If I was browsing on Netflix and had three shows to choose from to instantly brighten my spirits: between “Friends,” “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office,” I would choose “The Office” every time. I’m telling you, sometimes I’ll start a show and not know where it’s going, then happen to click on an episode of The Office. Oh my God, please, just, yes, I’m telling you now: watch this show.
Don’t get me wrong: I absolutely love “Parks and Rec” and “Friends,” but these series don’t share the same comedic gold standard as the single-camera sitcom that is “The Office.” They just don’t. Also, just as a side-note before we get into this—if you disagree with me, I worry the dementors will come for you, so maybe be just a little stitious of that.
My favorite episode would have to be “Christmas Party,” when Michael (Steve Carrell) buys Ryan (B.J. Novak) an iPod and ultimately forces everyone in the office to switch their gifts with one another, once this awkward tension is lightened among everyone. But, at least this didn’t cause a fire (inserts cough here: Ryan). Also, that tiffany blue teapot for Pam (Jenna Fischer). Need I say more?
One of the greatest parts of this show would have to be the casual glances of none other than Jim Halpert (John Krasinski), who looks into the camera whenever Michael says practically anything––one of his most notable traits, besides from being inarguably beautiful and deeply in love with Pam from the start, a character whom I deeply admire.
This connection I feel with Pam may partially stem from our similar traits: we both have curly red hair and work as receptionists. She also once had a habit of letting people walk all over her, like me, but this changed once she darted over a fiery pile of coal and reclaimed her voice.
I’ve texted so much about this show that my phone’s keyboard autocorrects “the office” to “The Office” whenever I message my fellow New Paltz Oracle co-workers. Also, when that theme song beat plays, I am suddenly transported to Scranton. Speaking of beets, it is false to believe there will ever exist another character quite like Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson). And if there ever does, well, identity theft is seriously not a joke.
So, the next time you are about to watch a show other than “The Office,” I want you to carefully think to yourself: “Would an idiot do that?” and then reflect on this temptation. If you still decide to, maybe you should question the way that you are, then get back to me.
