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Let’s Burn Utica to the Ground!
Jim is dreading a reunion with Karen. John Krasinski by Ron Tom/NBC.
Episode Recap: Branch Wars (November 1, 2007)
Jim has spent the past few weeks punch drunk happy over finally getting together with Pam. So it figures that karma is ready to pay him back by putting him through hell tonight. First he gets manipulated into taking the worst car ride I’ve ever seen on The Office (and considering how many times Michael Scott has gone on a long journey while annoying the bejeezus out of his passengers, that’s really saying something). And by the end of the half-hour he’s face to face with his ex-girlfriend and you can almost hear him praying that he could just disappear.
The last time Joss Whedon directed an episode of The Office it was, ironically, the one where Dwight fought a vampire bat. (Whedon swore that was just a coincidence and that the episode was written before he came in to direct). But in some ways this episode (written by Mindy Kaling, who also plays Kelly) is an even better fit for Whedon’s talents: he’s a master at turning on a dime from laugh out loud humor to real emotion. It was hilariously pathetic to watch Karen stare down Dwight and Michael, whose only response to losing Stanley was to threaten to burn the Utica offices to the ground.
But when Karen was left alone with Jim, we get to chance to see how she’s really feeling and it’s no joke. She’s still angry over Jim dumping her for Pam, and when she realizes that he’s truly happier now it looks like her heart is being broken all over again. It’s telling that Karen acts confidently when she’s in the process of humiliating Jim for his part in Michael’s bungled prank, but is almost beside herself with rage when she no longer has the power in the conversation. Karen’s still in the stage of the break-up when she hasn’t moved on and has to see Jim uncomfortable or miserable in order to deal with talking to him.
And thankfully Michael and Dwight’s prank didn’t get off the ground. (And it was even funnier to hear them attempting to steal the copier machine over the walkie-talkie than it would have been to see it.) Why are they so eager to hurt another branch of Dunder-Mifflin in the first place? It’s still their company! You’d think Karen had done something to them personally, what with their trunk full of homemade stink bombs.
And back at the Scranton office, we get a glimpse of the long-running “Finer Things Club.” I liked that Andy’s reaction to being rejected from the club is so perfectly suited to his character. He’s desperate to be included simply because it’s exclusive, even if he probably has no real desire to discuss books. Like Dwight’s Second Life addiction, I hope this plotline is brought back in the future, since it’s too promising for comedic material to just throw away.
And now, tonight’s Dundies:
Best Jim Facial Expression: His oh-my-god-I’m-going-to-be-arrested look of horror when he sees what’s in the trunk of Michael’s car.
Best Disconnected from Reality Dwight Moment: his attempts to piss during the car ride, ending with the line: “I think I cut my penis on the lid!” (runner-up: his debate about how to subdue a security guard with the jumbo chalk.)
Best Pam and Jim Moment: Jim’s attempts to prove that he actually read Angela’s Ashes, and Pam whispering “sorry” in response to Oscar and Toby.
Best Insensitive Michael Moment: Telling Jim to distract Karen: “Just climb on top of her and think about Stanley!”
Best Overall Moment: I can’t decide this one. The copier prank going horribly wrong over the walkie-talkie? Karen’s confrontation with Jim? It depends on whether or you liked the drama or comedy best from tonight’s episode.
Was it just my imagination or should this episode have been one of the hour-longs? It felt a bit rushed now that I think about it. Discuss whether or not I’m just being picky and I’ll see you next week.
In the meantime, check out clips from The Office and all your favorite shows at our online video guide.
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Nov 1, 2007 10:29 PM
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No, it wasn't your imagination, it did feel rushed. I think it was due to the lack of many of the characters who've come to be spotlighted more as of late. I didn't see Creed, Darryl, Ryan, Jan, Kelly, Angela, Meredith or Kevin (well, only his back).
This episode felt way too slapsticky (is that a word) for me. I pretty much cringed throughout all of it. The Finer Things bit felt strange too - like it just came in from left field somewhere. Although Oscar's description of it and sleeping with men being "the gayest thing he'd ever done" was indeed hilarious.
I did enjoy Stanley in this though. His answer to every one of Michael's questions being "money." That was great and pure Stanley.
I've not been a big fan of Mindy Kaling's episodes lately - since writing the classic "The Injury" she has since written "Ben Franklin" and "Diwali" which (in my opinion) were two of the weakest from last season. I think she is ridiculously talented but this episode along with those two have made a disappointing "hat trick" for her. Again, all my opinion, your mileage may vary, blah blah blah.
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Nov 1, 2007 11:16 PM
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"We are warehouse workers. Do you want to see more proof?"
What did he think he was going to do with the copier - once they got it down the stairs?
Another nominee for best Jim Face would be when Dwight threw his cell phone out the window.
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Nov 2, 2007 12:34 AM
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Favorite line--from Michael, over the walkie talkie to a crouching, mustachioed Jim who has just been discovered by Karen: "Jim, if this is it for me, promise me something [beat] Host the Dundies."
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Nov 2, 2007 12:46 AM
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I thought this episode was hilarious! I loved the Finer Things Club- Oscar's description, Toby's china and bow tie, and Pam's whispered "sorry" for Jim. Jim's panic in the car was adorable, from his initial discovery of their trip location to the gasoline in the trunk. I was also cracking up when Dwight seemed genuinely sorry about the baby pictures on Jim's phone.
I think the reason this episode felt so rushed is that we were spoiled by an hour of the show, and now it's like- wait! I need to see more!
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Nov 2, 2007 1:24 AM
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Yes, it did feel like a very rushed episode overall, though some moments were too drawn out. LIke, really, Jim is going along with all of this? Even after his cell phone is thrown out of the car? It just seemed too big of a stretch that second in command Jim would leave with Dwight and Michael after they found his cell phone and he knew they were going to pull stupid pranks at Utica.
Definitely not one of my favorite episodes. Good point about Mindy Kaling having three rather disappointing episodes after "The Injury"---which is one of my all time favorites.
Still some good moments:
"The eyes are the groin of the face." Dwight
Though I mostly hated Jim going along to Utica, I laughed out loud when he was ducking down in the car and motioning to the camera to turn off the camera or turn away, it even seemed he was mouthing something like "oh come on".
I loved it when Stanley was saying something about maybe Michael really is a genius and then they cut to Stanley cracking himself up and commenting that sometimes he just says crazy things. So nice to see him laughing!
Where were Meredith, Angela, Kevin, Creed, Kelly, Ryan, Jan, Darryl, etc? It certainly highlighted for me how much potential there is in an hour long episode to get a fuller use of the whole cast. This week more than usual it seemed like we weren't even seeing glimpses of people working. Although I guess that's because 1/3 took place in the car, 1/3 in Utica and 1/3 with just the three (and in the end Jim) members of the Finer Things Club.
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Nov 2, 2007 1:30 AM
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I think this has to be one of the funniest episodes of the season. I thought it was hilarious.
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Nov 2, 2007 8:23 AM
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it is funny that Jack Rodgers mentioned that the episode should have been one of the hour-longs because i said the same thing to myself once the episode was over. Before i knew it the episode was over, but dont get me wrong i was both feeling awkward for Jim and laughing throughout. Loved the episode overall and will have to agree with Charliy for the best Jim-Face
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Nov 2, 2007 8:59 AM
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UTICA - UTICA - UTICA!
I thought Jim and Michael looked like they belonged in an 80's porno with their moustaches and Dwight looked like the villian in the Dudley Do-Right cartoons! "The eyes are the groin on the head" has to be the best line of the night.
Can somebody please tell me what name was on Jim's uniform - didn't even realize it was a female jumpsuit until Karen said so.
I loved Andy so desparately wanting to join the finer things club and hooray for more Toby this week. Loved the bow tie.
Loved how Michael unwittingly called Stanley's bluff - I was so hoping he wasn't really leaving. Good to see Stanley smiling/laughing for a change!
Michael: "Your taking Stanley away from his family" Karen: "I'm pretty sure his family is coming with him" We all know Michael really does care about his workers/family and it was sweet to see him hug Stanley at the end!
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Nov 2, 2007 9:21 AM
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I nearly died at the end when Jim is asked by Toby, I think, who the main character of the book is and he respondes "Angela." Blank stares. "The ashes." That sent me into a fit of giggles.
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Nov 2, 2007 9:28 AM
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Great recap Jack! I love the Dundie awards! I also agree that this episode could have been an hour.
kellyn - "The eyes are the groin of the face." Best line of the night! So Dwight.
I loved when Michael called Utica's top salesman and was immediately called out on hitting Meredith with his car! Pam couldn't help but let out a laugh and Michael - "Get out." LOL. I love this show!
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Nov 2, 2007 10:24 AM
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This was not the funniest or best episode, but I still liked it.
Basically because I love Jim and this just showed so many sides of his character. Mostly, in response to a previous post asking why he would continue on the trip when he found out what Michael and Dwight were up to... Jim is a protector at heart, he does not want to see either of them get in too much trouble so goes along to attempt to reign them in even though he would rather be anywhere else. He also doesn't want Karen's office truly damaged. And it broke my heart to watch him struggle with what to say to her when she held him back- ultimately saying the wrong thing and incurring her wrath. Funny how he never seems to say the right thing to her (even when they were together) but can usually say/do the right thing for Pam- very telling, that.
He did break her heart and hurt her, which was unfortunate, but ultimately by doing so he saved them more pain. I guess I just can't be mad at him.
John Krasinski gets major props from beginning to end in this one with everything Jim is put through. And I have to say I was loving his Irish accent at the end.
It was also nice that Pam was not given the tedious jealous girlfriend role when she found out where he was. Even though she knew what came down from Rolondo. Then she invited him to the club to help make him feel better, but had to apologize to Oscar and Toby in the end.
Well done.
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Nov 2, 2007 10:43 AM
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One of the funniest episodes yet, and now I know why. Joss Whedon is amazing!
To all those who didn't like Jim going to Utica with Michael and Dwight: he tried his best to get out of it (wanting to call a cab once he found his cell phone) but in the end knew he needed to save Michael and Dwight from themselves. Imagine the havoc they could have wreaked if Jim hadn't been there to confiscate Dwight's makeshift bombs!!
My vote for best line of the night: "Wanted - black salesman with sass. Big butt, bigger heart."
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Nov 2, 2007 10:53 AM
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This episode was pretty weak, IMO. I thought it was really far from reality, and this show usually only has 1 or 2 elements that reach beyond normal office life. I did like the Finer Things club, the confrontation between Karen and Jim (so realistic and uncomfortable), and Stanley throughout. Otherwise, I found it crude, unfunny, and cringeworthy throughout. I was nervous that Jim would act differently with Pam when he came back, but thankfully, he seemed fine.
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Nov 2, 2007 11:55 AM
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I love this show. I look forward to it all week. Sadly I have never laughed so little during an episode of The Office before. I thought it was the worst one in a long long time. Perhaps ever. I was so disappointed that I went back to see who wrote it. Why Mindy why?! The cold open wasn't even funny and that can sometimes be the best part.
The only part that I liked was the last scene when Jim hadn't read the book. Plus I love Toby and I love bow ties... I can't wait for next week's episode to hopefully rid my memory of this one.
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Nov 2, 2007 12:55 PM
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