The Incentive Review

Hmmm....

Historically, the second episode of the season isn't really as great as the premiere.  Most of them are mediocre.  Unfortunately, this one falls into that catagory.  I mean, I understand that the first few episodes this season will focus on why Andy is manager.  Fine, I can deal with that.  Especially, if they follow through and spread the love.  But, an episode about Andy is still an episode about Andy.  What I liked about the premiere is that it did such a great job of spreading the love.  Everyone got a bit in it and it held together well as an ensemble piece.  This was was more so about Andy, which does put me on guard a little bit.  Because, ultimately, when the show was about Michael Scott, it was about Michael Scott, and that's what brought it down.  And it's been refreshing, yeah, I know, I said it, with out Michael Scott around.  So, I hope that the writers stick to their original intentions so that Andy does not become the sole focus of the show. 

I feel like this episode was written as if to explain why Andy was made manager.  Did that really need to be answered?  I would have taken it on faith that someone wanted to see if Andy had what it took.  I didn't really need an episode about it.  But in a way, I understand why they went that way. 

On the positive side, at least the show still feels fresh.  Really, there were some nice moments and I did laugh out loud.  The other great thing is that they're not over using James Spader--which was also a fear of mine.  No, he comes in, does his five minutes, and leaves, which I'm glad.  And I think that once the season gets on its own feet, which is hopefully doesn't take all season, I think that Spader in smaller doses than what we have now will be just fine.   I almost feel like Spader is being used as training wheels on a bran new bike.  So, huh, maybe this baby has a few more years in it after all.

Also, I want to point out how this show is just not going to work if Jim (John) ever leaves.  I mean, he's the one that really got things going and made things happen.  It very much reminded me of the Jim/Michael dynamic that used to be, though I'd say Michael could function on his own, where Andy definitely needs help.  I did like the scene at the end between Jim and Andy though--and I hope there's more of that.  I can handle Jim not wanting to be manager if he's used well and truly the gears that keeps the office going.  Anyway, my point is that Jim is being used so well and so I hope that it continues like that--though I'm slightly in fear of what they'll do to him, cause I know these writers and have been burned before.  We'll see....

Kinda an in-between thought, what is going on with Dwight.  I understand him being pissed about the job, etc, but he's just acting weird.  I feel like there's little effort into writing Dwight.  I'm wondering if the writers aren't sure what to do with him.  I don't know, part of me wonders if Rainn really will bow out after this year.  :/ 

Okay, a few issues I had with the episode.  First of all, the editing, cause this show has major problems with it.  I'm guessing that this episode was longer and the cut stuff out.  I mean, I feel like the first ten minutes set everything up but then, didn't really go anywhere.  I mean, I guess it went to the butt tattoo, but I was hoping it'd be something a little more than that.  Ah well...

But more so, there was supposedly two subplots in this episode, though you wouldn't really notice.  First of all, what was up with Darryl and his ex?  What was the purpose of even having her there.  I'm guessing she's more relevant later on?  I think?  I have no idea cause it didn't go anywhere.  Then there was the Pam/Angela walking thing.  Set up only for a joke in the tag?  That was disappointing.  Especially when I heard rumor there was going to be a Pam/Dwight storyline.  I mean, there might still be one down the road.  But, I was disappointed overall. 

Grade: C.  I mean, there were definitely some funny moments but it was still all about Andy.