Synopsis: It’s time to celebrate! Michael Scott has been with Dunder Mifflin for 15 years, and the party to commemorate that achievement needs to have all the excitement, drama and intrigue of his time there. And figs. Lots of figs. It also needs to be classy like Freddie Blassie — or like Jim’s tuxedo, which he wore today to make a mockery of a memo Dwight has issued about the dress code. As effective as the tux is in getting under Dwight’s skin, it doesn’t make a great impression on Charles Minor (Idris Elba, The Wire) — Dunder Mifflin’s new VP of the Northeast Region — who happens to be making his first visit to the Scranton branch. Michael doesn’t fare much better, despite staying up late last night to convert plain old “O” bagels into “C” bagels in tribute to his new boss.
Whereas “Jan would mostly come by when she was super horny and Ryan would come by to visit his parents and do laundry,” Charles intends to run a tighter ship. That doesn’t go over well with Michael, who would prefer not to have any boss, and his relationship with Charles quickly goes from bad to worse. When David Wallace stops taking Michael’s calls to complain about the situation, frustration gets the best of Michael and he resorts to childish antics and begins repeating everything Charles says. Pam can tell Michael’s really upset, since he skipped over the Ace Ventura talking butt thing.
Not everyone dislikes Dunder Mifflin’s latest hire. Kelly and Angela, specifically, are quite taken with Charles — the “black George Clooney” — and compete with one another for his affections. It’s pretty obvious that neither one has a shot, but it should be interesting to see this play out.
It will also be interesting to see what happens with Michael because, at the end of the episode, he quits his job. He has given everything to the company. He has put his family on hold, never been hang-gliding and never driven his car to the top of Mount Washington — even though he was never asked to delay any of those things — and he feels he deserves more than to be ignored by David Wallace. Guess we’ll have to wait until the next episode to see if David Wallace agrees with him and tries to bring Michael back.
Mike says
Best Moment: When Kelly, oblivious to the fact that Charles Minor has already left the building, discusses their future with “you guys” — which turn out to be just Phyllis.
Best Quote: “Truth be told, I think I thrive under a lack of accountability.” — Michael Scott
Employee of the Week: Jim. He may not have impressed Charles Minor with his classy tuxedo and fake job title, but his idea for a two-way petting zoo was gold.
Ryan says
Best Moment: Jim’s two-way petting zoo. You pet the animals, and they pet you back.
Best Quote: “If we hire Cirque du Soleil as salaried employees, will that help us with the year-end tax stuff?” — Michael, seeking advice from David Wallace on the budget for his anniversary party
Employee of the Week: Michael Scotch. Someone better find him! He’s still got Wallace’s kid in the trunk!
johnnysweeptheleg says
Best Moment: Every uncomfortable exchange between Jim and Charles. For as much as Jim makes fun of Michael and seems to cringe at all of his jokes and managing techniques, it’s Michael’s management style that actually allows Jim to do his best work. If he had to report to someone like Charles, he would never make it. This week, you finally get the sense that Jim realizes this.
Best Quote: “And of course, classy.” — Jim continuing to emphasize the importance of being classy. You see, johnnysweeptheleg often preaches and exhibits nothing but class. So, I can appreciate the entire aspect of class.
Employee of the Week: Sir Charles Minor. Talk about an employee causing a stir in the workplace. The anti-Michael in every way. Knowing David Wallace’s hiring history previously, though, it leaves me wondering how long until we see what Charles’ major character flaw is.
