http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/12/THE-OFFICE----Launch-Party.aspx Thursday’s episode was probably originally conceived of as two separate normal length episodes.  Ryan, back at his office in New York, sends notice to the regional offices that there will be a Web site launch party that night.  The satellite offices (Scranton included) will broadcast via webcam to the main event in the city.  He ends with a positive note that the Web site will definitely be the company’s best salesman in no time at all.  Dwight, having won salesman of the month 13 times in the past 12 months (he was given two plaques back in February in lieu of a pay raise, he explains) takes Ryan’s assertion as a challenge. The first half of the episode spans the workday as Dwight struggles to outsell the computer; the second half is the launch party. THE OFFICE is becoming a darker place as conflicts seem to bring morale to an all-time low.  Even in an episode about a party, one Jim and Pam seem to be having any fun.  In keeping with one of the most beloved mainstays of the series, Jim and Pam team up to convince Dwight via instant messenger that the Web site has become self-aware and omniscient.  He takes the development in stride, explaining that from time to time robots and computers spontaneously gain intelligence. The competition quickly heats up, much to the annoyance of the other Scrantonites, who have to listen to Andy blow an airhorn every time Dwight scores a sale.  This is Dwight’s latest attempt to win back Angela, who by all appearances is very much over him. Meanwhile, Michael gears up to attend the main party in the city. He changes into a tight shiny shirt and brags to his unders about his special VIP invitation.  He calls up his girlfriend Jan, who used to hold Ryan’s job before she was fired. Jan, now unemployed and spending most of her days in Michael’s condo, refuses to join him among the people that got rid of her.  Jim ends up getting stuck going along. en-US Critics Rant info@criticsrant.com Subtext Version 1.9.4.0 http://www.criticsrant.com/images/default_gravatar_bullhorn.png http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/12/THE-OFFICE----Launch-Party.aspx 77 60