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'The Office': Webisodes all summer!

May 31, 2006, 12:49 PM | by Scott Brown

Categories: Television

94444__office_l Whipper-snappers, I'm old enough to remember when NBC's summer strategy consisted of re-runs aired under the saggy rubric "If you haven't seen it, it's new to you!" How far we've come. Now, while ABC's Lost occupies its fans all summer long with a massive online alternate reality game, NBC's The Office -- the best comedy on television, hands down -- will be providing its fans with 10 all-new web shorts.

That's smart. The plot arc is even smarter: It's nominally a mystery -- $3,000 is missing from the Scranton division's coffers -- investigated by the fractious Accounts Dept. troika of Angela (Angela Kinsey), Kevin (Brian Baumgartner), and Oscar (Oscar Nunez). Brilliant: The showdown between fundie prig Angela and quietly gay Oscar has been brewing for a while, and watching it develop against the backdrop of a "serious investigation" is a fantastic way to up the ante. It also neatly avoids dealing with the thorny Jim-Pam romance. Not to mention the business savvy: The Office's core audience consumes web shorts like so many corn chips.

I'm ridiculously giddy about this. Speaking of which: Who'd like to see a TV Watch on this show next season? Because I have a Dwight-like loyalty to it, and that could work out for all of us.


Lindsey Thu, Jun 15, 2006 at 02:47 PM EST

I feel stupid asking this, but what is a TV Watch? I'm really excited to watch the webisodes....but one question. Oscar is gay??? How did I not know that?

tanster at officetally.com Fri, Jun 9, 2006 at 05:05 PM EST

I'll add my vote for an Office TV Watch as well. More buzz can only be a good thing.

Trish Thu, Jun 1, 2006 at 02:48 PM EST

I can hardly wait for the Webisodes. So excited. And regarding adding it to TV Watch, YES!!! Don't let us down!

In fact, you should implement a Webisode Watch column for the summer. There's even alliteration. It's too good to pass by....

TD

Maria Thu, Jun 1, 2006 at 02:20 PM EST

Please do a TV Watch!!!! This show is ever so deserving. Watching it takes nearly all of the sting out of the cancellation of Arrested Development.

Heather Thu, Jun 1, 2006 at 12:56 PM EST

Yes, please do a TV Watch! I love this show! Also, can you skip back and do a TV Watch for the finale? Even though it is a couple weeks later, I would still love to read one.

Rick Thu, Jun 1, 2006 at 11:12 AM EST

Watch! Watch! Watch!

Gretchen Thu, Jun 1, 2006 at 10:42 AM EST

Yes to a T.V. Watch for The Office!!!

Catya Butterman Thu, Jun 1, 2006 at 10:30 AM EST

Isn't the point of the existing TV Watches to humorously recap shows that take themselves too seriously? That's what they originally were, with Josh Wolk's brilliant "Real World" analyses.

TV Watching an already wonderfully funny show like The Office seems unnecessary. You couldn't top the show, so why bother?

theotter Thu, Jun 1, 2006 at 09:02 AM EST

Yes on the TV Watch! Someone needs to monitor Jim and Pam and make sure they don't descend into the mire of angsty plots. By the way, I LOVED EW's "public service announcement" re the Jim-Pam kiss a few issues ago.

Sarah Thu, Jun 1, 2006 at 08:02 AM EST

I can't wait for the webisodes. What a great way to get us through the summer. But, please Please PLEASE do a TV Watch next season! I've been a fan of this show since I got the 1st season DVD last summer, and haven't missed an episode since. This would totally give me something to look forward to on Friday mornings. PLEASE?!?!

Angela Thu, Jun 1, 2006 at 06:48 AM EST

FINALLY...EW is giving some much deserved recognition for this show!!! You really dropped the ball after the 'big kiss' finale with almost non-existent coverage. Why the heck have you taken so long?!

Adair Wed, May 31, 2006 at 11:04 PM EST

I also vote yes. And anything we can do to convince the world of the genius of "Scrubs". And I still haven't given up the "Arrested Development" cause... the DVDs give great new possibility to sick days.

Diana Wed, May 31, 2006 at 10:35 PM EST

YES please do a TV Watch -- GREATEST SHOW ON TELEVISION!!! And lots of little things that are easy to miss - I always watch twice!

Katie V. Wed, May 31, 2006 at 08:57 PM EST

Excellent timing: we just ditched our dial-up connection and now finally have high speed, so bring on those web shorts! As for an Office TV watch, of course there must be one. No question about it.

jen Wed, May 31, 2006 at 08:02 PM EST

An Office TV Watch would be the most amazing thing to ever hit EW.com!!!!!!

EC Wed, May 31, 2006 at 08:00 PM EST

Yes, definitely do a TV Watch! I can't wait for the new season!

kim Wed, May 31, 2006 at 07:35 PM EST

T.V. Watch of the Office---yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

Melanie's Sis Wed, May 31, 2006 at 07:23 PM EST

If this means Scott Brown will stop doing the Lost TV Watch, then by all means, please do.

Carrie Wed, May 31, 2006 at 07:07 PM EST

Oooooh, yes! I have been craving a TV watch of 'The Office' for so long now. Can't wait for the webisodes

Kat Wed, May 31, 2006 at 06:22 PM EST

Yes! TV Watch! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Jay Wed, May 31, 2006 at 06:07 PM EST

This show is pure genius!!! A TV Watch for this show would be amazing...

Jim Wed, May 31, 2006 at 05:57 PM EST

Yes, yes, yes, OFFICE TV WATCH! C'mon EW! You can do it!!!

mark Wed, May 31, 2006 at 05:28 PM EST

looooooooooooooooooove to see an office TV watch!!!!!

cineman Wed, May 31, 2006 at 05:19 PM EST

What has two thumbs and wants The Office for TV Watch?...THIS GUY!!!

Matt Wed, May 31, 2006 at 04:56 PM EST

The Office is indeed the best comedy on TV. Bring on TV watch!!!

Mich Wed, May 31, 2006 at 04:15 PM EST

I agree with Connie! TV Watch sounds like an excellent forum to advocate for a real Must-See Thursday.

Connie Wed, May 31, 2006 at 03:53 PM EST

Can you use TV Watch to convince NBC to move Scrubs with The Office and My Name is Earl and the new Tina Fey comedy to create a laugh-track free Smart Comedy night?

EP Sato Wed, May 31, 2006 at 03:32 PM EST

I'm pysched about the web shorts this summer! Please make sure that popwatch links to each and every one.

And NOOOO TV watch! I am not a fan. This is a much better forum, and (azz kissing like this requires a license) your writing is more fun to reply to.

Mario Wed, May 31, 2006 at 03:19 PM EST

The Office TV Watch = Best. Thing. Ever.

martie Wed, May 31, 2006 at 03:13 PM EST

Yes, Office TV Watch!!

brandon218 Wed, May 31, 2006 at 03:09 PM EST

Yes, yes, yes to the TV Watch!!! This just might be the best show on television.

tyler Wed, May 31, 2006 at 03:01 PM EST

Most definately TV Watch. I love this show, but noone else watches it regularly enough to get past the humor and into the plots. So when they aired the best season finale ever, their was noone to talk to about, and nowhere to read about it. Dinka' flicka'man!

James Wed, May 31, 2006 at 03:00 PM EST

Bring on the Office TV Watch!

Kristina Wed, May 31, 2006 at 02:56 PM EST

Please do an Office TV Watch -- it is the best on television, and even though it's a half-hour comedy, it is one of the most nuanced, heartfelt shows ever produced.

brandonk Wed, May 31, 2006 at 02:47 PM EST

A "The Office" TV Watch sounds great! Can't wait for the webisodes. I just love this show.

Meg Wed, May 31, 2006 at 02:41 PM EST

TV WAAAAAAATCH!!

I want the web shorts to start NOW. I'm too impatient to wait until July 13th.

Megan Wed, May 31, 2006 at 02:29 PM EST

A TV Watch...yes, please!

Billy Wed, May 31, 2006 at 02:23 PM EST

Definitely a yes to TV Watch!

Scott Wed, May 31, 2006 at 01:59 PM EST

Yes to TV Watch!

Carly Wed, May 31, 2006 at 01:46 PM EST

YAY for a TVWatch for The Office!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!

Paola Wed, May 31, 2006 at 01:44 PM EST

TV Watch for the most brilliant half hour on TV?
Ya think?

Brenna Wed, May 31, 2006 at 01:40 PM EST

PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE give us a TV Watch! This is the best comedy & quite often the best show, PERIOD, on tv.

Allison Wed, May 31, 2006 at 01:30 PM EST

The Office TV Watch? I've never wanted something so badly! If only you could have made this suggestion before the finale!

Martin Wed, May 31, 2006 at 01:23 PM EST

Scott,
A TV Watch on The Office (and while you're at it, maybe Scrubs, too) would be sooo cool, and probably something that would help forgive EW for not paying Madonna some respect and putting her on the cover of the mag.
http://www.moviemartin.blogspot.com
m.

Erin Wed, May 31, 2006 at 01:21 PM EST

Office TV Watch -- yes please! Isn't that a no-brainer?

Jane Wed, May 31, 2006 at 01:09 PM EST

My question is: Why don't you already have a TV Watch on this show yet?

LuLu Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:59 PM EST

Bring on the TV watch, yeah!

BLG Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:55 PM EST

The Office TV Watch? Yes, please!

Jess Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:46 PM EST

More Kevin is always a good thing. He's hilarious, and he deserves more screen time! That weird smile he does kills me.

Definitely the funniest show on network television in AGES. With My Name is Earl coming in second.

Ken Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:44 PM EST

I vote for a TV Watch.

Kristin Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:40 PM EST

Yes please! TV Watch would be fantastic!

sal Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:38 PM EST

Yes! Yes! TV Watch! This is one of the only shows on TV that is actually worth talking about the next day. If you write one, I will think of you as a truly great philanderer!

Andrea Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:26 PM EST

Um, where have you guys been? This was announced months ago.

Looking forward to the shorts nonetheless.

Clint Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:25 PM EST

The Office TV watch would be awesome! So much to analyze in each episode. One little look or gesture moves the story forward!

Laura Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:13 PM EST

The Office is hands down the best comedy on TV, and most definitely deserves a TV Watch. I love love LOVE this show! And that Season Finale was one of the best pieces of television I have ever seen. Can't wait for the webisodes!

Heather Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:12 PM EST

because i am technologically-challenged, how and where do you see these webisodes? when do they start? sorry...I just figured out how MySpace worked in the last couple of months! :-)

Andria Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:10 PM EST

I would love to see an Office TV Watch. I would love to see JAM and Dwangela on the cover of EW too. This is the best comedy on TV and deserves all the attention.

endorphin74 Wed, May 31, 2006 at 12:05 PM EST

I am SOOOO excited for the office shorts.

This is now my favorite comedy on TV and I'm drooling at the thought of being able to read a TV Watch on it next season. PLEASE DO THIS!

DBD Wed, May 31, 2006 at 11:57 AM EST

the more mentions of this show, the better.

I was nervous about an Americanized version of the British show, which everyone knows is one of the greatest things ever to be on TV. But this show has really come into its own--the second season was hilarious. Of course Carrell is great, but I'm particularly impressed with the (relatively) less famous supporting cast, so I'm happy they're doing these shorts over the summer...

mandy Wed, May 31, 2006 at 11:57 AM EST

I would love to see a TV Watch next season! I just started watching this show and I LOVE IT!!

TJ Wed, May 31, 2006 at 11:56 AM EST

I would love to see an Office TV Watch. We DVR'ed the season finale and just got to watch it last night. Great TV! The sitcom is on its way back with The Office and My Name is Earl!


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