The Office - 8.12 - Pool Party

Posted by Mike Nasiatka on 01.20.2012

Robert California throws one final bash in his failed bachelor pad. How does it all go down? 411's The Office review has all your answers.





By: Mike Nasiatka
Follow @NuggetNegative



I would like to apologize for last week’s absence, as I had to leave town on short notice. I did watch last week’s episode “Trivia” and was overall disappointed with the offering. The episode was wholly forgettable outside of several little moments mostly involving “The Einsteins.”

These ‘little moments’ are essentially the theme and driving force behind season eight of The Office. This current season offers nothing of substance to drive the show each week. Instead, we get a smattering of chuckles and character nuances over the course of twenty-two minutes.

This week’s episode “Pool Party” is a perfect microcosm of the current state of The Office. The episode, like last week’s was mostly a throwaway, but as some story arcs progressed, I found myself further frustrated. Outside of these qualms, I did, as always, find a few bright spots.

As a season long supporter of Erin’s return to grace, I believe this week’s developments derail her building momentum. How are we supposed to be sympathetic of a character using Dwight to make a seemingly happy co-worker jealous? I did enjoy a rare moment of continuity this season when Meredith slips to Erin about Andy’s late night Christmas stalking. We don’t really know too much about Andy and Jessica, but nothing suggests that they are unhappy. I know it’s wrong to compare this potential triangle to that of Jim, Pam, and Karen, but the genius of the latter story was that we knew so much about Jim’s dynamic with both Pam and Karen. We constantly saw that Karen was fine, but just not Pam. While I am about to abandon support for Andy and Erin, I must admit…

Ellie Kemper looks insanely hot in a pool.

Furthermore, the Robert California character I once praised loses his appeal with each passing week. In this episode, it was apparent the cast no longer fears him but rather walks on eggshells in his presence. Even his climactic disrobing wasn’t really anything shocking or funny. At this point, the best thing The Office can do is move on from his character’s presence.

I have two major qualms with this episode and how it relates to the series as a whole. Firstly, when did Pam have the baby? I abhor the nonchalant mention of the Halpert’s second child. Sure I understand the restrictions imposed by Jenna Fischer’s real life pregnancy, but can’t top notch Hollywood talent figure out a better way to introduce baby Philip into the world? How do I know the baby’s name is Philip? His birth was announced on NBC.com. Really writers, that’s the best you can do? My other qualm is the insane amount of time the office workers spend together these days. Part of the original show’s charm was its placing together of people who wouldn’t normally spend their time together. Now, it seems as if all the employees can’t get enough of each other.

“Pool Party” was able to eek its way to mediocrity with those aforementioned ‘little moments.’ The lack of Dwight Schrute only continues his characters improvement. Dwight kicking Erin into the pool was one of the episode’s few highlights. Gabe also continues to improve with his minor contributions. His failed attempt to de-robe and jump into the pool was the best part of the entire failed third act. I also greatly enjoyed drunk Toby pouring wine into drunk Oscar’s mouth. Outside of these minor happenings, “Pool Party,” like The Office as of late is nothing but disappointing.


Line Of The Night

Val: Does Darryl not swim?

Kevin: That’s racist. I don’t know, but I would say by looking at him no, Darryl does not swim.

The 411: Another week, another letdown. I don't know the financial specifics of the show, but with ratings and quality both down, I would imagine The Office might be nearing its end. While this would be sad to see, it is clear there is only so much one can do with the same cast for so long. At least I can begin praying for a Creed Bratton spin-off now.

Final Score:  4.0   [ Poor ]