The series is back to its regular 30-minute format, which I think works a little better because it leaves the viewer wanting more, but as soon as Michael said that the branch was shooting a commercial, it was all about the payoff of seeing the final cut at the end. The group started with a little brainstorming, and when Pam, who is probably the most creative person in the office, suggested an idea, Michael quipped, “Even the receptionist is getting in on the creativity.” You just knew that her graphics were going to be the best part of the commercial. At some point, I’d love to see Pam’s artistic career take off, but not until the series winds down.

Michael’s interaction with the ad guys was terrific, from his introduction of the workers in the office – “These are our accountants, and you can see that they are very different sizes” – to his thoughts on the Nashville branch’s ad – “That sucks.” I especially liked it when he told them to leave and the one ad guy said, “I’m not arguing with this guy.”

The Dwight/Angela/Andy romantic triangle (if you can call it that) took an interesting turn when Andy told Dwight that Angela kept calling him “D” (for “AnDY,” he thought), which really put some wind into Dwight’s sails. Not that he needs it. He seems to have plenty of wind in his face flying around in his Second Life. That brought us to the payoff of that bit – Pam teasing Jim about his avatar. Pam wanted to learn more about Philly Jim, the well-built, guitar-playing sportswriter, and who can blame her? But Jim wanted to move on. (And who can blame him?)

The scene with Darryl and the gang writing a jingle was pretty funny as well. His deadpan “what’s rap?” line was classic. Michael’s criticism was terrific:

“I hate it. I don’t hate it, I just don’t like it. At all. And it’s terrible.”

I actually thought the commercial turned out pretty well, though I didn’t catch the subtle humor of the “I’m your son” bit between Dwight and Phyllis – how does a woman not know that she has a child? – until I watched it a second time. The “Chariots of Fire” music was a nice touch, and I especially liked the shot of Kelly in India and the scene with Stanley picking up trash. (I believe he was wearing a shirt and tie underneath his state-issued jumpsuit.)

What were your favorite moments?