A new batch of "Office" webisodes debut tomorrow at NBC.com.
This batch of four, two-minute episodes, titled "The Outburst," stars series regulars Brian Baumgartner, Creed Bratton, Kate Flannery, Ed Helms, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez and Phyllis Smith.
These webisodes seem more character-driven than some past efforts and it's wonderful to see so many of the supporting players participating.
Curiously, Toby (Paul Lieberstein) also appears to be working back in the office, which is odd since the character was last seen on the TV series in a hospital and not in Scranton. Does his presence here portend Toby's return or are these episodes simply scraps from the cutting room floor before he departed at the end of last season? (According to a NBC publicist, the webisodes are slightly ahead of the TV show's storyline, so it looks like Toby is headed back to Scranton.)
"The Outburst" begins with Oscar yelling at someone on the phone. His nosey co-workers automatically think he's fighting with his partner.
"There's so much passion," Kelly (Kaling) says. "It's so romantic."
Meredith (Flanery), one of the most criminally underused "Office" players, even gets a moment to shine.
"I don't know why people are so caught upin Oscar's little tantrum," she says. "When I act up, nobody gives a damn."
Moreso than some past efforts, these "Office" webisodes should delight the show's fans.
***
After a week off, Tuned In Podcast is back with a new installment about the status of prime-time network TV. I had a recent conversation with two fellow TV critics, expressing my sadness that few shows have me really excited to see them each week, partially a result of the dismal fall season, I suspect. Post-Gazette entertainment editor Sharon Eberson and I discuss these TV disappointments, the shows we do look forward to and the new "Colbert Christmas," premiering Sunday on Comedy Centra. Listen or subscribe at post-gazette.com/podcast.
Posted
Nov 19 2008, 01:00 AM
by
Rob Owen