Fear not, "Office" fans-your favorite paper company is back from hiatus.
NBC's award-winning comedy "The Office" returns to TV April 10. The show has been on break due to the Writers Guild's strike, but six new episodes are on the way to close out the season.
"People had time to recharge their batteries in a good way," producer-writer Greg Daniels said in a conference call.
"The Office" is a documentary-style look into the 9-to-5 world of small-time paper supply company Dunder Mifflin. Regional manager Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell, is the socially awkward, often inappropriate boss who is completely unaware his employees only tolerate his antics because he signs their paychecks. Obsessed with being cool and liked, he instead comes off as pathetic and absurd.
"I think (the success) is a lot about trying to be original and funny and not being scared of being emotional," Daniels said.
The show delves into the lives of the workers and their inter-office affairs and relationship drama as well as Michael's own incompetence. Not content with selling paper, Michael always has the office involved in extracurricular activities such as beach day, casino night or a booze cruise.
"We had an aim to be a more satirical comedy," Daniels said.
Complimenting the realism of the office environment is the cast's incredible chemistry.
"On the first day back, it was like our other family got together," actor Rainn Wilson said, adding, "we all go a little mad, even in the office setting."
Wilson plays Dwight Schrute, the arrogant assistant to the regional manager. Using his faux position as a symbol of authority, Dwight irritates the other workers of the office with his obnoxious behavior and ridiculous rules. As a result, fellow salesman Jim Halpert spends much of his time finding new, interesting ways to drive Dwight crazy.
Sprinkled between all the hijinks is the relationship between Jim and receptionist Pam Beasley, played by Jenna Fischer. The unconsummated romance between the couple finally came to fruition this season when both were finally single.
Other office romances include Michael's continually rocky relationship with former boss Jan Levinson, and Dwight and Andy Bernard vying for accountant Angela Martin's affection.
"We'll see some more facets of Dwight when it comes to dating and women," Daniels said.
And despite a shortened season, Daniels promised the strike had no effect on the overarching storylines. The show will pick up right where it left off on its return with a dinner party thrown by Michael and Jan, which is attended by Jim and Pam.
"We didn't have enough time to do what we planned, but we have alternative plans," Daniels said. "There's some cool things I can't talk about, so you'll just have to tune in to catch all the twists and turns."
Jeffy Mai can be reached at mai.9@osu.edu.
2008 Woodie Awards
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