Tori’s Review: Safety Training
Friday, April 13th, 2007 | 72 commentsAfter watching Thursday’s The Office for the first time, I didn’t really like it, but I couldn’t put my finger on why.
Was it because there wasn’t much Jim and Pam? No, I don’t mind less Jim and Pam. The Injury is JAM light, and it is my favorite episode of the series.
Was it because suicide jokes aren’t funny? No, suicide jokes are very funny.
So, I watched it again.
I still didn’t like it. But, I think I’ve figured out why.
It felt supersized — but it was only 22 minutes long.
First, was the return of “Drew,” the dumbass formerly known as Andy. I was actually happy to see Andy (I’m not calling him Drew either), and interested to see how he would fit back into the office after his meltdown. We got a couple of quick scenes at the beginning of the episode — but that was it. He didn’t have much of a storyline except for a few “un-shun, re-shun” jokes from Dwight. (I did enjoy those.)
Ed Helms is the only added cast member this season who has been made a regular. If Andy is sticking around, I think the audience needs to get to know him post-meltdown. As of now, he is just another Dwight with fewer quirks and more aggression. Oh, I’m sorry — grumpies.
The safety training part of Safety Training started out funny, but didn’t really go anywhere interesting. I can usually tolerate an impressive amount of Michael in mania mode, but this week it took so many long conversations between Dwight and Michael to even get to the rooftop performance. By that point, I wanted Michael to jump just to see something happen.
I will admit, the betting storyline was very funny. I loved Kelly’s lesson on Netflix, the jellybeans, Creed’s applotato, and the fact that John Mellencamp has the power to make Kevin a very rich man. But, again, it didn’t really tell a story. It felt like a bunch of deleted scenes strung together. The only thing we learned is Karen doesn’t fit in with the rest of the office. We already knew that. By the way, Karen, Jim still loves Pam. I’m sorry it had to come from me, but you’re better off this way.
Okay, I’m sorry. I take it back. I didn’t really want Michael to jump.
One of my favorite things about The Office is that when it comes down to it, these people who sometimes can’t stand each other really do care about one another. It was nice to see Pam, Jim and Darryl save Michael from certain death.
Of course, Pam could have saved everyone (including us) a lot of time by just offering to open her shirt for 30 seconds if Michael came back downstairs. She cares about him — but not that much.
So, we had a rough week Office; you hurt me, I hurt you, but we will bounce back.
Indubidibly …
–
Tori Weber is a Web Producer and writer for a television news station in Orlando, FL. Writing keeps her sane, and ice cream makes her happy. Dogs are good too. Visit her here.
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I seem to be agreeing with everyone for some reason that this was the BEST and WORST of the season. How is that possible you ask? I don’t know. All I know is that when they DO put in continuing story lines with Jam and Jam still aren’t together I end up a little sad afterwards (still loving the show, of course).
‘Safety Training’ was kind of a relief from all that Jam angst and I ended up satisfied and smiling when it was all over. We need a little fluff sometimes to keep it light and forget the drama. And actually, I think there was a lot of Jam in this episode, but it was subtle. They were back to their old shenanigans and pulled together to save Michael just like old times (well, sort of). Plus, I noticed a lot of sweet smiles coming from Jim as he and Pam were in the parking lot together and THAT is always nice; especially when Karen isn’t around (not that I hate Karen. I like her; just not with Jim). Oh and I LOVED the betting. Too funny.
The downside was that it dragged a bit in the beginning for me and that it didn’t go anywhere. It’s kind of a double edged sword, though, isn’t it?…because we need the fluff episodes to keep things light and fun, but then you’re slightly disappointed that story lines didn’t progress much. I don’t know. I’m conflicted here, but I DID enjoy the show; especially the second time around. Dwight’s “wolves” line was great and I liked that Andy seemed a little shy. That was cute.
How will I make it two whole weeks without my fix?
I think it might just be a matter of opinion. Me, my boyfriend, my parents and all of my (3) siblings thought this episode was one of the best this season – and those are just the people I’ve talked to about it so far! Just because it had no deep plotline doesn’t mean it isn’t up to par with the rest of the episodes from this season. Because technically, season 2 was more fluff than anything – espeically at the beginning… And some of those episodes are the best episodes ever. I doubt I’m the only one to think so!
Great review Tori! I have to say that I agreed with you at first. When I first watched this episode I couldn’t help but feel like I was waiting for something that never happened. And I tossed it aside as just being a “filler” episode until the season finale. It is, especially in regard to jam. But then I watched it again, knowing full well that whatever I was waiting for was not actually going to happen, and found myself able to enjoy all the subtle humor that I missed in my first viewing. Like when Michael is telling dwight “you know what our biggest killer is?” and dwight looks at him knowingly and says “wolves.” Highest of comedy. Or “quiz, mike, should you drive the forklift?” And dwight fist pumping at the machine and Andy trying to follow suit. At the end I found myself thinking that this was one the funniest episodes of the season, second for me only to A benihana christmas, if only they had made it a two part episode as well.
I also agree with previous posts that BJ might have bitten off more than he could chew and was a little ambitious with how much he wanted to incorporate into this episode. But honestly, I can’t blame him. There are too many interesting characters and story lines to just ignore episode after episode. We only get glimpses of them here and there. I’ve always loved episodes of the warehouse, and this had some of that, and I loved office olympics, and this had some of that, as well as a great amount of Dwight and Michael time which is all gold. But unfortunately too much isn’t always a good thing, and it did come off as a little disorganized. If only the writers always had a full hour to work with…
Anonymous-
I’d like to think that we can all discuss the quality of epsodes, albeit subjectively, and agree or disagree knowing that we all love this show.
I don’t agree that a few elements of the episode equal the sum of its plot or overall story.
There are episodes that have blown me away, or tickled me pink. “Safety Training” did neither, despite its bright moments.
I don’t want to be labelled as an “Office” naysayer just because I think this episode came in a little light. I really do love “The Office” and I think the PTB are holding back for a big season finale.
As I said before, a second viewing revealed more subtle bright spots, but “Safety Training” wasn’t on par with, say, “Cocktails” or almost any other episode from this season.
I expect that, when we all get Season 3 on DVD, it will stand out as the fluff episode of the series.
That’s okay…. I still expect excellence from the remaining stories.
“The Office” rarely disappoints.
Ray
I, myself am an avid OfficeTally lurker, and I STILL don’t criticize The Office – even if I don’t particularly love the newest episode. I think criticism stems from anticipation for a new episode, and being somewhat “let down”.
Anyway, the things you, Hot Dog Fingers, mentioned that you loved about the episode was basically the entire episode… so I can’t say I have anything to technically disagree with
I’m brazen enough to say that this episode might have been my favorite of the season – not in any way kidding whatsoever.
There’s no denying that “The Office” has set the bar very high for itself in terms of what its fans expect from it. If you believe that any criticism of the show stems only from people wanting to hear themselves “talk”, I think you ignore the fact that anyone obsessed enough with “The Office” to spend hours on this site is not here because they want to bash it.
Blind faith and a prohibition on dissenting opinion shouldn’t be requirements for participation on Office Tally, I don’t think.
Having said that, “Safety Training” was better upon repeat viewing. There are a number of small things that really stand out as quite funny: Creed “discovering” the bouncy house in the bushes while zipping up his pants, the bets (especially the Kelly bet), Dwight discussing being shunned as an Amish child, Darryl’s difficulty in namimg reasons for Michael to want to live. And the trunk full of watermelons.
Still, this episode is probably my least favorite of Season 3, but far better than any other show on network TV, and certainly better than repeats!
I agree with “hey bailey” that the episode really was much better on second viewing. I watched it from Seattle later and laughed a lot more. The episode was kind of jumpy – short scenes strung together – and once you already know what is going to happen, it’s easier to enjoy the moments. Actually, I’m sitting at my desk laughing right now thinking about the look on Stanley’s face when he comes out at the end and sees his car…
re: comment 61, Kristin…
I agree 100%. So many people who say they love this show are outrageously critical for no good reason except that they just want to talk.
Eh, didn’t like this review. Suicide jokes aren’t that funny. Nevertheless I thought the episode was hysterical. I watched it twice in a row and I laughed my butt off both times. It was brilliant. The storylines were cute, especially the betting. I thought it flowed beautifully. It has that power. I hate that so many of you are so critical of a TV show that’s outdoing everything else on Television right now. Enjoy it… it’s only TV, and it’s doing better than you.
Awesome episode.
I think it was one of the best this season!!!
P.S. Don’t jump on the bouncy castle.
While I do like the drama that this show has to offer, “Safety Training” was a much needed dose of laugh out loud silliness that made me love this show. I don’t think it was anything like a bunch of deleted scenes put together but it was a bit jarring at times. But lets be real… this show really is a comedy with a good subplot drama underneath. I’m glad they put the subplot away for one week just to enjoy the absurdity and hilarity of the show.
At least I wasn’t the only one thinking Pam was going to flash Michael the sweater puppies to get him off the roof. I think they missed a great opportunity for hilarity. Just imagine Jim’s reaction shot to the camera guy on that one, and maybe even a quick-thinking nod to the camera man for him to actually point the camera at Pam so he could see the footage later. haha And then a worried glance around to see if Karen was looking. And of course, Michael would have to call Jan afterwards to tell her that he was “with” another woman. haha HILARITY I tell you.
61 | Kristen: That was just a joke. Of course Pam would never really open her shirt for Michael, but we all know that would have gotten him off the roof faster than a speeding bullet.
She also wasn’t really going to give him a Expo female robot only available in Japan.
I have to disagree. I feel like a lot of this season has been very dramatic and while I understand it is necessary for plot development and continuation, this episode was a welcome change of pace. I agree with someone else’s comment that it felt more like season two, which in my opinion was overall a better season.
I liked having moments like Jim and Pam being the ones to realize what Michael was up to because they have so often in the past. I think the betting plotline was bringing back the idea of the workday being terribly mundane, and so you have to entertain yourself, even while your boss is plotting his own accidental suicide.
While I agree that some of the Dwight/Michael scenes were drawn out, I think it was a really funny episode and I laughed out loud more during this one on the first viewing than the rest of the season’s episodes.
I’m just sick of repeats.
Exactly. I was waiting and waiting for the punchline to the betting storyline…and it was really weak. The Mellencamp joke was hilarious but still.
It just felt…epic. Maybe we’ll see a bunch of long deleted scenes later? I just don’t think it meshed very well with last week’s. But it’s still the best show on television…
Great review!
I kinda think this is the worst review I have read on this website.
“Of course, Pam could have saved everyone (including us) a lot of time by just offering to open her shirt for 30 seconds if Michael came back downstairs.
” What? What show are you watching? Why would Pam ever open her shirt for someone? Where does this comment fit into your review? A lot of your comments just seemed out of place this week.
And please, just because it doesnt have any Jam in it doesnt make it a bad episode. I hate that it always comes down to that.
I love this website but I can never read any of the viewers comments afterwards because they are always so negative it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
The “Ignorant Slut” part was truly hilarious. Other than that, this episode didn’t have lots of laughs like the wonderful “Negotiation”.
I was in Monterey for a mini-vacation and rushed back to my hotel to watch “Safety Training” Thursday night. I must say that I think it was the weakest “Office” episode to date. It just wasn’t very funny, and the plot line was almost non-existent.
I was eager to get back to OT and see if my opinion was shared. This review is right-on with my take on the episode.
I love the show, but I certainly hope they step it up. Let’s hope the quality of “Safety Training” is a fluke and not an indication of future scripts.
Hey Tori – great review! Thanks for your always honest opinion. I can see why some folks didn’t like it. I agree with Evan and others, though, about the normalness and subtlety of the episode and that’s why I really liked it. Two words – character development!
It was awesome to see Darryl and the warehouse crew in their element, and to see Darryl go from pissed off at Michael to ultimately “saving” him. That is grace, if you believe in that sort of thing, and I thought it was a great storyline for both characters. And the way Michael tries to save face at the end by making it look like he was in control, when he is actually very depressed.
One of my favorite parts was when Jim and Pam both realized Michael was going to jump. They reacted in the same way – mild panic and springing into action – and it showed a depth of understanding of and caring about Michael that can only come from having worked with him for so long. I think it also shows that their connection is so strong that they can be friends after all they’ve been through. Great JAM moment without being a JAM moment.
Kelly and Ryan were ADORABLE. How cute was it that Ryan kissed her on the forehead? Anyhoo, apologies for the long post. Can’t wait for the rest of the season!
I’m going to have to disagree with Tori about Karen already knowing that she doesn’t fit in. Almost every “Karen not fitting in the rest” example you used were completely understandable, as they were all firsts for Karen.
-The Phyllis perfume comment was on Karen’s first day at Scranton! Of course she’s not going to know what’s up!
-Benihana Christmas was her first time in the party planning committee, and she was still a recent transfer (remember, she tried to give ideas on how the new Stamford people can feel more welcome)
-Traveling Salesman was probably her first sales call with Scranton, and even if it wasn’t, it was clearly her first one with Phyllis…otherwise she would’ve known about the makeover. Jim seemed surprised at the makeover too, even though he knows Phyllis well and ought to know that her partner would get a makeover, right?
-Karen doesn’t go along with the prank in the Return only because she is swamped with Dwight’s work, not because she doesn’t know how to fit in.
That being said, I can see how none of those situations would make Karen self-aware of her outsider status. Most of those times she was still pretty darn new at Scranton. And during that time she made friends with Pam, befriended Phyllis through the sales call, and probably felt like part of the group when everyone went to “her” Christmas party instead of Angela’s. But through the betting in this episode, Karen is confronted with the fact that she really doesn’t know the Scranton people that well, or at least as well as she thought she did…especially now that she’s been there a while. Everything in the past can be excused or explained away, but this time it’s right in front of her face. That’s the difference.
I have to disagree about the episode too, although I can understand your viewpoint. I think that the timing of the episode doesn’t work in it’s favor,being hot on the heels of a super-sized, super-hyped turning-point episode last week. But I thought Safety Training was hilarious and went back to a “spoof of stuff that happens in a real office” (i.e. Diversity Day, Sexual Harassment, Health Care, etc.) theme that has been kind of lacking this season.