Thu, 22 January 2009
From NBC.com:
PRINCE FAMILY PAPER | 01.22.09 | 9/8c | TV-PG L
 FAMILY
BUSINESS -- Michael and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) go undercover to do a bit
of industrial espionage on a paper company competitor. Meanwhile, the
rest of the office holds a debate to settle the question: is Hilary
Swank hot? John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, Leslie David Baker, Phyllis
Smith, Angela Kinsey, Ed Helms, Kate Flannery, Brian Baumgartner, Creed
Bratton and Craig Robinson also star.
--------------------- I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, so to speak, but this episode description doesn't exactly fill me with confidence. The infiltration plot sounds like BRANCH WARS (will Michael and Dwight bust out the mustaches again?), and really, an entire subplot talking about Hillary Swank? OK, Office crew, I'm trusting you to deliver a good episode despite the somewhat iffy plot summary. As always, leave your comments below and join Kevin and me in the TWSS chat room after the show.
Category:general
-- posted at: 2:37pm EDT
Comments[34]
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Have they forgotten about Jim and Pam? Since they bought the house they have been all but ignored. I\'m sure the show did not intend for it to be the \"Jim and Pam Show,\" but thats where the heart and soul of the show was, along with Michael. The Jam story lines, interactions, glances, ups and downs, all need to come back.
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I liked the episode. There is just still something missing. In the first three seasons, the writing was so concise and unique, that whenever collective interaction amongst the staff - such as reading Michael\'s screenplay, or Office Olympics - I felt as if I were part of the fun. Now, when the crew is participating in a debate about Hilary Swank, or competing over Chairs vs. Copiers, I feel like an outsider looking in. Could that be what is bothering me? The fact this doesn\'t feel as real as it used to? Still...ok episode. I was disappointed in Michael\'s final decision, but I sincerely believe the Prince family will no go out of business. These clients are probably faithful and won\'t ditch them for a bigger company. What is getting tired is Dwight\'s silliness. Oh - and Hilary Swank isn\'t hot.
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I generally liked the episode, though I had a few things to say about it: 1. the main thing I thought after I saw the episode was I genuinely felt bad for the Prince Family, and I wish Michael didn\'t have to be that guy. I liked that Michael actually had a heart, and I thought it would prevent him from doing it, and I really hoped it would be that way, but unfortunately, it didn\'t. Oh well. Also, yeah I definitely got a \"Branch Wars\" vibe from this episode\'s main plot 2. The whole comment above with Michael talking to Wallace..I thought it hasn\'t been too much this season, especially in this episode, Wallace had a specific assignment for Michael, so I feel like he had a reason to call him 3. I definitely enjoyed the throwback to Season 2 with Michael Scarn, and I liked the scene where Dwight was badmouthing his \'old boss\' and the look Michael had on his face 4. I thought the subplot was a bit weak, even from reading the description, and I suppose it turned out to be a bit better than expected (The moments of Stanley optimism were really cool to see) but I guess I just expected a better episode, especially since B.J. Novak wrote this one.
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Pretty good episode - Michael kind of broke my heart. Whoever on the crew is \"dusting\" the cars with fake snow has GOT to stop. It is the lamest attempt at location authenticity EVER. It just looks like sawdust. Have these people ever lived in a cold climate??
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This episode was a lot better than I thought it would be. I totally thought it was going to be like branch wars, and episode I wasn\'t that fond of. Oh, and the thought of a debate on Hillary Swank, who is so NOT hot, just seemed like a waste of time. It all ended up being funny. Not \"classic\" funny but good enough. Ok to Hillary\'s credit, I think she has had her fair share of fantastic red carpet looks, but still...not hot. LOL
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The thing I like about this episode is that it reinforces that everybody in the Office is not perfect. For a nice guy, David Wallace this season, seems to be not-so-nice, and can be pretty ruthless too. After all, he is a CFO. I feel bad for Michael Scott\'s resignation to go through with the whole thing. The whole ignoring of Angela\'s initial comments by Jim was funny too. What was weird though, two co-workers did that hot or not discussion the day after, and I\'m pretty sure they don\'t watch that show.
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There are different grades of unplausible. Michael driving into a lake is unplausible but it\'s also funny, in line with the character and it served a purpose. Last night\'s Hillary Swank plot not only is unplausible, not funny and out of character for many of them (come on, is it believable to anybody that they would be so passionate about the actress being hot or not?) but also doesn\'t serve any purpose other than give those characters something to do during the episode. Disappointing piece of writing, disappointing episode. Maybe the worst ever.
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I enjoyed the episode overall, but honestly, the ending ruined whatever goodwill was developed over the first 29 minutes. Here we get another chance to see Michael\'s humanity...to do the right thing...and he caves to Dwight and gives the client list to Wallace, and presumably the Prince family\'s business will be ruined. That\'s certainly not very funny...not at all. Free Michael to be a good person...at least every once in awhile. That may not get a laugh, but it will warm most viewers\' hearts, and personally keep \'The Office\' on the short list of shows that I have to watch.
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I noticed this a few weeks ago, then again last week with the duel, & it was especially noticeable this week. They found a great, subtle way to show the winterrey nature of Scranton, PA. The cars are covered with salt & dirt, very much like my car is. This of course is because of all the sand & salt laid on the road after it snows to melt the ice. I know it\'s minor, but it really does match the winter atmosphere of the east coast.
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Hey guys. I just wanted to comment on last nights episode of the office....I dont know how to put this, but this had to be by far one of the least funniest episodes of the office ever!! The whole in office plot was so drug out, and annoying to me. Everybody involved in it seemed so out of character, and it just went on too long for me. Now, as for the Michael and Dwight plot, I thought that was a good story, and it played out very good....but still not as funny as it could have been. There seemed to be a lot of missed opportunities with it. But the best part of it was on the desk of the manager of prince paper, was the worlds best boss mug. that made me laugh a little. I dont know if i just had high hopes for this episode, and was just let down, or what it was....but one more thing I was a bit baffled at the fact that nothing was mentioned about Dwight, Andy, and Angela. not sure why. take care, and cant wait to hear your views. charlie THE gooch
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I thought this was a good episode simply because of the dynamics between Michael and Dwight. The Hillary Swank subplot was very weak. They could have still made it work though by focusing more, better yet dropping more subtle lines/shots of the tension between Andy and Angela. Like many others, what I enjoy most about the Office is not the in-your-face, exaggerated displays of insanity but the seemingly innocuous lines and subtle expressions. There were full of those last night including the \"World\'s Best Boss\" mug, Michael Scarn, his inclusion of Ryan with Jan as a heartbreaker, Dwight\'s repeated references to farm life, Dwight\'s grip on the cruelty of life, and, again, Michael\'s kindness beneath his lousy personality. To me, the old theme about Michael and Dwight\'s true personalities never gets old.
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I really enjoyed this episode. It was much better than I thought it would be. The Hillary Swank plotline was awesome. It gives me hope that the writers are starting to retreat back to some classic season two-style plotlines while still being fresh and original (and funny). As for the Michael plotline I really liked the continuation of the Michael is doing something right idea and that David Wallace is giving him more responsibility. While I felt bad for Michael having to give in to corporate pressure and giving Wallace the info on the Prince customers, I really like that Micheal didn\'t make the \"good guy\" decission. I think it was more realistic that way even for Michael. Overall it was an awesome episodes with quite a few laughs and an awesome cold open.
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I thought this episode sucked big time. The only funny parts where the reappearance of Michael Scarn,the World\'s Best Dad Coffee mug on Mr. Prince\'s desk, and Angela being told no one cares what she thought. Price Paper was exactly what Michael wanted his branch to be and he is helping to kill it. The Swank plot line seemed to be nothing more than filler, it did not add anything to the show. I guess Andy and Dwight are over Angela. If so that is yet another plot line that just dies with no real explanation of any aftermath. I hope this is one of those episodes that will get better in time, one of the ones that only in retrospect after seeing future episodes turns out to be a good foundation.
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I have seen a few of you indicate you think the mug on Prince\\\\\\\'s desk was the same as Michaels. I may have to rewatch it, I was pretty sure it said world\\\\\\\'s best Dad. I think they should give up the snow and ice angle, the weather is just to darn nice on the oustide shots for the cars to look as dirty as they do. The fake snow helps a little but it is too white compared to the dirt and grime on the cars.
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Great episode! I\\\\\\\'m glad the show has left all the relationship drama behind, and is focusing on the things that make this show great - the dynamic duo of Michael and Dwight, the slacker prankster Jim, the classic behavior of making a big deal about small issues (such as the hotness of Hillary Swank). This episode could have easily come from Season 2. Keep it up, writers!
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I was a little skeptical about the synopsis of this episode, but I ended up liking it all right. Some funny stuff, especially in the debate plotline. I liked Michael\'s stress over the situation, since Prince Family Paper is sort of his \"dream\" job. Liked the callbacks: World\'s Best Boss, Michael Scarn, TMI. Also, any time Michael says \"shut it\" I laugh.
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Michael Scott is at a cross-roads. Does he go and succeed in business (without even realizing he\'s trying), or does he remain the down home boss that maintains a profitable branch (without even noticing)? The other paper company was a perfect example of where Michael always thought he would be: family, friends, togetherness, and a wife that seems to really care. This season, Michael had his heart ripped out by corporate and now seems to be doing what they ask of him to compensate for his loss of happiness. Does he truly want the death of a family business on his conscience? Meanwhile, back at the office, Jim is a cross-roads as well. Last week he realized he may never want to lead these people, especially when they try to run each other over to solve their differences. This week, Jim is back to his slacker, playful side with Michael out for the day. Is debating over the hotness of Hilary Swank really a way to get the job done? No, but it\'s fun. Jim has to understand that sometimes the workplace is not fun, and you need to take charge. Overall, a very important episode of the series that will probably have ramifications later on in the season. I\'ll give it a solid 4 out or 5. Oh, and Swank is not hot. Sorry, just...no.
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Another example at how we all look at these differently. My most disappointing episode in recent memory. Not as painful as the trade show and Phylis\'s Wedding but... Liked the prank in the cold open - I like all the pranks. Only other highlight for me was Stanley have a few lines. He\'s been so dour over the seasons, it was nice to see him different - positive. Everything else was predictable from the fact-finding visit to Michael making the tie-breaking vote in passing.
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Hi guys. Long time listener, first time caller. Just felt compelled to write in, after watching what I considered to be one of the weakest post season 1 episodes of The Office. Not only did I not laugh at all during this episode, I don\'t think I even smiled, save for the occasional grimace over the terrible writing. There were an awful lot of lame shark jokes... I kinda hope they didn\'t just jump one.
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Btw, forgot to say, love the podcast. You guys rock! Oh, and I did think of one thing nice to say about tonight\'s episode -- the dusting of snow/ice/salt on the PT Cruiser was a nice touch -- though I did also notice a few too many palm trees on the drive over.
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This is definitely in the running for best of the season. Again the supporting cast had short lines that were much better than many of their full episodes. Kevin really stood out with his lines. I also enjoyed the Michael storyline with the paper company that was a family! That\'s two things Wallace has asked Michael to do that he doesn\'t feel good about there is definitely some animosity coming.
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I feel as though this episode could have been much better had it been in season two, and treated with the excellence and sensitivity the show used to be so good at. That said, it was enjoyable; I was surprised that I enjoyed the Swank debate as much as I did, but I think it worked well as a character exhibition. And the Princes were just sweet. It made sense that their genuine family atmosphere would touch Michael. One bone to pick: I like David Wallace a lot, but he and Michael are conversing FAR too often to be realistic. I don\'t care if there\'s no one officially in the middle now, I am certain that Wallace would, in reality, have far to much to do to continually contact Michael personally every time he needs something. [/rant] (But yes, the episode does get a few extra points for featuring the return of Michael Scarn.)
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Long time listener, first time poster! I thought this episode was one of season five\\\'s best! The Michael and Dwight story line was very simple yet really showed a lot about Michael\\\'s character. Even though it was a little unorthodox, Michael was able to do what needed to be done and get the much needed information. Yet, Carell did an amazing job showing how Michael wears his heart on his sleeve. The secondary plot was funny and entertaining without overshadowing the main story line. I loved how much time everyone spent giving their arguments even though the debate was pointless. Come on everyone! This is no way to live life! Let\\\'s all just admit that Hilary Swank is hot.
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I dunno. Sometimes the best episodes are deceptively simple. So there\'s the chance that it could work. The REAL red flag future episode in my opinion is \"Blood Drive\". The writers have said that if they ever do either a \"Blood Drive\" episode or an \"Earth Day\" episode, that that\'s when they\'ve officially run out of ideas. So I\'d be more concerned for that ep than this one. As for Swank, great actress without a doubt, needs better material and kinda hot in an unconventional sense.
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I thought it was a pretty good episode. Not a lot of big laughs and I thought the Dwight/Michael chase scene was a bit drawn out, but overall enjoyable. The cold open was funny and I admit I did laugh in regards to the lip licking scene, ridiculous as it was. What I did appreciate though were some of the small details in this episode - the \"World\'s Best Boss\" mug at the Prince Family Paper office and the call back to Michael Scarn. Looking forward to see what others have to say. p.s. - To those in the chat room, sorry for my connection issues. :)
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