The Office

I think that The Office is one of the funniest shows on T.V. The basic plot focuses around the random daily workings of a dysfunctional office staff at a small paper company in northern Pennsylvania. Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, leads the group in a very unique fashion. Instead of the conventional, boss-like performance Michael is fueled by the need to be appreciated by his employees. The rest of the staff participates in some ridiculous office antics as well. Jim is constantly taunting his desk-mate Dwight by faxing him letters from himself, or moving his desk into the bathroom. Angela is domineering in the way she leads the party planning committee, and has brought her coworker Phyllis to tears on several occasions. The other cast members offer more sarcastic remarks and impending office romances which add to the show’s humor. The Office is one of the best, current examples of a postmodern comedy. In the first few seasons the show had really no direction. It was basically a collection of arbitrary episodes that were relatively disconnected to one another. It doesn’t present any facts or concepts it just leaves the viewer thinking “thank goodness I don’t work there.” It doesn’t try to address any kingdom issues, or seek to answer any real questions about Creation or human purpose. It more or less shows a group of people in their daily routine-selling paper, and dealing with their idiotic boss. The Office does a better job of addressing empirical characteristics like seduction, conformity to cool, instant gratification, and surveillance. It is nearly impossible to look for a deeper meaning in The Office’s script. I don’t think it is capable of answering any of the probing questions presented in DCM. It’s just a good sitcom with enjoyable story lines, a humorous cast, and ability to make people laugh.