Tue, 6 October 2009  Episode # 77 of THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID finds both Matt and Kevin wondering which parts of the podcast fall under the heading of 'big picture issues.' It takes two to make a thing go right; it takes two to make it out of sight. When corporate decrees no cost of living raises, co-managers Michael and Jim have to stop their power struggle and work together to break the news. What's that? Two managers? Go ahead, NAME a country that doesn't have two presidents. Meanwhile, Dwight plans another coup, Pam begs for cash, and Ryan finally perfects his betting system. Surely, this can only end well. Incidental music provided by the Podshow Podsafe Music Network. Email us at TWSSpodcast @ gmail.com, or leave a comment on our blog page at TWSSpodcast.com. iTunes reviews are always appreciated! Help spread the word! Also, PLEASE help support the show by signing up for a FREE 14-day trial of Netflix. Instantly watch every episode of the office from the comfort of your laptop, desktop, or xbox360-connected TV. Go to http://www.netflix.com/twss to start your free trial today. Also, check out http://www.audible.com/shesaid for a free audiobook download credit.Comments[8] |
Great episode! I throughly enjoyed it and The Promotion, but there was one thing I didn't really like and it was the end capper with Ryan and Pam. Other than that I thought it was a great episode, and great episode of TWSS. I loved the song choice at the end it really made me bust a move. lol! :)
I could possibly see David Wallace giving Jim the promotion if he thought DM might lose a fairly sharp guy (relative to the rest of the lightweights). A few seasons ago, Jan worked to keep Jim in the fold. Since Jim has new responsibilities, I could see him going to David for more responsibility at DM. He's ready to be a bit more serious.
Jim interviewed at corporate once so they've seen him with potential for promotion - and didn't Jim turn that down - or at least took himself out of the running to stay at Scranton near Pam?
The more troubling part for me is that I've concluded I really don't like Jim in uncomfortable situations. Last season was my least favorite and I think it's because the way Jim constantly looked to Charles. Each time Jim has managed (earlier seasons and this), he doesn't look particularly sharp. The Michael Scott Paper Company was entertaining but my discomfort with Jim's situation basically ruined the season for me.
I don't like one of my favorite characters looking this inept.
I also miss Pam being perky. Her facial expressions (showing her subconscious interest in Jim) were her forte. Her character the past couple of seasons doesn't give her opportunity to use this skill fully.
Jim interviewed at corporate once so they've seen him with potential for promotion - and didn't Jim turn that down - or at least took himself out of the running to stay at Scranton near Pam?
The more troubling part for me is that I've concluded I really don't like Jim in uncomfortable situations. Last season was my least favorite and I think it's because the way Jim constantly looked to Charles. Each time Jim has managed (earlier seasons and this), he doesn't look particularly sharp. The Michael Scott Paper Company was entertaining but my discomfort with Jim's situation basically ruined the season for me.
I don't like one of my favorite characters looking this inept.
I also miss Pam being perky. Her facial expressions (showing her subconscious interest in Jim) were her forte. Her character the past couple of seasons doesn't give her opportunity to use this skill fully.
The show kinda leads us to accept the general perception that Jim is management material. But if we carefully analyze it, what are the points that make him such a sharp guy and deserving of a promotion?
Is he a dedicated worker? No, he's a slacker. Has he shown leadership skills? No, if we consider "The Promotion" and "Survivor Man". Does he have the best sales numbers? No, I believe all he got was Cuccino's pizza. Is he committed to the company? David Wallace should know he's not since that interview from about a year ago. I even put his interpersonal skills in doubt since most of the times he comes up as an excessively judgemental douche who thinks he's better than the others.
We don't notice this because, as Matt says, Jim's the guy we're supposed to identify with (or have a man crush on, according to Kevin). But if I worked in "The Office" I can easily see myself slapping him in the back of his head while yelling "Look at that camera again! I dare you, I double dare you, MF'er! Look at that camera one more God Damn time!"
PS: One could argue Michael is not management material either, but that's a subject for another post.
Is he a dedicated worker? No, he's a slacker. Has he shown leadership skills? No, if we consider "The Promotion" and "Survivor Man". Does he have the best sales numbers? No, I believe all he got was Cuccino's pizza. Is he committed to the company? David Wallace should know he's not since that interview from about a year ago. I even put his interpersonal skills in doubt since most of the times he comes up as an excessively judgemental douche who thinks he's better than the others.
We don't notice this because, as Matt says, Jim's the guy we're supposed to identify with (or have a man crush on, according to Kevin). But if I worked in "The Office" I can easily see myself slapping him in the back of his head while yelling "Look at that camera again! I dare you, I double dare you, MF'er! Look at that camera one more God Damn time!"
PS: One could argue Michael is not management material either, but that's a subject for another post.
Hey guys
Once again, great episode.
In regards to the cold open, I completely agree with Kevin that Dwight did deserve to be messed with by Jim over the time sheet. Dwight WAS being rude and could have easily said "Please" but chose not to. Thus he was more Yosemite Sam than Elmer Fudd and therefore deserved the wrath of Jim.
Once again, great episode.
In regards to the cold open, I completely agree with Kevin that Dwight did deserve to be messed with by Jim over the time sheet. Dwight WAS being rude and could have easily said "Please" but chose not to. Thus he was more Yosemite Sam than Elmer Fudd and therefore deserved the wrath of Jim.
Jeff--
Nah. At least if Michael would have done it, he would have done it because he is an idiot. It still wouldn't have been funny, but it would perhaps been more in character. Jim should have known better than to use such a lame "gag" with people who were already pissed at him and weren't going to appreciate such a gesture.
As for a "bias," well, you're right-- I used to love Jim more than anyone. Alas, I just don't find him that endearing or charming anymore. I don't think the writers know what to do with him now that he has Pam-- that whole Charles Miner thing last year, and now his totally ineffectual management debut... meh.
I hope the rest of the season redeems him. I'd love nothing more than to come back to ""team Halpert."
Nah. At least if Michael would have done it, he would have done it because he is an idiot. It still wouldn't have been funny, but it would perhaps been more in character. Jim should have known better than to use such a lame "gag" with people who were already pissed at him and weren't going to appreciate such a gesture.
As for a "bias," well, you're right-- I used to love Jim more than anyone. Alas, I just don't find him that endearing or charming anymore. I don't think the writers know what to do with him now that he has Pam-- that whole Charles Miner thing last year, and now his totally ineffectual management debut... meh.
I hope the rest of the season redeems him. I'd love nothing more than to come back to ""team Halpert."
I hated this episode! It seemed that every character was written to be the biggest ass possible. When Michael went on his "nerd" rant, I wanted Jim to punch him. It was so stupid. I'm not normally one to nick pick but there were plot holes you could drive a Dunder-Mifflin delivery truck through.
I've been listening to your podcasts for a while now, and you often bring up the issue of believability. At times the show's writers display a remarkable level of insight into office life, while at others they make you wonder whether any of them has ever been in an actual company. Case in point: David Wallace. I'm convinced the writers have no idea what a Chief Financial Officer is. The CFO is in charge of the finance and accounting staffs, as well as the Treasury function. They make the budget, prepare forecasts, report actuals, etc. Angela and Kevin would report to the CFO (through some lower-level managers), but not a regional sales manager like Michael. At most Michael would have some kind of dotted-line relationship to Wallace, but his direct boss would most likely be the VP of Sales. (Unless Michael's title is not regional Sales Manager but Regional Manager, in which case he wuold probably report either to a president or COO, i.e. Chief Operating Officer.)
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