The Office "Business School" (2007)

Life returns to what passes for normal at Dunder-Mifflin following Phyllis and Bob Vance's nuptials including Michael being asked to be a guest speaker in Ryan's business class and Pam having her first art exhibition. Of course most of the office is more concerned with the bat that has been set loose and is raining poop from above. Everyone had priceless reactions to the bat being released from the sub ceiling from Stanley's immediate evacuation, Angela dropping to the floor and praying for mercy and Kevin's mad dash away from all the excitement. The best aspect of this hilarious subplot however was the Creed/Dwight alliance which gives a chance for one of the great secondary characters to get some extra face time. He immediately accepts Dwight's proposal for an alliance, Jim must be sad he didn't ask him again, and doubly so when he mentions the use of sudden violence. He even has tools in his desk to make a wooden stake out of a mop handle. Creed plays the creepy old man vibe brilliantly especially with his assertion that animals can feel no pain and wishing Mary Beth good luck when she is trapped with the bat. It's always great when the background characters get their chance in the spotlight: the previous episode featured Phyllis and Creed was an absolute show stealer here. Here's hoping we get to see more of some of the others in the remaining episodes of the season.

Dwight stepped up seeing as how the number two man, Jim, was having some problems of his own and took on the duty of catching the flying rodent before it could do more harm. His Schrute hunting tactics of Elmer's glue in a cardboard box and trapping it in a bag around Meredith's head are brilliant comedic gems. Although the biggest laughs come from his belief that Jim has been bitten and is slowly transforming into a vampire. With Karen providing some able assistance, Jim has become allergic to garlic which is white hot to the touch, prone to massive headaches from the glare of Angela's cross and wants to go home and lay down in the dark since it's too sunny in the office. Dwight shows real concern for Jim and wished him well on his battle to combat his new evil persona. In an earlier season I think he might have actually tried to stake Jim, which is what I thought he was going to use the stake for when he turned to Creed for help, but here all he can do is worry about the state of Jim's soul, a further example of their new dynamic.

Continuing with the anger he felt at the end of the previous episode when Pam went home with Roy, Jim doesn't say one word to her throughout the day and has Karen help with his weekly Dwight prank. Pam, on the other hand, seems only slightly happier now that she is back with Roy and seems dedicated to trying to make it work this second time around. Roy, on the other hand seems to have lost his game somewhat now that he has Pam back in his life. His sentiments regarding Pam do not seem as genuine and he looks like he's trying a bit too hard to be nice to her which gives the impression that he doesn't really mean what he says. Pam is clearly upset that no one from the office came to her show, and Roy decides to bask in this turn of events as it shows he really cares being the only one there. His claim of Pam's art being the prettiest art of all the art is another hollow sentiment, immediately followed by his inquiry as to whether Pam will be coming over to his place after the show. Roy was more believable in his pursuit of Pam this season but now it seems he is falling back into his old habits.

I am quite surprised no one from the office would come to Pam's show. I mean, I realize that they're all not bosom buddies but the fact that no one could find the time to stop by is sad considering how much Pam does around the office. To be fair Oscar did stop by with his boyfriend, Gil (Tom W. Chick) in an attempt to see more culture. I think Gil was a jerk for his comments about Pam's art and Oscar's statement that courage and honestly are not Pam's strong points is a hurtful revelation but one not made in malice. He just had the unfortunate luck of having Pam overhear his thoughts although he was more understanding and did tell Gil that these were only a first try. It worries me that Jim could not be bothered to swing by the exhibition since he knows how much Pam wants to be an artist and how big of a step this was for her. Granted we never see her actually invite Jim, but in such a small office word had to have gotten around to him and I'm pretty sure since she had a flyer, she posted it somewhere it could be seen. Maybe he's still reeling from Pam and Roy's reunion, but come on Halpert, you're still her best friend and should have been there to support her.

Of course, we cannot forget that other major event of the evening, Michael's presentation to Ryan's class about the management of Dunder-Mifflin. Ryan was a jerk here, he sandbagged Michael by not telling him the nature of his introduction and that he was presenting Michael as an example of poor business leadership. Grow up, Ryan. He has repeatedly stated that he doesn't want to be considered a part of the Dunder-Mifflin family and that he's looking to get out. His behavior here was uncalled for as he didn't have to drag Michael into his presentation and only did it for the chance of a better grade. Michael took such pride in the fact that Ryan wanted him to speak to his class and was genuinely hurt when he discovered the true nature about Ryan's feelings regarding the company. There were some hilarious moments before the shit hit the fan however, such as him ripping out the pages of a student's pricey textbook or his candy bar slogan business terminology (hitting that guy in the head with the candy bar was probably the biggest laugh of the episode).

Hardcore business practices don't mix with Michael Scott's management style but he is clear about one thing: it's people that drive the business, not theories or flow charts or the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index. Sure, these are important aspects and shouldn't be ignored, but it all boils down to what we already know: Ryan is not a people person. He can't relate to others and comes off as acting superior. That's why he hasn't made a single sale and it shows that however dysfunctional Dunder-Mifflin may be, the people there do make the business. By all accounts they probably should have gone out of business by now, but as was seen in "Traveling Salesmen" their customer service and personal touch are their winning qualities and may not have them rolling in profits but will keep them afloat for some time to come. Ryan's banishment to the annex with Kelly was a suitable punishment for his betrayal. If he doesn't want to be a member of the family, then he should sit with the other outcasts, Michael's nemesis Toby and chatty Kelly. Although I think he should be there alone it's great to see him squirm as Kelly gets so excited they'll be sitting together.

Favorite moment: Proving that while his management style may not be the most profitable but certainly the most personal, Michael is the only one, aside from Oscar's disastrous visit, to see Pam at her art exhibition. His awe and love for Pam's art was genuine and touching and gave Pam the valediction she has wanted to hear all night. I love Michael in these moments as it shows the true heart of his character. He cares for his employees and doesn't just want them to like him for the sake of appearing popular. His heartfelt statement to Pam was possibly the sweetest I have ever seen him be to someone and never once felt forced or fake. Always avoiding doing it in the past, Pam gives him a huge hug before the Chunky is his pocket causes an inevitable awkward moment. Steve Carell certainly deserved the Emmy nod that year and although I haven't seen Ricky Gervais in Extras, which was the winner, it would have to be an awesome performance to rob Carell of it.

"That is our building, and we sell paper. . . I am so proud of you."