I've been watching it too. I like it, but the current lack of an overall story arc hurts it when compared to a show like Scrubs/The Office. Hopefully it would change if it comes back next season.

Well, I liked that episode. I think I'll set up a Cafe Disco in the handicapped bathroom at work. NOT A DISCO CAFE!

Funniest pointless episode in a long time.

God if Angela has just cut loose and danced her ass off it would have been the greatest thing in forever.

Loved this episode and agree with the thought that it was the funniest pointless episode in a long time.

The cold open and Dwight being SO proud of himself had me on the floor.

Agreed 100%. This was a throwaway episode, everybody knew it and every single cast member had fun with it. The dance-off between Andy and Kelly had me rolling especially with Kelly rocking the Flashdance move at the end.

Jenna Fischer + Pink dress = Ohhhhhh man.

Awesome episode. Just a fun fun fun episode that nobody could dislike. Wonder why Ryan wasn't at the party?

I could hear the collective gasp from all the JAM fans when they hinted it would be a quick wedding in front of nobody. Glad they decided not to do it that way. Not b/c I want to see a big wedding episode but mainly b/c I'm sick to fucking death of Jim and Pam being the "we're so different than all other couples" couple.

I wonder if Andy and Kelly will become an item?

Rob

Probably my favorite cold open of the season. I know I've complained about overusing the "staring into the camera" reaction, but damn if Jim and Pam weren't shooting daggers with their eyes.

I think this is the first time I actually found Kelly attractive...

Is next week it? Or are there two more? It seemed odd to have an episode where nothing really happened so close to the season finale.

I *think* the season finale is next week.

Rob

Andy and Kelly totally have to be an item. There was definite heat there. It works out perfectly because they are both so nuts, but in a compatible way, not like Angela's brand of crazy being totally smothering to anyone who is not Dwight. As someone on TWoP said: I want Kandy!

I didn't think much of this episode (awesome Dwight prank aside) until later on. I think one thing that was depressing about the episode was that things didn't take off downstairs until Michael gave up on the idea of a cafe disco, and then it kicked into high gear with no involvement from him. It plays into things in the past like Jim not wanting to invite Michael to his BBQ because his absence is a key ingredient to a successful party. Michael thinks he's a fun guy, but a fun group of office-mates can't possibly have fun with him involved. It makes me feel really bad for Michael. He wasn't even that obnoxious here except towards Angela, and really, f what she thinks.

Anyone else think that Phyllis went into Bob's office to let him now she'd be dancing in a room with Michael just to set Michael up to be pummeled? Evil Phyllis of this season has totally skewed every thought I have about her character.

Pam in the pink dress was one of the most adorable things I've ever seen. I totally thought they would view their stopover in the cafe disco as a brief wedding reception and then be on their way to get married. I guess this means that they won't be married until next season. Oh well. Also, I'm glad they reconciled their realism and practicality with Pam's comment in Broke about the wedding being expensive. Her comment in Broke lead me to believe that they were planning a big expensive wedding (which would suck and be totally out of character) but she made it sound like an intimate affair that turned out to be surprisingly pricey for people as practical as them. Stupid extortionist flower/cake/photography people.


I am writing a lot about an essentially meaningless episode! I also loved that Erin is coming into her own as a fun, quirky, yet, normal person. Kevin and his gf attacking each other was awesome, too. Go get you some, big Kev.

My life may have officially reached it's most depressing peak....because I really wanted to be hanging out at Cafe Disco. ;)

Creed's disco ball = his rearview mirror........... Awesome.

A very fun episode that makes me thing next week is going to be an emotional one for Micheal's character.
However, this episode was a lot of fun and one of my favorite episodes of the season.

I died at the idea of Dwight treating Phyllis like an injured horse.

No love for Creed coming out of the bathroom eating a piece of chicken?

That got the biggest laugh from me, that or Dwight feeding Phyllis a carrot.

Next week is the finale, and



The characters made last night's episode work, but I really didn't like the writing at all. Way too over the top for me.

Also, to the person who said this was the first time Kelly looked attractive, I seem to recall her looking good at Phyllis's wedding.

I wish I could watch this like I did before school, but my schedule to say the least has been busy, and with having school while this is on that doesn't help. Last one I saw was when Michael apparently quit while in New York. So:

-What did I miss? What key plots happened since then?

-It seems I have seven episodes to check out. Any episodes I should skip for the sake of time, or just go watch them all?

I'd say watch all except the one that aired yesterday (which is pretty much a throwaway episode). The entire mini-arc that occurred after the moment you mentioned is incredible.

The "throwaway" episode was very, very funny. Which is the most important thing for a comedy. I'd say watch that one too. After some shaky middle episodes this season has been hitting it out of the park leading to the finale.

Creed coming out of the bathroom chomping on a piece of chicken and saying "I hear it too boss!" was awesome. Everyone eventually giving in to the Cafe Disco beat was pretty awesome.

last night was season 5 ep #25 (may 8th) if you are using pirate bay. It's all about cafe disco and it's full of great little moments.

Oh, I agree, it's a funny episode, but it's not like it'd be essential if you were looking to catch up for the season finale. Perhaps a better term would've been "filler"?

...so the finale isn't going to be the wedding then? A cliffhanger wedding episode or something?

It's going to be a company picnic featuring all of Dunder Mifflin, not just the Scranton branch. Sadly, even though all past seasons have had 1 hour (or more) finales - this year is just a half hour. Same for 30 Rock.

Rob

The wedding was always going to take place early next season. They just faked everyone into thinking it would be this week for a ratings grab.

God that was incredible 22 minutes of really a lot of nothing. I love scenes in TV shows where casts gather for something and just have fun. I love watching the people in the background.

Although I'm not a huge fan of Erin being so eager, it came together perfectly with this for her being the first interested in Cafe Disco. And more of her, Kelly and that Ashley girl as a trinity of pop cultured bi-yatch g/fs next season, please.

There was a very subtle moment that I loved where Michael caught Angela swaying her leg to the music. Not sure if that'll lead to anything, but that's why I love this show.

Also, yeah, Kevin!!!

Erin "being so eager" to me comes off as her just trying to warm her way into the hearts of her coworkers. See the lunch room episode where she jams with Dwight and Andy. Pretty new secretary has two of the sales guys hitting on her, rather than rebuke them she plays along, all sincere smiles and stuff.

Then she goes to Dwight "how you doing guy?" and he scolds her saying she shouldn't have to ask that everytime she goes by the desk, then he warms up and says he's fine.

It doesn't look like she's being a kiss up or quick to jump in with what's going on. She's new, she's a bit shy but she's trying to show the team that she's a team player and so she puts on a happy face and indulges the employees games or quirks.

I've known a few women and men in real life much like Erin. Rather than play the game of politics, they're just all & all nice people who go with the flow.

And that is why I like Erin so darn much. She might not be a part of any major story, but she doesn't need to be. She's just fun, and I like that.

I finally caught up on the episodes far (Yaaaaaay!) and I just love Michael having his own paper company and getting bought out for supposedly doing better than Dundlin Mifflin. Good times. As for Cafe Disco, that was genuine fun. I love a good mindless episode where there's no need this time for any plot twists, just fun.

I don't know if I would call her shy. In fact, I don't think you could by the way she has jumped in. And yes, I agree that I was making a point of her being "eager" as more of her wanting to make friends and fit in. And that's fine, but it started off a little jarring. I did like that it's potentially going to give us that kickass friendship with Kelly Kapoor.

Haha, hers is a more outgoing kind of shyness. Like the "well i'm new and i know nobody, so i'll just jump in headfirst into whatever's going on around here and then i'll meet new people and make new friends."

And I'll cosign: I love Erin's character and easy going fun loving nature. I sincerely hope she gets added to the cast like Andy's character was. From his first appearances in Stamford to the merger, I'd always thought (and secretly wished) he'd leave, but hot damn was I wrong, and I love his character.

I'm making a toast, let's hope Erin sticks around and gets added to the cast eh?

I'm up for that.

I have a feeling with this being the season finale after last week's throwaway episode they're setting us up by having some big moment happen tonight. I could see Holly coming back, but something else is bound to happen that shakes things up. These season finales of theirs tend to work that way.

PREDICTABLE.

Knew it right when the nurse asked if Pam was pregnant.

Rob

Yeah, but who cares? It's cool and it should be awesome to see how Michael butts his way into this one.

I was totally thinking that Holly would interrupt Michael's final talking head.

Overall, pretty solid end to the season. They seemed to indicate a possible Dwight & Angela reunion as well as more with Andy pursuing Erin.

So like, 14 seconds before they actually reveal it? I mean it's a predictable twist but catching on then isn't really something to brag about.

Underwhelming for a finale. Would have been a solid episode at any point in the season, but this show has given us 3 great final episodes over the last three seasons. This one didn't pack much of a punch for me.

Well...

a) It wasn't 14 seconds. There were about 4 scenes spliced in between.

b) I wasn't saying it like "oh shit that was so predictable it ruined the show". I was just pointing out I knew that's how they were going to end it.

With that said - it was a pretty good episode... for a mid-season show before taking a 2 or 3 week break. As a finale it kinda blew.

Rob

I liked the episode a lot but it definitely had a lot to live up to coming off Goodbye Toby, The Job, Casino Night...

I would have saved that cold open for next season and had the cold open be Pam & Jim arriving, ending with "you don't grab these for support," and saving 2 or so minutes for something bigger at the end: Dwight/Angela re-hooking up; something with Holly/Michael; or even (preferably) Andy/Kelly hooking up. I don't mind it too much because we kinda already got our big eventful finale with Broke. But it was a little underwhelming as a finale.

Having said that, tons of great stuff with Pam being uber-competitive, Dwight's best friend was AWESOME; the meeting of the two HR reps; Stanley being awesome. Definitely a lot of fun but didn't feel like a finale.

I tried to avoid this board and the promos because I wanted to be surprised if Holly was coming back, then got uber-pissed when her name was in the credits. At least she showed up immediately.

A mixed bag. I agree with everyone else, a good episode, but what with all the major angles tossed around this season, I was kinda disappointed that there wasn't more to it.

Personally, I thought the Jim-Pam finale was really sweet, though it troubles me a little, because NOTHING has gone wrong for these two all season (aside from Pam failing art school.) I shudder to think what might be in store.

I swear, Micheal can be annoying as hell, but man, I really felt for him at the end, trying to make a positive out of a heart-breaking situation.

It did leave a lot to be desired. Jim never spiked the ball into Charles' smug face, Holly never came back to Michael, Scranton probably lost to corporate, but the JAM scenes in the hospital were amazing. From the homage to the British version of an important scene taking place in a silent room ("She said no, by the way." was too bleak for this), to Jim's perfect giddy reaction was awesome. You'd think they'd be slightly terrified, but they were totally and completely joyful, and that is awesome. They seem to have no worries, so long as they're together, and Jim has a fine set of breasts to use to keep his balance. That was a hilarious scene. Jim made that crack and Pam shot him a death glare.

Michael's perspective on the Holly relationship was a first ever glimpse at competent and mature salesman Michael in the realm of the personal. Also, it poked fun at sitcom convention. If the love of my life showed up with her significant other with designs on a home together and a future together, I sure as shit wouldn't have held it together as well as Michael did. And really, what is wrong with Holly? Less than a year with this guy immediately after meeting her soulmate, and she's made serious commitments. She's probably just lonely, and has no idea about how Michael feels about her. She probably doesn't believe it because of a lack of confidence. It makes me wonder what the hell was in the Dear Michael file. Yet another thing they left open, like that look Angela shot Dwight (NOOOOOO!)

Half and half episode, I really enjoyed the Michael and Holly parts as the announcing of the branch closing was classic stuff, and Dwight and his best friend had me cracking up. But there being no real advancement in Charles' storyline (I thought it would be a more important part of the episode) and the somewhat flat ending (in the realm of sitcom storylines, Pam being pregnant isn't really a big deal) I was a little disappointed overall. It would have been a really good mid-season episode but didn't really feel like a season finale.

I forgot to add that. Seeing how Charles came off in tonight's episode makes me glad he only was on as brief as he was, since they only would have ruined him. What made the Charles character great was when he would point out Jim's faults, and Jim would actually be in the wrong but not mean to be. Tonight, Jim didn't do anything and Charles was just a flat-out douche for no reason.

But yeah, I expected the obvious finish to be Jim scoring the winning shot on Charles.

I'm intending to watch this tomorrow morning, but they're hinting at Dwight and Angela AGAIN? C'mon already. I thought Andy would go for Kelly after last week (why not, they're both crazy enough) but him going for Erin I guess makes sense. Whatever keeps her on the show.

Erin has to steer Andy towards Kelly. Whomever said they wanted Erin & Kelly as girly BFF's is totally right on.

There are a TON of possibilities left open for next season, which I am happy about: Angela's cold hearted reaction Pam's bastard child; the evolution of Dwight as a fun loving guy; more romantic tension with Holly/Michael; Charles still hasn't gotten his comeuppance; Andy & Erin/ Andy & Kelly; everyone telling them how to raise their child; etc. definitely stoked about next season.

Erin does hold what I'm guessing is my favorite line this season (and I'll obviously re-evaluate when I see the DVDs) but it's from Cafe Disco. Her simple "You're bad" at Kelly's stupid "Crap-pay Disco" comment was just so perfect. I think it's where I was like "alright, more of her now".

Count me in as a fan of Erin. We need her to stick around.

Count me in as one of the people that thinks Charles is a prick and wanted to see his nose get bloodied by a volleyball.

My only letdown of the episode really? A company picnic would have been a perfect place for Creed to do something uber-random and ridiculous. Really, an episode without at least one tiny bizarre Creed moment just doesn't seem right to me :)

I am fine with Charles not getting bashed. That would have been predictable. I think Jim will get revenge on him when we elast expect it.

Charles got his comeuppence when Micheal was brought back. For some reason my first thought of Jim and Pam having a baby was "Hideous chud of a child."

My favorite part of the whole episode was Dwight going crazy and kicking the ball because Jim/Pam left then calmly saying "Oh, I'll get it".

Um, that was part of his plan to stall...

I thought the last 10 minutes made up for a so-so first twenty. Everybody's acting like nothing important happened but MICHAEL FUCKING SCOTT HAD AN ADULT FUCKING REACTION TO AN ADULT SITUATION, and in fact one of THE WORST adult situations we have to deal with. We had 20 minutes of cringe-inducing Michael at his worst (and actually, worse because I think most of us have been there) and just when you expect him to do the dumbest thing ever because he's so clueless, he doesn't. He acts like a real man and walks away.
Seriously, there's always King of Queens reruns if you want your typical sitcom resolutions. Kevin James would've spiked the ball in Charles' face, in slow motion, with his fat jiggling and Queen playing in the background and a laugh track followed by a cheer track. Jim Halpert spiked the ball on Charles, and Charles was forced to acknowledge that Jim can be serious, and had to react. That's why we watch this show.

-jlowe

Yeah, his faux anger followed by that line had me laughing quite a bit. I also love how proud of himself he is after the jokes he tells. His "Like clockwork" and the horse doctor lines were so clever to him, and I like that aspect of Dwight now.

I really had a hard time watching the Holly/Michael scenes because Michael becomes real when she is around. He isn't some over-the-top character anymore. His "soup snakes" line stands out from all of his other misunderstandings of sayings because it came off as someone so nervous about being around someone instead of just being an idiot.

I agree that the show didn't live up to the past season finales. It would have really benefited from running an hour. There would have been more room for quick scenes involving Oscar chatting up someone from another branch, Creed doing something Creedy, Kelly interacting with Ryan or just flirting with random guys, and they could have expanded the Erin/Andy stuff. I also thought that we would see Angela come into the game and dominate since she really seemed to want to get in the game. Then her and Pam could bond over volleyball backgrounds. Then with a friendship brewing it could come crashing down with her being sickened by Pam being pregnant. Oh well, still a fine episode, but a poor finale.

Yeah, I know what it was for. The delivery of it was hilarious, though.

The reason Holly and Michael can't be together is because they are too much alike. Holly is a female Michael, so it can't work. Either that or they are long lost siblings. Its obvious Pam was lying about the Dear Michael thing, so I think it just reinforces why Michael and Holly can't be together and NEVER will be together.

Everyone's big o'ing about Michael acting like and adult and being mature after he did one of the absolute worst, immature, and tactless acts possible. But hey that's Michael Scott for you :D .

My full of win line for the episode was that little interview aside for Stanley, sitting back, chilling with his tropical drink and in a straw hat:

"I'm normally not a fan of the theatre, but this is delightful."

So full of f'n win.