John Krasinski - Branch Wars (4.10) Episode Discussion - Page 2

girl in a cardigan · 11-01-2007, 08:08 PM

Unfortunately, I thought this was my least favorite episode of the season so far. I love Rashida and I was so excited about seeing Karen with Jim again - just to see how that would be. But the episode didn't really live up to my expectations.

While I think I understand the concept behind the "Finer Things Club" that Pam, Oscar and Toby started, I have a really hard time believing they don't know what snobby idiots they look like. Barrets? Really? I think it's great that they want to read cool books and discuss them at lunch, but I dunno. It just seemed so ridiculous. And being snotty because other people want to use the breakroom as the breakroom? Not a fan. If they really wanted to be exclusive and private, why couldn't they hold their book club at each of their houses once a week? Just seems like a dick move to have a private club in front of everyone.

I did think it was hilarious that Michael and Dwight teamed up to fool Jim into going on a "sales call" and kidnapping him to go to Utica. Even though it wasn't "funny" per say, Jim's reaction was AWESOME and completely true to life. I figured he'd be freaked to see Karen, but I had no idea how much. I couldn't believe Dwight threw Jim's phone out the window - and then when they went back to look for it? That was great! And now I guess we know for sure that Jim has a brother (did we always know that? I feel like I read too much fanfic sometimes. And while we're on the subject, Jim's brother had a baby and we didn't know about it till now? That seems kinda weird right? Okay, back to the episode). I really couldn't believe that Dwight made actual bombs and stuff - that kinda took me out of the fun for a while. I did enjoy the visual of the three of them with their shirts and mustaches though. Turns out my favorite part of the promo was my favorite part of the episode - go figure!

I thought it was hysterical that Jim was actually hiding from Karen in the car and getting really pissed at the camera guy when he kept raising up to see Karen through the window. I always like when they remind us that this is a documentary. Karen knocking on the window was AWESOME. Is it wrong that I loved Karen more than Pam in this episode?

Okay, I know that realistically, they can't fire Michael because Steve Carell won't leave the show. But do they really have to keep putting Michael in these ridiculous situations where he should be fired? Because since the season started, he has hit an employee with his car, held a pizza delivery boy hostage and vandalized company property at another branch. Seems like a bit much, no? I did like that Michael was so protective of Stanley. And then Stanley trying to figure out if Michael is an evil genius (or whatever he called him)? Awesome!

Wow, the Jim/Karen stuff was BRUTAL, but so realistic. Jim has no idea what to say to her because he knows he hurt her, but he's not really sorry he did. And he just couldn't stop talking. Instead of explaining how Michael and Dwight had tricked him into coming, he starts talking about how he didn't want to see her because he's dating Pam? Oh Jim, Jim, no. Just...no. Karen's reaction was fabulous and just so realistic. I loved that she yelled at him about him bringing up Pam and all. That was a really great scene and Karen OWNED it.

I was sorry to see Jim not taking the book club seriously, even though I kinda understand where he's coming from. I was also kinda hoping that he'd at least mention that they actually went to Utica and he saw Karen. Communication was not his strong suit tonight.

All in all, not my favorite. Fingers crossed for next week!

***Enigma*** · 11-01-2007, 09:40 PM

I think one of the things I disliked about this episode (aside from stuff I've already mentioned) is that there were alot of people missing in this episode. I tend to like it most when we see a little bit of everyone. But, I understand that's not possible every time or doesn't serve the storyline every time.

girl in a cardigan · 11-02-2007, 10:40 AM

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Originally Posted by DreamWalker (View Post)

I think one of the things I disliked about this episode (aside from stuff I've already mentioned) is that there were alot of people missing in this episode.

Exactly! I feel like they are leaving the office a little too much and we lose seeing people when that happens. Even though (or maybe because) we have seen a lot of Angela this season, I really missed her. We had one shot of her when Michael came out to announce that Stanley was leaving and that was it. No Meredith, Creed, Kelly, Ryan, Jan, Darryl and minimal Phyllis, Kevin and ironically Stanley. I know that they have a huge cast and it's hard to involve everyone, but when they spend the whole time in the office, it seems like it's easier to accomplish.

I just read a review that I (unfortunately) agree with and I wanted to share a blurb:

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Everything started off great, including the beginning of the road trip (the first time we've seen Jim come close to losing his temper).

I believed that he'd be willing to go along on the road trip to Utica to act as the voice of reason. I didn't believe that Michael and Dwight would think they could steal an industrial copier from the Utica office and get away with it, or that it could somehow save Stanley from being "poached" from the Scranton branch. It just felt too broad and zany, something out of a very different, less enjoyable sitcom.

***Enigma*** · 11-02-2007, 08:47 PM

Thanks for the review. I definitely agree about the copier thing. I felt the same about pizza delivery guy thing. Too outlandish for me.

I've watched the episode a few more times and it definitely had a lot of laugh out loud moments and some great scenes. But, for a few of the reasons we've already discussed it's not in my top 10-20 eps. But, it did have some stuff I loved.

**mystic2182** · 11-03-2007, 03:26 PM

You know, the two deleted scenes that NBC put up say a little more about the other characters, as well as Jim being more communicative about the situation.

I liked the episode, even if parts were outlandish. And I think just hearing Michael and Dwight's walkie talkie commentary was much funnier than if we might have seen it. If not for the line from Michael, "Just climb on top of her and think of Stanley."

girl in a cardigan · 11-03-2007, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mystic2182 (View Post)

You know, the two deleted scenes that NBC put up say a little more about the other characters, as well as Jim being more communicative about the situation.

Yeah, I really liked both deleted scenes and I'm kinda surprised that they were cut. I guess they have such a limited time available to them, but with the other talking heads and especially the Jim/Pam phone convo, the episode would have felt more rounded and complete.

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If not for the line from Michael, "Just climb on top of her and think of Stanley."

That was AWESOME!

**mystic2182** · 11-04-2007, 10:47 AM

I also heard someone else mention this that Michael says, which I didn't hear the last time... where Michael asks Jim to host the dundies if something happens to him.

girl in a cardigan · 11-04-2007, 11:53 AM

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Originally Posted by mystic2182 (View Post)

I also heard someone else mention this that Michael says, which I didn't hear the last time... where Michael asks Jim to host the dundies if something happens to him.

I think it's right before Karen knocks on the window. Jim is trying really hard to hide and annoyed with the camera guy, so that's what you focus on, but Michael's still rambling in the background.

**mystic2182** · 11-05-2007, 04:32 PM

I'll have to watch it again. Dwight and Michael had some good lines in there...

girl in a cardigan · 11-06-2007, 05:16 PM

You're right, Mel, they had some great lines! I just watched it again yesterday and tried to focus on what Michael and Dwight were saying while Jim was busy freaking out about Karen and it was hysterical! I wonder if Steve improv'd any of it.

**mystic2182** · 11-06-2007, 05:39 PM

For me, the best part is when Jim is trying desperately to hide in the car, and Dwight and Michael are giving a running commentary.

girl in a cardigan · 11-06-2007, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mystic2182 (View Post)

For me, the best part is when Jim is trying desperately to hide in the car, and Dwight and Michael are giving a running commentary.

I loved that! Especially when Jim was yelling at them not to use his name - as if them stealing an industrial copier wouldn't be noticeable enough already