The Office (Season 2)

⭐ 9.5/10

(Originally written by Tim)

Not a perfect score since I need to save space for the next season, but this is essentially a perfect season of TV. There are a couple slower episodes, like the one where Dwight wins an award and has to give a speech, that I found not really funny. I was thinking about how in many shows when they leave the typical setting things usually heat up, but I miss the comfort of the office when they do this. I'll change my tune when the dinner party episode comes up.

I kind of forgot how much this show is just about Jim & Pam. Michael is the focal point, but he is so insensitive and childish that this show would be unwatchable without the will-they-won't-they thing going on. They have such good chemistry, and are so corny in such a real way. They aren't giving each other smoldering looks or saying smooth lines (well, Jim is kind of smooth), they are just being goofy and falling in love. Its pretty special, feels like a chemistry you really don't see on TV. Pam sucks and I wish she would just dump Roy and stop leading Jim on, but whatever, it makes for good TV.

There were a couple lines that had me choking with laughter, even after the handful of times I have seen these first couple seasons. When Michael takes Jim to Hooters he is so childish and inappropriate I was just dying. I also love the episode where he goes to Chili with Jan and the client, that baby back ribs song has been stuck in my head since the first time I saw that episode. The booze cruise was a surprise hit, with some peak Michael being completely unable to not be the center of attention. Dwight is consistently incredible, I love that character so much. Actually amazing that in just the second season, after only a 6 episode first season, they hit this perfect pitch together. I can't think of a show with a better core set of characters operating perfectly together.

There's a reason this show is so beloved, and I think I forgot that it was anything beyond the silly Michael quotes or memes or whatever. A really well made show with a terrific cast and fearless writing. Seriously, some of the jokes here are so inappropriate, especially in the workplace, I can just imagine the reaction posts if this show came out today. But actually it might be fine, because Steve Carell can be a complete buffoon and yet you still somehow feel bad for how pathetic and lonely he is. We are obsessed all over again!