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RSSDon't Panic Yet - Thoughts on "The Office" and "Earl"
It is a slow process when I begin to fall out of love with a show.
It begins with mild worry (George and Izzie? Seriously?) moves on to intermittent fretting (What's the deal with Oliver on The O.C.) and concludes with officially concerned (What are the writers of Prison Break thinking?) before I decide to cut all ties with a show.
So there is no reason to panic but I am ever so slightly, mildly worried about The Office and My Name is Earl. Both shows seem to be floundering this season. Both shook up a core premise of their show -- star-crossed Pam and Jim finally got together on "The Office" and Earl landed in jail - to varying degrees of success.
Many have discussed that the "The Office" has buckled under the pressure of expanding to hour long episodes for the first four episodes of the season. But I don't think that's the problem. And I actually quite enjoy the way the show is handling Pam and Jim's blossoming romance. They're giddy they're together and darn-it-all if I'm not downright giddy too. It's sweet watching them discuss how Jim is passionate about Italian food or seeing them still partake in their humorous high jinks.
The problem is the issue that has always had me mildly concerned. It's Michael. As I've always said, it's a fine line he walks between preposterous and credible. And lately it's very challenging to imagine why he hasn't been fired. I'm not looking for realism here but we have to on some level believe Michael would still have a job. The writers have pushed him too far this season. Screaming "I declare bankruptcy" -- hilarious. Holding the pizza delivery boy hostage? Not as funny. I also think that we probably shouldn't have Michael and Dwight on the verge of nervous breakdowns at the same time. And I have to tell you, as much as I enjoy Ryan as the boss, I still miss the old Jan. New Jan with her new chest, overspending and thoughtlessness isn't nearly as funny. And I really wish there was a way to bring Roy back. Granted that would be tough since the whole he comes between Jim and Pam thing is totally played out but I really liked the character of Roy and wish there was a way to still include him.
And I got to tell you, I really didn't care for last week's episode of Earl -- even if I did chuckle during the Crabman's music video. The main characters aren't together enough and they seem to be really struggling with how to fit in Catalina to all the action. Yes Earl is shaving time off his sentence but will it happen soon enough? It feels a little too claustrophobic to keep him in jail and a little too forced when the action takes him out of jail (creative writing class, flashback scenes). The whole thing simply isn't working for me.
My Name is Earl and The Office remain two of my favorite comedies on TV. But I'm mildly concerned. How about you? Post your comments below.
Highlights for October 22-23
But I'm so not worried about How I Met Your Mother (Monday, CBS, 8 p.m.). Robin and Ted's break up has barely even phased me. Probably because they are no Ross and Rachel -- I'm not really rooting for them to be together -- and because we always knew they were going to break up anyway. It's interesting too that Marshall and Lilly's marital status hasn't seemed to effect the show either. The show is still just as funny as ever. And I think at least 75% of the credit goes to Barney. The writers write great stuff for Neil Patrick Harris and boy does he deliver. I tune in first and foremost just to see what outrageous thing Barney is going to do/say this week. The other actors are as strong and as funny and maybe even have the more challenging job of reacting to Barney's antics. The show's other real strength is that it's rooted in authenticity. Robin not shaving her legs before a date? Believable. Trying to then shave them in a restaurant sink? Not so believable but still amusing. This week, we learn How the Gang Met Each Other.
Kristen Bell joins the cast of Heroes tonight (Monday, NBC, 9 p.m.). I. Can't. Wait.
Survival of the crankiest continues over on House (Tuesday, FOX, 9 p.m.). This week, Dr. House must narrow the field to six doctors while trying to understand why a mortician is seeing dead people (they are everywhere). I love what the new doctors have brought to the show -- I'm particularly fond of Anne Dudek's Amber and Kal Penn's Kutner -- and it's great for House to have new targets to verbally spar with. So far this season has been a great example of how to successfully shake up a show.
That's all for today. I'm back on Wednesday to discuss Sara's departure on CSI and Sara's violent departure on Prison Break and take a look at other notable TV departures. Have one you want me to discuss? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. I'll also have a review of the season premiere of Scrubs (good times), talk about Joshua Jackson checking into Seattle Grace (whoo-hoo!) and this week's familiar faces. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week. Write me at mailto:amytvgal@zap2it.com
Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®
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As they lack the credibility required to succeed (no one from Veronica Mars, the OC, Friday Night Lights or any other of 'those' shows) I can understand why you're concerned. Even the worst episode of Earl beats the lame attempt at personality rebirth called 'Samantha Who?'.
Both shows will last. Don't worry. Listen to the dialogue and be happy.
I am still thoroughly enjoying both My Name is Earl AND The Office, but because of my work schedule and other factors, I've never been one of the viewers who faithfully watches every episode of either show. Because of that, I think maybe I'm not was wedded to a specific formula or as averse to changes in the shows as some might be. I do think Earl might suffer if they were to keep him in jail too much longer.
I'm not anywhere near as in love with How I Met Your Mother, though. I think the character of Barney is HUGELY overrated. I was tired of his schtick after about 3 episodes. Any more than a short scene or two with him and I usually have to change the channel. The other characters are better (though the Ted character is really pretty boring, which is almost as big a weakness as Barney).
I have to completely disagree with you on the Office. I have completely enjoyed this season so far. I don't understand how you can support the crappy dialogue of Private Practice, but you're dissing the Office? Something is screwed up here...
you're reasons to be concerned about Earl and Office are right on. however, I do think the latest (4th) episodes of each were very good. back to form and hope they can keep at it.
gotta say, I'm at least as concerned about the quality control at How I Met Your Mother this season. very disappointing so far. I'm not tuning out, but beginning to think about it.
I'm really into The Office's changes this season. Pam & Jim showing little bits of love for their co-workers. Darryl trying access un-crazy Kelly. Michael's dark period. Incidentally, Ryan won't fire Michael, as he's in a tense situation & needs consistency from his Scranton underlings. Of course, that isn't going as planned, but I think it gives Michael some leeway.
I hate what House has become, I need the main characters together
I completely absolutely agree with you. HIMYM is awesome!! Barney craks me up every time and I can't wait for the slap! it is going to be LEGENDARY!!! The only thing I'm worried about this season is the fact that Lily and Marshall aren't having a good story line yet, their just kind of in the background doing nothing. I hope they get a story line soon. Great column!
I completely agree with your take on the Office, nice job.
I gave up on Earl after the first ten epsiodes of the first season, the premise got tired very quickly.
Regarding How I Met Your Mother, I cannot get through it. The canned laughter is SO DISTRACTING and the lead guy stinks, just another warmed-over, bland version of Ross from Friends.
I'm having a few problems with The Office, too. I didn't get into it until season 3. I tried when it first aired, but didn't think it was funny. I have since gone back and seen the previous season...I still think S1 was largely not funny. My biggest problem is Michael & Dwight. They are over the top, but usually not in a funny way (I feel the same way about Tracy Jordan on 30 Rock). I kinda put up with them to see everybody else. I think the highlight of any episode is Jim & Pam pranking Dwight. So far this season, however, there have been too many awkward and unfunny moments...did Dwight really have to kill Angela's cat by putting it in the freezer?
I Love HIMYM and especially Barney but Ted is awful and he even looks awful this year, he looks so unkempt - what is with the hair?? I'm ok with the Office b/c I never believed Michael wouldn't have been fired in the real world - he has always been too over the top for me to believe