Ryan rarely has a wasted line in the show. Love that character. Did you guys realize that B.J. Novak (Ryan) was actually the first person to be cast in The Office, and that he also writes and co-produces the show? Ever since I heard that, I always wonder which jokes he wrote and which he didn't...I almost always assume he writes for his own character. Also, he went to high school with John Krasinski (Jim). Just found that out a few minutes ago.
This was actually a pretty good episode. Ryan wearing the fedora. Creed getting emotional during the Opera music. Stanley laughing his ass off in the meeting while Pam is telling Michael to shove it. Jim dropping a 4-letter when he finds out about Michael and Pam's Mom.
liked all those things.. but didn't like the episode. worst of the season so far for me...in the end, it felt more like season 4 quality to me =/
i also liked Toby getting his hopes up to be Michael's friend was pretty good - putting his arm around michael and calling him "buddy". i laughed.
I loved it when everyone in the meeting was disgusted by the revelation and then Kevin tries to fist pound Michael "thats what I'm talking about!" had me rolling! i thought it was a good episode
I pray they set up a double date in the next episode. Other than Pam going nuts, I thought it was a solid episode. I like Erin having to check with Michael first if it was ok to put candy on the counter. We've yet to find out if Pam has made an actual sale with her new position.
Loved the episode. A lot of funny moments. Jim with the profanity, Pam slowly coming to the realization that Michael was dating her Mom, Pam's meltdown because of it, the staff's reaction in the conference room, Toby thinking he's actually friends with Micheal, Ryan's hat.
Michael's facial expression right before Pam ran out of his office screaming was priceless. Someone needs to make a gif from that.
The subtle build in reaction of the Pam character, going from, "Oh, gossip," he's dating someone's Mom, to the self-doubting then dawning realization that it was indeed her own mother, was exceptionally well-performed. Dude wrote the "Diversity Day" episode. In a just universe, he should be able to pretty much retire off that episode alone. Mindy Kaling ("Kelly") & Paul Lieberstein ("Toby") are also writer-producers on the show. A lot of the other cast members also have writing/directing and improvisatory backgrounds. Sort of like It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, that's part of what makes the show so good. The actors are also the creative talents. They get the show, allowing the possibility of more nuanced spontaneity still in keeping with their characters.
Like someone else said, Ryan, Toby, and Kelly are al writers on the show. Melora Hardin (Jan Levinson) is also one of the writers on the show. John Krasinski (Jim) starred in BJ Novak's (Ryan) first play he wrote in high school. Another 2 characters that went to high school together were Brian Baumgartner (Kevin) and Ed Helms (Andy).
