THE OFFICE: A Toned Down Michael

This week it was a return to THE OFFICE, and more importantly, the Michael Scott that we’ve come to know and love throughout the past three seasons. Yes, Michael was still a bit over-the-top (as he’s prone to be). But he was over-the-top in a good way — a passionate way — not in the socially awkward he must have some type of social disability kind of way. More to the point, at no point during Michael’s ‘lesson’ was I reaching for the remote and wishing I was still a fan of SURVIVOR.

Michael was on his best behavior last night. Crazy, yes — but crazy about his job, the office and Dunder Mifflin as a whole. In fact, you can’t help but admire him for his dedication to the company and the people he works with (or as he likes to call them — ‘his friends’). Moving Ryan (as if he’d fire Ryan!) to work in the ‘Annex’ with Kelly was a great move. Not only will we get more of the hilarious Kelly/Ryan dynamic — Jim’s now free to move back to his old desk. Thus, the return of the classic Jim/Pam glances.

While on the subject of Pam, I loved how Michael made it a point to make an appearance at Pam’s art show. His moment with Pam was truly touching and something Pam really needed. Especially after Gil’s criticism of her work.

Gil: Real art takes courage, okay? And honesty.?

Oscar: Well, those aren’t Pam’s strong points.?

Gil: Yeah, exactly. That’s why this is motel art.

And finally, yes Roy showed up, and to my surprise, Jim didn’t. But when the best Roy can muster is, “Your art was the prettiest art of all the art.” I take solace in the fact that the Roy Pam relationship won’t last past May.