Song Sung Blue

I am not complaining. I love my job. My job, that is, of trying to add some enlightening comments to TVGuide.com on a weekly basis. But it is not as easy as it looks. Oh, sure, my searing insight and biting comedy must look easy from the outside, but it is not so easy to replicate week after week, when I am not allowed to really talk about anything that is going on at work, i.e., on the set.

Things at The Office are very hush-hush, you see. The wheels of information and disinformation are rolling along. Let me tell you something: Every time a fan finds some information online, people at the mother ship know about it — and they work diligently to seal all leaks. If that means lying, so be it. If it means putting out a misleading press release, so be it. If it means altering production information and adding erroneous information to websites and closing the sets, so be it. Even if it means paying off someone who writes a blog on TVGuide.com, so be it. Hey, like I said, I'm not complaining. I am only saying it makes a guy's job just a little bit tougher. After all, why all this mendacity on the part of the mother ship? It is all for the good of the show. Isn't it more fun for things to be fresh and original come Sept. 21?

So what can I talk about that has happened at work? Good question. Maybe I should ask it? Let me do that, and get back to you next week.

Or better yet, let me ask you: What would the fans at TVGuide.com like to know about the new season of The Office? I can't promise I will tell you, but it would be fun to try.

So post your questions below, and I will do my good-gosh darndest to find the answers for you.

I will tell you this: Miguel Arteta is directing the episode that we are filming this week. I am such a fan of his movies, and it has been a pleasure to meet and work with him on this episode. For those of you who don't know, Miguel has directed (among other things) The Good Girl and Chuck & Buck.

Last week, another director new to the show, Roger Nygard, was in the house. Roger has directed (among other things) Trekkies, which I just watched again the other night. What a fascinating character study that movie is. Hilarious and heartbreaking. For anyone who missed any of the movies I just mentioned, run to your local movie-rental place. Or just order them from Netflix. And no, I am not sucking up to the directors, but if it will get me a chance to work with either of them again... I could go on a bit more, I guess.

On the webisodes this week (available on NBC.com), we have "Things Are Getting Tense," and things are indeed getting tense as the accountants try to find the missing money. In this installment, there is a break in the case, and Oscar momentarily believes he has figured out who took the money. Does anybody have any ideas who the culprit is? This one is seven out of 10, people. By this point in a CSI episode, you would have to be in a catatonic state (or worse, French) not to know who the culprit is. Am I wrong? And CSI, I mean no blatant disrespect to you or anyone in the CBS family. Congrats on your success.

Swinging wildly off topic — but I can do that on the Internet, right? I mean, here, people can only pay attention to one thing for about seven seconds at a time, and I am sure most people reading this have already minimized the screen at least four times to hide it from their bosses, or just closed it completely due to sheer disinterest — do you know what two shows I have been loving this summer? I mean, really enjoying? Rescue Me and Deadwood. I just wanted to say that. Both are incredibly smart shows that are at once funny and terrible and sweet and grotesque. I am just loving those shows. I cannot stand reality shows, so the summer is not a good time for me and the TV. But these two are examples of great dramas with stellar acting and directing and writing. So kudos, for whatever it is worth.

Speaking of great television (there's a transition for you, expertly getting back on track)... The Office will be airing a "very special episode" this week. Yes, it is a repeat, and no, it is not "very special" as in, like, someone dies. It is special because the episode airing this week is the one the fans have declared their favorite. And as of press time here... I am totally unaware of which episode actually won. So, it's a very special surprise as well as a very special episode. We will all learn together which episode was the fans' favorite. I could guess.... But that seems silly.

Hmmmm, well, I am going to guess anyway. And I will guess... "The Injury," because it is arguably the funniest episode from start to finish. And people like funny. And since the show is a comedy, that is a good thing. But I promise I have no idea. I am just guessing.

I voted for "Christmas Party," so that gives me two chances to win.

So get back to me with your questions about Season 3. And while you're at it, let me know what your favorite shows of the summer have been. Maybe we can help each other survive until Sept. 21.

Peace.

Leave a Comment

Posted by

Brian Baumgartner

Aug 16, 2006 3:24 PM

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Hmmm..... so many things I'd love to ask about the new season of 'The Office'. But I'm sure most of them you couldn't answer anyway. So, I don't think I'm even gonna try to come up with one. But thanks for another blog and I'm looking forward to the new webisode tomorrow!
Posted by ddker Aug 16, 2006 7:22 PM Report Abuse

According to the NBC schedule at NBC.com, it will be The Injury.
Posted by PsychoJason Aug 16, 2006 8:05 PM Report Abuse

Best line I've heard in a while... "Yes, it is a repeat, and no, it is not "very special" as in, like, someone dies." Classic, Kev. Classic.
Posted by HipHipJose Aug 16, 2006 10:06 PM Report Abuse

I am loving Rescue Me and Deadwood, without doubt two of the finest shows on TV right now. And I have also been enjoying Brotherhood on Showtime, and this weird comedy which is pseudo-realistic: "Dog Bites Man" on Comedy Central. Here's a simple question: Where will you guys shoot apart from the set? Any chance we could see Michael at Hooter's or Applebee's again?
Posted by red_devil Aug 17, 2006 1:04 AM Report Abuse

Hi! I'm actually a student at Westminster, and I just wanted to say that everybody here thinks it's so cool that a Westminster graduate is on such an acclaimed show. There is actually a couple pictures of you in the library--one of them of you in a play back when you went to Westminster.

Anyway, I heard that Ed Helms may be doing a few episodes of "The Office", and I just wanted to know if that was true. If it is, that would be so cool because he went to Westminster too!

Thanks! Sorry I rambled :/

P.S. Lots of my friends watch "The Office" and we all think your character is hilarious. If you ever come back to Atlanta, please come by Westminster! You have a ton of fans there =D

P.P.S. I agree with you; "The Injury" is the funniest episode. That and "Casino Night" are my two favorites ("Casino Night" for obvious reasons)

Posted by liz113089

Aug 17, 2006 1:15 AM

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Well, you probably know what question is on everyone's mind but I won't ask what I know you can't tell!

How big of a role do the new characters play on the show? I love the show how it is and even though I'm a fan of the actors joining the show this season, I don't want there to be less of the characters that I already know and love!

There has never been an episode of "The Office" where I did not laugh or an episode that I would not want to watch again and again, but I'd have to say my all time favorite is "The Dundies." Pam getting drunk is unforgettable and hilarious! Also, I love it when Michael changes the lyrics to songs.

Posted by kls

Aug 17, 2006 7:32 AM

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Entourage and Project Runway are my favorite summer shows.

I agree that the Injury has some of the funniest moments, like when Jim is driving Dwight and Michael to the hospital.

My question to you is that can you confirm that the first episode will take place in real time (September) so if Pam and Roy married in June she would be married when the show starts?

Thanks for the blogs! You and The Office rock!

Posted by Sailor15

Aug 17, 2006 9:51 AM

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Will Scrantonicity play an office party? Will Angela's poster of the baby's playing instruments play a bigger role this year? Will Oscar's significant other make an appearance? Any office birthday parties? Will Phyllis and Bob Vance of Bob Vance Refrigeration get engaged? Does Kevin have a MySpace page yet? an iTunes playlist?
Posted by PamnJim4ever Aug 17, 2006 11:06 AM Report Abuse

"The Injury" is one of the funniest episodes - I tend to watch "Drug Testing", "The Dundies" and "Booze Cruise" over and over the most. As far as a question or questions - When will we meet the other branch? When will the new people that are supposed to be working at the Scranton branch start? Is there any word on the British version cast visiting?
Posted by maddie77 Aug 17, 2006 3:58 PM Report Abuse

I think it's so cool that you post on here...it's fun to read an insider's view.

My favorite summer shows have been Workout and Project Runway. Workout makes me think that I am going to be motivated to exercise, except that I realize that I am usually eating while I'm watching it.

I know you don't like reality tv, but Project Runway is good reality tv, not eating-bugs-cheating-on-your-spouse-competing-for-a-man-that-you'll-never-marry-let-alone-date-for-2-weeks-off-camera reality tv.

Posted by ahiller12

Aug 17, 2006 4:06 PM

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Oh goodness, I don't think I could pick a favorite. I do have a question though. Ryan is a temp. Just how temporary will he be? If the Office goes for ten seasons, will be be in all ten? I love Ryan and hope he gets hired full time.
Posted by paulstar Aug 17, 2006 5:17 PM Report Abuse

from Sexual Harassment: Meredith: What about office romance? Toby: Office relationships are never a good idea so let's try to avoid them, but um... if you already have one you should disclose it to HR. Phyllis: All relationships... um, even a one night stand? I want to know who Phyllis had a one night stand with... my money is on Michael...
Posted by smilineyes Aug 17, 2006 5:35 PM Report Abuse

Would it kill you guys to come to Scranton for an episode? I highly suggest an episode during the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Also, I'm getting married soon. Can Scrantonicity play my wedding?
Posted by philzrule Aug 17, 2006 6:20 PM Report Abuse

I forgot to add my favorite summer shows:

The Closer - my new favorite summer show. Great writing and cast.

Rescue Me - I agree...that is one good show! Every episode has me cringing, crying, laughing, good stuff.

Nip/Tuck - Wonderful soap opera messed up people goodness. My favorite late summer show.

Entourage - Jeremy PIVEN. Enough said.

Good guess for the fan's pick tonight. My favorite lines:

"You can't fire me, I don't work in this van!"
"Pan?"
"Dwight, what is your middle name? Danger."
"What does this look like? Mailboxes, etc."

Such a hilarious episode.

Cannot wait until Season 3 of The Office premieres! Keep up the good work!

Posted by maddie77

Aug 17, 2006 9:31 PM

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