Mr Shh
Lap cheong Level: 83
Posts: 951/1529 EXP: 5385475 For next: 46769
Since: 9.1.02 From: Monmouth County, NJ
Since last post: 1295 days Last activity: 1294 days
| #1 Posted on 28.4.11 2308.08 Reposted on: 28.4.18 2308.12 |
Call me cynical and naive, but I did not think Pam was going to get to say Goodbye, Michael.
Ahhhh, the trophy! Promote this thread! | | JustinShapiro
Scrapple Moderator Level: 145
Posts: 3773/5537 EXP: 37175969 For next: 428203
Since: 12.12.01
Since last post: 1764 days Last activity: 1416 days
| #2 Posted on 28.4.11 2342.49 Reposted on: 28.4.18 2342.55 | I thought it was so good. No big staged moments, just really strong interactions between Michael and the other characters. I think it's kind of implausible that Michael went from not getting it at all to totally getting it over the span of a month or so, caused basically by the fact that the character was leaving and had an arc to finish. But once that premise was established, I thought they followed through on it perfectly here. I mean, the thing with Oscar, nailed it.
Pam getting the final and most meaningful goodbye was really fitting since her and Michael have had a cool dynamic ever since season 3. He went to her art show! She quit with him! etc.
Rainn Wilson did such a good job in the confessional where he reads the letter of rec that he pretty much redeemed the last few years of Dwight in one scene.
I thought they shortchanged the Michael/Ryan relationship and could've used some kind of summation there. That'd be my biggest complaint.
Playing the "taking off your mic" conceit is a pretty bold move, what're ya gonna do for the series finale?
NBC looked hilariously terrified about any sense of finality here by breaking right into a "the laffs keep right on rollin'! you know all these guys!" extended commercial for the rest of the season the second the episode ended.
(edited by JustinShapiro on 29.4.11 0052) | KJames199
Scrapple Moderator Level: 135
Posts: 2328/4714 EXP: 29207970 For next: 127111
Since: 10.12.01 From: #yqr
Since last post: 226 days Last activity: 8 days
| #3 Posted on 28.4.11 2349.07 Reposted on: 28.4.18 2349.08 | Originally posted by JustinShapiro Playing the "taking off your mic" conceit is a pretty bold move, what're ya gonna do for the series finale?
And it was a delightfully fitting choice of last words for Michael, too. "I can't wait to get this off my chest..." (takes off mic) "...that's what she said." | Big Bad
Scrapple Level: 161
Posts: 5858/7062 EXP: 53475107 For next: 638126
Since: 4.1.02 From: Dorchester, Ontario
Since last post: 1927 days Last activity: 1496 days
| #4 Posted on 28.4.11 2354.50 Reposted on: 28.4.18 2354.53 | Originally posted by JustinShapiro Playing the "taking off your mic" conceit is a pretty bold move, what're ya gonna do for the series finale?
Finally reveal Pam's secret affair with the sound guy.
http://splitsider.com/2011/04/the-poor-suckers-shooting-that-documentary-about-dunder-mifflin | Spiraling_Shape
Bierwurst Level: 93
Posts: 882/1951 EXP: 7765854 For next: 286986
Since: 2.1.02 From: PA
Since last post: 33 days Last activity: 11 days
| #5 Posted on 29.4.11 0723.34 Reposted on: 29.4.18 0724.08 | I always love when they show Michael as being smarter than we think he is, and this episode made me realize I really will miss him on the show.
And there's still a chance Gabe could be the Strangler!!
So Deangelo basically got the job because he helped save Jo's dogs in Florida? And he's totally unqualified? | StingArmy
Andouille Level: 95
Posts: 1871/2118 EXP: 8517115 For next: 151523
Since: 3.5.03 From: Georgia bred, you can tell by my Hawk jersey
Since last post: 2957 days Last activity: 549 days
| #6 Posted on 29.4.11 0730.27 Reposted on: 29.4.18 0734.32 | I was totally against the Gabe-is-the-Strangler sentiment going on here last week, but now... I dunno. He's creepy!
- StingArmy | The Goon
Banger Moderator Level: 103
Posts: 2192/2519 EXP: 11393185 For next: 78260
Since: 2.1.02 From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Since last post: 862 days Last activity: 840 days
| #7 Posted on 29.4.11 0731.58 Reposted on: 29.4.18 0734.38 | More mindless speculation: If Deangelo is the Scranton Strangler, could the fingerprints he left above the door be significant?
I enjoyed the episode - Mrs. Goon cried. | El Nastio
Banger Level: 104
Posts: 1626/2576 EXP: 11773443 For next: 88722
Since: 14.1.02 From: Ottawa Ontario, by way of Walkerton
Since last post: 43 days Last activity: 28 days
| ICQ: | |
| |
| #8 Posted on 29.4.11 0740.09 Reposted on: 29.4.18 0744.12 | Originally posted by JustinShapiro I thought it was so good. No big staged moments, just really strong interactions between Michael and the other characters. I think it's kind of implausible that Michael went from not getting it at all to totally getting it over the span of a month or so, caused basically by the fact that the character was leaving and had an arc to finish.
Sometimes love makes you do crazy things, including mature.
Haven't seen the episode yet, looking forward to it though. | Scottyflamingo
Bratwurst Level: 75
Posts: 421/1423 EXP: 3805787 For next: 21134
Since: 23.6.10 From: Auburn, AL
Since last post: 3905 days Last activity: 3634 days
| #9 Posted on 29.4.11 0956.41 Reposted on: 29.4.18 0956.53 | Really great episode. Would have made a fitting series finale. I don't think Michael will ever COMPLETELY get it, but he's changed a lot. The trophy showed how he has basically won over his employees and got the friends he wanted all these years. Sweet scene.
Loved his list. I thought it was fitting that there was nothing too special about Ryan's. Michael went from idolizing Ryan to realizing that he is just a dumb kid, so giving him a beer sign was fitting.
Jim figuring it all out was appropriate, as was Pam's airport goodbye.
Taking off the mic was a genius move. It gave us, the audience, a few moments to realize what it would be like to have Michael gone instead of a grand goodbye and then a new boss the next week. | StaggerLee
Scrapple Level: 161
Posts: 5381/7105 EXP: 53050496 For next: 1062737
Since: 3.10.02 From: Right side of the tracks
Since last post: 937 days Last activity: 937 days
| #10 Posted on 29.4.11 1221.24 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1223.27 | I believe the Scranton Strangler (dibs on that name for a pro wrestler) was established before Gabe came from Florida, and Vickers was definitely not in Pennsylvania during the murders.
Some great scenes where you really felt Michael was on the verge if breaking down.
Loved Creed's faces when he walked past Gabe and Erin in the ladies room. Plus, him drinking from the BOSS cup was cool.
Who knew Rory existed or that he was a jam enthusiast?
Overall, Dwight reading the letter and his facial expression changing was the highlight of a terrifically written goodbye. | John Orquiola
Scrapple Level: 132
Posts: 2108/4479 EXP: 26918245 For next: 213759
Since: 28.2.02 From: Boston
Since last post: 3560 days Last activity: 3560 days
| #11 Posted on 29.4.11 1246.05 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1246.11 | I was left a little shell-shocked by the episode. It was so beautifully understated, even when Michael's plane took off, I had a hard time accepting he's really gone.
Dwight reading the letter, Jim and Michael teary eyed in Michael's office, and Pam's Lost in Translation-style goodbye in the airport each really delivered. I liked Michael's "mom" moment with Erin too.
Man, did I love Michael saying to the camera man, "Will you guys let me know if this ever airs?" Finally, acknowledgement of the unrealistically indefinite nature of this supposed documentary about Dunder Mifflin!
The last scene with Deangelo - Uh oh, indeed.
Steve Carell deserves an Emmy. He's never won one. That's a crime. Michael Scott is one of TV's all time greatest characters.
(edited by John Orquiola on 29.4.11 1100) | Mayhem
Scrapple Level: 121
Posts: 3391/3693 EXP: 19619871 For next: 436883
Since: 25.4.03 From: Nashville, TN
Since last post: 2439 days Last activity: 251 days
| #12 Posted on 29.4.11 1342.24 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1342.37 | I only hope that the series finale includes Michael & Holly Scott moving back to Scranton ...
Was the dog at the animal shelter Baxter from Anchorman?
(edited by Mayhem on 29.4.11 1343) | Leroy
Boudin blanc Level: 100
Posts: 1939/2336 EXP: 10151891 For next: 202541
Since: 7.2.02
Since last post: 12 days Last activity: 6 days
| #13 Posted on 29.4.11 1404.33 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1404.33 | Originally posted by John Orquiola Man, did I love Michael saying to the camera man, "Will you guys let me know if this ever airs?"
That was brilliant.
I think my favorite moment was Michael's freakout over leaving becoming an immediate calm the moment he hears Holly's voice.
Originally posted by JustinShapiro think it's kind of implausible that Michael went from not getting it at all to totally getting it over the span of a month or so, caused basically by the fact that the character was leaving and had an arc to finish.
I think it's happened slowly over time, but with a ramp up over the last few weeks. If you watch some of the earlier episodes (especially season 2), he's really dis-likeable, but slowly turns from foil to hero over the course of the subsequent seasons (especially so after PB&J hooked up). | JustinShapiro
Scrapple Moderator Level: 145
Posts: 3775/5537 EXP: 37175969 For next: 428203
Since: 12.12.01
Since last post: 1764 days Last activity: 1416 days
| #14 Posted on 29.4.11 1518.05 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1518.07 | Originally posted by John Orquiola I liked Michael's "mom" moment with Erin too.
Is Erin the daughter of Phyllis?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Originally posted by Leroy I think it's happened slowly over time, but with a ramp up over the last few weeks. If you watch some of the earlier episodes (especially season 2), he's really dis-likeable, but slowly turns from foil to hero over the course of the subsequent seasons (especially so after PB&J hooked up).
True, he's definitely proved himself in different ways and there've been lots of "say what you will about Michael but at the end of the day..." episodes. But this season he's still been doing the regular awful Michael overreactions/immaturities/temper tantrums up until it was time to go. | JustinShapiro
Scrapple Moderator Level: 145
Posts: 3776/5537 EXP: 37175969 For next: 428203
Since: 12.12.01
Since last post: 1764 days Last activity: 1416 days
| #15 Posted on 29.4.11 1544.08 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1544.08 | oh man wait, the shot where Michael puts his best boss Dundie on his desk that mirrors the one in the credits, is that supposed to be considered the shot they got that they've been using in the credits all along? That's pretty amazing, even if Michael in the original shot is bald and fat, and it would mean that that accumulated seven years of footage before they started airing the first season. It's like a mind puzzle, an awesome mind puzzle. | Mr Shh
Lap cheong Level: 83
Posts: 953/1529 EXP: 5385475 For next: 46769
Since: 9.1.02 From: Monmouth County, NJ
Since last post: 1295 days Last activity: 1294 days
| #16 Posted on 29.4.11 1550.32 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1550.50 | Originally posted by JustinShapiro oh man wait, the shot where Michael puts his best boss Dundie on his desk that mirrors the one in the credits, is that supposed to be considered the shot they got that they've been using in the credits all along? That's pretty amazing, even if Michael in the original shot is bald and fat, and it would mean that that accumulated seven years of footage before they started airing the first season. It's like a mind puzzle, an awesome mind puzzle.
Dude! That's what I was saying (with gibberish)! Amazing and awesome, yes. | kentish
Andouille Level: 94
Posts: 1804/2164 EXP: 8298628 For next: 58060
Since: 19.8.05 From: My Old Kentucky Home
Since last post: 3414 days Last activity: 1425 days
| #17 Posted on 29.4.11 1626.42 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1626.46 | Very well done, and I found myself choking back a few tears at times, when you could tell the actor’s were genuinely doing the same thing. The silent “That’s what she said” was perfect.
Going forward, they cannot tease us with David Brent in the finale and not give him to us as the new boss! | BoromirMark
Potato korv Level: 59
Posts: 653/691 EXP: 1624097 For next: 49041
Since: 8.5.02 From: Milan-Ann Arbor, MI
Since last post: 3272 days Last activity: 3272 days
| #18 Posted on 29.4.11 1746.30 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1746.38 | Originally posted by JustinShapiro
Originally posted by Leroy I think it's happened slowly over time, but with a ramp up over the last few weeks. If you watch some of the earlier episodes (especially season 2), he's really dis-likeable, but slowly turns from foil to hero over the course of the subsequent seasons (especially so after PB&J hooked up).
True, he's definitely proved himself in different ways and there've been lots of "say what you will about Michael but at the end of the day..." episodes. But this season he's still been doing the regular awful Michael overreactions/immaturities/temper tantrums up until it was time to go.
Would've thought this was obvious, but apparently not. It was Holly that helped bring about the maturing of Michael. Even to this very last episode of his, whenever Michael was going to/already had pulled 'a Michael', Holly brought him back down to earth. Whereas before her his neuroses and want for attention and insecurity would push him to his "tantrums" and erratic Michael behavior, having Holly there grounded him. Kept him a bit more realistic and calm. This wasn't a "well, he's leaving now so lets suddenly redeem him!" but a slow, series-long drawn-out redemption of Michael (we get flashes and moments with him, but nothing that becomes concrete) culminated with the season-long solution of his being with Holly. That was the purpose of that string of episodes, with Threat Level Midnight and with Todd Packer and etc, showing how Michael being with Holly has changed him and made him a better person.
(edited by BoromirMark on 29.4.11 1847) | BigDaddyLoco
Scrapple Level: 147
Posts: 3773/5690 EXP: 38677961 For next: 760234
Since: 2.1.02
Since last post: 327 days Last activity: 327 days
| #19 Posted on 29.4.11 1805.04 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1805.20 | Originally posted by John Orquiola Steve Carell deserves an Emmy. He's never won one. That's a crime. Michael Scott is one of TV's all time greatest characters.
Michael Scott is a weird character. His good moments are really really good, but his bad moments have killed more than enough episodes. I still don't know if they can pull off the show without him though.
How much did Pam pay for that ticket to get to Michael? She had to have bought something to get past those gates.
I liked that they kept his last show low key instead of over stuffing it like the Pam and Jim wedding.
| Spiraling_Shape
Bierwurst Level: 93
Posts: 883/1951 EXP: 7765854 For next: 286986
Since: 2.1.02 From: PA
Since last post: 33 days Last activity: 11 days
| #20 Posted on 29.4.11 1829.14 Reposted on: 29.4.18 1829.15 | Originally posted by JustinShapiro
Originally posted by John Orquiola I liked Michael's "mom" moment with Erin too.
Is Erin the daughter of Phyllis?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
You know I didn't even think of that but apparently there's been a ton of post-show speculation about it... I hope not. This isn't Lost, where everyone has to be related. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |