All the skeptics need not worry.
This week’s episode wasn’t just reassurance that the writers didn’t go totally crazy during the strike, but it was, to me, one of the best of the season.
Here’s a quick plot-by-plot recap. Oh, and if you haven’t seen it yet,
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Kevin: has been dumped by Stacey, his fiancée. I know, it stinks, but it seems like he’s ready to move on. He and Andy team reclaim their parking spots, which have been stolen by some construction workers. Kevin and “Drew” set up a meeting with some of the big managers in Scranton and confront them. Nothing too serious, but Kevin gives an “aww”-evocative quote after the whole thing.
Michael Scott: All you need is two of his quotes to get the idea of his plot:
“What is it like being single? I like it! I like starting each day with a sense of possibility. And I’m optimistic, because every day I get a little more desperate. And desperate situations yield the quickest results.”
“I am ready to start dating again. Getting back on the market. So, FYI, for those of you who are thinking about fixing me up, with any of your friends, use the woman on page 85 as a template! That will be all.”
Oh, and in case you were wondering, “The woman on page 85” is a chair model. Yeah. Pretty hopeless stuff if you ask me.
And last but not least, Pam and Jim: This is the meat of the episode, people. Jim tells Pam he’s planning on proposing to her! Uh huh. Absorb it, get giddy, giggle to yourself a bit like I did, and then remember that they’ve only been dating for like, a week. Dammit BJ Novak, I know you’re messing with us! I’m scared for their relationship! What if Pam’s not ready? What if they’re taking things too quickly? I don’t need a “fools rush in” lesson, Beej. Just let them be together. For me.
Thoughts/Predictions: Michael’s on the hunt for love and a woman to bear his children, but who knows, he might end up with Jan again. I want Michael to be happy, but he’s going to have to learn a thing or two about relationships if he wants to woo somebody even remotely compatible.
But jeez. Pam and Jim. I’m telling you, I have a sense of impending melodrama. The question is whether that’ll come in the form of an amazing, transcendent, season-closing proposal, or in the form of a dramatic break-up cliffhanger of “Casino Night” caliber. We’ll see.