DVD Review: The Office: Season 5

The latest season of the ultimate workplace comedy finds the employees of fictional paper company Dunder Mifflin enmeshed in surprise office hook-ups, break ups, romantic triangles and new business ventures. In a subversively funny look at corporate life, self-important, insensitive regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell) still thinks he’s the best boss ever – despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary! As Michael leaves the security of Dunder Mifflin and strikes out on his own, Andy (Ed Helms) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) do battle for Angela’s (Angela Kinsey) affections, and Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) finally plan their long awaited nuptials.

Review:
The Office: Season 5 is quite possibly one of the strongest seasons of a series that is argueably the best on television. With moments like Angela trying to save her cat by tossing it into the ceiling after Oscar attempts to escape the impending office fire – you’ll find yourself laughing until it hurts – literally.

I’ve encountered numerous people over the year that claim that The Office is painful or awkward to watch because of Michael Scott’s (played by Steve Carell) behavior. However, I think this is what makes the show so unique and hilarious. Every character has unique flaws that make them human and makes them relatable. Even though it seems like it may be aggravating to work there at Dunder Mifflin, you feel like you know and can relate to each one of the characters in some way. Because, let’s face it – we’ve all known Michael Scotts and Dwight Schrutes to some degree.

Each character of this show is essential to the show’s success. Since early on I felt the real star of this show has always been Rainn Wilson who plays Dwight Schrute, but the truth is without John Krasinsky (Jim), Jenna Fischer (Pam), Creed Bratton (Creed), or any of the others… The Office wouldn’t be the comedy masterpiece that it is.

Season 5 DVDs may come with that ellusive – or not so ellusive golden ticket you saw Michael Scott give away to the clients early in the season. My DVD set sadly did not come with a ticket – but if your’s does you may win a chance to visit the set of the series.

If you’ve already seen Season 5, you know about Dwight’s fire drill and the awkward company picnic – but you haven’t seen the exclusive commentaries and deleted scenes (over 3 hours!!!)… perhaps you have seen the webisodes – but let’s face it, you need to own those too. Add this one to your collection, no comedy collection is complete without it.

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: A+
Official site: http://www.TheOfficeDVD.com
Buy on Amazon: The Office: Season 5