I know that with the strike in full effect, many of us were shunning any Office episodes that were being offered over the web.  With the new contract in place, it's time to check out the HULU video-on-demand service if you haven't already done so.



Currently, the service is offering NINE full episodes of The Office, with over 100 "clips" from the series.  In addition, dozens upon dozens of OTHER shows are also available.  Click HERE for a full alphabetical list of programs.

The Hollywood Reporter covered the Hollywood Radio & Television Society's Newsmaker Luncheon on Tuesday-- and event that gave the media access to various studio heads and other "big wigs" in the TV business.  The number one question on everyone's mind was "when do things get back to normal?" No one had much of an answer.  Another question asked who the winners and losers in the strike, prompting this response:

[there were no winners,] But there were losers, said Richard Weitz, partner and head of the TV packaging department at Endeavor, pointing out the financial impact of the strike.

"I don't think anybody will be able to break even or make up that money and time that was lost," he said, citing such shows as NBC's "Chuck" and ABC's "Pushing Daisies" that saw shortened first seasons because of the strike. "Those back-nine episodes that were lost won't be able to be made up in the future."

Greg Daniels was also in attendance, and gave a few tidbits of information regarding The Office:

In a new book published by Wiley-Blackwell, “The Office and Philosophy:Scenes From The Unexamined Life?, Editor and contributor Jeremy Wisnewski has assembled an impressive team of fellow philosophers who take a good look at the popular NBC Television program, “The Office?.

Originally a BBC creation, the hugely popular show has spawned not just the multi-award winning American version, but French, German, and Canadian versions as well. Each plays to their individual cultures. This speaks volumes about the depth and insight of The Office.

According to the editor, Professor J. Jeremy Wisnewski, “This show is hilarious, but it has something to say. Our book was written by fans for fans – every day folks who appreciate the show and who are a little more like Michael Scott than Socrates. We grouped the sections like office memos; each one reveals something new about The Office. It raises issues and lets us enjoy ourselves at the same time.?

Readers will identify with the topics the book raises in chapters such as “Laughter Between Distraction and Awakening: Marxist Themes in The Office,? and “Attacking with the North: Affirmative Action and The Office.? The authors cite the perception of class and race differences in the office environment, as well as the differences between the British and American versions of the program. The Office and Philosophy examines the close and personal connection that viewers feel towards a fictional interpretation of a collective and common reality.

The book works to further break down the “4th wall? of the show’s audience. The author contemplates why viewers are fascinated by a world where it is acceptable to make outrageous statements and voice beliefs not normally appropriate in a workplace. “The program offers insight into social expectations and plays with the boundaries of behavior and social mores.? [VF1]

The manner in which the characters resolve and cope with these remarkable circumstances allow the audience to identify with how they may be able to resolve their own issues. The book delves into the process of self-discovery and self-deception. “We can see bit of ourselves in each character?, says Wisnewski. “We’re the analyst and the analyzed at the same time.?

Political correctness, sexual harassment, business ethics, office flirtation, and humiliation are hot button points that show up in this snapshot of life. Even as it captures something of the human condition, The Office put the ‘fun’ in dysfunctional. “This is philosophy that is meant to introduce you to, and help you understand, issues in a way that is as enjoyable as the show itself.?

Are you going through Krasinski-withdrawl, like Michelle in Chicago? Fear not, true believer!  According to E! Online's "Watch With Kristin," Johnny K. will be hosting a mini-marathon of Office episodes on April 3rd.

Says Kristin:

...you'll get your John Krasinski fix April 3 when he hosts NBC's Thursday night comedy lineup. They're going to replay the last four episodes of The Office, and J.K. will be previewing scenes from his upcoming movie, Leatherheads, with Mr. George Clooney. Very fancy, our little Halpert has gotten, no?!