Thank you for this. One thing that I've never seen anyone address, in terms of the scene with Pam and Brian. Way back when (S. 2 maybe?), Pam talks about wanting to grow up and have a terrace where she can grow flowers. She winds up saying it's unreasonable, they don't even make houses like that in Scranton, and she cries, realizing she'll never make her dreams with her current path (Roy). But Brian appears to have an apartment, in Scranton, with a terrace, in Scranton. Pam even comments, "Nice view." Maybe I'M reading too much into it, but it has always struck me as a circular reference point about her potential relationship with Brian, who obviously had a crush on her.
the writers actually intended to have pam and jim divorce or split up and then ultimately get back together. jim would see cathy for a bit while pam saw brian but they scrapped that plotline too late to just write brian out of the show and reshoot everything ya know
Fun fact, Nelly ends up with Bob Kazumakas when he has to flee Russia and he runs into her somewhere in Europe while she is parenting Ryan's baby Drake. Yeesh what a sentence I did my best
@@scrubadiver Well, she did say "they don't make houses like that" not homes. And I appreciate your view, but for many people who cannot afford to buy a house, apartments are home.
@@cking613 if someone living in an apartment gets offended by a youtube comment that was not directed to anyone but the O.P. and was made without any malice, then I don't have any sympathy or empathy for them.
While I think Mulverine is right about stuff being cut out of the scene, to me it was obvious why Pam was disturbed. Besides the realization that there were many private moments that would be in the documentary, I think what disturbed her the most was that any possible feelings or connection she may have developed for Brian probably stemmed from him taking advantage of his secret knowledge. He was there for her and knew just what to say; not because he was just so emotionally in-sync with her but because he had information he shouldn’t have. Kinda like a stalker in plain sight.
The Michael Scott character never getting to acknowledge his 'fame' from the documentary, is kinda the biggest missed-opportunity of the whole show. He spends every episode playing to the cameras, & is always desperate to be liked, as an entertainer. Imagine the full-circle moment, that could've been, when Michael Scott, desperate to be liked, gets recognized by new 'friends' everywhere he goes. Could've had Michael practicing his signature, & comparing he & Holly to Brad & Angelina. Michael looking back at the old footage, & reacting to it with Holly. It really should've been an entire episode, truly showing what Michael & Holly have been up to, & giving him a final send-off. Kelly & Ryan also would've loved the attention of being 'reality TV-stars.' Could've had Ryan organizing some merchandising business, out of his mom's basement, capitalizing off his status. Using it to promote a new website. Kelly pitching PBS a Kardashians-inspired spin-off, for herself...
I, for one, just took for granted that Pam was justifiably freaked out by the realization that Brian had basically been stalking her for the past decade. It casts a very creepy light on the way he put himself into her story the way he did, and raises questions about the ethics of the whole production team.
It was kind of just added in at the last minute. Dwight was going to have her as a love interest in the farm. Then they decided after that got canned to make a love triangle before he got with Angela again.
bad writing in season 9 and mostly because the Farm got cancelled and they had to shoe horn Dwight back into the series and create a made up conflict at the last minute. The Angela story is terribly written.
According to Office Ladies there was more to the scene between Brain and Pam, but they decided not to go with it. Brian was suppose to have made a pass at Pam. Though I don't think it was actually filmed. It was just in the script. So probably thats why it seems a bit clunky. Also in the script he was suppose to have sent apology flowers to her. But that too was cut out. Thank goodness.
I can think of a few shows that had this format, but then dropped any notion that they were actually documentaries, like Parks and Recreation and Modern Family. Which makes a bit more sense for the things that happened, but it's interesting to think how they might have handled it if they'd also stuck with the idea that those shows were documentaries, as opposed to the talking heads serving more as monologues, etc.
I have been following your channel since my daughter was 2 years old. She's 5 now. Ans I love your office field guides. Literally got me through some tough times 🎉
at 7:46 in that scene, I distinctly remember him (Brian) telling her (Pam) that he fell for her after watching her for all these years, I was surprised to see that the scene was cut out on Netflix, I actually bought the DVD set because this bothered me so much! the scene wasn't there either. I am sure I did not imagine it, my wife remembers seeing that scene as well. I don't understand. Has anyone else had the same experience?
this never happened, but... Jenna [01:00:44] Well, they start by discussing the promos, so she gets all her promo questions out of the way first, and then he was going to say, how are you doing? And Pam was going to say, oh, fine. Kids are fine. Jim's fine. I'm fine. I think we're fine. She sort of repeats the word fine. And then Brian was going to say, okay, so things are fine, but are they good? And then Pam was going to be like, well, what do you mean? And he says, are you happy? And then it was scripted that he was going to brush some of her hair away from her face and say that maybe it's not his place to say it, but he thinks she deserves better, that she's an amazing woman and she should be with someone who tells her how amazing she is all the time. And then Pam was going to get really angry and say, never call me again.
@@LoverDemi Since they already had put the awful storyline with Brian in Season 9, I actually wouldn't have minded if that scene played out how Jenna described because it would have demonstrated Pam's agency and commitment to her family and how she will not be woo'd away from them. It would've also been awesome to see Pam telling Brian to eff off, which would be a more definitive end to their storyline rather than her just being creeped out by the doc crew recording everything and leaving and never seeing Brian again.
I haven't watched this since it aired, but I do remember him saying something like that to her, as well as Pam having feelings for him, because it pissed me off that they would pull that kind of crap so close to the end of the series.
As a fan of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, I can’t believe I never realized that Esther is Nora Kirkpatrick (from ES&TMZ) until listening to this episode of The Office Ladies. Still, I agree with you, Chris, that it’s difficult to care much about Dwight and Esther as a couple-as adorable as she is.
At timestamp 17:24 you can see another video posted of Andy playing banjo, looks like from the episode when he’s wooing Pam bc of a Jim prank, but I just loved that little attention to detail! It gives it more flavor that this wasn’t the first video that Andy might have posted of playing banjo online!
Imagine if they eliminated the Phillies Ryan Howard parts and Esther parts, and actually did bring back cameos from all those peeps that you mentioned omgggg that would have been amazeballs.
It's so odd to me that Pam asks Brian if they recorded them even after they took off their mics, as she talks to a guy whose job it was to follow them around while carrying audio recording equipment. And Angela being surprised they were recorded during private moments, while she very clearly looked at the camera immediately after those private moments, is another oddity.
The Athlead bit is hilarious, Dwight and Clark are solid, some of the group's bits are good but man, I hate almost every character by this point. Oscar and Angela's terible behavior leaves me siding with the Senator over them in the back half of the season. Let's face it, Angela used the Senator too so who cares when he dumps her. Dwight is a one note crimnal being enabled at all points ( no business would support an abusive personality like his no matter the celebrity or talent) and Andy still sucks.
5:25 I think you mean bride price, not dowry. And also, "split the difference" on the tractor? What "difference" are they exactly splitting? The different between full price and nothing?
Jim and Pam not being able to talk on the phone could kind of mirror what Brian said at that dinner date, that after the fight with his wife everything went numb for them (i think i am remembering this correctly)
As someone who is fundamentally disinterested in sports, I've always skipped past the Athlead storyline in this episode. However, the analysis of the Jim/Pam parallels (future/past) was very interesting, and I might just have to rewatch the episode purely because I love that kind of symbolism. Good work, let's keep it going for the next five!
Here's some outside perspective for you: I like your insights and your look. I'm excited to see what you do next after we hit the end of The Office. I hope it's an NBC comedy.
I remember this episode, yeah you're right. This episode has a really stitched together feeling to it. Like they had better maternity decided to not use it and it messed up the whole episode so they had to just throw this footage in. Where was Creed in this episode?
Oh good, we're coming up to the episodes where Angela gets no spousal support, no child support, has no savings or assets of her own and is somehow incapable of living on her own Head of Accounting salary that she was fine with for the last 7 seasons before the Senator - so the writers can have her move in with Oscar to be a literal "Oscar & Felix" routine. Sigh. I hate the writing in season 8 & 9 (although I like the finale). Yeah. She's going to live in a tent like a homeless person.
i have mixed feelings about this episode... its very interesting but also kind of destroys the office we all know. it makes everyone a little more real
Just curious - do you listen to the Office Ladies podcast? Specifically for the episodes you review? For this one, they discuss content left out. That's actually a frequent component of the podcast.
I remember this episode, yeah you're right. This episode has a really stitched together feeling to it. Like they had better maternity decided to not use it and it messed up the whole episode so they had to just throw this footage in. Where was Creed in this episode?
Thank you for this. One thing that I've never seen anyone address, in terms of the scene with Pam and Brian. Way back when (S. 2 maybe?), Pam talks about wanting to grow up and have a terrace where she can grow flowers. She winds up saying it's unreasonable, they don't even make houses like that in Scranton, and she cries, realizing she'll never make her dreams with her current path (Roy). But Brian appears to have an apartment, in Scranton, with a terrace, in Scranton. Pam even comments, "Nice view." Maybe I'M reading too much into it, but it has always struck me as a circular reference point about her potential relationship with Brian, who obviously had a crush on her.
the writers actually intended to have pam and jim divorce or split up and then ultimately get back together. jim would see cathy for a bit while pam saw brian but they scrapped that plotline too late to just write brian out of the show and reshoot everything ya know
Fun fact, Nelly ends up with Bob Kazumakas when he has to flee Russia and he runs into her somewhere in Europe while she is parenting Ryan's baby Drake.
Yeesh what a sentence I did my best
Playing devils advocate i would say that apartments are not homes. But I truly think you have a very valid point.
@@scrubadiver Well, she did say "they don't make houses like that" not homes. And I appreciate your view, but for many people who cannot afford to buy a house, apartments are home.
@@cking613 if someone living in an apartment gets offended by a youtube comment that was not directed to anyone but the O.P. and was made without any malice, then I don't have any sympathy or empathy for them.
While I think Mulverine is right about stuff being cut out of the scene, to me it was obvious why Pam was disturbed. Besides the realization that there were many private moments that would be in the documentary, I think what disturbed her the most was that any possible feelings or connection she may have developed for Brian probably stemmed from him taking advantage of his secret knowledge. He was there for her and knew just what to say; not because he was just so emotionally in-sync with her but because he had information he shouldn’t have. Kinda like a stalker in plain sight.
The Michael Scott character never getting to acknowledge his 'fame' from the documentary, is kinda the biggest missed-opportunity of the whole show. He spends every episode playing to the cameras, & is always desperate to be liked, as an entertainer. Imagine the full-circle moment, that could've been, when Michael Scott, desperate to be liked, gets recognized by new 'friends' everywhere he goes. Could've had Michael practicing his signature, & comparing he & Holly to Brad & Angelina. Michael looking back at the old footage, & reacting to it with Holly. It really should've been an entire episode, truly showing what Michael & Holly have been up to, & giving him a final send-off.
Kelly & Ryan also would've loved the attention of being 'reality TV-stars.' Could've had Ryan organizing some merchandising business, out of his mom's basement, capitalizing off his status. Using it to promote a new website. Kelly pitching PBS a Kardashians-inspired spin-off, for herself...
I, for one, just took for granted that Pam was justifiably freaked out by the realization that Brian had basically been stalking her for the past decade. It casts a very creepy light on the way he put himself into her story the way he did, and raises questions about the ethics of the whole production team.
The parts with Dwight and Esther feel so out of place in the final home stretch of the series.
It was pretty much a plot twist to lead up to Angela realizing Dwight could do better than her and he’s moving on
It was kind of just added in at the last minute. Dwight was going to have her as a love interest in the farm. Then they decided after that got canned to make a love triangle before he got with Angela again.
@@Jack-1256 season 9 in general felt out of place lol should of ended with season 7-8
bad writing in season 9 and mostly because the Farm got cancelled and they had to shoe horn Dwight back into the series and create a made up conflict at the last minute. The Angela story is terribly written.
The field guide is going to end without anyone ever telling Kevin what a bean means.
This is the episode of The Office which is most like Neon Genesis Evangelion.
I will not elaborate.
no but you’re lowkey cookin
Congratulations!
You Will (NOT) Elaborate
According to Office Ladies there was more to the scene between Brain and Pam, but they decided not to go with it. Brian was suppose to have made a pass at Pam. Though I don't think it was actually filmed. It was just in the script. So probably thats why it seems a bit clunky. Also in the script he was suppose to have sent apology flowers to her. But that too was cut out. Thank goodness.
I recently discovered your channel. I love it. Your analysis is great.
I can think of a few shows that had this format, but then dropped any notion that they were actually documentaries, like Parks and Recreation and Modern Family. Which makes a bit more sense for the things that happened, but it's interesting to think how they might have handled it if they'd also stuck with the idea that those shows were documentaries, as opposed to the talking heads serving more as monologues, etc.
Once the characters break the 4th wall by talking about being in a documentary leads to some circular reference weirdness.
I have been following your channel since my daughter was 2 years old. She's 5 now. Ans I love your office field guides. Literally got me through some tough times 🎉
The clip they're watching on the computer shows WVIA, which is the PBS AND NPR TV affiliate for New England and Cental Pennsylvania.
Sad our journey is coming to an end... Its been fun Chris.
I can’t believe this series and The Office ladies are lining to end at the same time
at 7:46 in that scene, I distinctly remember him (Brian) telling her (Pam) that he fell for her after watching her for all these years, I was surprised to see that the scene was cut out on Netflix, I actually bought the DVD set because this bothered me so much! the scene wasn't there either. I am sure I did not imagine it, my wife remembers seeing that scene as well. I don't understand. Has anyone else had the same experience?
I don't think that happened, I don't remember that at all
this never happened, but...
Jenna [01:00:44] Well, they start by discussing the promos, so she gets all her promo questions out of the way first, and then he was going to say, how are you doing? And Pam was going to say, oh, fine. Kids are fine. Jim's fine. I'm fine. I think we're fine. She sort of repeats the word fine. And then Brian was going to say, okay, so things are fine, but are they good? And then Pam was going to be like, well, what do you mean? And he says, are you happy? And then it was scripted that he was going to brush some of her hair away from her face and say that maybe it's not his place to say it, but he thinks she deserves better, that she's an amazing woman and she should be with someone who tells her how amazing she is all the time. And then Pam was going to get really angry and say, never call me again.
@@LoverDemi Since they already had put the awful storyline with Brian in Season 9, I actually wouldn't have minded if that scene played out how Jenna described because it would have demonstrated Pam's agency and commitment to her family and how she will not be woo'd away from them. It would've also been awesome to see Pam telling Brian to eff off, which would be a more definitive end to their storyline rather than her just being creeped out by the doc crew recording everything and leaving and never seeing Brian again.
@@Jack-1256 yes i agree i prefer this scene but they wanted to keep brian's feelings a secret
I haven't watched this since it aired, but I do remember him saying something like that to her, as well as Pam having feelings for him, because it pissed me off that they would pull that kind of crap so close to the end of the series.
As a fan of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, I can’t believe I never realized that Esther is Nora Kirkpatrick (from ES&TMZ) until listening to this episode of The Office Ladies.
Still, I agree with you, Chris, that it’s difficult to care much about Dwight and Esther as a couple-as adorable as she is.
At timestamp 17:24 you can see another video posted of Andy playing banjo, looks like from the episode when he’s wooing Pam bc of a Jim prank, but I just loved that little attention to detail! It gives it more flavor that this wasn’t the first video that Andy might have posted of playing banjo online!
It's gonna be interesting once we have the superfan episode of this one. I'm feeling we will get a lot more context.
the care and passion really shows in this one! Keep it up Mulverine~
Imagine if they eliminated the Phillies Ryan Howard parts and Esther parts, and actually did bring back cameos from all those peeps that you mentioned omgggg that would have been amazeballs.
It's so odd to me that Pam asks Brian if they recorded them even after they took off their mics, as she talks to a guy whose job it was to follow them around while carrying audio recording equipment. And Angela being surprised they were recorded during private moments, while she very clearly looked at the camera immediately after those private moments, is another oddity.
The Athlead bit is hilarious, Dwight and Clark are solid, some of the group's bits are good but man, I hate almost every character by this point. Oscar and Angela's terible behavior leaves me siding with the Senator over them in the back half of the season. Let's face it, Angela used the Senator too so who cares when he dumps her. Dwight is a one note crimnal being enabled at all points ( no business would support an abusive personality like his no matter the celebrity or talent) and Andy still sucks.
I always thought Dwight in the cold open was awesome
Note - they all turn and look at the camera together, except for Kevin, who doesn't turn his head, and it's hilarious.
5:25 I think you mean bride price, not dowry. And also, "split the difference" on the tractor? What "difference" are they exactly splitting? The different between full price and nothing?
Jim and Pam not being able to talk on the phone could kind of mirror what Brian said at that dinner date, that after the fight with his wife everything went numb for them (i think i am remembering this correctly)
As someone who is fundamentally disinterested in sports, I've always skipped past the Athlead storyline in this episode. However, the analysis of the Jim/Pam parallels (future/past) was very interesting, and I might just have to rewatch the episode purely because I love that kind of symbolism. Good work, let's keep it going for the next five!
Here's some outside perspective for you: I like your insights and your look. I'm excited to see what you do next after we hit the end of The Office. I hope it's an NBC comedy.
At least they acknowledge the documentary/crew in the office unlike parks and rec or modern family
The Danish documentary in the episode is NOT Danish. The onscreen text is Danish, but I think the voice is Dutch
I remember this episode, yeah you're right. This episode has a really stitched together feeling to it. Like they had better maternity decided to not use it and it messed up the whole episode so they had to just throw this footage in.
Where was Creed in this episode?
Did you cover a super extended version of this episode? I don't recognize any of this.
Oh good, we're coming up to the episodes where Angela gets no spousal support, no child support, has no savings or assets of her own and is somehow incapable of living on her own Head of Accounting salary that she was fine with for the last 7 seasons before the Senator - so the writers can have her move in with Oscar to be a literal "Oscar & Felix" routine. Sigh. I hate the writing in season 8 & 9 (although I like the finale). Yeah. She's going to live in a tent like a homeless person.
And her sudden indifference to her cats. Ugh…
New MULVERINE dropped 🔥
I’ve never been this early for one neat
me neither
i have mixed feelings about this episode... its very interesting but also kind of destroys the office we all know. it makes everyone a little more real
Just curious - do you listen to the Office Ladies podcast? Specifically for the episodes you review?
For this one, they discuss content left out. That's actually a frequent component of the podcast.
PBS was the first place I watched the office UK
Eat Fresh *points at camera*
My first video of this channel. Realized the rant is longer than the actual episode so I stopped watching at 3:30🙏🏻. Not coming back😂
I remember this episode, yeah you're right. This episode has a really stitched together feeling to it. Like they had better maternity decided to not use it and it messed up the whole episode so they had to just throw this footage in.
Where was Creed in this episode?