MICHAEL TAKES GOOFING OFF TO A NEW LEVEL - IDRIS ELBA ("The Wire") GUEST STARS - Michael's (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) relationship with the new vice president (guest star Idris Elba) becomes increasingly tense, as Michael finds an excuse to goof off even more than usual. Meanwhile, Pam (Jenna Fischer) faces the challenge of a new copier and Kelly (Mindy Kaling) develops a crush. Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Craig Robinson, Creed Bratton and Paul Lieberstein also star.

Well, LOTS of questions to be answered in tonight's episode-- what will Michael do now? How the reign of Charles Miner be overturned? What, exactly, will happen to all of those figs?  Can't wait to see how this all plays out.

As always, leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the episode airs.

There was big controversy in some fan forums this week as some suggested that Michael Scott didn't really "quit" in last week's episode, "New Boss." Instead, they surmised that he said "I acquit."  Matt and I discussed this on TWSS Podcast Episode #66 and indicated that we didn't think it was "acquit" and that moreover if that really was what Michael said it might be a "jump the shark" moment.

I'm pleased to report that The Office's cutest cast blogger has settled the controversy. Jenna Fischer writes in her MySpace blog:

Jenna there is crazy Controversy if Micheal said "I quit" or "I acquit".  Look at any message board, it's crazy.  Can you please set the record straight? – Erock from Fenton, MO

He said “I quit”.  And he meant it.  You will see how it all plays out this week on the show.

I'm sure we'll all the info we need on tonight's episode. But for those who really want to know, we can thank Jenna for being plugged into the concerns of the fans.

Also, with Brian Baumgartner and Melora Hardin joining Twitter in recent weeks, I predict Jenna Fischer will be Twittering by April 15th.

Michael Ausiello over at EW.com has posted yet another big spoiler regarding The Office.  I'm not going to say anything, other than to drop a hint that it concerns the hiring of a new character to replace one that is leaving in some way (and it's not Michael).

From Yahoo! TV (because NBC.com hasn't bothered to update):

Michael has big plans for his 15th anniversary party at Dunder Mifflin, but is in for a shock when the new, no-nonsense Vice President (THE WIRE's Idris Elba) has some ideas of his own. Meanwhile, Jim's prank on Dwight has some unexpected results.

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Well, we've been asking for it for months, and the time has finally come-- Michael has a new boss (if only for 6 episodes). Gotta say, the "wacky Michael must deal with a straight-laced superior" vibe seems like the same old thing we've had since season one.  I'm hoping that the writers will surprise me and use this new character to pump some life into the tired dynamic.  Despite what I said on the last podcast, this episode was written by the classic team of Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky and is being directed by Mr. Freaks & Geeks himself, Paul Feig. With that combination, I'm hoping this episode can bring a smile to Thursday Matt's tired, bitter face.

As always, leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS Chatroom during and after the episode airs.

As mentioned in Episode #65, here's the link to the LA Times article which suggested the only way to "save" the show is to give Michael Scott his walking papers.  Check it out HERE and let us know what you think.

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Also, the trailer for AWAY WE GO has hit the web.  For those who've forgotten, AWG is a comedy from director Sam Mendes starring John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph as a set of newlyweds looking for the perfect place in America to raise their child. Be sure to check out Johnny K's funky-fresh beard and spectacles look!

As mentioned in TWSS #64, a new video is available that may be of interest to fans of The Office. In fact, it marks a major milestone in the popularity of the show. The Office is now the basis of a parody porno video.

Adult movie reviews won't be a regular feature on TWSS but for Office fans with a liberal views on such things, The Office: an XXX Parody from New Sensations may be a turn on. Written and directed by Lee Roy Myers, the 2.5 hour hardcore feature includes thinly veiled characatures of our Dunder Mifflin favorites in an office setting with which we are familiar. Instead of Michael Scott, the "World's Bust Boss" is Michelle Scott (star Ashlynn Brooke). The receptionist is named "Sam" and a salesman is named "Dwyane." Are you seeing a pattern?  Of course, Kevin is still Kevin and Jim is Jimmy, so the renaming thing only goes so far. And, unfortunately, there's no Stanley, Andy, Phyllis, Creed, or warehouse characters.  In this video Oscar is straight, which might be a plus or a minus depending on your tastes.

The film features a mix of humor with adult-oriented parody moments about The Office, including a hilarious and completely non-sexual scene between the faux Jim and faux Dwight. But much of the subject matter does quickly migrate into XXX territory. For example, Michelle calls everyone to the conference room for a hands-on sexual harassment seminar that features a stripper with very loose morals.

As for the adult content I wouldn't call myself an expert in this genre but I am thinking this isn't exactly hall of fame material. Probably the best mix of humor and titillation is provided in a scene where the faux Toby finally gets to "stick it to the boss," along with a faux Holly. And, of course, there are several versions of "that's what she said" in the video.

The DVD features menus and packaging very reminiscent of NBC's version, and there are bloopers and interviews along with an iPod-compatible version of the movie on the second disc. But, really, are DVD extras going to make a difference? Either you've decided you have to see this, or you're shaking your head in disgust.

Trailer, photos, and more info - not safe for work

From NBC.com:

MICHAEL'S 'GOLDEN TICKET' IDEA CAUSES QUITE A STIR - Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) causes a huge problem in the office when he comes up with the idea to put "golden tickets" into packages of paper for clients to redeem for discounts. Andy (Ed Helms), Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) give Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) differing advice on wooing a woman. Rainn Wilson, Leslie David Baker, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton and Paul Lieberstein also star.

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As always, leave your comments below, and join Kevin and me in the TWSS CHATROOM during and after the episode.

Also, NBC posted some all-new cast photos from season five. Check them out HERE.

After seeing Rainn Wilson's profile raised considerably by his popular Twitter account, Mindy Kaling (not Kelly fierce) is finally on Twitter.   The service allows big stars or actually anyone to send short but important messages.

Among Kaling's first posts: I am looking for hot, but practical underwear. The kind you reach for instinctively but also won't make my boyfriend throw up. Suggestions?

Yes, that's the kind of urgent and important information to be found on Twitter. Of course, you can follow Matt and myself if you so choose.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR...SORT OF - It's Valentine's Day at the office. Michael (Steve Carell) meets a mysterious woman at a Valentine's blood drive. Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) pair up with single women at the office "Lonely Hearts Party." Meanwhile Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) are banished from the office for being too publicly affectionate, and have an awkward lunch with Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) and Bob (Robert Ray Shafer). Leslie David Baker, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Paul Lieberstein and Creed Bratton also star.

Ah, who DOESN'T love a good Valentine's Day story in March? Bizarre scheduling aside, I'm looking forward to tonight's episode as it seems rife with comedic possibilities (plus, this will be my first official episode of The Office on my new HDTV).

As always, post your comments below, and join us in the NEW and IMPROVED TWSS Chatroom after the show.