Corporate shakeups and bad breakups mark The Office's fourth (and writers' strike-shortened) season. Ryan “The Temp” (B.J. Novak) becomes Michael's boss. Angela (Angela Kinsey) bitterly severs ties with Dwight (Rainn Wilson) after he euthanizes her beloved cat. Michael (Emmy-nominee Steve Carell) and Jan (Melora Hardin)—following a disastrous wrongful termination deposition—experience a nasty breakup during an excruciating dinner party in one of the series' most cringe-worthy episodes. As a workplace sitcom, The Office is not business as usual (traditionally, a grounded character anchors the craziness of colorful colleagues—think Mary Richards in the WJM newsroom). Michael's callousness, cluelessness, and all his other -nesses are a constant source of embarrassment to his confounded employees (save for corporate suck-up Dwight). In season four, Michael's over-the-top behavior strains credulity, with his disastrous wilderness trek, ill-conceived raid on a rival branch, and ridiculous pursuit of a catalog chair model. Much more satisfying is watching the deftly-handled romance between Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) proceed to the next level. Like 30 Rock, this series benefits from repeat viewings to catch bits of background business or to savor again the pitch-perfect writing and performances. And while we mourn the loss of Rashida Jones' Karen, we wholeheartedly welcome new HR person Holly (Amy Ryan)—introduced in the brilliant, Emmy-nominated season finale—who seems to be as major a dork as Michael. DVD extras that will make viewers want to put in overtime include a lively writers panel recorded at the first-ever Office convention, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and four episode audio commentaries. Highly recommended. (D. Liebenson)
The Office: Season Four
Universal, 4 discs, 405 min., not rated, DVD: $49.98 Volume 23, Issue 6
The Office: Season Four
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