After a cold open that not only insulted my intelligence, but also made me question what had happened to “The Office,” I was forced by my loyalty to the show to sit though one of the worst episodes the show has ever done.
There’s a new trend on the show where every season there is a new “worst episode of the series.” This trend started in season 6 (before that, the pilot was the clear winner of that title), and season 7 gave us two worst episodes (“Christening” and “The Inner Circle”).
The problem with “Lotto” was that it was the first time the show relied so heavily on slapstick that didn’t fit into the once realistic world this show depicted. Kevin is in desperate need of some IQ points and it would be nice if the show focused more on Erin’s naiveté rather than her stupidity. On top of that, I wasn’t emotionally invested in the Andy/Darryl story even though the episode wanted me to be. While these problems were specific to the episode, “Lotto” also pointed to the larger problems with the show in general.
I can’t help but feel that I’ve been lied to by the writers of the show. Going back to before Michael Scott even left, we as an audience were assured that season 8 would be an ensemble show and that characters who usually didn’t have much to do would be featured more prominently. The show really does have a wealth of characters and actors, but they haven’t been utilized well in the two post-premiere episodes.
Instead, it seems the show is sticking to its formula, where the manager will always be a part of the A-story and everyone else will fight out a spot in the B and C-stories. This is really disappointing, especially since I don’t much care for Andy. He’s good in small doses, but he’s not working as manager for a very specific reason. He’s too much like Michael Scott.
“The Office” is not taking advantage of the second life it was given. Instead of injecting a new creative direction, the writers are sticking to what they know. I couldn’t help watch “Lotto” and think about how it would’ve played out the same had Michael been manager. The reason I was excited for season 8 was that the show had a chance to become something really fun and interesting. Now, it’s more status quo than ever, and that hasn’t worked since season 5. If the show is going to be good this late in its run, the writers absolutely need to start relying more on the ensemble and not so heavily on the manager, because right now it’s not working.
Next week’s episode will, unsurprisingly, center on Andy who throws a garden party at Schrute Farms to impress Robert California. Besides the slight chance of seeing Mose, I can’t say I’m too excited for next week, or for the rest of the season.
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