The Office -- "Survivor Man" -- 11/08/07
11-08-07, 09:32 PM
#26
DVD Talk Legend
Wow did people really think the episode was that bad? I enjoyed it, and especially loved the last scene with Jim and Michael. Groucho you have been especially tough on the show this season, and I can't even tell if it's Groucho sarcasm or actual disgust with it.
11-08-07, 09:50 PM
#30
DVD Talk Special Edition
I've been pretty critical of most of this season, but I actually thought this episode was decent. It wasn't overwhelmingly hilarious, but I liked the more modulated feel of the storylines.
When I read the plot synopsis, I half expected that Michael would actually be doing some crazy stuff (groan) like crashing Ryan's teambuilding outing. I was pleased that the show didn't go in that direction, nor that Michael didn't really do anything too nutso while he was in the woods. So I gave the episode some points just for that.
And the storyline with Jim growing to understand the routine pressures of trying to please everyone as "boss" was fairly well done too I thought. It was an opportunity to give some delineation to both Jim and Michael as real characters (as opposed to the cartoon into which Michael has so often been turned lately) - something that was well summarized in the final scene, where Michael was allowed to be a bit more human and real than he normally is portrayed. As a sidebar to that, it is interesting to note that this episode was written by Steve Carell himself.
And I thought the sequences with Dwight's hidden weapons, as well as Creed freaking out over the birthday party plans, were pretty hilarious myself.
Overall, I would say that this was my second favorite episode of this season so far, and I actually had pretty low expectations when I saw the previews.
When I read the plot synopsis, I half expected that Michael would actually be doing some crazy stuff (groan) like crashing Ryan's teambuilding outing. I was pleased that the show didn't go in that direction, nor that Michael didn't really do anything too nutso while he was in the woods. So I gave the episode some points just for that.
And the storyline with Jim growing to understand the routine pressures of trying to please everyone as "boss" was fairly well done too I thought. It was an opportunity to give some delineation to both Jim and Michael as real characters (as opposed to the cartoon into which Michael has so often been turned lately) - something that was well summarized in the final scene, where Michael was allowed to be a bit more human and real than he normally is portrayed. As a sidebar to that, it is interesting to note that this episode was written by Steve Carell himself.
And I thought the sequences with Dwight's hidden weapons, as well as Creed freaking out over the birthday party plans, were pretty hilarious myself.
Overall, I would say that this was my second favorite episode of this season so far, and I actually had pretty low expectations when I saw the previews.
11-08-07, 10:30 PM
#31
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I actually thought this was a pretty funny episode. Michael was more humanized and not over the top like some points in this season.
I also liked the Jim storyline. I almost took it in two ways, in also saying that trying to make everyone always happy made Michael into a crappy manager. The funny moments are great, but it's storylines like Jim's tonight that really makes The Office stand out.
I also liked the Jim storyline. I almost took it in two ways, in also saying that trying to make everyone always happy made Michael into a crappy manager. The funny moments are great, but it's storylines like Jim's tonight that really makes The Office stand out.
11-08-07, 10:32 PM
#32
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Tonight's scene as the credits were rolling reminded me of Tim in the UK Office, and his realization that it's his career, it's sad, but what else would Jim do?
11-08-07, 10:53 PM
#33
DVD Talk Hero
I'm surprised at the dislike for this episode as well. I though it was actually pretty good.
Michael ripping apart his suit just to tape it all back together when it got cold was great.
The look on Jim's face when Phyllis accidently called him Michael was good as well.
And Jim and Michael at the end was perfect!
Was it just me or did Jenna Fisher look especially good when she told Jim he was "really shaking things up"? For some reason she had a really sexy look on her face.
Michael ripping apart his suit just to tape it all back together when it got cold was great.
The look on Jim's face when Phyllis accidently called him Michael was good as well.
And Jim and Michael at the end was perfect!
Was it just me or did Jenna Fisher look especially good when she told Jim he was "really shaking things up"? For some reason she had a really sexy look on her face.
11-08-07, 10:55 PM
#34
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Originally Posted by lordwow
Tonight's scene as the credits were rolling reminded me of Tim in the UK Office, and his realization that it's his career, it's sad, but what else would Jim do?
11-08-07, 11:21 PM
#35
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I liked it, wasnt as good as the last few. It had some great moments, loved dwight and his weapons all over the office, the toby stuff, Micheal telling toby to hurry up, no one cares. Micheal yelling Jan has plastic boobs, dwight saving him at the end. Dwight with the rifle, Micheal at the end talking to Jim was excellent. Good episode not the best. But not as bad as some said. I think theres never been a bad episode of the office. Just good episodes and AMAZING episodes.
11-08-07, 11:28 PM
#37
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Anyone else notice the continuity error in having Meredith's birthday close to the others? Back in season one, they had her birthday party early because no one else's was close.
11-08-07, 11:28 PM
#38
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Was it just me or did Jenna Fisher look especially good when she told Jim he was "really shaking things up"? For some reason she had a really sexy look on her face.
I thought it was a pretty damn good episode. I honestly can't think of anything that I didn't like.
Last edited by zekeburger1979; 11-08-07 at 11:31 PM.
11-08-07, 11:47 PM
#39
DVD Talk Limited Edition
"I tented my pants"
ususally I'm not a fan of The Office outside of the office for long periods of time but I thought tonights epi was great
as has been the whole season thus far
I guess I know what I sounded like all of last year reading the comments of those who didn't like tonight
ususally I'm not a fan of The Office outside of the office for long periods of time but I thought tonights epi was great
as has been the whole season thus far
I guess I know what I sounded like all of last year reading the comments of those who didn't like tonight
11-09-07, 12:32 AM
#40
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I didn't dislike the entire episode, but that last scene with Jim and Michael before/during the credits was gold. 
11-09-07, 01:39 AM
#41
DVD Talk Legend
Wow, I don't get the lack of love. As a huge Survivorman fan I loved this episode (mostly because it reminded me that I wanted to do the exact same thing as Michael). It was the best of the season for me so far. After watching Scrubs and Earl I was pleased they didn't force in the stupid "Green" crap like the other episodes.
11-09-07, 03:09 AM
#43
DVD Talk Special Edition
I thought this episode was pretty funny but not the funniest. The difference to me is that this helped expand the character of Jim and Michael and get a little better taste of who they are. To me this makes it a great episode.
Also the one thing I couldn't help thinking during the episode was a Survivor man (Michael) Vs man vs wild (Dwight) seeing as how one was solo and the other had a crew and was still in the wild.
Also the one thing I couldn't help thinking during the episode was a Survivor man (Michael) Vs man vs wild (Dwight) seeing as how one was solo and the other had a crew and was still in the wild.
11-09-07, 04:50 AM
#45
DVD Talk Special Edition
Originally Posted by GoldenJCJ
Was it just me or did Jenna Fisher look especially good when she told Jim he was "really shaking things up"? For some reason she had a really sexy look on her face.
Thought this was a good episode. Laughed a lot and the Jim/Michael scene was great.
11-09-07, 06:03 AM
#46
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Originally Posted by TallGuyMe
ugh, awful episode.... maybe the writers DO need some time off to reflect on things...
11-09-07, 06:27 AM
#48
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Originally Posted by DeputyDave
After watching Scrubs and Earl I was pleased they didn't force in the stupid "Green" crap like the other episodes.
11-09-07, 07:37 AM
#50
DVD Talk Reviewer
I thought it was a decent episode with some definite LOLs.
Ending was pure gold and totally worth the wait.
One nitpick: why did Meredith ask for cake?
Isn't she supposedly allergic to dairy?
Ending was pure gold and totally worth the wait.
One nitpick: why did Meredith ask for cake?
Isn't she supposedly allergic to dairy?