Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews

• The Writer – Michael Schur
• Director – Tucker Gates
• A brief synopsis – Michael learns that his branch is closing and handles it…about as you’d expect.  The staff start contemplating their next moves, and Meredith seeks to find out who she made a promise to hook up with.  At Stamford, they ask Josh if he would be accepting of a promotion, but he then lets her know that he has used the situation to his advantage.  Jim, who had been in line for a promotion himself, now has a decision to make.  Michael and Dwight, meanwhile, decide to take a trip up north to make things right, thus missing the fact that Stamford is now closing instead of Scranton.
• The best line – Jim: I don’t have a ton of contact with the Scranton branch, but, before I left, I took a box of Dwight’s stationery, so, from time to time, I send Dwight faxes. From himself. From the future. [reading fax] “Dwight, at 8 A.M. today, someone poisons the coffee. Do not drink the coffee. More instructions will follow. Cordially, Future Dwight.”
• 2nd best line – Josh: As of today, I have accepted a senior managment position at Staples.
  Jan: Today?
  Josh: [nods]
  Jan: You leveraged your new position with us into another offer?
  Josh: [sighs]
  Jan: Damn it, Josh. This whole restructuring thing was based around keeping you. I…
  Josh: I’m sorry, all right? It’s done, it’s done.
  Jan: I’m gonna make some calls.
  Jim (to camera): Say what you will about Michael Scott, but he would never do that.
• The best moment – So many great moments, but I lean towards Kelly’s declaration to do herself in if Ryan gets laid off.
• The best storyline – Creed selling everything off for $1200
• Notable guest appearance – David’s house, Josh makes his last appearance.
• Would Michael have been reprimanded? – No, freaking out like that is understandable.
• Grade – A

This is the first great episode of the season.  Kelly, Creed and Meredith have classic moments.  Stanley and Toby come this close to paradise.  Jim sets it straight why Michael is such a crucial person in all of their lives, and makes himself a true protagonist.  Karen decides to go with Jim to the branch, thereby making the train crash imminent.