by Noa (’16)

Like all things, both good and bad, The Office– NBC’s hit mockumentary about office workers at the paper company, Dunder Mifflin, in Scranton, Pensylvania– is coming to an end. I, like many other TV watchers, am sad to see it go. Had you asked me a week ago if I would miss The Office, my answer would probably have been “Eh. Not really.” However, I have recently had a change of heart. After being stuck in bed all weekend with a fever and general fatigue, I resorted to re-watching all of the old Office episodes, because, frankly, I’ve probably seen about everything else on Netflix instant-streaming. At first, I was a bit hesitant. My first experience watching The Office was one of mild entertainment, but mostly indifference. But this second time around was eye-opening. I came to the realization that, although it seems to be simply about a paper company, The Office is so much more than that. It’s about the meaning of friendship, and teamwork, and the modern work industry, and how life in a small town in a small business is anything but small, and a hilarious beet farmer/black belt/ Assistant to the Regional Manager named Dwite. It’s about Phillis, and Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration, and Stanley, and Meredith, and Angela, and Kelly, and Ryan, and Andy, and Michael, and Creed, and the adorable couple, Jim (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EnsjrDsVyI) and Pam, and so much more. Like all TV shows, The Office has had its ups and downs (season 8— really?), but I was once again reminded of its undeniable charm and wit and Pim’s (Jam’s?) adorable coupley-ness. I can now honestly say that I will miss The Office when it leaves the air, but Dunder Mifflin, thanks to Netflix, will forever remain in my heart.