"Survivor Man" – American Perspective

Greetings. Fellow office fans. Before, I begin my analysis of this lovely office episode. We here at Canadian-American Office Alliance would like to state that we are for the writers. We believe that the writers should be fairly compensated for their work whether it is on the TV or internet. Even though we are sad that next week's The Deposition might be last episode this season we hold strong that no matter how long it takes we as fans stand by the writers. For more information: United Hollywood or Office Tally

Survivor Man (written by Steve Carell)

This week's episode is part of the grander "Universal is Green" week which is an amazing idea with a common link to all episode. However, I felt that even though Steve did an amazing job writing overall, the whole story in the "Universal is Green" was weak. With the "A" story taking place in a forest, it was just about the only "Green" part to the episode. I think that there could have been so many funnier situations. (Who caught the shout out to Schrute Farms?) With Michael not invited to the wilderness retreat with Ryan and the other DM regional managers, left him feeling-- well, not a happy camper. I wonder what the motivation was for Ryan not to invite Michael, but Toby instead. Is it because he wanted to toy with Michael? Because really, that was pure genius. Knowing how much Michael dislikes Toby it was a bold move on Ryan's part. Feeling as if he needed to prove something, Michael heads out into the vast Scranton wilderness a la Survivorman. Well, not before asking Jim if he would join him on a "camping trip" which leads to Jim saying he would, but just so happens that he is busy as always. (This seems to be a running tag this whole season (loves it)…).

OMG! Dwight and the hidden weapons all over the office. (Mr. A. Knife! and the blow dart gun in the toilet!) I love that Dwight has already found his serial killer name "Overkill Killer" and that he will cut off your finger tips and remove your teeth just so you won't be identified. You also have to love that he knocks Michael over the head with his shoe. Michael spends his first few hours in the wilderness by cutting off his pant legs and then duct taping them back together a few hours later. He then makes himself a nice tent in his pants. *wink*! During this time unknown to Michael, Dwight has his watchful eye on him. This is the side of Dwight that we have missed so much. We see again just how much Dwight wants to protect/be Michael. I love the nice touch of seeing the cameraman's hand when Dwight finds the eggs. (Wouldn't it be a little late for bird eggs in the Pennsylvania wilderness)? Dwight then saves the day when he sees Michael trying to eat mushrooms – I kinda hoped that they were of the magic kind to add to the mixture (However, not very PC… but it would be humorous). Michael survived - for all of 6 or so hours.

Tsk.Tsk. Jim Halpert. You tried to combine the birthday parties and it back-fires in your face. The icing on that cake is that Phyllis called you Michael. Yea, we will not forget that either. The last time we saw Jim in charge was "Office Olympics" in which he won over the office with his antics and humor. This is not the case the second time around. Not wanting to deal with the birthdays and surprisingly wants to get work done. Jim devises the grand plan of "combining" all birthdays into one as a way to be productive. (Not only does Jim think it is a good idea… he thinks it is a great idea… Mrh! The look on Pam's face as she turns and leaves Jim's desk). Who else noticed that Pam was listening in on the conversation between Oscar and Jim? (See the comment at end about my love for Pam). Now how can you not love the birthday montage? Michael surprising Kelly, Oscar and Phyllis. (There are two jokes that Michael does when it is your birthday: 1) about how old you are and 2) something inappropriate). We learn that Michael only sings the high notes in Happy Birthday. Jim wanting to get away even goes so far as to take over Michael's office for some peace and quiet. (Oh the irony in that…). In the end, we see that just maybe Jim isn't management material. Yes, it is the next logical step, but our Jim still has some growing up to do.

The end tag of this episode was amazing! The realization that Michael did make the same mistake, oh so many years ago, and that just maybe Dunder-Mifflin wasn't Michael's life long goal caused Jim to quickly evaluate his choices. This has been a running theme this whole season. That disappointment, the embarrassment, the realization that he totally "pulled a Michael" is causing Jim to evaluate just what exactly he is doing at Dunder-Mifflin.

Pam! Pam how I love thee. I love that you stand by your man even when you know he is going to fail. I love that you maybe feel a little turned on by the "power" that Jim presents. I love that you in your little ways turn the table of our dear love and pull the greatest prank that I've seen in a long time – Getting Jim to say "Conference Room – 5 minutes"! I love just about everything you choose to be.

Overall, even though it was what I thought to be a weak "Green" story it was amazingly written (well done, Mr. Carell. Well done!) and acted (Mrh! To JKras and the look of horror.)!