Last two seasons were week and the only reason I stayed with this season was because it was the last one.
But this was a phenominal finale. Great gags, sweet moments. I figured the stuff about Carell not being in the finale were crap but they still totally got me with it.
Kinda wish it had ended with Dwight's speech about his subordinates, like the show began with Michael Scott talking about his employees.
I didn't like this season at all, but this was easily one of the best series finales that I have ever seen.
Every member of the cast received a satisfying payoff to their nine season arc, and the show did a great job of balancing the comedy and the drama in a way that it hasn't done since Steve Carell left.
Carell's return was well done, and I'm really happy they were able to fit in one last "that's what she said." There were rumors that he wouldn't appear, but it wouldn't have felt right not squeezing him in for one last appearance.
It was nice that they gave Andy a bit of redemption, especially after he's been an insufferable dick all season.
I do have one nitpick: what exactly was the point of the two new guys? I can't remember a single story that Clark had, and Pete really only seemed to be there to break Erin and Andy up. Wouldn't the show have been better off not including them at all?
If The Office had stayed at this quality over the last two years, the show might still be on the air.
Man, I'm going to miss this show. Not for what it became but more for what it was..... If that makes any sense. Excellent series finale.
Overall this is going to be one of those shows that stands up against the test of time. It's already been in syndication for years but I can't wait for 10 years from now when it's on "Nick at Nite" (or something equivalent). I'm pretty sure ill be happy to watch episodes from start to finish again.
Loved Michael Scott being back, thought it was perfectly executed. The "That's what she said" joke and the coming back to see his kids grown up an marrying each other, every parents dream..... that was perfection that only Steve Carell as Michael Scott could deliver on.
So which is worse: The Office having 2-3 bad seasons (I think the show was still pretty good the season after Michael left) with a super finale, or Seinfeld where the show was solid throughout but had one of the worst finales of all time?
Originally posted by turtlebayunlimitedI do have one nitpick: what exactly was the point of the two new guys? I can't remember a single story that Clark had, and Pete really only seemed to be there to break Erin and Andy up. Wouldn't the show have been better off not including them at all?
I think Pete/Erin was supposed to be an echo of Pam and Jim --- the receptionist in a bad relationship taking up with the new friendly guy in the office. As for Clark, well, he was just funny, I liked Clark Duke's material all season long. He was a good addition to the show.
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." --- Bart Giamatti, on baseball
Originally posted by ScottyflamingoSo which is worse: The Office having 2-3 bad seasons (I think the show was still pretty good the season after Michael left) with a super finale, or Seinfeld where the show was solid throughout but had one of the worst finales of all time?
I think Seinfeld is the better overall series and if you match up the BEST OF THE BEST of both of them, I think Seinfeld still wins. However, I was pretty pissed off the way Seinfeld ended and it left a horrible taste in my mouth. The Office made me happy and nostalgic. But, the big difference in both series is The Office's characters are likeable. They are all decent people at the core and you wanted them to win in the end. Seinfeld's characters, especially the main ones, were more or less horrible people. But, you still liked them anyway. And while jail was the perfect way for it to end, since the only people they like is each other and they should have to spend time with just each other in a jail, it felt wrong. I would have preferred an ending to Seinfeld more like Everybody Loves Raymond. No happy endings, just an ending.
Regardless, I still watch Seinfeld and The Office in syndication and will do so for a long time. They are probably two of the best sitcoms of the past 20 years, and yes, I include Arrested Development which I think is a little more than slightly over rated.
What a great ending to the series. I definitely was ready for it to end after a string of terrible episodes this season (thanks Andy!), but I will miss the characters. They worked in some early-season-like awkwardness with some of those panel questions.
I loved seeing Michael back. And Stanley's bird carving of Phyllis. But my favorite random moment was Mose's longing look at the scarecrow.
Originally posted by The Big Kat But my favorite random moment was Mose's longing look at the scarecrow.
Oh my, my sons and I were roaring when Mose gazed lovingly at the scarecrow. Between Mose kidnapping Angela and that glance to the scarecrow, he was a highlight of the night!
Originally posted by Big BadI think Pete/Erin was supposed to be an echo of Pam and Jim --- the receptionist in a bad relationship taking up with the new friendly guy in the office. As for Clark, well, he was just funny, I liked Clark Duke's material all season long. He was a good addition to the show.
Yeah, I concur, Clark Duke was pretty great with everything they gave him this season. Then I'm pretty sure he had ZERO lines in the finale!
I haven't ridden in a limo in a loooooooooooooooong time!
As soon as Jim said, "I'm not old enough to be....", I told my wife: "MICHAEL!", and there he was. Thank you, Mr. Scott, for sharing in your children's wedding.
The last few seasons, even when Michael was still on the show, were spotty at best. But this was one of the best finales I have ever seen. They went out with one of their funniest episodes ever, which is quite an achievement. Michael had 2 lines, and they were both awesome. Maybe my favorite “that’s what she said” ever, even though we totally saw it coming. ; )
They made me an Office fan again last night, and I will save that episode on the DVR for a long time. Time to bust out the Season 1 DVDs!
fantastic ... I'd given up on the post-Carrell seasons, but just starting watching again a couple of weeks ago to build to the finale ...
despite all of the red herrings about Carrell not appearing, I found it hard to believe that he wouldn't ... and I love the fact the his cameo didn't overshadow the show itself.
My wife reminded me last night that we've watched this show for nearly the entirety of our relationship (save the first season). Sure, it's not what it was in season 2 and season 3, but I'm bummed it's done.
At least we have Parks & Rec. - speaking of which, was Karen the only major character to not make an appearance? Even Carol the Realtor had a cameo....
Originally posted by LeroyAt least we have Parks & Rec. - speaking of which, was Karen the only major character to not make an appearance? Even Carol the Realtor had a cameo....
I really think the finale and the 2 episodes leading up to the finale were all very well done. I especially liked how they gave you insight as to how much a place can change in a year. Anyone who has gone back to visit friends in an office they've left after a period of time can probably relate to this. I certainly could.
I had read that Carell was out for the Finale, and so his appearance in the doorway completely took me by surprise, and I completely marked out for Michael Scott. I thought they handled it perfectly. His two lines were perfect.
Granted, the last couple of seasons weren't as good as the early days of the series, and it definitely trailed off after Carell left. That being said, I'm going to miss the hell out of this show. I started watching during season two, and was instantly hooked thanks to a scene with Kevin making a salad by feeding lettuce through the paper shredder, and telling Meredith he got the salad from Staples. 8 years I've spent watching the show, probably the most I've ever been able to dedicate to one show without losing interest somewhere along the way.
I rather enjoyed it. Let there be no doubt Robin John Blake can carry a bike messenger action movie. Premium Rush (backofthehead.com) review with SPOILERS.
Thread rated: 5.75
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