The TV Addict 

I’m afraid that I almost have to agree. A little bit of Michael goes a long way, which is sort of the same way I feel about Dwight. I’d like to see them adjust the balance of the show so that it’s a little bit of everybody, not too much of any one character. I think it would be interesting to see a sitcom that didn’t believe it NEEDED a lead character. For example, the stuff last night where MIchael was talking to the camera about being stood up by Phyllis’ dad – not to mention the scene where he kept trying to convince the dad to sit down – were hysterical. But him actually interrupting the ceremony was simply too much. Same with the cake clip at the end. Too much. The show does such a great job with the “discomfort” moments – the smaller discomfort moments, as opposed to Michael’s big, outlandish moments – that I think it could actually be a better show if he was toned down a bit. I’d love to see them do an arc where Jan threatens to leave him if he doesn’t get his behavior under control. He could then go into therapy…

I actually agree. They seem to have fell into a pattern lately of making it all about Michael’s crazy antics, which isn’t that funny.

I totally agree – I started fast forwarding whenever he started talking – and I never even saw most of this stuff in my irritation! Darn it, for ruining a nice episode. Definitely a little Michael to spice it up is fine, but focusing on him is way too much.

Tom O, I love TubeTalkGirl as much as the next TV addict, but I’m not sure she invented the term “Cringe-worthy!”

i have to say i love michael scott even though he has his many faults.
i somewhat agree i think he has to tone it down a bit but i also think they need to focus on all the subtle things rather than the relationship everyone cares about, jim/pam.
im not as into that as other people.
i pretty much agree with all of you. all of michael’s antics aren’t funny just embarrassing and kind of annoying.

I agree and diasgree at the same time. Where else are we going to see something so outrageous and uncomfortable and funny at the same time?

Michael has historically bad judgement-he was his basic over-the-top it’s all about me self. The writers are brilliant, they dole out the sympathy card in the flash-back to Michaels childhood mortification Phyllis’s uncle shows up by his side and Michael is able to redeem himself with Phyllis through no real effort of his own. Pam & Jim & Karen, Dwight & Angela, Kelly & Ryan, Michael & Jan. I’m glad they didn’t hook Toby up with another staffer ( all that HR paperwork would be a pain) I think we have a few too many office romances here. Is all that inter-office couplling realistic? realistic? Are all the office romances ruining the office?
Hot girl and Roy- now there’s a match.

I agree with JeffM20. They are the ones (Michael and Dwight) who keep us tuning in every week. We like to see other ppl make complete asses of themselves. If its not us then its ok! If you toned down any of the characters, even in the slightest, the ppl would be just as boring as the job itself and that would make for a horrible show.

Michael has been like that since the begining of the show. Steve Carrell is also very good at what he does. I am more concerned about the other crowd of ppl wanting that loveable cutsie story to unfold already. I agree I would like to see Jim and Pam finally do something about their situation but what happens next? If Jam gets together…what else are you going to watch for if you think that Michael and Dwight are over the top?

We like the show because of anticipation…whats coming at us next?? The writers keep throwing curveballs as us to keep us coming back for more…we want to see what Jim is going to do to Dwight next, or we want to see what ridiculous position Michael is in and yes we want to see what little cutsie thing happens between Jim and Pam.

The show is AMAZING the way it is! Don’t change a thing!! =]

I will not stand for these lies! The office is amazing and Michael is perfect as he is…. this is the best show on television since arrested development

what the eff are u guys talking about? Michael Scott makes the freaking show for crying out loud. If i wanted to watch Jim and Pam and their shananigans i would watch days of our lives, passions and all that other crap. It’s a freaking comedy for petes sake not a saop. Keep Michael and Dwight to the max and keep the romance to a minimum.

I think Michael’s character is actually more complex and multidimensional than people are willing to credit. When he does these things it’s because he actually thinks he’s making the situation better–he has no conception about how other people will respond. As a child, he wanted to have “100 friends” because he felt the lack, and he wet himself at a wedding because he realized his social incompetence.

Now, he’s built up barriers around all that, in the form of outlandish behavior, but from time to time the insecurities sneak through from the subconscious to the surface. Michael Scott is a tragic character, not a funny one. Watching his personality reveal itself can be just as psychological and interesting as Jim/Pam.

You have to be out of your mind…it’s the cringes that make the show such a brilliant work of comedic art. It’s the fact that he can get those emotions to protrude from us with his character.

You must be joking. Without the over-the-top Michael/Dwight antics, this would just be another run of the mill romantic comedy. Sure, JAM is sweet and perhaps fleshes things out, but Steve Carell’s performance is what’s making the show POP. For those of you who mute the television when Michael Scott is on, you might as well go watch something a little tamer. Like Touched By An Angel.

Jamaica has it right. Michael Scott is more than just a cringe-worthy character. He’s sad, well-intentioned and so much deeper than you’re willing to admit. I think Phyllis’ wedding was touchy for some people because weddings are usually such a once-in-a-lifetime, sacred event. But, really, that’s what makes it so GOOD. Honestly!

I love Jim and Pam as much as the next person, but c’mon, it can’t be all staplers in jello. You don’t seriously Steve and Rainn to sit idly by and play it safe by not offending anyone, now do you?

No, I didn’t think so.

Michael Scott is what I like about the Office. I probably wouldn’t even watch the show if not for Michael Scott and Dwight.

This has to be hands down the dumbest blog post ever! Maybe you are ignorant of the original Office tv show, because if you are than that would explain it. If you know about the original Office, David Brent was the show and the awkwardness was a bloody hell lot worse than Michael Scott was. In fact, I’m glad Michael Scott is getting back into form. The show was missing out on the David Brent’s style of comedy in this season. This is how the Office should be and deviating it with other storylines would only weaken the premise of the show.

Mr. Beesly,

Really? The Dumbest Post Ever? WOW — I’m honoured. In all honesty, I’m not at all ignorant of the British version, and am more then familiar with the US version. I simply believe (as do quite a few other fans) that the US version of THE OFFICE would be far more popular with a toned down Michael. Like it or not, his antics (which I generally don’t mind) turn off a lot of fans.

The problem is not so much Michael Scott as the imbalance of the show. The tension in the Jim/Pam storyline is so high now that it overwhelms everything else. Comedy works by contrast, but when everything is in high relief, nothing stands out. It used to be that Jim and Pam were our “everyman” characters, whose relative normality balanced out the zaniness of Michael Scott. Against their sweet little subdued love story, Michael Scott could be a little outrageous and we’d wince and laugh. But now Jim and Pam are so angst-ridden that they are the focus of our attention, and in order to increase the contrast between them and Michael Scott, the writers have to push and push and push until he is way over the line. His antics at Phyllis’ wedding weren’t funny or pathetic, they were downright abusive; Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration should have decked him.

If the writers had the guts to bring the Jam storyline to some resolution, we might get the funny back in Michael Scott. I hope they have the courage to challenge the received wisdom that getting Jim and Pam together will “ruin” the show–I don’t think that is inevitable. If we had Jim and Pam back together, we would get our Everyman observer characters back, we’d get the pranks back, we’d get the BALANCE back, and Michael Scott could be funny without being pathological again.

Michael is important, no question. Wouldn’t be the same show without him. But it’s an ENSEMBLE effort, and we need EVERYBODY. And we need the tension ratcheted down a few notches.

I agree 100%. There have been some stellar episodes this season but the ones with Michael going overboard have been pretty lame. Michael has always been crazy and over the top but the writers have always kept it somewhat real. This season, those moments have just been poorly designed and not smart like in the past.

A reasonable point is made in the post above: two different (and competing) elements tend to exist in the recent episodes. Michael is more “cringe-worthy” and often flies a solo story route, while the rest of the ensemble offer more interesting plot developments.

I am definitely not advocating getting rid of Michael. However, I think two things could be done to resolve what we all see as a problematic situation:

1. Develop more sides to Michael. The relationship with Jan is definitely interest, as are the flashbacks to Michael’s childhood, which was clearly wrought with dysfunction and pain. If the latter is developed, a more dramatica and tragicomic element comes forth in some of the cringe-worthy aspects of the show. This definitely applies to parts of the wedding episode, but not all. (The whole bit with Michael in the bride’s dressing room talking about Phylis’ hair and “breaking wind” definitely fell flat, and is without excuse.)

2. Fuse the Michael story line with that of other characters. Again, the Jan issue is promising. Or, think back to last season when Michael got involved in the whole JAM issue, taking Jim to Hooters. Very funny. This especially works when the writers pit Michael against the warehouse boys, notably Darryl. Think: Back from Vacation episode. I think the Diwali epsiode tried to go this route, but it fell a little flat. Good try though.

So on the whole, these are my suggestions. Though I do want to point out that some of these “rough” moments force the viewer to really take a step back. We all know someone like Michael Scott, and sometimes we like watching the train wreck. It forces us to recognize our own social values, and how much they can be trampled on by people who have no, as Michael put it, “self-awareness.” I know it has already been mentioned, but this was definitely the brilliance of the UK version.

Any thoughts?

A few points here. “The Office would be more popular with a toned down Michael”. Is that what we’re going for? Popularity?

“The two versions are very different and I don’t think comparing them really makes much sense”. What? Of course it does. They have parallel characters and the very argument you’re making is contradicted by what made the other show (British version) successful…albeit maybe not mainstream popular.

Third: I really don’t think what we want is a toned down Michael Scott. I think it’s all about finding the right circumstances for him to come out completely inappropriate. “Diversity Day” is a great example…or “The Dundies”…or “Booze Cruise”…or more recently “The Merger”. I would argue Michael is just as ridiculous in those episodes but it comes off funny awkward rather than just completely over the top/unrealistic (TV Addict may disagree on “Boat Cruise”…come on, get the title right at least). I do agree he hurt episodes this season like “Grief Counseling”, “Gay Witch Hunt”, and “Phylis’ Wedding” by being so absurd he comes off as having some type of psychological disorder.

The show takes chances. Sometimes they pay off big, sometimes they don’t. But that’s why I love it.

Bullshit. Michael Scott is what makes the show funny. I laughed my ass off at Phyllis’s wedding and it was because of Michael Scott. I love Michael so I have bias I admit. Michael had reasons for acting like that from his bad memories of his childhood wedding to being gipped out of walking down the aisle. I think they could tone down Michael a *little*, but only a tiny bit. It would help if he had Jan there or someone else that would give him some attention/less loneliness. As long as they provide reasons for his actions, I am perfectly fine with him because its FUNNY. That’s what The Office is all about, not the drama. It’s a comedy for gods sakes. The wedding is NOT a real wedding so don’t take it seriously. Enjoy it, laugh a little.

I do agree that not only Michael is too over the top sometimes, but that even having said that … the show wouldn’t be the same without him. I mean almost every episode I find myself wondering how is it that Jan hasn’t fired him yet … or … that one of his employee’s hasn’t killed him yet (if I had been in Phyllis & Bob’s shoes I may have done that after some of the stunts he pulled at the wedding). Kidding … kind of. LOL!

Wow, are you on crack? This isn’t a soap opera about Jim and Pam.

It’s obvious thats all you care about because you list ‘The Boat Cruise’ (AKA: Booze Cruise.. get it right) as a bad episode – Yeah Pam and Jim have a mini fight in that episode, get over it. That is probably *the* best episode of the show ever…

Only in the last 2 episodes is Michael finally reaching the cringe-inducing glory that was David Brent on the BBC version of the show. Keep it up IMO.

Amazing! It’s as if the fans of this show are rooting for it’s failure. The great thing about this show is the same thing that was great about Arrested development…it’s not your typical comedy. If that’s what you are looking for, I suggest you indulge yourself in a “Friends” marathon. Uncomfortability is what this show is all about, and Michael has been this way from the beginning….if you don’t like it, then don’t watch! What annoys me the most is that It seems as if people won’t be happy with the show unless Jim and Pam (I refuse to refer to it seriously as “JAM”) run off and get married. I’m curious to know how many hit television series you have written/directed/created/produced. I absolutely LOVE the fact that I have to cover my eyes and not look at the T.V. when Michael is in all of his glory.

I agree that Michael’s antics sometimes are over the top, but thats the idea. The only times I worry are when the outbursts are so crazy that you stop seeing Michael as a socially inept person and start seeing him, as someone put it before, as a “cartoon character”. However, this rarely happens. Most of the time its just Michael being Michael. In no way do i feel his character is ruining the show. I happen to be a huge Jim/Pam fan, but even i can agree that the focus of this show, the original concept, is Michael. The obnoxious, offensive, idiotic, hate-to-love-him boss. My favorite moments are always the cringiest.

I wouldn’t change a thing. whatsoever.

p.s. it should go without saying, but…the premise of the show is that a documentary crew is filming the Dunder Mifflin set. you have to take it into account when you watch the show. what I mean is this: imagine that Phyllis’ wedding took place in reality, and unfolded like real events do, while being filmed. the viewer has to imagine that other stuff is going on, that this is just the stuff the crew caught, and that other stuff was edited out. you have to fill in the blanks. (in fact, that’s one of the things I love about the Deleted Scenes posted on the Office website.)

Can we just acknowledge the white elephant in the room–namely that most of the fans that don’t like Michael Scott this season–or any other–are mostly female, and derive a hormonal fix from watching the Jim/Pam romance develop, and are (understandably) upset when this romance is upstaged by Michael Scott’s dominant screentime? I don’t mean to be fractious and point fingers, but you have to understand that Jim is only funny because he’s the straight man to Michael and Dwight. While I sincerely hope neither Greg Daniels, nor any other member of the production or cast pay any attention to this post, nor the hormonally-induced complaints masquerading as “insightful criticism” on other blogs or sites, I almost wish they would give you people what you want, if only for a single episode. Half of the episode could be devoted to Pam and Jim looking longingly at each other, and Karen frowing, etc…etc…ad nauseum. It’s a comedy, people, and I don’t want to sound cruel, but if you’re tuning in each week, because you’re living your love life vicariously through two actors scripted by t.v writers–then do something about it. Find your own Jim or Pam. Just leave this television show alone–some of the people watch it because we need a laugh, and hence, quite enjoy Michael Scott–especially when he’s “cringe-worthy.”

I’m actually a Michael Scott fan, and the reason I started watching The Office was for that character initially. I grew to love the others as the show developed.

I think without Michael, the show would suffer, and he’s a more complex character than he seems so it’s cool to find out more about his past along the way. However, I think there is a limit to how far the character should be pushed out there. I felt like in the Wedding episode, they fell back on some really immature jokes, so it made me wince. It felt a little bit like the writing in general rather than the character of Michael alone, IMO.

-JESS

JeffM is spot on, Michael Scott and his antics ARE the show. If you want a romantic drama with subtle comedy, you are tuning into the wrong show. Next time Michael Scott is too cringe worthy for you, why don’t you pop in your Sleepless in Seattle Collecter’s Edition Gold trim DVD and cry yourself to sleep. Weak article!

Casey: The characters aren’t getting more dramatic, they are just getting more comfortable with each other.

It’s like this…..you can’t please all of the people all of the time. At times…Michael Scott is a baby. A little boy who is still acting out for attention. That is the character. If all of a sudden he didn’t do those irritating things..he wouldn’t be true to his character. What if Jim changed? Or Pam? Or anyone????

I know for a fact that Michael is turning off potential fans. My sister-in-law tried watching the show and had to stop because she was so embarrassed by Michael’s antics.

Then again, the British version I would say was even more cringe-inducing.

I agree. Michael Scott from Season One was credibly a bad boss. By Season Two, he became someone understandably horrible yet we found out he still retained a human heart. Then Season Three came and Michael became a caricature, seemingly looking for any chance to have himself sued. And while I do agree that Michael Scott brings a lot of the laugh out loud moments and the show is honestly about his inability to grasp the concept of managing an office, I think it’s also good to give more camera time to the folks who also make such an uncomfortable environment: take the Angela/Oscar situation, Stanley/Phyllis angst. Though personally, I can live without all the ever growing list of romantic ties in the show, let’s bring some other situations in, like a stolen lunch or a sewage problem or something.

I’m still faithfully rooting for the success of the show, but I’m just afraid the Michael character can often be so exaggerated people will get sick of him soon.

I don’t agree with anything you say. Michael Scott IS the show. What’s unbelieveable is that his employees put up with it! Maybe you should stick to those other shows like Survivor- totally believeable, and never over-the-top (just like the music– totally downplayed).

I totally disagree

I dont know if anyway has noticed but recently Michael has been very reserved. He just wasn’t “Michael” in Back from Vacation and a couple others after that, especially when Andy was getting on his nerves.

The point is for Michael to be socially awkward. You aren’t supposed to love him, you are supposed to cringe.

I mean.. if anything I think Michael has been easier to accept lately. He’s always been obnoxious, its nothing new

I think that he is a key element in this show. The whole dynamic of this show is based on these people working for this boss who absolutely has no social skills whatsoever and goes over the top. To me he hasn’t changed. I remember the Christmas episode a year or so ago and he was over the top because he got that potholder Phyllis has made him. I think that a lot of people are so focused on the Jim/Pam/Karen thing that its becoming more about them than about Michael. I love the Jim and Pam thing but they aren’t the reason I watch the show and I have to remember that sometimes. I love Dwight as well and love the interactions he has with Michael and Jim. I do have to say this that it takes me watching an episode sometimes more than once to really appreciate the humor in it. I also agree with the person who said that Michael seemed really reserved after he got back from vac. I even said that to my boyfriend who watches the show with me. He didn’t act like himself. I am glad he is back to the same ole quirky Michael. Steve keep up the good work.

You are absolutely, one hundred percent on the money with this and I hope the powers that be at NBC pay attention before Season 3 is ruined any further.

Michael Scott IS The Office. Without him or even a toned down version of him would make this show only about half as great as it is. Most people have either worked with, went to school with, or been related to someone like Michael. You know you can’t make them act more normal and they just are who they are. That is the beauty of this show. Michael has so many insecurities and social disfunctions that make him do and say things that make us cringe, yet he excels in some areas (like Sales) that keep him afloat. He didn’t get to be Regional Manager for no reason….he has an exceptional talent for closing the deal and also fixing his mistakes (i.e. The Client, Valentine’s Day). I love how his character can take me from shuddering at his stupidity to wanting to give him a big hug when he shows his little “abused child” side. He is both complex and moronic…..just like my ex-boss who was a HUGE horses’s A$$, but the best salesman in the state. Go figure.

Here’s a thought. If you all think you’re all so funny than why aren’t you rich and famous and writing The Office? Take it for what it is, funny… Just enjoy it for the love of god. only reason I’m on here reading this trash right now is because i’m looking for episode 16. I had to work and missed it. If someone finds a link that would be sweet.

Yeah I remember in Season One how Michael wasn’t so out there, it was a little more subdued, and I liked that better. It’s like they changed the format after season 1 a bit. Steve Carell is hilarious, and the things that they have him do, such as his dating the real estate lady and with Jan is fun…still uncomfortable, but it’s fun as well, and seems appropriate. I like how he tries so hard in the office itself, and on Office events, but at someone’s wedding is a bit much. The kissing Oscar was really hard to watch as well. Prison Mike was awesome. I think they go too far with it sometimes, but I do like the character. (Though Jim is my fave…I love how we’re in on all of his pranks and stuff)

I agree in some senses. I mean yes, MICHAEL IS THE SHOW, but some times less is more. It’s a bit like that old saying ‘before you leave the house look in the mirrror and take one thing of.” I personally love every second of Steve Carell, but a lot of people are changing their minds, so i guess everyone would appreciate the beauty of his character a little more if there was a little less of him. None the less, he had to be on the wedding episode. There wasn’t much else going on other than that. Even the pam and roy thing was minimal.

Negatory! I do not agree! Michael is a laugt-out-loud, cover-your-eyes RIOT! He’s so embarrassing that it’s outrageous! If you want the same old stuff, watch 2 guys and a boy. Sheen is funny in that but it’s over-done. The Office is different and refreshing.

Less Pam/Jim relationship… more Michael Scott being completely ignorant about life… lately the whole show has been about Pam and Jim’s lack of a relationship… either the writers need to bring them together or make the relationship less boring… I love Michael’s ability to “teach” life lessons… i do think that the interrupting the wedding thing was dumb… but still this is the man who thinks that everyone in the world loves him and thinks he is the most hilarious person ever. I am just waiting for Toby to call him out and Dwight to snap and kill Toby or something…

I agree 100% with what Alex said. If this show were an hour long, it would give extra time to fill in with the other characters, then it wouldn’t “feel” like there was “too much” of Michael Scott. It wouldn’t feel so scattered; we’d be able to see a rounder story instead of having to fill in the spaces with our own imagination or with the few deleted scenes. You can’t forget that while technically there shouldn’t be a “leading actor” because it’s a documentary, Steve Carell is what brought in the initial viewers, and he’s the BOSS, of course he’s going to be the most filmed, mainly because he is so crazy and embarassing. It just makes sense that the camera crew would focus more on him, it’s laughworthy and incredulous to witness. THAT is the point of the show: to see what goes on inside an office; the characters embarassing moments, private moments and touching moments. And I must say that it’s disappointing to read such a boldly stated post like this that doesn’t even get the names of the episodes correct…

I love the office! In case you people forgot, the office is all about michael, and he has been this crazy since the beginning of the show. I think the new viewers are a bunch of n00bs. Michael is great, knock it off.

Michael’s over-the-top behavior is a necessary piece of “The Office” puzzle, but it has been provided in carefully prescribed doses over the past 2 seasons. This season, especially of late, we’re overdosing on this annoying behavior.

For the show to thrive, the audience MUST believe that Michael Scott is competent enough to be Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin; especially now that Jan is dating him. I was relieved to see the more competent but a tad nutty Michael Scott in “Traveling Salesman” and “The Return”. But full-blown psycho-Mike reared his ugly head in “Phyllis’ Wedding”.

It bothers me that both Michael and Dwight have basically turned into caricatures of themselves. Dwight 95% sure that isn’t the real Ben Franklin? C’mon, nobody is that stupid. I’m glad this is finally being discussed.

Michael is like that horrific car accident…you know you shouldn’t look but you can’t help it. Everyone knows someone like him, you just can’t believe he (or she) actually said/did that, and its so bad that its fascinating and you can’t get enough. And just when you think Michael is pond scum, he goes and boosts Pam at her art show. (I love it when we see his sensitive side, especially with children.) Oh, and how long till Pam can’t stand Roy? Sorry, I digress, I love The MIchael Scott Behaving Badly Show, don’t tone him down!

YOU’RE RIDICULOUS! Michael’s ignorance of social mores is the essence of the show. I sure hope the writers to listen to opinions like yours. If you want to flip to Survivor, then go right ahead. This season’s episodes have been great. The only one that was not top-notch was probably Ben Franklin. If there has been anything to complain about it has been the awkward writing for some of Pam’s scenes that totally seemed out of character. Also, the writing for Traveling Salesmen was awkward because it changed the character dynamic of Michael and Andy. Andy is a great addition, but Michael does not work as the straight guy next to him. They are much better being buddy buddy.

allright.
1st of all michael MAKES the show. why the hell would you fast foward though his parts?! why do you even watch the show if you’re too stupid to get the humor out of this show?!

Michael was just too much at the wedding. The wedding was just about him. And what was the deal with him dragging the wheel chair down the aisle? I was hoping to see Dwight & Angela and more Jim and Karen.

I love the absurdity of the Michael Scott character. Pam and Jim exist as the “everyman”…watching the events unfold around them just as we, the viewers, are. Yes, he is over-the-top at times. Where it succeeds is when he is hopelessly clueless (Outing Oscar, Bachelor party, etc). It’s less effective when he appears mean (Phyllis’s wedding was too much…trying to make himself the center of attention was childish, not merely oafish as he was on the cruise episode last year).

It’s tough when you have so many talented actors to strike a balance, however. Sometimes they fall a little short, but most of the time they are right on target. It’s the best comedy on TV, hands down.

You’re a moron. Michael and Dwight make the show. It’s a comedy, not a romance show. If you want to see stories like whether Jim and Pam wind up together, watch the real world. Ben Franklin and the wedding were 2 of the funniest episodes there have been so far. The best ones are when Michael comes up with rediculous ideas, like having strippers in the office or trying to have his employees act out racist stereotypes. If Michael wasn’t over the top it would be like a real office and a lot of the viewers already experience that for 8 hours every day. If Pam and Karen weren’t hot I wouldn’t even care if they were on the show, except for Michael to harass them.

Actually, what tied the whole episode in for me was seeing Michael’s reaction at his own mother’s wedding. You can tell that something happened in his childhood, and socially, he’s stuck in that place. So I found Michael’s antics totally appropriate for his character, and toning him down socially negates the little piece of history the writers threw in.

Steve Carrell and Rainn Wilson are brilliant, but the editors and directors need to take a firmer hand when editing their scenes. Michael absolutely ruined Phyllis’s wedding for me. It made this beautiful little show into a third rate sitcom. The best cringe-worthy Michael moments are always the small ones — not the over the top ones. I do enjoy the cringe-worthy aspect of the show, but when they let Carrell (and to a lesser extent, Wilson) go too far, I’m not cringing on behalf of the characters. I’m cringing on behalf of the show, and rolling my eyes, to boot.

I’ve only seen bits of the original english series, but reading this your all nuts, those who agreed with getting rid of micheal. Hello, the series revoles around that character. Then again I never watched the american version because it’s a basic rip off of the english one, seen one seen em all!