In 4 seasons of The Office, we’ve seen Michael Scott and Co. throw a party for just about any reason. So don’t think that the crew shied away from a website launch party on Thursday’s episode, entitled Launch Party.
Dunder-Mifflin is throwing a party to celebrate the launch of the company’s new website, which they bill as the company’s imminent top sales-person (uh, sales-thing). Dwight thinks that this is hogwash and vows that no computer can beat him at selling. The company is hosting a VIP party in New York as well as satellite parties in each of the company’s branches for middle-management. Michael, thinking he’s a invitee to the VIP party (at a swank Manhattan nightclub, prepares for the big even by wearing an uber-tight “clubbing” shirt.
With Dwight’s new battle, Pam and Jim took the opportunity to mess with his mind once again. During his sales fight with the computer, Dwight is mysteriously sent instant messages (from Jim and Pam pretending to be the website’s computer) taunting him and telling him he has no chance at victory. Dwight is simultaneously dealing with the emotions resulting from his breakup with Angela. He wants her back, but she’s not budging from her position. He goes on to actually beat the computer, having to resort to using client contacts he stole from Staples during his short employment there.
Somewhere on the way to the VIP party, Michael discovers that he wasn’t actually invited to it. He’s furious to get the news from Ryan that he must report back to Scranton and attend another Angela-planned, boring parties. However, back in Scranton, Michael reasserts himself and wants to put the New York party to shame with his satellite party. He subsequently orders pizzas, but then argues with the delivery guy over the coupon he has. The pizza guy becomes the target of Michael’s misdirected anger at Ryan. He then holds the pizza worker against his will, demanding a correction in the price of the pizzas. After a futile attempt at getting his demands met, Michael pays the pizza guy and sends him on his way (no without the realization and threat of being charged for kidnapping). With a chance to express his feelings over web-cam to the members of the New York party, Michael delivers a vindictive message to Ryan.
Unhappy with the turn of events of the day, Michael and Dwight decide to crash the New York party. They get in, but only steal some plates of Sushi, which they then eat in the parking lot.
This episode had its funny moments, but seemed a tad bit long with the hour long format. I’m also looking to see more of Jim and Pam; we waited 3 long seasons to see them date and now they seem relegated to background stories. We do however have some tidbits that will make for future plotlines:
- Did Andy’s attempt at wooing Angela work? Will she date the obnoxious, anger management class graduate? Or will she reunite with Mr. Schrute?
- When will Ryan’s smugness be his downfall? Will he get demoted back to Scranton?
- What will happen to Jan and Michael’s relationship… built to last or fading fast?
- Will Darryl start dating Kelly? (He sure seemed to have those intentions when flirting with her in the annex).
Tune in next Thursday for another hour-long episode, after which the show will go back to 30 minute timeslots.
