The Office: Episode 96 – The Lover

• The Writers – Lee Eisenberg & Gene Stupnitsky
• Director – Lee Eisenberg
• A brief synopsis – Michael reveals to Pam that he is dating her mother.  Dwight gives Jim a special present, loaded with a surprise…or two.
• The best line – Michael: I don’t need to be friends with Pam. I have plenty of female friends. My mom, Pam’s mom, my aunt… although she just blocked me on IM, what’s her face from Quiznos, I see her four times a week.
• The best moment – Dwight’s game is called when Jim speaks into the Mallard and he responds.
• The best storyline – Pam on the rampage.  About time.
• Notable guest appearance – n/a
• Would Michael have been reprimanded? – I don’t know.  Tricky area.
• Grade – A-

Good episode, rife with awkward tension.  Pam gets a chance to exorcise her demons about Michael and not take crap from anyone.  Love that Toby got a small chance to be Michael’s friend.  The cat and mouse game between Jim and Dwight is sublime.  “Frank and Beans” is the kind of annoying thing that you’d think couples who are shamelessly in love might do.  In the midst of everything, Erin smiles whenever she sees the camera.  Even when Dwight tells her off.  Nice touch.