The Office ended last night and, as I watched, I could only think that this is what should have happened a few years ago. It was a good way to finish off the series, but as expected, it didn’t go back to the magic of early seasons. It couldn’t have done that, since we are so removed from the glory years of Michael Scott’s incredible ineptitude.
The finale took place a year after the documentary aired and last week’s episode. We see all the characters who left Scranton come back for a pointless panel discussion that really just acted as more of a recap and gave us a last chance opportunity to see why Jim and Pam were perfect for each other. Joan Cusack and Ed Begley, Jr. did make a really emotional guest appearance during the panel, surprising Erin.
Dwight and Angela’s wedding made up the second chunk of the episode. Yes, Michael Scott (Steve Carell) came back for one short appearance as Dwight’s best man. “I can’t believe you came!” Dwight says in shock. “That’s what she said,” Michael replied.
It’s unfortunate that Michael really took a back seat. Even at the wedding, he was more like a random guest than the character who made us watch this show in the first place. (Also, I can’t thank NBC enough for not picking up The Farm. Dwight’s family was just too weird and just never gelled with the rest of The Office’s style.)
Jim and Pam’s story ended with Pam selling their house in Scranton. Yes, Jim is not going to work another day for Dunder Mifflin. Pam decided that Jim deserved to live his dream with Athleap in Austin, Texas.
The last 15 minutes of The Office were spent back in the office itself, where so many memories had been made. With each plot already tied up in a nice little bow, all that was left was the cast saying goodbye to each other. Dwight is married to Angela and runs the office. Stanley has retired and Kevin owns a bar. Andy has a job at Cornell after becoming a viral sensation. Jim and Pam have finally left Dunder Mifflin.
The Office was a groundbreaking show for its first seasons, proving that a laugh track isn’t necessary for a network TV comedy to succeed. Its mix of emotions and physical comedy were brilliant when it was great. Ultimately, though, it lived on far too long and I’m glad to see that it’s over. And as Michael Scott would say, “That’s what she said.”
image: NBC