Essential 5: The Office

Michael Scott:	There could be others. I need to know. I don't want to offend anybody else.
Dwight Schrute:	You could assume everyone is, and not say anything offensive.
Michael Scott:	Yeah. I'm sure everyone would appreciate me treating them like they were gay.

The Office started out as a remake of the British cult hit of the same name. From that (cough) auspicious start the show grew into a uniquely American pop culture phenomenon. Although it's currently doing its best sinking Titanic impression, the show was certainly, at one time, the funniest show on TV. Many try to defend the show's merit by referring to the way it attempts to subvert the American corporate culture or the mockumentary format but the truth is that both of those things have been done better elsewhere. What makes it a great show is the witty writing and even better delivery by a talented cast. It's easy to try to rationalize liking this show, when the truth is that it's simply well executed. The well made comedy is something that's been missing from Hollywood for a long time and it seems like, for the time being, it has rematerialized mostly on TV with this show, 30 Rock, and Arrested Development among others.


The 5 Essentials:

1. Diversity Day (Season 1 Episode 2)
Still in its infancy, the show was still mostly in remake mode. That doesn't stop this episode from being the best early example of the chemistry between all the actors involved. This introduces everything you need to know about the show, from the sexual tension between Pam and Jim to the sexual tension between Michael... and himself this is a perfect introduction to the series.

2. Christmas Party (Season 2 Episode 10)
Having finally hit its stride in what was the show's best season, this episode gets everything right. The suspense of Jim's present to Pam and Michael's childish selfishness provide all the drama but its the way the ensemble cast interacts that is what makes this episode great.

3. Casino Night (Season 2 Episode 22)
In my humble opinion, this is the best of the series and the high water mark of the story. It was all leading up to this episode and although the show would continue to be excellent for two more seasons it always felt a bit like it was trying to get back here.

4. Gay Witch Hunt (Season 3 Episode 1)

This is the best argument for those who would argue the show's satirical power. Expanding on the theme of discrimination in the workplace that was begun in Diversity Day, this episode is remarkably biting. As a satire this episode works better than any other in the series but as a show The Office would never try anything as daring again, preferring instead to play it safe.

5. Fun Run (Season 4 Episode 1)
One of the most purely funny episodes, this episode nonetheless marks a major shift in the show. It's the beginning of the show being less about "the office" and more about the characters who populate it. Most of these characters feel like just that, characters and it makes relating to them difficult. So for all intents and purposes this episode is the show's swan song, though that doesn't take away from its excellence. There are many funny and well-written jokes here as well as basically the fulfillment of the show's best subplot, the unfulfilled romance of Jim and Pam.