Stay ConnectedTHAT’S WHAT SHE SAID takes an in-depth look at the world of NBC’s THE OFFICE. Each and every week we will offer audio highlights, episode commentary, news, reports on upcoming media appearances of the cast, retro reviews, a selection of podsafe music, and much more.
Often imitated, yet never equaled, TWSS is the longest continually running podcast dedicated to the best show on TV.
Please SUBSCRIBE to receive the most recent episodes.
Copyright: © Matthew R. Sommer
So... Anyone watching MY NAME IS EARL? Note to Jeff Zucker-- You're not funny (neither is this episode of Earl, really, but at least it's NEW).I don't think I'm going to sit through the two hour marathon just for the John Krasinski bits (that's why god invented the DVR, after all), but feel free to make any comments about his appearance below.Just saw the preview for DINNER PARTY... gotta say, Andy Bernard is one snappy dresser (Note to self: more over-the-shoulder sweater ensembles). The episode has been described as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?" meets... well... THE OFFICE. A crying Dwight, Michael discussing his three vasectomies... who could ask for anything more? That clip's a bit old, but I figured I'd show it anyway. Is it me, or did it get a little dusty in here?Don't forget, too, that Greg Daniels and the writing staff will be doing another live blog after the show on 4/10. Head on over to NBC.com to submit a comment.
Well, NBC has been busy unveiling its 2008-2009 prime time schedule today, which includes some rather baffling (but not unexpected) news -- "THE OFFICE SPINOFF" will debut in January 2009. A regular episode of THE OFFICE will air in the coveted post-Super Bowl slot, followed by the pilot episode of the unnamed (I can only pray it's not named "The Office Spinoff"...) spinoff.The ORIGINAL show will return in September, once again, with hour long episodes. E! is also reporting that the episode order for 2008-2009 is "28 half hour episodes" (not sure how those hour longs fit into that).The New York Times got the following information on the new show from Ben Silverman:NBC isn't revealing much about the show itself. "The entire creative team of 'The Office' is behind this show,? Mr. Silverman said, including Greg Daniels, the show's executive producer.It's a tall order for Mr. Daniels and his colleagues, as they will also be producing hour-long versions of "The Office? throughout September.Mr. Silverman noted that "The Office? has a "huge ensemble? of actors."We can't even service some of these great actors and performers [on the original show], so it's very likely you will see some of those actors on the spin-off,? he said.I got a chuckle out of some of the comments in the NYT article-- since the show was unnamed, the author asked, what names would its readers suggest for the show?Reader Jaimie quipped: 'I think they should name it something like "Creative Oversight? or "Gigantic Error.?'Damn right, Jaimie.Can anyone REALLY see it as a good idea to split the attention of THE OFFICE's writing staff? A good idea to take characters from one of the most beloved and talented ensembles ever assembled and shuffle some of them off to another show? THE OFFICE is amazing BECAUSE it has such a huge cast of characters... it's a TEAM effort, through and through. Sure, THE MARY TYLER MOORE SHOW gave birth to RHODA, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW begat MAYBERRY RFD, ALL IN THE FAMILY spawned THE JEFFERSONS (and MAUDE), and DOCTOR WHO led into TORCHWOOD. I GET the concept. I know it's worked in the past, but it just makes me incredibly sad to think that one of the best shows on TV is going to screwed with in this way. For those people who say "But everyone said an AMERICAN remake of THE OFFICE would suck, and look how it turned out," I say "Bah." The situations aren't analgous in the least. The UK show was over, the American version took the pilot idea and ran with it, quickly making the show a very distinct beast. None of the UK cast came to America, the UK audience didn't have to watch David Brent or Tim suddenly relocate to Scranton, PA, being replaced by some new "nobodies" (or even worse, not replaced at all).Will I watch the new show? Of course. Maybe I'll even love it. But right now, it just worries me more than anything else.
With LEATHERHEADS only a week away, the hype-machine is in full effect. USA Today joined the John Krasinski love-fest today with an article talking about his experiences on the set, how he thought Clooney was "pranking" him by saying he got the role, and much more.Krasinski seems so squeaky-clean that the article's author asked Steve Carell if there wasn't a "dark side" hidden somewhere."You can dig for it, but I don't know that you're going to find it," Carell says. "What's not to like? Plus, he smells really good, like fresh-baked cookies." Read the full article HERE.EDIT:Parade magazine also had an interview/write-up on John today. Aside from the interview, ladies (and men secure in their heterosexuality) can enjoy some rather "hawt" web exclusive photos.
I know that with the strike in full effect, many of us were shunning any Office episodes that were being offered over the web. With the new contract in place, it's time to check out the HULU video-on-demand service if you haven't already done so.Currently, the service is offering NINE full episodes of The Office, with over 100 "clips" from the series. In addition, dozens upon dozens of OTHER shows are also available. Click HERE for a full alphabetical list of programs.
From the press release:In a new book published by Wiley-Blackwell, "The Office and Philosophy:Scenes From The Unexamined Life?, Editor and contributor Jeremy Wisnewski has assembled an impressive team of fellow philosophers who take a good look at the popular NBC Television program, "The Office?.Originally a BBC creation, the hugely popular show has spawned not just the multi-award winning American version, but French, German, and Canadian versions as well. Each plays to their individual cultures. This speaks volumes about the depth and insight of The Office.According to the editor, Professor J. Jeremy Wisnewski, "This show is hilarious, but it has something to say. Our book was written by fans for fans – every day folks who appreciate the show and who are a little more like Michael Scott than Socrates. We grouped the sections like office memos; each one reveals something new about The Office. It raises issues and lets us enjoy ourselves at the same time.?Readers will identify with the topics the book raises in chapters such as "Laughter Between Distraction and Awakening: Marxist Themes in The Office,? and "Attacking with the North: Affirmative Action and The Office.? The authors cite the perception of class and race differences in the office environment, as well as the differences between the British and American versions of the program. The Office and Philosophy examines the close and personal connection that viewers feel towards a fictional interpretation of a collective and common reality.The book works to further break down the "4th wall? of the show's audience. The author contemplates why viewers are fascinated by a world where it is acceptable to make outrageous statements and voice beliefs not normally appropriate in a workplace. "The program offers insight into social expectations and plays with the boundaries of behavior and social mores.? [VF1]The manner in which the characters resolve and cope with these remarkable circumstances allow the audience to identify with how they may be able to resolve their own issues. The book delves into the process of self-discovery and self-deception. "We can see bit of ourselves in each character?, says Wisnewski. "We're the analyst and the analyzed at the same time.?Political correctness, sexual harassment, business ethics, office flirtation, and humiliation are hot button points that show up in this snapshot of life. Even as it captures something of the human condition, The Office put the 'fun' in dysfunctional. "This is philosophy that is meant to introduce you to, and help you understand, issues in a way that is as enjoyable as the show itself.?Check out http://www.blackwellpublishing.com for more info.
If you're in the LA area, this is probably your best chance to "cast-spot" your favorite Office employee.WHAT: The world premiere of the romantic comedy "Leatherheads"WHO: "Leatherheads" director/cast member George Clooney; cast members Renee Zellweger, John Krasinski, Jonathan Pryce, Stephen Root, Wayne Duvall, Keith Loneker, Robert Baker, Malcolm Goodwin, Tim Griffin, Tommy Hinkley, Nick Paonessa, Mike O'Malley and Nicholas Bourdages; writers Duncan Brantley and Rick Reilly; producers Grant Heslov and Casey Silver.Plus additional celebrity guests including Brian Baumgartner, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Jenna Fischer, Luke Ford, Angela Kinsey, B.J. Novak, Masi Oka, Laura San Giacomo and Rainn Wilson.WHERE: Grauman's Chinese 6925 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, CAWHEN: Monday, March 31, 2008 5:30 PM Press Call Time 6:30 PM Celebrity Arrivals 7:30 PM Screening Begins"LEATHERHEADS" opens in theaters on Friday, April 4, 2008.
Are you going through Krasinski-withdrawl, like Michelle in Chicago? Fear not, true believer! According to E! Online's "Watch With Kristin," Johnny K. will be hosting a mini-marathon of Office episodes on April 3rd. Says Kristin: ...you'll get your John Krasinski fix April 3 when he hosts NBC's Thursday night comedy lineup. They're going to replay the last four episodes of The Office, and J.K. will be previewing scenes from his upcoming movie, Leatherheads, with Mr. George Clooney. Very fancy, our little Halpert has gotten, no?! Based on the comments, I'm guessing this WON'T be done in character (like Paul Lieberstein did hosting as Toby).
The New York Times published an article today looking at the ups, downs, joys and shame of belonging to an a cappella group. From the article:Whenever a cappella is mentioned in pop culture (see the comedy "The Break-Up,? in which Vince Vaughn is beaten up by an a cappella group; the bio for Stephen Colbert's broadcast persona, which claims that he performed a cappella in a Dartmouth group called the Sing Dynasty; or the recent dismissal from "American Idol? of Luke Menard, who also sang a cappella), it is almost always a shorthand for rampant geekiness. On the NBC sitcom "The Office,? the grating Andy Bernard, a character played by Ed Helms, often reminds co-workers that he once performed with a Cornell group called Here Comes Treble.Mr. Helms said the show's satire of a cappella was all in good fun, though he still bears the scars of his own brief encounter with the art form: in 1993, he said, he quit the Oberlin Obertones after one semester because of a personality clash with the group's music director. "I decided smoking pot was more important than extracurricular activities,? he said. That's about it for OFFICE related content, but check out the rest of the article HERE if you're so inclined.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
