The Office, "The Surplus": It's on like Donkey Kong

Spoilers for last night's "The Office" coming up just as soon as I get a new Urklenomic chair...

"Motherf..." -Michael Scott

Has there ever been a funnier "Office" edit than the abrupt one from Michael swearing to Michael in the fur coat at the end of this episode? Just the perfect finishing touch for a terrific episode.

I always love "Office" stories that are largely about the minutiae of daily office life, like the war over the thermostat, or Kevin bringing the Five Families together to resolve the parking lot issue, or Stanley's overwhelming joy on Pretzel Day. The budget surplus was right in that wheelhouse, and provided opportunity for some human-scale Michael foolishness, as well as a wonderful look at what happens when Jim and Pam are on opposite sides of an issue.

We've seen Pam be ruthless before in getting what she wants (see her and Karen teaming up on the Committee to Plan Parties), but Jim is usually either on her side or an innocent, amused bystander. This was the first time in a while (if ever) where they were at odds on something like this, and it was hilarious to see them breaking out the big guns: Jim by buddying up to Michael, Pam by slapping on some lipstick and going all flirty about Michael's butt. It was nasty, it was disgusting, and it was brilliant.

Also wonderful were the demonstrations of just how badly the office needed replacements for both the copier and the chair. Michael gradually sinking while trying to give his inspirational speech to the troops was a particularly nice touch.

On the downside, I think I'm about ready for the Dwight/Andy/Angela triangle to end, even though it's clear from the developments here that it's not gonna. Outside of Andy randomly stepping in manure in the kitchen, I spent most of that subplot feeling uncomfortable.

Some other thoughts:

• Now, was Hank the security guard taking his sweet time because it was a tough choice, or because the Dunder-Mifflin office is so much warmer than his usual digs?

• The drop down from Oscar's 8-year-old explanation to the 5-year-old explanation was a good twist on an old joke.

• I grew up right near a Burlington Coat Factory store, and Michael is absolutely right when he says $600 in there would make you like a king. In fact, given the sad state of the economy and my need for some new shirts, I think I need to figure out where the closest Burlington is to me.

• What was grosser: Andy in the dung, or Michael pouring sugar into his soda can?

What did everybody else think?