Church Bells Ring For The Office
Posted by The Skyliner on October 28th, 2009Jordan Ecarma
Staff Writer
There is something really magical in watching two people find happiness together. And the minor fact that those two people are on a scripted TV show does not make it any less real. Fans of The Office were overjoyed to learn that their favorite two people in the workplace, Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert, were getting married.
“I really feel that I’m attending the wedding of two of my very dear friends,” Lauren Hardy, junior, said.
While the two characters started out as just friends, Pam and Jim—played by Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski—definitely had feelings for each other throughout the show. So when they finally headed to the altar in “Niagara,” aired on Oct. 8 on NBC, viewers had understandably high expectations.
This build up is exactly why the actual episode fell short. Yes, it was amusing at moments—Michael’s car with “going to a wedding” inscribed on the back, anyone?—but overall, it was disappointing.
A negative element to The Office at present is how low the comedy is sinking. Cringe-worthy and rude moments of so-called humor have replaced truly funny ones. Did the audience really need to hear Michael’s graphic explanation—to a grandmother, nonetheless—of why Pam is expecting? When looking from a Christian perspective, The Office is a sad example of the way quality TV turns to negative elements like tacky humor and overtly sexual situations in the name of entertainment.
Audience’s reactions to this episode were mixed, but the overall feedback, specifically from NGU students, was that “Niagara” was lacking.
“I would have to say that it was good, but it felt like it was overdone,” Ryan Atkins said.
Some enjoyed it nonetheless. Lawrence Fowler called it “surprising and highly entertaining.”
“It’s a secular show . . . we cannot be upset that the writers don’t keep to our moral standards,” Fowler said.
When asked about the episode, others mentioned the writer’s choices that marred it.
“I thought it was very vulgar,” Michael Gibbons said.
The Office has had some truly great moments over the years. And the “Niagara” episode, train wreck that it was at times, still had something of what makes the show worthy. Jim truly cares about Pam, and illustrates it in every way. When poor Pam has a moment of panic because her veil has ripped, Jim gallantly cuts off most of his tie, so that they can “match.” But sweeter moments like these were lost in the shuffle.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 7