What's The Office spin-off? :/

I completely agree. I still think it's an amusing show but it isn't great like it once was. I think they should take a page out of the George Costanza book and make the show about nothing. It seems like they hit a point where the original storylines got a little old and they had to start coming up with new stuff. Jim and Pam are just boring now. Obviously they were going to get together eventually, but it was pretty anticlimactic when they finally did and there's no reason to care about them anymore but the writers still try to keep them relevant. I hated psycho Jan and I can only hope they don't bring her back. I've hated all the "love" triangles. Ryan/Kelly/Daryll, Dwight/Angela/Andy, Jan/Michael/Holly. Don't these people know anyone they don't work with? So yeah, make it about nothing. The best episodes are just boring, everyday life in an office with some interesting personalities.

As for Lost, I think the reason the third year was a little foggy was because we weren't getting answers. Just more questions. But the writers had a plan and they knew where they were going with it. I think they are just winging it with The Office these days.

Most of those episodes you listed were in the first season. The best in my opinion.

Diversity Day, Basketball, Hot Girl - all season ONE episodes

With the exception of Michael the rest of the staff should be laid off in these tough economic times. The show's early success hinged on these folks being caricatures of people we all work with every day, but now, because we all know who they are, it's not as funny.

It's like seeing your girlfriend naked for the first few times. At first it's pretty hot. Then, you start to see...

...things.

...terrible, terrible, things.

Reporting from Outer Space. American Wilson.

Charming analogy, American Wilson. Truly charming.

And as for the spin-off that's not really a spin-off anymore, I can't say I'm a big Amy Poehler fan. I just don't really understand the obsession with her. :/

I hate to admit it, but the show probably has 'jumped the shark." I have not looked forward to watching it since the 1st episode of this season. I think they are putting way too much emphasis on the Dwight character, he has become a caricature and extremely annoying. I really like the Jim & Pam storyline, but what else can they do now? Here's my rememdy. Get rid of Andy, less time for Dwight, keep him & Angela to a minimum, or have them breakup again. We need to learn a little more about the other characters too. I want to know more about Stanley, Phyllis, Toby, Oscar, all of them, and strangely, get them out of the office a little more.

Basically it's like Heroes moved to Thursday night and overtook Dunder Mifflin. It's on my DVR as well but haven't been into it since Season 1 & 2 (yes, 3 had its moments and 4 had very, very few chuckles). I know I was in the minority here but it NEVER compared to the Gervais version, especially when you watch that version again today and realize how much this one had jumped the shark.

I think it failed for all the reasons you mentioned but largely because Dwight and Michael Scott have become cartoon characters (and let's face it, sadly when couples get together on TV they become sooooo dull so Jim and Pam are to blame as well).

Gervais knew that a boss could only get away with this stuff for two seasons at most and knew when to move on-- I had high hopes for America's The Office since there was some great stuff from the start but now, just prefer to jump directly to 30 Rock without pushing "go."

While I agree with you that Season 4 dipped, I really think that the past 6 episodes of this season have seen the show rebound and get back to its Season 2 roots. I am willing to write up a poor Season 4 due to the fact that they had a lot of stuff planned for the season and had to crunch it all together due to the writers strike. The worst episode in my opinion was the deposition, that was just a down right depressing episode.

I actually thought in Season One the show was still trying to find itself. It had its moments, but I don't think the Michael (Steve Carell) dynamic found its stride until Season Two. I really loved Season Two and Three. I agree Season Four has been hit and miss. But I have faith, every show hits a lull. We will see what happens going forward!!

And Colin, yesterday was the first new episode since December. I hate to see how many shows are on your Tivo. :)

Great great post. I'm so glad I'm not the only one thinking this.

The writing used to be nothing short of brilliant, and the chemistry between the characters was nothing short of magical.

I counted down the days, eagerly looking forward to the next episode. Suddenly, not only do I no longer care about the show, I cringe whenever I watch it.

What happened? What made Dwight go from one of my favorite characters in TV history (right behind T-bag from Prison Break) to one of the most annoying, stupid and and painful characters every to "un-grace" my screen.

Personally, I don't think we can blame the actors. They have to do what the writers tell them to do, and I still think they do the best job they can... Ah, I don't know. It's just sad. Very very sad.

They must have new writers. The drop from '08 to '09 was dramatic and horrible. It was my favorite show, but now I can't stand watching it. They have moved from subtle, clever humor to over-the-top stupidity. Also, have you noticed that all cast members seem to have more speaking parts this year as if they re-negotiated their contract for bigger roles? They unfunny people were once more or less props, now they are unfunny and fully involved in every episode. Three weeks worth of The Office on my DVR, and after finally watching one, I think I'll delete the series.

The American version is rubbish...Steve Carrell is annoying as hell. I don't understand why this show was ever popular..the brit version kicks ass/1

I think the show is doing ok. The one where Stanley has a heart attack is the best episode ever! and that was season 5. (though I could have done without the Jack Black movie making out with the old lady). I will agree that the writers appear to be winging it a little, but I think it is still funny. I absolutely HATE ryan's character for the sole reason that it doesnt make any sense. no way would the company hire him back after defrauding it hundreds of thousands of dollars, no matter what the michael scott paper company's demands were. (that whole thing was rediculous too). all in all though I still enjoy the office and think its a great show