“The Initiation” episode of The Office last night merged two of our lesser-liked characters, Dwight and Ryan, together in one beet-farm-filled journey. We’ll be honest: We weren’t super psyched about this episode 2/3 of the way in. The farm scenes were OK but not hysterical (though “Now I will plant my seed in you” always gets a laugh no matter in what context). Michael‘s pretzel sugar-high was funny, but somehow a little too forced. In fact, we feel the funniest scene from the episode was actually cut! The deleted scene on NBC.com is a short goodbye moment between Michael and Ryan, and — stop us, please — but we have serious fantasies about these two. That Gay Witch Hunt vibe gives us a tingly feeling. Add Smiley Stanley to that.
No, the episode didn’t really redeem itself until the very end, when we finally — FINALLY — got what we wanted: Jim and Pam on the phone! Talking to each other! We’re not ones to get sappy (though we did wear a wedding gown during the Ross and Rachel nuptuals a few years back), but it was so good to hear their flirty banter again. Welcome back!
Thoughts on the episode? (Stanley cartoon via Give Me My Remote!)
