'The Office' Season 4 Episode 4 Recap : 'Money'

We were again “treated” to another hour long episode of NBC’s “The Office” last night and the comedy teetered precariously close to being a full drama again. The episode, simply entitled “Money,” was chock full of touchy-feely moments that you’d expect to find on show known more its romance and character hookups.

First off was Jim and Pam’s not-so-funny visit to Dwight’s Schrute Farms. It was their first “get away” as a couple, but felt awkward all the same. Amazing that seeing Jim and Pam together hasn’t yet felt like the victory I thought it would feel like. Anyway, the visit to Dwight’s farm is marked with beet-mashing and manure-throwing, topped off by Mr. Schrute himself reading Jim and Pam a charming bedtime story of Harry Potter.

Michael on the other hand, is having a tough time with his finances. Girlfriend Jan is apparently spending all his money (with him also being to blame - magic kits). As a result, Mr. Scott is forced to take on a second job - a 5pm - 1am telemarketing gig for a pharmaceutical company. His hard work (or lack thereof) begins to affect his managerial position at Dunder-Mifflin. New boss Ryan sees this and demands that he quit the second job (or be fired at DM). Kelly uses Ryan’s visit to Scranton to show off her new relationship with Darryl, who she kisses in the middle of a meeting. Michael then quits his job, offering up to viewers a hilarious scene where Michael “declares” bankruptcy (literally) and then has Oscar help him with his finances.

Andy plotted and schemed the entire episode to woo Angela into a date. He goes so far as to moonwalk in front of her desk 10 times and then buy (steal) her a new cat. The latter gester apparently works and the former Dwight flame gives Andy permission to her out on a date. Meanwhile, Dwight has been still feeling the blues since his breakup with Angela, and Jim and Pam notice. They both do their best to lift his spirits, writing a good review of their Schrute Farms visit on the online service Trip Advisor subsequently followed by Jim’s uplifting speech to Dwight about work and love.

Jim’s speech also serves a moment of self-revelation; he’s waited years and worked hard to get Pam and has an epiphany of his love for her. We then see the first serious onscreen kiss between Jim and Pam, fueled by Jim’s revelation. Any thoughts of their romance being hokey were immediately dismissed with that one PDA.

Jan comes to the Michael’s rescue later, convincing him that his financial problems are not that big of a deal. The two actually share their first convincing moment as a couple, with Jan explaining that only Michael was there for her during her divorce and professional meltdown.

I’m glad that The Office will return to its “less is more” 30 minute format next week. The shorter episodes work better, forcing the producers to choose the top scenes and cut out the not-so-funny ones. The hour long episodes are good for drama’s sake, but feel stretched when it comes to the comedic angle. But, either way I’ll be watching; no other show has walked that fine line between drama and comedy better.