't have any more of a clue about the big picture than he did about the little picture.
Jim's clueless as a manager -- his basic idea of being honest isn't fundamentally flawed, but you don't just make that kind of announcement on the spur of the moment. You have to think about how to position it with everybody, and you certainly don't single out your fiancee and her sales peers as the ones who are getting the raises. He clearly has a conflict of interest.
I know I have to have some suspension of disbelief, but there's just too much unbelievable stuff going on here -- corporate not setting clear policies on how to distribute the raises; no concerns over nepotism with Jim managing his fiancee; creating a spurious "co-manager" spot that makes no business sense. (Oscar's interview about the Popes and the presidents was the highlight of the show -- great deadpan delivery!)
And by the way, Pam's a money-grubbing bridezilla.
Hope the big wedding ep is more fun than this.
Matt - not knocking your podcast or questioning your appreciation of the show. I'm a fan!
I'm aiming at the posters above -- people calling this one the "worst episode ever" and people claiming the show has turned to "dumbing" down to a wider audience -- and then citing "Stress Relief" as an example. Its bizarre, way off base, and completely untrue.
In their view Dwight cutting the CPR dummy in season five was "way too far" - but Dwight not knowing where a clitoris was in season two gets a pass. They got no real argument here.
It's really about people getting sour on a show after a few years. Moving on. It happens and it's understandable. But often that's more about them than the show itself.
One more thing - I don't like when the characters get mean either. But remember season one - nothing in these past two seasons compare with Michael's meanness in season one - remember why Kelly slapped him? Incomparable.
I'm aiming at the posters above -- people calling this one the "worst episode ever" and people claiming the show has turned to "dumbing" down to a wider audience -- and then citing "Stress Relief" as an example. Its bizarre, way off base, and completely untrue.
In their view Dwight cutting the CPR dummy in season five was "way too far" - but Dwight not knowing where a clitoris was in season two gets a pass. They got no real argument here.
It's really about people getting sour on a show after a few years. Moving on. It happens and it's understandable. But often that's more about them than the show itself.
One more thing - I don't like when the characters get mean either. But remember season one - nothing in these past two seasons compare with Michael's meanness in season one - remember why Kelly slapped him? Incomparable.
Every time Jim has stepped into the manager role, he fails and everyone turns against him. We have had an episode like that for the past three seasons. I get it, he has a lot to learn. I would like to see him start making some positive contributions so we can see why he got the promotions in the first place.
I loved this episode. It took me back to Survivor Man, and even back to season two with the awkwardness, and I have to say I love the return of the awkward hilarity that we love and hate.
I felt like Michael finally realized by the end that he really did need another person to help him. I loved it every time Kevin shouted "What does a bean mean?!" And Pam saying "Why are there no beans on this old frizzy haired picture of my face." Classic. Creed and Dwight were funny and weren't too over the top for me. Even the tick-tocking.
I'm so psyched for the wedding!
Also, check out this video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aZ_0gf0duQ
I felt like Michael finally realized by the end that he really did need another person to help him. I loved it every time Kevin shouted "What does a bean mean?!" And Pam saying "Why are there no beans on this old frizzy haired picture of my face." Classic. Creed and Dwight were funny and weren't too over the top for me. Even the tick-tocking.
I'm so psyched for the wedding!
Also, check out this video-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aZ_0gf0duQ
How to distribute raises...hmm. Let's take a leaf from Jim's admittedly skimpy management playbook. What say we have a friendly competition in the office...a little flonkerton for a start...hand out some medals, and give the biggest raises to whoever scored the most gold medals, then silver, then bronze... ;)
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