The Office (UK) "Episode 3" (2002)

Another birthday descends upon the office, strangely enough just like in season one it's the third episode in, only this time the festivities are squarely those on the birthday girl, Swindon import Trudy (Rachel Isaac). Only noticeable for her tirade against David's racism in the season premiere so far, here we learn she is quite the party girl, whose flirtatious behavior increases along with her alcohol intake. It's funny how the entire day is spent in the office on a party, and even better is that they can all get sloshed on company time. It could be fun to work in a British office, just better make sure your doctor isn't also taking advantage of the ability to drink during office hours. After unwrapping her sex themed gifts, which includes a dildo that will find its way into David's office, she spends the rest of the day getting birthday kisses from all the men, with the obvious exclusion of David, and also looking for the possibility of something more. I'm not sure if this is how she was in Swindon, or she is taking advantage of the slacker atmosphere in Slough but she's certainly having the time of her life on her birthday. She even ends up in the parking lot with Chris Finch having sex, but her knees will be sore for a while.

Taking the opportunity of the anything but work atmosphere to get closer to Rachel, Tim continues their playful flirting that started last episode leaving Gareth jealous in the wings. It looks like Tim has found a new partner to play practical jokes with, and a more proactive one at that. Whereas with Dawn, she would sit back and laugh at Tim's hijinks, Rachel is certainly more aggressive and gives pranks for Tim to commit. She's a stark contrast to Dawn, who is more quiet and passive, and maybe that's the attraction Tim feels. I'm sure the fact that Rachel is more welcoming to his advances is a bonus as well. I loved that shot where he's slowly put his arm around her and starts to rub her back while they're talking with some coworkers. She then takes his hand and holds his behind her back. I'm assuming that the two of them haven't consummated their relationship yet, but it's looks like they are well on their way.

Dawn is certainly stinging from all the attention Tim is showing Rachel and how much fun they are having together. Lee acting like a jerk and telling everyone she'd show her breasts for a little money isn't helping either. She tries to re-insert herself in Tim's daily routine by telling him they should wind up Gareth together. After a hilarious phone gluing prank, it only serves to bring Rachel and Tim closer. This season has picked up the momentum on this unlucky couple and it gives this batch of episodes a renewed vigor and sense of purpose. Last season tended to focus more on lackadaisical office life and an accurate portrayal of the humdrum boredom that promotes it. This season helps to hook the interest of the audience better but has moved away from the more realistic depiction of the first season.

David. David. David. He is spiralling out of control more every week. Unlike last season when he was at least able to get a laugh every now and then from his staff, the hostility from his betrayal of the Slough employees in last season's finale and his utter disaster in trying to win over the Swindon transfers has left him the office pariah. He tries a gamble and mirrors Neil's fashion sense but no one gives him anything other than some incredulous stares. The lifeline he is so desperately looking for comes in the form of a couple of representatives from a business management training firm looking to add him to their roster of speakers. The validation in his successful management style is the breath of fresh air he's been dying for and he leaps at the opportunity. He then makes the requisite rounds to brag about his new job.

It's just impossible to have any sympathy for David, unlike Gareth who comes off as pathetic so you can feel sad for him, David is so blatantly hostile that you only become angered with his childlike behavior. Even when Trudy does engage is some playful banter with him, she makes the mistake of poking fun at his age and appearance and he tells her off and then storms away. Finch and Neil getting along well doesn't help matters as Neil can banter with Finch, while David usually just laughs and adds nothing to the conversation. I worry for David as he becomes more alienated with the staff and his boss with each episode. I can only hope he finds some success in his new outside position and he can relax a little more around the office.

Favorite moment: After Tim plants the dildo in Michael's office without his knowing, it remains there unnoticed until David's meeting with the reps from the training firm. He uncovers it when he picks up his planner to set some dates for when he can do his sessions. He immediately marches into the bullpen and demands "Okay everybody, what am I doing in there with a dildo?", the worst possible manner in which to phrase that question. Cut to a wide shot of all the office employees looking dumbstruck at this once in a lifetime query. It is probably the most I have laughed watching this show yet.