Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews

• The Writer – Mindy Kaling
• Director – Greg Daniels
• A brief synopsis – Michael insists on moving forward with the annual Dundies Awards ceremony even when Jan tells him that it will not be paid for by Dunder Mifflin.  Things go about as well as expected, but just when Michael is about to pull the plug, Pam, freshly drunk after arguing with Roy, rallies the group to his cause.  Things get awkward from there as Pam, deliriously happy for not winning the “Longest Engagement” award, comes back to Jim and plants a drunk kiss on his lips.  She then gets a ride home from…Angela, as Jim looks on like a lovelorn pup.
• The best line – Oscar: The Dundies are kind of like a kid’s birthday party, and you go, and there’s really nothing for you to do there. But the kid’s having a really good time, so you’re, kind of there. That’s-that’s kind of what it’s like.
• The best moment – Some might say the kiss, but the lingering look in Jim’s eyes at the end of the episode set the tone for the season.
• The best storyline – Pam and Jim steal the show.
• Notable guest appearance – Stanley’s wife makes an appearance.  One of the few times we ever seen her.
• Grade – A-

Mindy Kaling gives her second strong writing performance in a row (along with “The Hot Girl”) and the best season of The Office (and the only one to win an Emmy) gets off to a strong start.  The interactions of the group outside of the workplace are somewhat believable and Dwight and Michael’s interactions are awkwardly brilliant.  Best part of this episode, though, is Pam’s tour de force drunken performance and Jim’s agonizingly lovelorn countenance.