If I’ve ever wondered why The Office is a 30-minute sitcom and rarely extended to an hour long show, then my question has definitely been answered.
Sometimes, an hour just isn’t necessary. There was not enough content in “Search Committee” to fill that much time. Yet somehow, an hour was filled.
It’s pretty counter-intuitive that an episode of The Office, a show I’ve known and loved for years, has come to bore me when it goes on for an hour whereas an episode of Glee or Doctor Who that lasts the same amount of time will keep me entertained throughout.
If I like a show, I should like it no matter how long It is on for, right? Maybe not.
In its entirety, the search for the new manager and the chaos happening along the sidelines during this episode were pretty funny and interesting. But it all just started to drone, especially in the final scene when several employees voiced their opinions on who -– either among them or not -– should be chosen as the new boss in Scranton.
The most interesting aspect of the show was all the guests featured in the episode. The names were numerous and ranging from popular to unknown –- to some, but not all. But each persona was excellent.
Catherine Tate, an actress whom I know from watching the new series of Doctor Who, is an English comedian who had her own self-titled show in the UK. She’s hilarious, and seemed to bring a lot of herself to her short interview for manager. If only that clever randomness could be brought to The Office, but as far as my research tells me she will not be making it to Hollywood to film the next season since she will be on the West End in London performing alongside the Tenth Doctor, David Tennant, in Much Ado About Nothing. So that’s one potential down.
Another name that cult TV watchers ought to recognize is Will Arnett, best known for his role of G.O.B. on Arrested Development. Though I had maintained some vestige of hope that he might become office manager, NBC proved me wrong when they advertised a new show, Up All Night, he will be starring in beginning this fall.
Other appearances included Ray Romano who played a pitiful character that was just realistic enough to not be incredibly funny. James Spader who was absolutely hilarious. In fact, his character inspired one of the best one liners of the night (spoken by Jim): “He creeps me out, but I think he might be a genius.”
For all the publicity, this episode was just not quite up to expectations. Jim Carrey, who was used in the preview made a passing cameo, as did Ricky Gervais -– though it was a longer sequence than his appearance in “The Seminar” earlier this season. Overall, what was advertised the most was done the least. And that could account for why this episode, though an hour long, was lacking in what an hour show should have.
Interviews of current cast members were pretty good, particularly Dwight’s effort to submit to be the manager and once he’s called into meet with the search committee, the interview he conducts on himself.
Subplots were thrown in, but did not measure up. Angela’s senator/fiancé might be homosexual? Andy turned down Erin? Both of these stories seemed implausible, although perhaps just to me.
Overall, not a stellar end to the season. When I have a several month long hiatus from a show I usually expect to have a reason to return after the break. But it seemed as though The Office is assuming viewers will come back just to see who becomes manager, so instead of giving us a reason to return they rely on us sticking around in eager suspense.
I will watch next season. I will find out who the new manager of the Scranton branch is. And hopefully that new boss will make an hour long show not feel like a too-long episode –- rather, one worth watching. In the face of disappointment, hope remains. But for now, I will say goodbye to The Office. Until next season, my unpredictable friend.