Sorry, your post got caught in my spam filter for some reason, so here it is, added 2 months later.

I think it’s unfortunate that the show has taken a radical new direction with Michael leaving to start his own company, because it indicates that the writers are really reaching. But, with that said, I think there’s room for examining why the more realistic boss, Charles Miner, is an even worse boss than Michael was.

It’s a sad truth that there are many people out there like Charles who are competent enough managers, but unable to deal with people effectively or to understand that bad employees tend to be the ones who suck up the most. Jim is far from a model employee, but the way Charles dismisses him and tears him down every time he gets an opportunity to shows Miner’s lack of perspective.

I’m sure that either Dunder Mifflin is eventually going to acquire the Michael Scott Paper Company or the writers are going to have everyone leave to go work for Michael so that things will return (somewhat) to normal, but I’m hoping the next season works to evolve Michael from being a childish buffoon to a more believable boss… and that some of the dark wit of the British original can return.

You nailed it with this post! The Office has jumped the shark. It still can make you laugh out loud, but just as easily misstep with the very next beat. I agree totally with your suggestions on how to reboot the series. More Andy, less Dwight being an idiot. I especially think it is not funny whenever Dwight does something like climb a telephone pole following the cord that Jim ran from his phone, or cut the face off a CPR dummy, etc. There is plenty of humor to mine in the office environment–or business environment even when they leave the office.

Cheers