The Office Recap: Missing Something

Episode Commentary: “Test the Store”

One thing missing since the departure of Michael Scott from Dunder-Mifflin is the emotional extremes. This doesn’t include Dwight’s peculiar brand of insanity; it refers to that feeling that you are seeing deeper into a person than you should, and guiltily finding yourself unable to look away.

He started the series off as the outsider looking in, but this week Ryan Howard comes full circle with a meltdown that would do Steve Carrell proud. It’s the opening of the first Sabre retail outlet, and Ryan was supposed to do Steve Jobs duties with a rousing, inspirational speech. But as the big moment closes in, Ryan can’t take the pressure, leaving Jim Halpert to fill in as best he can.

Ryan seemed to have peaked when he got the promotion to Dunder-Mifflin headquarters during brighter days for the show. Lately, he’s been window-dressing. B.J. Novak finally gets something to do, and makes the most of it, providing a highlight to an off-and-on season.

All the while, Dwight struggles to keep the opening together, desperate to impress Nellie Bertram and get the promotion that is his to lose. Dwight doesn’t work as a central character. The show has never really figured out who he is. He is still a callous and uncaring jerk most of the time, as is illustrated multiple times this week, yet turns around and appeals to his co-workers for help as if they are friends. There’s no reason for anyone from Dunder-Mifflin to want to help him. When he is victorious at the show’s end, it’s hard to celebrate with him.

Back in Scranton, Andy gets beaten up by a girl. Toby, of all people, is the one that does the seminar on self-defense. The story is innocuous, and the lack of anything to do for the Scranton leftovers is becoming glaring. Andy is just no Michael Scott. He is nearly as awkward, yet nowhere near as self-absorbed, and that was what made Michael Scott such a powerful character. The other characters in Scranton seem to be trotted out just so that the actors can gain their paychecks.

All this, coupled with the extended absence of Robert California—possibly still passed out after his epic pool party a few weeks ago—makes the Carrell-shaped hole in the series all the more glaring. Trying to fill it with bits and pieces of other actors isn’t doing it. We need a worthy replacement.