How "The Office" Lost Its Groove

I must admit I am a rabid fan of "The Office". My Thursday days are always full of anticipation, and the nights have (in theory) been centered on the newest episodes (my TiVo is my best friend)... However this season? I absolutely hate it, and here are the reasons why.

Robert California - he's creepy, weird, and he doesn't have a foil to break his "too cool for school" persona. Part of the show's charm is it's absolute lack of professionalism, and with him in the mix, it's like they're back in elementary school, and the principal is in the room so they all have to be on their best behavior.

Furthermore, he's a jerk. From his first episode, categorizing the "winners" and "losers" of the bunch, to the episode where he begged Andy not to hire his wife, he's not contributing anything to the show.

Small wonder that his wife left him by the Christmas episode. His attitude has seemed to undergo a few tweaks that have made him more human so perhaps he will get better, but for now, just cut him loose!!!

Lack of a foil - Michael left. I get that. We are left to assume that he and Holly are happily living out the rest of their lives in a cozy cabin somewhere in Colorado, and he should be with Holly so yay! Yet Michael was the anti professional which is a role they are sorely missing this season.

There's no one to blurt out a "that's what she said". There's no one to get the rest of the office in an uproar. Again, we're back to the fact they're acting like kids stuck in a room with the principal.

Lack of connection with the characters - We didn't get to see Angela's wedding. We have yet to see a picture of the Halpert's new baby. Proud daddy Jim really wouldn't at least bring a picture in to show off? Really?

The Halperts are another thing that is off this season. Pam and Jim are ying and yang, and just the ying isn't right. Jenna Fischer is on maternity leave in real life, and the show will be ten times better when she (hopefully) returns.

Pam's return will mean they have to get rid of the temporary vulture, Kathy. It's uncomfortable, and put offish the way she circles around Jim. Messing with the Halperts would be a mistake that the show shouldn't dare to make. Even more so at time when they have just had a new baby.

Speaking of babies, the Lipton's baby (per my TiVo guide) is due to arrive on February 2^nd, but since the main content seems to focus on Jim's jury duty, I doubt we'll be treated to anything like the two-parter that heralded the arrival of baby Cici (not that I particularly enjoyed that episode. I myself had just given birth when that show aired, on what would have been my baby's due date, none the less. He arrived a litter earlier then planned). At least a picture would be nice.

The show has a glimmer of hope with the recent connection between Erin and Dwight. Yes, it was to make Andy jealous, but I think they were cute together. I really hope if Erin and Andy aren't going to get back together, then we see a hookup with Erin and Dwight.

Speaking of Andy, he's a mediocre boss at best. To be fair, they were smart filling a major role with a proven character, and Andy does have his funny moments. He just needs to get off the "big idea" go round, and be himself.

Hopefully the show is just finding it's footing, and will be getting back to funny soon!