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The Office

By Aly Semigran

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Sep. 3, 2008

The Office

A-
NBC
Reviewed by Aly Semigran

The Office has always started its seasons on the right foot. It must've sidestepped those pesky Foreman grills. The start of the second season gave us "The Dundies." The third outed Oscar (Oscar Nu�ez). And the fourth started off with Meredith getting hit by a car and then contracting rabies. Maybe it wasn't the best start for her, but for Office fans, the fourth season gave us some of the most quotable and gloriously awkward episodes ever. Thank goodness the season-four DVD was released yesterday so we can relive them over and over until Sept. 25 when season five premieres. Some fans complained about the hourlong episodes in this season, saying The Office is best watched in 30-minute increments. And while "Launch Party" and "Dunder Mifflin Infinity" did seem a little overdone, "Fun Run" and "Money" used their time wisely. The season hits its highest point in the ninth episode during the horrifically uncomfortable "Dinner Party," when we become acquainted with Hunter's CD, Jan's burgeoning candle career and Dwight's former babysitter/ dinner date. The season hits an uncharacteristic low with Michael (Steve Carell) heading out into the woods during "Survivor Man," which felt a little too silly, even for The Office. But even on its worst days, The Office is still, hands down, the funniest sitcom on television, with a consistently strong supporting cast featuring John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer and B.J. Novak--who hit his stride playing a deliciously sleazy corporate goon. The fourth-season DVD includes silly commentary, deleted scenes and ridiculous outtakes. Plus, it's the last time you can spend with Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein)--the worst person ever. At least according to Michael Scott.