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Can I Have the File for Mr. A. Knife?
Never anger a man with easy access to a blow dart. Rainn Wilson by Justin Lubin/NBC.
Episode Recap: Survivor Man (November 8, 2007)
Like any good sitcom I’m sure every episode of The Office is written as a collective effort by the entire staff (who are currently out picketing their own show, but let’s not dwell on the strike for now), even if Steve Carell is listed as the sole writer in the opening credits. Nevertheless, I want to congratulate everyone involved on this one: “Survivor Man” has got to be the funniest episode of this show in a long time. It’s certainly my favorite of this season thus far. I was laughing out loud during the surreal montage of all of the weapons Dwight has stashed around the workplace (you didn’t think he gave them all up after attacking Andy last year, did you?), including one inconspicuously hidden away in a file marked “Mr. A. Knife.” Dwight’s smug look of superiority as he displays his arsenal away from home was terrific, especially when it came to a blow dart hidden away in a toilet tank.
The episode split nicely into two subplots, each of which demonstrates a brand of humor which The Office excels at. Out in the wilderness we have Michael’s insanely pathetic attempts to find food while fashioning survivalist gear out of his business suit (and it looked to me like the one he found out was from a women’s clothing line). Meanwhile Dwight was keeping watch over him from a comfortable distance using a sniper rifle’s scope. That’s the show in its over-the-top mode, while back at the actual office Jim finds himself uncomfortably transforming into Michael when he decides to celebrate everyone’s birthdays all at once in one massive holiday. The question Jim begins to wonder is: does being the boss, and having to deal with everyone’s problems and hang-ups all day long, slowly drive anyone crazy? That’s not to say that Michael Scott wasn’t self-absorbed and totally lacking in social skills to begin with, but maybe life as the Regional Manager has made him even worse.
Oh, and I have to ask: did they shorten the opening theme song at some point? Maybe I’m just going crazy, but I swear I thought it used to be longer. That’s a shame, because so few shows even bother to have opening credits anymore, and The Office has one of my favorites. Granted, the credits always did look a little bit cheap, like it was made in fifteen minutes on someone’s Mac, and the music sounds like a much catchier version of elevator music. But that’s part of the show’s charm: it’s supposed to feel vaguely thrown together and homemade, and I loved that the establishing shots of Scranton, with its snow-capped buildings, made the town look oddly beautiful yet not at all glamorous (and apparently that footage was filmed by John Krasinski and his buddies just driving through).
A lot to cover, so let’s get right to the Dundies:
Best Jim Facial Expression: This one’s no contest: his wide-eyed look of horror when he was accidentally referred to as “Michael.” (although he does have a more subtle look of horror when Michael tells him that he also promised himself that he wouldn’t be working at Dunder-Mifflin in ten years. People in the comments section have said that the writers are setting us up for a Jim-Pam break-up further down the line by introducing reasons why Pam would get frustrated with Jim. Actually I think the biggest stumbling block to their relationship might be Jim’s desire to move on to something more meaningful in life than being a paper salesman and breaking free of Dunder-Mifflin.)
Best Insensitive Michael Moment: Pointing out the wrinkles around Stanley’s eyes and yelling “Blacks do crack!” (I was drinking a soda and almost did a spit-take when I heard that. It’s a shame I don’t have TiVo because I wanted to rewind and make sure he actually said that. How on Earth has Michael not been sued?)
Best Disconnected from Reality Dwight Moment: Almost too many to count. The best is definitely the weapons montage. Taking the silver: maybe his description of what kind of serial killer he would be (the “Overkill Killer”). Of course, there’s also his beating Michael with a shoe and cooking wild eggs for a meal.
Best Easter Egg: Michael is sporting a Battlestar Galactica sweatshirt after being rescued from the wilderness. Frak yeah!
Best Kevin is Useless Moment: Saying that he deserves a break for how hard he works, then turning around and admitting that when he knows a break is coming up he just sits around and kills time waiting for it.
Best Overall Moment: I’m letting everyone in the feedback decide this one, because I enjoyed the whole episode too much to boil it down to one specific gag or line of dialogue.
With the strike still on-going, nobody seems to know how frequently we’ll be getting new episodes from now on. I believe there will be a new one next week, but whenever it is, make sure to check back here for my ramblings. In the meantime, discuss the Dundies, whether the credits are shorter (or I’m going crazy), and whether or not bears actually beat Battlestar Galactica.
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Nov 8, 2007 10:58 PM
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I have to say that i'm very surprised that you loved with episode so much. I hated it, i believe i might have laughed out loud only once or twice. unfortunately, in my mind i am relating this to the dreadful "the initiation" from last season. but maybe i'll just need to watch it again to see just what you got out of it
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Nov 8, 2007 11:45 PM
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i am also surprised that you liked the episode that much it was okay..... the birthday highlights were by far the best part
oh and on the theme song, its my ringtone on my phone (yeah i love it) and they did shorten it (they do it on the tbs reruns and on a few episodes) but i was really disapoointed that they have shortend it because hearing that theme song is the highlight of my thursdays (besides the episode itself)
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Nov 8, 2007 11:53 PM
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I totally agree with this review. I've gone to a couple of different sites with comments about tonight's episode and cannot understand people's dislike of tonight's episode. This was easily the funniest episode of the season.
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Nov 9, 2007 12:35 AM
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It wasn't Andy he attacked... It was Roy...
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Nov 9, 2007 1:07 AM
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I'd also like to think that the writers on this show are smarter than writers on other shows and not break Jim and Pam up. They seem to be more on top of things and not fall into the typical comedy trap.
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Nov 9, 2007 1:13 AM
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I liked Jim getting his own "That's what she said," in at the end of the episode and Michael commending him.
Dwight's idea for a serial killer was hilarious.
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Nov 9, 2007 2:47 AM
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I'd have to agree with the first 2 posters, I didn't find this episode all that funny either. Especially compared to the two shows that came before it. I don't think there's ever been a night where all 4 shows (Earl, 30rock, The Office, Scrubs) were at their best and tonight the Office was not. Some funny parts but overall just not great
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Nov 9, 2007 4:34 AM
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Kandice, he actually attacked Andy and Roy. Andy was maced when he came back from Anger Management training.
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Nov 9, 2007 7:25 AM
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I LOVE that Toby was invited to Ryan's campout and "Michael wssn't invited." Also, "No more S'Mores! No more S'Mores!"
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Nov 9, 2007 7:41 AM
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Funniest line of the night... Michael in the woods: "Look I made a tent in my pants"... "I tented my pants"
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Nov 9, 2007 7:55 AM
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I didn't think it was really funny, but it was pretty darn funny. But maybe i am just used to them always being so funny. I also like the Mr.A Knife part was awesome and i don't think they are going to break up PB&J for awhile if ever. I don't see any problems between them, if Karen couldn't do something during the last episode i just don't know what could happen. Either way, i really hope the strike ends soon, in another blog Jenna Fischer said they were about to film there funniest episode ever.
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Nov 9, 2007 8:03 AM
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WOW - Jack I'm very surprised you liked this episode!
Sorry, but I thought it was pretty weak! After it was over I looked at my 15 yr. old son and said - "I thought the writer's strike just started 2 days ago". I don't know who wrote this episode, but they were sure having an off day!
I think the strongest scene was the end with Michael and Jim talking at the party, and frankly I was happy the episode was over!
I will agree that we are getting set up for the end of JAM! BOO!
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Edited by Kaycee at 11/09/2007 5:42 AM
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Nov 9, 2007 8:20 AM
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See what i think is that all along Jim has been saying he wants to move on and all this stuff, he does once and it very happy when he hears he gets to go back to Scranton. But anyways my psychology stuff is coming in handy, anyways Jim for 4 seasons has said ht was to move on, but i think now we are to the point that i think he is just saying it to make himself believe it (rationalization) and that he is actually very happy were he is now.
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Nov 9, 2007 8:27 AM
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What's going on with The Office lately?? This is two weeks in a row now that I haven't liked it! I think I laughed only once or twice. This episode just didn't really hold my attention.
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Nov 9, 2007 9:48 AM
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