Yearning for TV’s ‘The Office’

By DAVID STEGON

Published: April 3, 2008

All right, that is not exactly the truth. I have SEEN them, per say, but I have yet to really sit down and catch up with them. Are Michael and Jan still together? Are Pam and Jim finally happy that they are together? Is Ryan letting his new job go to his head? How is Dwight dealing with his break-up with Angela?
Starting next Thursday I will get the answers to these questions as my friends on NBC’s hit “The Office” return to the airwaves after a six-month hiatus.
I cannot wait.

Of all the scripted shows on television, “The Office” is the only one I watch. And I mean ever. There are a few reality shows that I almost always watch and even a few game shows, but when it comes to old-fashioned dramas and comedies “The Office” stands alone, at least for me.
It is hard to put in the right context about how I feel about “The Office.” Yes, it is a funny show that has the right amount of dramatic twists and turns to keep the viewer tuning in each week.

But for me the show serves as an escape if you will. I own each of the first three seasons on DVD and thanks to NBC.com, I can watch any of the fourth season online anytime I want. Whenever I find myself in a bad mood or simply needing a reprieve from everyday life I slip in episodes of “The Office,” even ones

I’ve probably seen 15 times by now.

There is just something about the show that relaxes me.

It is hard to say that about any other show. Sure, there have been shows I’ve watched over and over again, but I cannot remember one that had the kind of calming influence “The Office” has over me, which in my mind, makes it the perfect form of entertainment.

It is a show I can watch and laugh along with watching the story lines develop. I honestly have no idea what will happen in future episodes. Will Michael get fired? Will Pam leave Jim to follow a design career? Will Ryan take over the company? Will Dwight ever act normal?

Who knows? All I know is that “The Office” is the best show on television and I am excited for it to be back. Please never leave again.

David Stegon is a contributing writer at the Stafford County Sun. He’ll be watching the return of “The Office” next Thursday. Will you?