TV Review: The Office 8.11, 'Trivia'
Let’s see if the writing staff at The Office has kept their resolution to craft better episodes, shall we?
rating: 3
And were back. Hope everyone enjoyed their holidays; lets see if the writing staff at The Office has kept their resolution to craft better episodes, shall we? Well at least theyre consistent. Much like the rest of this past season, Trivia made me laugh but failed to meet the high standard of quality television The Office was once so praised for. I guess I shouldnt be so harsh considering this is definitely one of the better episodes of the eighth season, but I cant help but feel the series is just spinning its wheels waiting for ratings to drop low enough to warrant its inevitable demise. Although Trivias two stories established actual beginnings, middles, and ends, something that hasnt been present all season, the Dwight story completely lacked in substance while what was Kevins story was resolved much better if not in a slightly predictable and almost sappy way. It makes sense to me that Dwight would attempt to advance his career, hes done so before, but the desire to master his people skills felt less genuine. It was nice to see the episode pick up on the fact that Gabe has to spend his week flying back and forth from Scranton to Florida, a joke I was afraid wouldnt make it into future episodes. The extended toilet metaphor was also utilized very well (You are an excellent toilet, but I am an extraordinary piece of crap!), as was Dwights physical determination to meet with none other than Robert California himself. I loved how the Sabre HQ receptionist was such an outstanding people person, that which Dwight was supposedly looking to become but repeatedly found utterly confounding, especially when said receptionist sympathized with how frustrating his situation was. I was also amused by Robert's wrestling session as it was just pragmatic and unusual enough to fit his character quite aptly. In the end, however, despite a persuasive effort from Robert (Nobody wants to live in Florida, its Americas basement. Its wet and there are alligators alligators are dinosaurs, Dwight!) Dwight accepted Roberts rejection so cut and dry that it just fell flat for me. Although there were funny gags in between, I didnt buy Dwights motivation to travel all the way to Florida just to go home empty handed. I enjoyed the ride but ultimately this plot was resolved far too easily. As amusing as I found Dwights story to be, Triviacolypse (I love spelling that) was even more enjoyable. Being a fan of Trivia Nights at bars I was immediately sold on the entire staff showing up to play. My only issue with this plot was that it started with the premise that Andy needed to win the prize money to meet the quarterly sales quota Robert had set (another thread I was afraid would be abandoned) but by the end of the episode we have no clue as to what the winning team (The Einsteins) did with their winnings. I dont mind that the story turned into a redemption tale for Kevin, Im actually very happy the character got to demonstrate some value as Kevin has gradually deteriorated from a lovable oaf to an imbecile of such epic proportions he struggles to remain believable, but the plot felt lop-sided without addressing the result of the staffs reason for being at the competition in the first place. Seeing Andys car filled to the brim with his own companys paper was an excellent visual gag. This trajectory was not completely random though when one considers the clever cold-open did climax when Kevin broke the 20 minute silent streak by very vocally enjoying his candy bar and when one remembers Andys remark that Kevin isnt a real accountant, a moment which truly stung. I was not disappointed though with all the various little contributions the staff made. Jim and Daryl immediately approving of Andys idea to leave work early to go to a bar in Philadelphia to play in a trivia competition was absolutely a good idea made great. Erins suggestions of what Ray Charles thinks about piano, darkness, canes, dogs was funny and Creeds attempt to reverse engineer a question concerning the capital of a state which the aforementioned musician wrote a song about was an impeccable use of the character, as was Kellys startling photographic memory regarding a pro athletes award collection that she saw in an episode of Cribs he was in (she must have been wearing her memory beret). Concerning the same question, Kevins answer, See-attle, was a perfect example of how the character has exhibited behavior thats so dumb it borders the unrealistic yet is forgivable because it made me laugh out loud regardless. I also loved the two on-screen contributions from producer-director B.J. Novak (Ryan) when he assumed a pro athlete was named La Damian Washington and when he had to drop out of the game because he could not part ways with his cell phone. The names of the competing teams were interesting. I enjoyed the terribly drab and mundane names from the office (Dunder Mifflin A and B) contrasted with the clever wit of the other teams names, the ironic Einsteins and The Queerenstein Bears and Aesops Foibles. I didnt really get Ladys Gaga, or was it Ladies Gaga, or Ladies Gaga? Anyway, my point is that its refreshing to see what appeared to be an authentic and accurate portrayal of a legitimate subculture so seamlessly integrated into the background of a show where that scene would otherwise not normally be seen. Philadelphia is referenced so often in The Office it was nice to finally see it on screen after more than seven years. Although Im not sure just how common the fluke fish actually is, it was a nice moment for Kevin and one that was a long time coming. And really any opportunity to see Dwight execute his expertise in martial arts is always welcomed with open arms. I just hope the rest of the season can sustain the same succession of small doses of hilarity while balancing them with more even and substantial emotional stories.