The show felt stale. It was spinning its wheels trying to deliver jokes with characters who didn't have any room to move beyond their cliched bubbles. Meredith had to have a alcohol/sex joke every episode. Kevin was the stupid fat guy... etc. There were still some very good moments over the last couple seasons, but none of it seemed to be going anywhere. I didn't mind watching, but I didn't care all that much if I missed an episode or two. I didn't care anything about the story, I was just watching and hoping for laughter.
I wasn't sure how they were going to approach this season with Michael gone, but I had it in my head that it was going to be horrible. Maybe I sufficiently lowered my expectations that it couldn't fail. So far those expectations have been exceeded. It feels like it is back to basics now. Every week doesn't have to be about taking Michael's character further into ridiculousness. It has regained some of that charm it had in season 1-3.
Right now I like the fact that Pam is gone. I hate to say it, but the show might be improved without her. I'm not sure how I feel about Robert California just yet. He might grow on me. Andy as the boss has been interesting, but not as funny as I thought it would be. It has changed the dynamic enough to make it novel again, and that is what the show needed. Even those every episode isn't great, this year I look forward to watching it every single week, and that isn't something I could say the last couple seasons.
Filed Under: NBC, Sitcom, Television, The Office