The Office - Season Three Reviews

• That is our building. And, we sell paper.

  
  By A11T8GHGZACHD2 on 2007-07-09
  By the end of Season 3 of The Office (US), we get the sense that the series has finally established its independence from its European ancestry. Throughout Season 3, the BBC series continues to serve as a very basic template for the NBC series: the awkward merger, the upper management restructuring, the romantic role reversal (boy-chases-girl becomes boy-gets-new-girl/original-girl-now-chases-boy). The one major plot development from the UK original that has yet to be explored is the regional manager's slow, painful march toward termination as he clashes with a new corporate supervisor. Could Season 3's final scene been an ominous sign that a similar fate is in store for Michael Scott down the road? The popularity of this series, and the apparent commitment of all involved to keep it going for at least a couple more seasons suggests this doom will be postponed, at least for a while. In the meantime, much cheerier things seem to be on the horizon.
  
  And, it is on this issue that The US version of The Office is finally transcending its English heritage. Are we actually going to witness the development of a (presumably) healthy, happy relationship between two people who belong together, free from any melodramatic roadblocks? To follow such a path would represent not only a significant departure from the British series (which actually ended when the two romantic leads finally got together, after a similar last second change of heart based on a parting "gift"), but it would also be a risky move for a TV comedy of any kind. People think they want to see romance on TV, but they don't. What they want is romantic tension. Remove the tension, and it's just a couple of people hugging, kissing, shopping, sometimes arguing over mostly trivial things, and occasionally going out to dinner. Those are real relationships, right? Maybe we'll have some "Meet The Halperts" style wackiness to keep things interesting, featuring guest director Ben Stiller.
  
  Sarcasm aside, if there is any show in the history of TV comedy with the talent and insight to delve headfirst into a realistic relationship - avoiding predictable TV contrivances in favor of delighting in the subtle nuances of ordinary human interactions - it will be this group of writers and performers. Even the other office relationships on the show, which are all deeply insane, provide charming and hilarious little character moments that defy expectations and manage to surprise (e.g. Kelly infantilizing Ryan by feeding him French fries on a double-date and insisting that he does, in fact, love ketchup). This sort of thing is, of course, one of the two main aspects of The Office that make it so endearing. The other is, obviously, cringe-inducing embarrassment.
  
  When I think and talk about The Office, I find that I'm usually most impressed with the subtle aspects of Jim and Pam (whose evolution throughout Season 3 was nothing short of inspiring). But, Michael and Dwight are really the anchors of the show, and the reason most people watch in the first place. If "The Office" was a rock song, I think that Michael and Dwight would be the rhythm section, and Pam and Jim would be the vocals and lead guitar. Yeah, it's a silly analogy, and oversimplified. But, my point is that Jim and Pam provide those rare, soaring moments that really stand out, but that Michael and Dwight keep the show grounded, ironically enough, with their madness. It's their indulgences and whims that keep the show's pace, and advance the plot on an episode-by-episode basis. I've read other reviewers point out that, if this were a traditional sit-com, the "normal" characters of Jim and Pam would be the focus, and the "oddball" characters of Michael and Dwight would be the ones that pop in for the occasional zaniness (think Laverne, Shirley, Lenny & Squiggy). I think that this perspective shift from traditional sitcom formulas, coupled with the dry, documentary-style presentation, is the key to the success of "The Office".
  
  Another impressive aspect of the US version of the show is the fleshing out of the secondary characters, which really began taking shape in Season 2, and expanded in Season 3 to include the Stamford branch of Dunder Mifflin, which was eventually assimilated (decimated?) by the Scranton Branch. The contrast of the seemingly more professional Stamford office with the Scranton office offered some really significant insight into this show. I can point to two specific moments where this contrast was used to make an important point: The first is when the "talented" Josh uses his upcoming promotion at DM to land himself an executive position at Staples instead, prompting Jim to note that "Say what you will about Michael Scott, but he would never do that!" The second is when Andy's constant sucking up to Michael reaches toxic levels, eventually leading to Dwight's resignation and rehiring, inspiring Michael's epiphany that "I don't want somebody sucking up to me because they think I'm going to help their career [Andy]. I want them sucking up to me because they genuinely love me [Dwight]." The point is that Stamford was the more professional of the two offices. Stamford did better business. Scranton is a better family.
  
  This family theme is the emerging element of Season 3 that distinguished it from Season 2. How else can one possibly explain a group of workers willing to tolerate a "boss" like Michael Scott, unless they no longer think of him as a boss at all, but just some crazy uncle, or a 10-year old boy in a (bisexual) suit that they're babysitting, who forces them to watch movies and throw parties? The women in the office, especially, can only be excused for allowing themselves to be subjected to such disrespectful and inappropriate behavior because they clearly have more pity for Michael than fear. If they were even the least bit intimidated by him, his transgressions would be a very serious problem. But, his obnoxious antics are born from profound immaturity, not a desire to dominate them. Sex is something to giggle about for Michael, not something used to wield power... unless you're trying to withhold sex from a female superior in order to receive a modest, scheduled pay raise, as Toby explained it.
  
  By the way, Jan's downfall this season was indeed as spectacular as a dying star collapsing on itself (although a supernova may have been the better analogy, given her explosions in the... chesticles... region). She became the Rebecca Howe of "The Office", as her carefully constructed executive facade slowly crumbled and turned to dust.
  
  The family theme played itself out in another, completely surprising way this season with regards to Ryan, the former temp. I wonder how long, exactly, the writers have known what his corporate fate would be. Early in the season, I got the sense that he was beginning the process of reluctantly settling into his new family at Dunder Mifflin Scranton. The episode where Dwight "hazed" him seemed to suggest this was the direction he was headed. Ryan's continuing failures as a salesperson also seemed to hint that he was going though a necessary humbling process on the road to becoming part of the group. But, then... everything changed within the last 10 seconds of Season 3, as I realized that this was not at all the point behind Ryan's character arc. He wasn't being groomed as a new member of the family. He was being set up to become just another, talentless, clueless executive with a fancy degree. This miserable kid who has never made a single sale will now be giving orders to Michael, his former mentor. Again, I wonder if the conflicts that emerge from this dynamic ultimately lead to Michael's firing, echoing the British series once more. But maybe, on a more hopeful note, Ryan's training may be the factor that saves Dunder Mifflin (at least for a while), and all of his scholarly insights into the problems facing this "dying" company lead to some real positive changes. Despite all of his shortcomings as a salesman and a human being, maybe the guy actually knows what he's talking about.
  
  And, then there's Pam. Her story is the heart and soul of Season 3. The risk of putting her in a relationship with Jim in Season 4 is less significant than the risk it took to change her character in the first place to get her to that point. This is another sitcom taboo, where reliable, predictable characters are part of the comedy formula. How is Pam going to remain a meek receptionist after everything she went through this season? She walked through fire! Will she even be capable of being a receptionist now? Again, the family dynamic will probably ensure that she remains in place in spite of the obvious professional suicide that it signifies. I don't know how Pam views Michael - as a friend, a little kid? But, I do know that she sees him as someone to protect, in a bizarre sort of way. Think back to the eulogy at the bird funeral, one of the most touching moments this show has ever produced. And, Pam has gone out of her way to protect Angela and Dwight, both as a couple and individually, on many occasions, two people who clearly irritate her. She's not a pushover at all. A pushover doesn't defend her family members - even the irritating ones - with such devotion. A pushover doesn't stick up for people. Anyone who thinks Pam has ever been weak has not been paying attention, or doesn't really understand the definition of strength to begin with.
  
  So, Season 4 should be fascinating, with big changes on the horizon and lots of questions to be answered, both corporate and romantic, and in all of the places where they mingle. Or, should I say, "merge"?
  
  

• Without question my favorite comedy on TV

  
  By A16QODENBJVUI1 on 2007-07-06
  Warning! There are spoilers in the following review.
  
  Briefly, the history of my response to the NBC version of THE OFFICE is as follows: before it started horror that they were remaking a the BBC masterpiece, then surprise in Season One (at least after the first horrid episode, which I think all of us OFFICE fans would like to forget) that it was not only not horrid but actually pretty good, and then delight in Season Two as it got better and better. Starting Season Three I was fearful, afraid that it was not going to be able to keep the show on the level of genius that it had maintained through the previous season. But once again my expectations and fears were confounded. It easily stayed as fresh and as brilliant as it had been in Season Three.
  
  In terms of format I find THE OFFICE to be one of the most interesting shows on TV. For the past twenty years most shows--well, at least almost all good ones--have struggled with a balance between standalone episodes (or the episodic format strictly speaking) and serial arcs. THE X-FILES, one of the most important shows in the development of the modern story arc, alternated between rigidly standalone episodes and what they termed their "mythology" episodes. But most shows have more and more come to adopt a hybrid format in which they will have episode elements while at the same time gradually moving forward their arcs. THE OFFICE in most ways is an episode series, in that for most of the characters everything restarts each week and they are not really part of an evolving story. For the most part THE OFFICE has maintained arcs built around office romances, most importantly Pam and Jim but also Michael and Jan, with Dwight and Angela as well as Ryan and Kelly in the background. But they managed to work in a couple of other arcs in Season Three as well, most notably Andy's attempt to rebuild the structures of power in the office. But nonetheless, the overwhelming ongoing story in THE OFFICE is that of Pam and Jim.
  
  Season Two ended with Pam and Jim kissing during casino night. In Season Three we learn that Jim transferred to the Stamford office of Dunder-Mifflin in order to distance himself from Pam, who ultimately rejected his overtures. Ironically, shortly after Jim left she broke off her engagement to Roy. Most of Season Three deals with Pam and Jim's ongoing and largely unresolved feelings about each other. Things are complicated when in Stamford Jim begins dating the lovely and eventually likable Karen (played by the lovely Rashida Jones), which means he is unavailable to see Pam when he returns to Scranton when the Stamford office is closed. Of course we all want Jim and Pam together, but we like Karen also. The resulting situation is therefore somewhat the reverse of Season Two, when Jim spent the season pining over Pam. This year Pam pines over Jim, but with one major difference. While in Season Two Jim and Pam were best friends despite how Jim felt about Pam, in Season Three things are strained between them. Pam, in fact, is quite alone most of the season.
  
  One definitely senses that Jim and Pam are finally on the verge of getting together in Season Four. Looking ahead for just a second, one wonders if the writers will truly allow this to happen. One truism in contemporary TV writing is that you can never let the main romantic couple on a show get together for long. This is known as the David and Maddie Problem, named for the lead couple in MOONLIGHTING. As soon as Bruce Willis's David and Cybil Shepherd's Maddie made love, interest in the show disintegrated (though personally I think the irregular appearance of new episodes was as much to blame) and it gradually came to an end. (This is also sometimes called the Lois and Clark Problem, since THE ADVENTURES OF LOIS AND CLARK saw a sharp decline in ratings as soon as the two of them became involved.) Since then writers and producers have been terrified of getting couples together. Generally when two people get together you can guess that something catastrophic is about to happen. So, will Pam and Jim try to make a go of it in Season Four? Will the writers attempt to overcome the jinx of David and Maddie? Just one of the mysteries to be solved in Season Three.
  
  I cannot express how much I love this cast. I must confess that I side with a number of leading TV critics (like TV Guide's Matt Roush) in confessing that I'm not a huge fan of either Steve Carrell's Michael Scott or Rainn Wilson's Dwight Schrute. I know they are hugely popular with many fans, but I find both of them a tad too hard to believe in. I prefer the rest of the cast, which has expanded in importance over the course of the past two seasons. I love the way we have been able to get to know all the regulars in the office, not merely Pam and Jim, but Ryan, Kelly, Phyllis, Kevin, Meredith, Toby, Angela, Oscar, Stanley, and Darryl. And for the record, I don't always find Michael unentertaining. It is merely that at times he does things that make me so uncomfortable that I squirm. And Dwight is sometimes funny, though far too often he becomes so extreme that he passes over being funny to something else. I find Dwight to be at his best when he is trying to help others instead of reacting to his own all embracing set of fears.
  
  I will confess gratitude to Dwight's frequent and sometimes wonderful shout outs to my favorite show on TV, BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. One interesting aspect to television in the 2006-2007 season was the sheer number of references in various series to BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, which some observers has speculated may be the most avidly viewed series by TV and movie industry outsiders than any other (THE OFFICE might well be second; BSG creative genius Ron Moore confesses to be a huge fan). THE GILMORE GIRLS, HEROES, VERONICA MARS, SOUTH PARK, THE O.C., and several other series all made nods towards BSG, but no show more frequently than THE OFFICE. And Dwight may have had the best BSG line in any of the aforementioned shows in an episode when he confronted a somewhat older and very conservative looking gentleman at a Dunder-Mifflin part and asked him, "Do you watch BATTLESTAR GALACTICA?" "No." "You sir, are an idiot."
  
  Like the previous season, Season Three provided us with a host of unforgettable moments. So many of them are hard to summarize because they are caught in a glance or a look, especially by Pam or Jim. Some highlights include Michael's insistence at giving Oscar a kiss after learning he was gay. Or Dwight's sly smile when Michael, speculating on the sexual preference of some of the office employees, asks Dwight, "What about Angela? I can imagine her with a woman. Can't you?" Or Kelly sprinting into Victoria's Secret after Michael offers to buy all of the women into the office a single item from their stock. Or Michael being the only person from the office to show up at an art showing by Pam and his buying one of her paintings for the office. Or Michael contemplating jumping off the top of the building onto a balloon that would certainly not keep him from dying. Or Pam running across hot coals and then confronting Jim over ceasing to be her friend. I'm sure that every fan has his or her own set of memories.
  
  This was also the season when the show had a number of celebrity directors. Harold Ramis directed several episodes. J. J. Abrams directed one. And Joss Whedon, the creator of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, directed "Business School," in which Jim pretends to have been bitten by a bat that caught trapped inside the office. Jim proceeds to distress Dwight into thinking that he might have been turned into a vampire, first rubbing a tooth as if it might be on the verge of growing into a fang and later complaining of how bright the light is. Hopefully Season Four will bring additional well-known guest directors.
  
  THE OFFICE proved so popular in Season Three that NBC briefly suggested that the show expand to an hour each week. Every fan I talked to reacted to horror at this. If we could be assured that the show would be a brilliant and as funny for an hour each week, then I'm sure everyone would be delighted with the prospect, but the fear is that the show would become diluted and there would be a watering down of ideas and humor. Luckily NBC backed off the request, though it was agreed that there will be four hour-long episodes in Season Four.
  
  Lastly, hopefully Jenna Fischer will be recovered from a terrible accident that she had this summer in New York during the Upfront Presentation. According to what I have read, she slipped on a marble staircase and hit her back hard against the steps. Luckily, although she broke several bones in her back she did not sustain any nerve damage. Her recovery will evidently overlap with the beginning of shooting for the new season. I'm hopeful that she will be feeling well enough to not miss any episodes or more importantly to be in any ongoing pain.
  
  
  

• Season Three: The Rise of Ryan

  
  By A3NKSVKXMM5I4T on 2007-07-25
  I usually do not post many comments, but wanted to discuss how the character of Ryan is very interesting. At first glance, you almost feel sorry for him being the office temp and the subject of Michael's harrassment, business school on the side, etc. Go back and watch the shows again (focus on Ryan, I know, it's hard to concentrate on any character since the show is busy....); he is not that nice (not giving Jim his desk upon return, asking about former girlfriends,the scathing review of Dunder Miflin management at the business school lecture, etc) and you get the sense that he is biding his time, waiting to get ahead. The last ten seconds of the season three finale show gave the writers a fantastic position to explore next season (not just about how Kelly will handle it). Ryan is cold, and it will be a shock to the Pam and Jim followers of the show. Just another reason to watch this multi-facet show. IMHO, the show will get dark and reveal a different angle of business at Dunder-Mifflin. The relationship between the corporate office and the local Scranton branch may become strained (especially if Michael think he taught Ryan everything to be successful!). I wonder if Ryan will still have the hots for Karen??
  The meltdown of Jan could be seen from Jupiter (you just knew her behavior was in decay), the rise of Ryan was not expected!
  I love this show since the characters are so enjoyable. You can see certain traits of people in your own environment. I've never had a boss as clueless as Michael Scott, but his twisted loyalty to his troops is undeniable.
  Post some comments, I'd love to know what other think. At first I thought this show could not last for two years. Now I'm starting to think five to seven could be realistic. The whole "mock-u-mentory" style allows the audience to almost participate in the conversations, but to really observe. You can also see the reactions of many charatcters at once by looking around the room. They are almost always different and that contrasting style is what really makes this show work.
  Just a quick update, I just watched the "what happened over the summer" trailer and it was hilarious! All of snips were great. Ryan is such a punk with that "so-cool" facial hair shadow and Kelly's critique was so much more than a scorned woman wishing her former lover well! What was up with Karen's top........
  
  

• JUST BUY IT

  
  By A29BLWLIM18BH on 2007-07-02
  By far the best comedy on TV. You won't be disappointed. This is easliy the best season out of the three. Dwight is one of the best comedic character's I have ever watched on TV. I can't wait for this to be released.
  
  

• Best Comedy Mini-Series Out There

  
  By A1AOK8IY4F9OKZ on 2007-08-28
  The Office series for me would be something like saying 'You had me at episode four.' That was the first season.
  If I was rating the second seaon, this review would probably have 5 stars above.
  The third season was awesome; but it left me hoping for a little bit more. It did, however, contained some of the best episodes I have seen in a romantic comedy series ever.
  I really thought Seinfeld was unbeatable as a comedy and for those of you who still do so please watch 'The Breakup' on this DVD set.
  In a sense reviewing the Office Season Three is fruitless in that you have to see the first two seasons first; there is no way around it.
  For a commedy that portrays characters so shallow and single minded, there are extremely important core values at the workplace portrayed thoughtout the season. You also have your cliffhangers and character development, and plot points so beautifully coordinated that it only takes a few short scenes to sum up episodes worth of build up. Now what surprises you the most is the fact that most episodes include scenes and passages that you really don't pay much attention to; scenes that build up to a season cliffhanger that really surprises the heck our of you.
  I have not seen the BBC version of The Office nor would I ever understand how is that important to the US version. I don't see where you can get a BBC channel other than a 5 star hotel so WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO COMPARE IT?
  The Office (US Version) is one heck of a TV series. Do watch it for fun, you'll laugh all the way to the end.
  
  
• The Best Show on Television...or on DVD
  By A1TXPWO46J0PPQ on 2007-07-10
  If you're a fan, you've already seen every one of these episodes on NBC or iTunes. Season three was much more consistent in tone than season two, and included guest directors such as Harold Ramis and JJ Abrams. Office romances bloom in unexpected directions, and the addition of a second branch and set of characters livens things up considerably.
  
  At this point, I would hope that we're done trying to compare the US "Office" with the BBC version (both of which I love equally). If you're not convinced, here's a list of awards that the US version has won (already): 2006 Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy (Steve Carell); 2006 Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series; 2007 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
  
  
• Somewhat disappointing, but it still delivers
  By A2EZW8LU82S9KU on 2007-09-08
  I was so psyched to buy this. I have become a huge fan of "The Office" and have grown to love the characters. Expectations were high, and I must say, now, after having watched all of it, it didn't totally do it for me.
  The third season is almost like one continuous story; almost every episode is linked so that you have to watch them in order, or it won't make sense. I missed the randomness of season 2 (which will probably be the show's magnum opus); instead, the show became extremely personal and deep as the character's relationships are fleshed out. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it was almost too much. Too much over-the-top awkwardness, too much sexual innuendo, too much heartbreak. One thing the show is excellent at is making you a part of it so that you feel like you're part of the group of peope at Dunder-Mifflin. So when heartbreaking things happen (and believe me, they happen a lot in this season), you can totally relate. There's hardly a light moment, and when they come, they're welcomed. I felt the episode "Traveling Salesman" was the only one that felt true to the spirit of the show. But I found that after watching the whole season, I had a deeper caring for the people (notably Jim and Pam), which was very rewarding.
  I will say I enjoyed the addition of Andy Bernard and Karen Filippelli. Andy is very well-played by Ed Helms, using Andy's annoying personality to create hilarious moments of outburst. Rashida Jones as Karen is probably the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, and I was shocked at times at how her relationship with Jim was often joyless. This is where the heartbreak comes in. Jim is dating Karen, Karen feels awkward with Pam, Jim has to balance out his friendship. Decisions, decisions.
  
  MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD: There was a very touching moment at the last episode where we think Jim will get the job at corporate and continue his relationship with Karen. However, when he is in his interview, he finds a note that Pam slipped in, and his entire focus changes. He realizes that he still loves her, regardless of how much a beautiful woman like Karen likes him. And he goes back to Scranton without her, and suddenly, Pam and Jim are back. Sorry, Karen, Pam and Jim were meant to be.
  
  The season does have some very touching scenes that will stay with you. But on the whole, I'll choose season 2 over this. Let's hope season 4 will be a return to form for the workers of Dunder-Mifflin Scranton we all love.
  
  
• Utterly fantastic
  By A1HBC0NBQJHT7X on 2008-02-05
  This is by far one of the most clever and creative shows on television. It delights in taking a politically incorrect stance about just about everything and, in so doing, shows how susceptible we all are to stereotypes and prejudice. To say that this show is a sendup of corporate culture is really only discussing one aspect of the show. It is a complex and colorful story whose characters continue to grow and to shock and amaze the viewer. It also happens to be one of the funniest shows I have ever had the pleasure of viewing.
  
  This season is a standout because of the continuing evolution of the characters. Like real people, they sometimes act in ways that seem out of character but are the perfect example of the contrast between the face we put on in public and what really makes us who we are on the inside.
  
  One of the best examples of the evolution of the character of Michael Scott can be seen in "The Job". As always, Michael assumes too much and thinks too little. He makes a terrible decision about a romantic relationship on the basis of some very sexist interests in a woman's appearance. However, in the end, he proves that he is actually a stand-up guy who is loyal to those who are not always deserving of this loyalty. His character has the mentality of an overgrown child in that he can be unforgivably cruel and petty one moment and then truly lovable the next.
  
  One of my personal favorites was "Beach Games" because it exemplifies the development of Pam's character. Pam has long been my favorite but she is almost pathological in allowing others to walk all over her and take advantage of her good nature. Her outburst in this episode was great to watch because it shows how determined she is to finally take charge of her life. Throughout the season, she remains the nice woman she has always been but she begins to grow a backbone and to learn that being nice doesn't mean pleasing everyone at all times at the expense of her own happiness.
  
  "The Negotiation" is also an excellent episode because it shows the petty side of Jim and the heroic side of Dwight. Jim's pettiness becomes more and more evident throughout the season and his seeming determination to hold Pam responible for Roy's actions and his cutting comments to her in the aftermath underscore just how mean he can be at times. As for Dwight, the season has served to show what a surprisingly great guy he can be and this episode exemplifies this as he refuses to allow Jim to thank him for something he considers to have been his duty.
  
  Aside from the powerhouse main characters, the tertiary characters of this show continue to astonish. There is the often silly Kelly with the cheer I simply can't get out of my head ("This day is bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S"). There is the creepy Creed whose encounter with a fish in "Beach Games" made my husband and I roar with laughter. There's the rather pathetic Toby, who is constantly dumped on by Mike and who takes his lovelorn status to new levels in "Cocktails" where his act of kindness is brushed off by an oblivious Pam. I could go on and on for hours but, really, the best thing to do is to witness the series for yourself. You'll doubtless become every bit as hooked as my husband and I are.
  
  
• Worst Season of the Office
  By A2S3XNVXB4OB4C on 2007-09-19
  By far the worst out of the three seasons. My favorite TV show but season three was no where near season two. I bought season two like the day it came out on DVD but i am refusing to buy this season
  
  
• Overrated But Moderately Entertaining
  By A1DW1170JUTNC7 on 2007-08-22
  Some very long and heart-felt reviews on Amazon testify to the strong psychological hold this show has on many viewers. I find their obvious identification with the characters in this series to be interesting, amusing, yet somewhat sad. Its cliche time: but a lot of viewers of this show seemingly need to get a life. The show does not stand up to all the analysis and projection by the viewers. The show is very good only if you compare it to all the garbage that is on television. The actors who play Jim and Pam, and to a lesser degree Dwight, do a good job in their roles. Steve Carell just doesn't have it as the office manager. His acting is shallow, repetitious and you always know he is "acting." Actors playing "over the top" characters can succeed, but it is very difficult. Hugh Laurie, a superb actor, is able to make us believe in the "over the top" nasty, but genius doctor in House. I know I must seem condescending when I say that all the accolades given this series by viewers do not accurately evaluate this series, but do validate the low standards and expectations that most television viewers have.
  
  
• The Office - The Most Compelling Show Not Yet Cancelled
  By A3OMULJI0PSEF9 on 2007-09-09
  Not too long ago, Arrested Development had me laughing hysterically, dropping my jaw in shock, and then laughing even more hysterically every episode. Until, of course, it got canned.
  
  I went through all 5 stages of grief. Denial: another network will pick it up! Anger: why this show? WHY? It is so funny! Bargaining: Cancel my other favorite shows, I don't care, just don't take this one! Depression: A show this funny will never come again! NEVER! *Cries*
  
  It wasn't until I saw The Office, specifically season 3, that I finally reached stage 5 with acceptance. This show is not only as hilarious and shocking as Arrested Development, it actually has a sweet sprinkle of heart that Arrested Development never really had.
  
  The Pam/Jim struggle has always been compelling, and season 2 left off with a frustrating cliff hanger. But this time, the romance is switched from Jim chasing Pam to Pam chasing Jim. It's truly compelling TV, watching Pam try to win Jim back, while trying to break into the art scene, all while keeping the whole Office family together.
  
  While Michael and Dwight may provide the most laughs, Pam is who made me watch all of season 3 in just one weekend. I just had to see what she was going to do; whether she would give up and be back with Roy again, or if she would have the courage to stand up and fight for what she really wants.
  
  Season 1 was good, Season 2, despite the frustrating cliff hanger, was great. Season 3? Fantastic. And this particular cliff hanger has to be the sweetest in television history. You'll see what I mean.
  
  There's also several other surprises in store. I won't ruin them for you. Must watch TV, my highest recommendations!
  
  
• Good, but Much Darker Humor
  By A3K1JFYC9KOVV5 on 2007-09-30
  The third season of The Office lives up to the promise of the second season but - viewer beware - offers a much darker and, dare I say, creepier brand of humor than season 2, which may turn some viewers off. The Office has always taken delight in the kind of jokes and irony that will make you squirm, but this season is relentless in this kind of offbeat laugh.
  
  As the season opens, Jim, rejected by Pam, transfers to the Stamford Branch and encounters a wacky group of co-workers there, including the sycophantic Andy and the ambitious Karen, with whom he strikes up a romanticv relationship. Back at Scranton, the usual Shenanigans are ongoing, until the Stamford branch closes and Scranton absorbs its workers, including Jim. What follows is a cold war between Pan (nominally back with Roy) and Karen for Jim's affections, Michael's continued on-again/off-again relationship with Jan, and more craziness than you can shake a stick at.
  
  This season boasts a number of triumphs: "Diwali," in which the office crew attends a Hindu festival and Michael makes a big mistake with his current ladyfriend; "The Convict," in which the Scranton office is thrown into panic (especially Dwight) when it is discovered one of the Stamford employees once did time; "Ben Franklin," in which simultaneous bachelor and bachelorette parties go horribly wrong; "Business School," in which Michael is asked to lecture at a business school class and a bat is on the loose in the Scranton office; "Beach Games," in which the Scranton crew goes to the beach for a day of fun - but Michael uses it as a chance to pick out his successor; and the season finale, "The Job," in which Michael and Jan's relationship undergoes some extensive changes, Jim considers his future, and Dwight gives a sneak peek of how he would run the Scranton branch.
  
  What I didn't like about this season is the near-absence of belly-laughs. The second season, with Jim's endless antagonism of Dwight, Jim and Pam's romantic flirtation, and the general insaniy of the Scranton crew, was a delight and will surely end up on the list of one of the greatest television seasons of all time. This season gets off to a slow start - Jims absense from Scranton is deeply felt and the season doesn't get going until about eight episodes in (although the season opener is pretty brilliant). Also, while Pam comes into her own as a character, her chemistry with Jim is missing due to his relationship with Karen, and the show thus loses one of its most valuable assets. This show functions best when everyone works as an ensemble - Steve Carell, for all his brilliance, cannot carry this show.
  
  Additionally, as I mention above, the humor in this season tends towards the dark and creepy - characters show new sides that weren't there before, and it becomes rather unsettling (this becomes abundantly clear in the deleted scenes). Overall, however, a good season.
  
  
• Pretty Tacky
  By A30A5I8FG82M2E on 2007-10-03
  I find it highly interesting that Angela, the one Christian character on this show, is almost always portrayed in a negative light. I understand that Angela is a bit judgemental of those who do not share her faith. I know that rubs a lot of people the wrong way. But they do not have to make her out to be a total shrew.
  
  Do I laugh at times while watching this often sleazy show? Of course, there are many clever and laugh-out-loud moments. I like laughing at male idiots as much as my neo-femme sisters out there (unite!). Michael Scott is a pathetic waste of life and Dwight Schrute is an even nerdier piece of garbage. But unfortunately the females aren't really much better, suggesting an overall distain for humanity that isn't very becoming of the show's creative "talents."
  
  Take Kelly for instance - pathetically dependant upon the affection of Ryan (who doesn't even like her, that rat!). She's an airhead.
  
  What about Jan Levinson? You must truly be kidding me if you think she represents a headstrong feminist presence. Her and Michael's troubled romance is a joke, if you ask me. In this one rare instance, I actually do have some sympathy for the male - though Michael shouldn't allow himself to be so used and taken advantage of.
  
  I guess most women, especially the young and inexperienced among you, relate the most to Jenna Fischer's Pam Beasley. Heaven help me, that woman is the worst of the bunch. Her artwork is beyond hopeless (and yes, I do know what I'm talking about thank you). And her idea of a career appears to be sitting behind a front desk and answering phones. How every fulfilling. Look, I may not have kids either (not yet anyway), but I have dealt with them for years. Parenting takes discipline, but it is one of the truest "labors of love" I know. Pam has neither the maturity nor the intelligence to even consider becoming a mother. Come to think of it, I believe only Stanley is a parent of all the people on the show. What a shame.
  
  Watch it for what it does best: portraying the utter cluelessness of the men who run our society. But please don't think about it too much - treat it like a no-brainer and you will laugh.
  
  
• Painful, hilarious
  By A1VYVVA7QS09PA on 2007-10-08
  OK, so it's an imitation of a British show. But it's a good imitation. The Pam/Jim saga is heart breaking and wonderful, the Dwight/Jim hostility is satisfying in a naughty way. The supporting characters are wonderfully real and flawed. Not to single any one of them out, as they're all worth watching (and how often can you say that about such a big cast), but Creed is a scream. How many layers of creepiness can one guy have? I haven't mentioned Michael Scott (Steve Carell) because his obvious comic brilliance is sort of compromised for me by the pain of watching his character in action. It's almost too painful to bear.
  
  
• The Office Season 3 is Awesome
  By AQU2FAI5VKE91 on 2007-09-03
  Season 3 of "The Office" not only hilariously distinguishes itself from other generic comedies, but further extends the identity of the US version of "The Office" beyond the UK version. In fact, i dare say that future reviewers shouldn't even bother with any comparisons.
  
  When it comes to balance, "The Office" shows undeniable poise. The format of the show with its pseudo-documentary camera work with the talking heads sections gives the show an aire of seriousness countered by the witty onscreen action and dialogue. Also, while Michael (Steve Carell) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and their interaction with other characters provide the bulk of the awkward humor (i.e. Michael's obvious discomfort with topics like Oscar's out'ed homosexuality and being dominated in his relationship with Jan), the sweetness and sentimentality of Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) anchor the action with a love story caught in the lines of inevitability.
  
  Sometimes characters seem to be one dimensional, but solid writing breaks them into instantly relatable people. The forever strangeness of Dwight, but a sense of humanity in his relationship with Angela. The everyman quality in Jim and his back and forth with the girl of his dreams. The clueless boss in Michael that really just wants attention just like everyone else.
  
  Overall, the third season of "The Office" comes highly recommended even without the additional special features and deleted scenes. The humor may seem a bit slow for newcomers, but after a couple episodes its personality and humor is infectious. "Bears, Beets, Battlestar Galactica."
  
  
• One of the best shows on right now
  By A1AISPOIIHTHXX on 2007-09-05
  Despite the fact it received tons of comparisons to the UK version, I always found the US version to be way better done. The show has finally felt like its own show and not just a simple offshoot like the other versions I've seen out there. While it does follow similar plot ideas, it kind of takes them and makes them feel fresh and not just simply "well the Brits did it so we have to do it too".
  
  The start of the show centers on the fallout after Jim's big confession to Pam at the end of season 2. Having rejected him, twice, he has to make a change and moves to the Stamford branch. Of course, that branch closes and brings with it most of the personnel, leaving new office employees Andy and Karen. Meanwhile, Michael's still in the love/hate relationship between himself and his superior Jan while Roy is trying to get Pam back.
  
  I tried to be intentionally small in describing the big events of this season because that's the fun out of it, in seeing how it develops and thankfully it's not handled in that unrealistic way I've seen in other shows (Grey's Anatomy fans, sorry). For example the Jim/Pam storyline has little moments to suggest their care they have still yet not fully say it such as a funny joke that no one else will get. The only one I'm not completely sold on is Andy since, while given many funny scenes or lines, he seems to be more noticeable from the other employees like he was put on the show specifically to be that wacky co-worker.
  
  As for the comedy, there's definately elements of situation comedy where people can relate, there's just outright funny moments or lines and then of course there's that uncomfortable awkwardness that the UK did but at times I felt the British version relied on it too much, as well as their boss, David Brent. Brent was kind of an intentionally annoying and often mean-spirited guy whereas Michael Scott is just so oblivious to it.
  
  I find it to be one of the more funnier shows on TV but also one with an actual sense of heart and characters that were endearing (unlike Tim, Dawn and Brent and a bunch of no-name people from the UK), I find it to be one of the more better-written comedies.
  
  
• Television Perfection!!
  By A1A5XXFMYU84WV on 2007-09-10
  As I each watched each episode last season, I was in constant awe that a television series could maintain this amazing level of excellence. My wife and son knew to avoid me when I was watching "The Office" since I would laugh hysterically and actually feel my stomach hurt. Each episode added another piece to the puzzle and really did a number on fleshing out secondary characters (Jan, Kelly, Angela, etc.). Even more amazing is the fact that the actors who play Ryan and Kelly wrote and directed some of this season. When the season ended, I was so excited to get all episodes in one place, I began counting down the days to September. With the Ryan angle set up during the last 10 seconds of the season, I am waiting anxiously for Season 4. We should all rejoice that a show of this high quality is on right now for us to enjoy!!!!! Hallelujah!
  
  
• I love this show!!
  By A14T8L577G3AKM on 2007-09-11
  In my opinion The Office is one of the funniest shows that has ever been on television.. this season was the best so far but, every episode of all 3 seasons has made me laugh, which no other show has done, i cant wait for season 4 to start on the 27th!
  
  
• the office
  By A7DAMT8NWE2BD on 2007-07-07
  I love this show. It took me awhile to understand it but I laugh out loud everytime. Finally a good show on TV. I can watch this show all day long!!!
  
  
• COVER ART CHANGED?!
  By ANOJ41GIA57EH on 2007-07-22
  The original cover art had Michael Scott posing as 'Prison Mike' and it looked awesome! But they've recently decided to change it and just put a normal Michael Scott picture on there.
  
  Office fans UNITE!! Write to Universal and demand that the Prison Mike version be brought back! They can't tease us with a brilliant cover and then take it away like this!!!
  
  
  
• Wow...just wow
  By A1JK3ZU35B67AG on 2007-08-09
  It is pretty close to perfection the way The Office balances over-the-top hilarity, moments so awkward you have to watch them through your fingers, and poignant, subtle reflections of insecurity, inertia, regret and tenderness. All of this is framed documentary style during a mundane day at the office or at an event of forced "funtivities." It is bleak, and compelling, and tear-inducingly funny. Attention to every tiny detail in direction, an amazing cast and unbelievably great writing make this the best comedy on television right now.
  
  
• One of the Best-Ever!
  By A2W1MVC5OR0I92 on 2007-09-10
  This is an excellent DVD set for a number of reasons.
  
  First, is just the quality of the show. I think this show will go down in TV history as one of the best. I watched them as aired on the network and the episodes were just as funny and entertaining the second time around. Also, there were quite a few things that I missed the first time around.
  
  The extras are great, especially the deleted scenes. Most episodes are around 20 minutes and each show has 5-10 minutes of deleted scenes, all new and as funny as what was aired.
  
  This is what a DVD set of a TV show should be and I give my highest recommendation-worth every penny!
  
  
• Hilarious
  By A3KBZ1NCC9Z0EM on 2007-09-18
  What a great show. The DVD extras are cool. This is the kind of DVD you can put in on a cold winter weekend day and spend all day watching.
  
  
• Great but not as good as the second season...
  By ABZUKHFCOHRS4 on 2007-07-06
  We already own all of these episodes on itunes but are excited to watch it on our tv. There are many great episodes and of course they wait until the last moment to tell us what will happen with Jim and Pam. It's annoying and wonderful, all at the same time.
  
  
• The Best Show On TV
  By A3TLCQK3YZ3724 on 2007-09-04
  This show is the reason Thursdays feel like a holiday for me. This DVD is a must have for any fan of the show. The bonus features are awesome and watching the romantic passiob between Dwight and Angela is the best! haha... GO SCHRUTE!!!
  
  
• the OFFICE is OFFICESOME!!
  By A2HEV2DBHZX6P4 on 2007-09-10
  The Office is this awesome show about some cool, hip, good-looking people--Jim, Pam and Karen--who stick it to less attractive, socially awkward nerds. I LOVE watching this show because I know that Jim (who's superawesome and funny and goodloking like me) is going to mock everyone because HE'S COOLER!!! He even SLAPS DWIGHT IN THE FACE UNPROVOKED at one point and I'm like "oh hells yeah, aweseom!" Cause some people think I'm a jerk for belting on nerds but just look at THE OFFICE: Nerds deserve to be made to feel small. Not being cool IS A CRIME and jim halpert is like JUDGE DREDGE of a little state called PENNSYLVANIA--ever heard of it?
  
  Besides nerds getting their comeuppance, the other great thing about the office is CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP!!! A billion years ago it was uncool to take corporate sponsorships. Take a hike, GRAMPS, time for THE OFFICE to get paid. Corporations like HP and Microsoft and Staples are giant rich SUCCESSFUL corporations. GUess what else is rich and successful? Me!!! So no suprise Microsoft and I both support the Office.
  
  Plus, corporate sponsorship means MORE REALISM!!! In real life people don't say "Let's go to Office Supply Store X"--nope, they say Staples or whatever. Ok, in the real world people might talk crap about Staples or Hooters or CHili's and obviously you can't do that to the people giving your show millions of dollars. But so what? Once you get big enough and powerful enough, IT'S ALL BUT AGAINST THE LAW TO CRITICIZE THEM IN PUBLIC!!! I'd like to be that big and rich some day. Sure the office is unrealistic in some ways like, I dunno, an office of 20 middle-aged people and only one of them (Stanley) is married. Or neither Dwight nor Jim having ever been to a strip club.
  
  But are family dynamics and sexual desire the integral components of reality? Hell no! THE UNCRITICAL USE OF BRAND NAMES is what makes reality so sprite-drinking-inducingly REAL!! Guess what? This second of reality is brought to by Coca-Cola, BENEVOLENT CORPORATE OVERLORD!!
  
  So if you like beating up nerds, REAL REALISM and big corporations, the office is for you and me!
  
  
• Just when you thought "The Office" couldn't get any better...
  By A339PCH29LCYF8 on 2007-09-19
  ...it get so much better! The storylines are still fresh. The acting is completely convincing and it leaves the viewer just wanting more and more (especially for Rainn Wilson).
  
  I found myself asking "what else can they do with this premise?" One would think that being confined to an office setting, the storylines would get stagnant, but that is not the case. As the series progresses, the characters become more and more developed.
  
  I'm amazed how the writers are able to weave all of these dynamic characters into a cohesive narrative, but they do it so successfully. The actors have great intuition and they play-off of each other very well.
  
  In the third season, Jim has transferred to D-M's Stamford branch in Connecticut. They cleverly bounce back and forth between Scranton and Stamford establishing parallel narratives which intersect from time to time.
  
  It's just a real treat to see the series progress. You think you know a certain character and their aspirations, but then you are surprised by revelations that arise throughout the show. All of the actors are superb and really understand their characters, but Rainn Wilson and Steve Carell really shine. Their performances are extraordinary because they are so multi-dimensional and will have you laughing, shocked, and empathetic all within a 21 minute episode and that's what makes a great television show.
  
  
• The Office - Season Three
  By A3NJUFOBGBD3WD on 2007-10-06
  Didn't like Steve Carrell or Ed Helms before the Office. Now I think they are two of he funniest guys alive. Also, great character development throughout the series.
  
  
• A step backwards
  By A3N2LK7IEY3NYB on 2008-03-16
  **SPOILERS**
  I know this review won't be popular, but I was very disappointed with Season 3 of "The Office". Other than seeing parts of a few episodes, I missed the show entirely on television and one day borrowed the season 1-3 DVDs from a friend. Over the course of several weeks I watched all the episodes sequentially, and this allowed me to get a feel for how the show was evolving over time. Season 1 was very good, but I got the sense that they were still finding their rhythm. Season 2, however, was fantastic. It had excellent writing and direction, the performers revealed just how well they had been cast in their parts, and they really made you care about the relationships between their characters. I was obviously excited to begin season 3, but was sad to discover half way through disc 1 that much of the magic from season 2 was gone. Michael Scott, who used to induce cringes of discomfort with his ignorant and inappropriate remarks, had been reduced to a mere buffoon who no one took seriously. The Pam-Jim-Karen love triangle fizzled and failed to build on the emotional finish of season 2. The idea that Jan would have any sustained interest in a relationship with Michael was completely unbelievable. Ryan, amusing as the wet-behind-the-ears temp who represented the detached viewers, became merely annoying after B.J. Novak increased his own role in the show. And don't get me started on the pointless expansion of the 'Kelly' character or John Krasinski's silly wig he wears during the last part of the season. Make no mistake - there are still some classic episodes in season 3 such as "Gay Witch Hunt" "Phyllis' Wedding" and "Business School" but there are way too many duds like "Initiation" "Safety Training" "Diwali" and "The Convict" ('Prison Mike' demonstrates how the Michael Scott character devolved from being a misguided but well-meaning dork to a borderline retarded moron). I also wish Ed Helms' role had been better utilized. There was so much potential to create hilarious office dynamics with Andy but they waste it for the most part. I haven't watched any of season 4, but I hear it is more of a return to form. There is a lot to like in season 3, but the humor misses more than hits and that is nothing but a disappointment for a show with as much potential as "The Office".
  
  
• The Office is Simply Hilarious
  By A3P9D22KDEXVMN on 2007-07-05
  The Office has one of the best ensemble casts on television. It is a great show with excellent & smart writing. To me, this is one of the best sitcoms to come along since Seinfeld left (not counting syndication of course). This excellent season features the following episodes:
  
  Episode 1: Witch Hunt
  Original Air Date: 21 September 2006
  Michael apologizes to Oscar, after he finds out he's not into the ladies, for calling him a slur--but his apology outs Oscar to the entire office. And Jim decides to take a promotion at the Stamford office.
  
  Episode 2: The Convention
  Original Air Date: 28 September 2006
  Michael and Dwight go to a convention in Philadelphia and run into Jim, and Michael becomes jealous of Jim's relationship with his new boss. Meanwhile, Pam gets ready for her first date since her engagement.
  
  Episode 3: The Coup
  Original Air Date: 5 October 2006
  Michael is in trouble once again as Jan busts him for declaring it's "Movie Monday" where everyone watches a movie and neglects work. Angela pushes Dwight to make a move on Michael's job while Pam and Jim find creative ways to waste time.
  
  Episode 4: Grief Counseling
  Original Air Date: 12 October 2006
  Michael takes on the role of office grief counselor when he learns that his old boss has died.
  
  Episode 5: Initiation
  Original Air Date: 19 October 2006
  Dwight takes former temp Ryan to his beet farm to initiate Ryan to his new job at Dunder Mifflin.
  
  Episode 6: Diwali
  Original Air Date: 2 November 2006
  Michael encourages the entire Scranton branch to support Kelly and attend a local celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. Meanwhile, Andy convinces Jim to turn a late night of work into a drinking game.
  
  Episode 7: Branch Closing
  Original Air Date: 9 November 2006
  When Jan tells Michael that the Scranton Branch will be shutting down, Michael strives to keep his staff's spirits up. Meanwhile, everyone privately begins to envision how their lives will change in the aftermath.
  
  Episode 8: The Merger
  Original Air Date: 16 November 2006
  Jan informs Michael that the Scanton branch of Dunder Mifflin will be merging with the Stamford Branch. Jim and Pam are reunited while the other employees of both branches must adjust to their new co-workers.
  
  Episode 9: The Convict
  Original Air Date: 30 November 2006
  Michael learns that one of the new employees at Dunder Mifflin Scranton has a criminal record. Meanwhile, Jim helps Andy make a move on Pam.
  
  Episode 10: A Benihana Christmas
  Original Air Date: 14 December 2006
  Trouble among the members of the party planning committee results with the office having two competing Christmas parties, but Michael isn't interested in celebrating because he has just broken up with his girlfriend.
  
  Episode 11: Back from Vacation
  Original Air Date: 4 January 2007
  Michael isn't supposed to let anyone know that he and Jan went on vacation together in Jamaica, but he accidentally circulates a compromising photo of them to the office via e-mail.
  
  Episode 12: Traveling Salesmen
  Original Air Date: 11 January 2007
  Dwight does a favor for Angela to keep her from getting in trouble. Andy finds out and uses it against him to get in tighter with Michael. Now Dwight must fess up, which will reveal his relationship with Angela, or risk getting fired.
  
  Episode 13: The Return
  Original Air Date: 18 January 2007
  Andy does the impossible--he makes everyone in the office miss Dwight, who is forced to take a job at Staples. Meanwhile, Oscar comes back to the office and Michael predictably throws a stereotypical Mexican party to celebrate.
  
  Episode 14: Ben Franklin
  Original Air Date: 1 February 2007
  Michael asks Jim to get a male dancer for Phyllis's office bachelorette party, but he gets a Ben Franklin impersonator instead. Meanwhile, the men's bachelor party goes as planned until Michael becomes uncomfortable with the dancer.
  
  Episode 16: Phyllis' Wedding
  Original Air Date: 8 February 2007
  Michael exaggerates the importance of his small role in Phyllis's wedding and makes an idiot out of himself, and Pam notices that Phyllis stole all of her wedding ideas from her original wedding plans.
  
  Episode 17: Business School
  Original Air Date: 15 February 2007
  Michael is a guest speaker for Ryan's business class, but they have a falling-out after Michael finds out that Ryan spoke negatively about Dunder-Mifflin. And back at the office, Dwight tries to kill a bat that he found in the ceiling.
  
  Episode 18: Cocktails
  Original Air Date: 22 February 2007
  While Michael and Jan go to their first Dunder-Mifflin outing as an official couple, the office workers left behind go out for happy hour. During happy hour, Roy finds out that Jim and Pam kissed at Casino Night.
  
  Episode 19: The Negotiation
  Original Air Date: 5 April 2007
  Dwight saves Jim from an attack by Roy, but Dwight won't allow Jim to thank him for it. Meanwhile, Darryl asks Michael for a pay raise, and Michael discovers that he is woefully underpaid--so Michael goes to headquarters to ask for one himself.
  
  Episode 20: Safety Training
  Original Air Date: 12 April 2007
  Andy returns to the office after weeks of anger management training, determined to make a fresh start with all the Dunder-Mifflin employees. Meanwhile, it's safety training day in the office, and Michael and Dwight are on a mission to illuminate the dangers of the workplace.
  
  Episode 21: Product Recall
  Original Air Date: 26 April 2007
  Michael tries to be proactive during a watermark crisis, but only makes the situation worse. Meanwhile, Angela has trouble being apologetic with customers, and Andy discovers a secret about his new girlfriend.
  
  Episode 22: Women's Appreciation
  Original Air Date: 3 May 2007
  Phyllis gets flashed in the parking lot, and Dwight goes all out to secure the premises. Michael ostensibly takes the women in the office to the mall to comfort them, but he's really doing it to get advice about breaking up with Jan.
  
  Episode 23: Beach Games
  Original Air Date: 5 May 2007
  Michael uses "beach day" at Dunder-Mifflin to find out which employee would be his most capable replacement, just in case he receives the promotion to the New York office that he's applied for.
  
  Episode 24: The Job
  Original Air Date: 17 May 2007
  Michael appoints Dwight as regional manager, anticipating that he will receive the job at corporate. Jim and Karen also interview for the same position. And Michael gets back together with Jan after she has a surgical augmentation procedure.
  
  Season three is well-worth the 5 star rating and is worth watching again and again.
  
  

• The Office - Season Two
• The Office - Season One
• The Office: Season Four
• The Office: Seasons One and Two
• 30 Rock - Season 1