http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/09/28/THE-OFFICE----Season-Premiere.aspx If you haven’t heard of THE OFFICE, I really have no sympathy for you.  Thursday marked the season premiere of season four with an hour-long episode of the show, which airs at 9 on NBC. It’s your own fault for not knowing that.  I understand, however, that we don’t always get around to watching even the good ones, so here’s a quick shot at getting you up to speed on the best comedy on television.  The show follows the model of a British show of the same name that aired for a couple seasons a few years back. The show follows a documentary format that interjects the plot with interviews with the staff. Michael Scott (Carell) is the regional manager of the Scranton, Penn., branch of Dunder-Mifflin, a paper company. Under his watchful eye are twelve employees, most important of whom are salesman Jim Halpert (Krasinski) and receptionist Pam Beasley (Fischer).  Most of the drama comes from the relationship between these two, who never seem to overcome the obstacles between them and get together.  The series began with Pam engaged, and in season two’s finale – within weeks of Pam’s marriage to warehouse worker Roy – Jim admitted his love for her.  The series picked up in the third season with Pam having broken off her engagement with Roy but not before rejecting Jim as well.  During season three, it was Jim’s turn to be in a relationship, but during the finale we were left with much the same situation: Jim ending his relationship and asking Pam out. 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/2007/09/28/THE-OFFICE----Season-Premiere.aspx 77 60 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/09/28/THE-OFFICE----Season-Premiere.aspx#1566 This show is a HUGE waste of good airtime! If you have never watched it, good for you! You definitely aren't missing anything. Krystal32 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/09/28/THE-OFFICE----Season-Premiere.aspx#1566 Sun, 30 Sep 2007 18:04:23 GMT http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/09/28/THE-OFFICE----Season-Premiere.aspx#1615 very disappointed. not like last year. hope they get better WAVELYN http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/09/28/THE-OFFICE----Season-Premiere.aspx#1615 Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:23:18 GMT