Office Recap, "New Boss"

Just a quick housekeeping note--I don't think I'm going to have the time to get this week's POP done or write that post about feminism. In short, yay for women! and you should also read The Graveyard Book and watch Bones and listen to Middle Cyclone. Yeah, I think that about covers everything.

Since this was my last episode of The Office before heading off to the Land Of Bryan Adams, I was really, really worried that it was going to be a lame episode. It was very cringe-y, but not so much lame. Not very heavy on the lulz, either, but that doesn't mean it wasn't funny. (Admit it, you guys are totally gonna miss my recaps.)

Michael's been with DM for a stunning 15 years, which everyone knows requires a classy party. Dwight suggests that they have an ice sculpture of Michael's head covered in chocolate strawberries. Jim counters a few minutes later with an ice sculpture surrounded by chocolate-covered fruit. Maybe strawberries? This episode is very special something for the ladies, since Jim Halpert spends it in a tux. See, Dwight sent out a memo talking about taking workplace dress more seriously. Jim can't help but comply. He spent 40 minutes getting ready and Pam's just eating it all up.

Idris Elba (Stringer Bell from The Wire, which I only know because everyone mentions that in the same breath as they say his name) arrives as Charles Minor. (Minor? I 'ardly know 'er!) He's the tough-guy boss who's going to establish order and peace once more to Dunder Mifflin Scranton. Poor guy, I don't think he really knew what he was in for. The reception is warm and Michael leads them from the break room to the conference room, where he's prepared bagels in the shape of Cs. And was that lox at the end of the table? It took Michael all night to prepare and it's not long before Charles is messing with Michael's mind. He does everything from disband the PPC (no thanks to Phyllis, pshhh) to tell Kevin that he can't get overtime for fixing an accounting mistake.

Michael turns from adoring to resentful to petulant all in the course of a day, which isn't entirely out of character. Pam has a great talking head about how the immaturity level of his comedy act is in direct correlation to how mad he is. This time he skipped right over Ace Ventura to the "I'm going to repeat everything you say" routine. Ah, yes, the old repetition stand-by. Audiences love that. He tattles to David Wallace, who patiently explains that Charles is his new go-to guy. This is all very confusing for Michael because Jan, his old lover, would only come to Pennsylanvania when she was super horny and Ryan would only drop by to visit his parents and do laundry.

Along with some harmless flirting from Kelly and Angela (well, so far it's harmless), Charles makes the biggest impact in Jim's life. The logistics of Jim's prank don't go over well with Charles and then he argues with Jim over the Assistant (to the) Regional Manager position. Jim quips that "For my next trick, I will now make my career...disappear!" I know they don't get along now, but I think that there may be potential for a BFF relationship in the future. Maybe, I'm not sure yet.

After a failed attempt to reach David on the phone (with a little help from Dwight who charms the receptionist by saying that Michael Scotch has captured Wallace's kid), Michael actually drives up to New York and confronts the CFO. He's always looked up to David and he's not happy with this sudden turn of betrayal. David promises that he'll find the money for Michael's 15th Party and he'll also attend. In a strange turn of events, Michael doesn't accept but instead quits. Dun-dun-dunnnnn.

So I suspected that this was coming based on certain spoilers I've read and it's not like he'll be gone forever. I think it'll be good for Michael to re-interpret his life away from DM. This episode was definitely cringe-worthy and I LOVE it when The Office does the really cringe-y stuff. I had one of those awkward pit-in-my-stomach feelings when he was doing the repeating thing and everyone was yelling at him to stop. It was great and I mean that earnestly. Stuff like that is one of the many reasons I love my show. Man, I'm really gonna miss writing these recaps.

Stay classy, Scranton. I'll see you and the rest of the Dunder Mifflin gang in 18 months.