So Michael (Steve Carell) falls into a koi pond. I’m not sure if I’m missing any reference or metaphor here or I’m just trying to read what isn’t there, but tonight’s episode of The Office was OK, brilliant in parts then alternately tender and maybe even inspired, because while the plotlines all generally appear disjointed and specific to this episode, they actually continue the bigger storylines that are going on.

For instance, the matter of Michael sort of mentoring Jim (John Krasinski) and Jim sort of holding a grudge against Michael. Thanks to Meredith’s connection, the Office people are able to get a hold of a footage showing Michael’s fall into the blasted koi pond. As it turns out, Jim could have reached out easily and grabbed Michael. But instead he leaned backwards and just let Michael fall (and in the process step on the head of one koi and kill it).

What has happened to Jim? This guy used to be a good-natured young man who doesn’t take work stuff seriously. It was Michael who was insecure about his position. Good character development nonetheless.

Then there is the matter of Dwight (Rainn Wilson) versus Jim. The bugged device and its eight hours or so of recording doesn’t materialize in this episode, but Dwight did have a good confessional, still in consonance with his imagined rivalry with Jim – “Jim is my enemy. But it appears that Jim is also his own worst enemy. And the enemy of my enemy is my friend, so Jim is actually my friend. But he’s his own worst enemy, and the enemy of my friend is my enemy, so he’s my enemy. But …”

Other highlights of the episode:

–    “Yes, I’m the popular social networking site known as Bookface.”
–    Wait Meredith had sex with a terrorist? We’d love to see that explored in a future episode.
–    The stuff people wouldn’t want to be teased about: Angela’s squirrel-like eating, Dwight’s small nose, Kevin’s “big gut”
–    Wait Creed has a worm guy?
–    Aw Andy feels lonely. And he is suspiciously too versed in local birthing coaches. Maybe in anticipation of his and Angela’s first baby?

Did you enjoy this episode?

– Glenn L. Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image courtesy of NBC)

Glenn Diaz

Staff Writer, BuddyTV