Review: THE OFFICE “The Dinner Party” (S04E09)

The Office - Steve Carell as Michael Scott

After month of agony without our weekly dose of THE OFFICE, the first post-strike episode, “The Dinner Party” finally aired tonight.

The Good

Jim and Pam’s desperate attempts to get out of the dinner. Jim pretending his apartment flooded and trying to leave Pam there, because let’s face it if there is a chance he can get out of there, he’s going to take it. Unfortunately, Pam wasn’t that supportive… quite understandably. If she has to endure the most awkward night of her life, you can bet Jim will have to endure it with her.

The Bad

Unfortunately, even though there were some funny moments, this episode was not the return I was expecting. It wasn’t the kind of funny I have come to expect from The Office. The whole thing with Dwight felt sort of forced.

The Ugly

I have been having big issues with Jan ever since they sort of turned her into this crazy person. I really enjoyed the character as someone “normal” who for some weird reason was attracted to Michael. It made the dynamic of that relationship so great. But now, I almost feel bad for Michael that he is with her. And I don’t even find her that funny, I mostly feel awkward when she does her crazy things. That transformation really came out of the blue for me, and I really hope they get away from it. Bring back old Jan!

Overall, I am just happy that The Office is back and am looking forward to next week’s episode, “Parking” which should take place in the actual office more.

You can check out pictures from next week’s episode of The Office, “Parking” here.

Author: Sandie | April 11, 2008 | 3 Comments

Find out more about The Office, by selecting one of the following options.

Print This Page

Comments Comment Policy

Please make sure to read our comment policy before posting a comment.

http://www.ramblingsofatvwhore.com Rae

I’m right there with you about Jan. I really don’t know why they decided to go full out CRAZY WOMAN with Jan but I hate it. It’s not even about her relationship with Michael for me. It’s that she feels completely out of character now. Completely different from the Jan they set up in the beginning. I was ok with her kinda losing her mind when she went through her original divorce and how it just spiraled everything downward for her. It’s just hard to believe that once she hit bottom… not dating Michael, mind you, getting fired from her job and Michael being offered the chance to interview it. I would think that’s the point at which she’d be like, ‘What the hell am I doing?!”

At first, I kinda thought that’s what they were going to do. Sadly… no. And, at this point, I just find it painful to watch her. She’s not Jan anymore as far as I’m’ concerned.
Philipp

I kinda disagree; I like crazy Jan. I laughed so hard when they started destroying each other’s stuff. When Michael put that thing on the wall… that was hillarious! lol

It’s no season 1, that’s for sure, but it’s still good!
http://www.fancast.com Mele on Fancast

What’s up with Michael sleeping at the foot of the bed in the fetal position? Dwight’s appearance was a bit of a disappointment but he made up for it with this comment about American Idol “I’m sure all that drama and all those underdog stories are captivating but that MUSIC SUCKS! LOL…check it out what else he had to say here: http://thebiz.fancast.com/2008/04/here_are_rainn_wilsons_answers.html