"There's something about an underdog that really inspires the unexceptional." So sayeth Robert California, the newly installed CEO of Sabre Industries, about Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) and the motley crew of underachievers he's suddenly found himself managing. And Andy's "underdoggedness" has never been more on display than it was in this week's episode, "Garden Party." In it, we were forced to endure his humiliation, broadcast via baby monitor no less, at the hands of his father, who clearly thinks Andy is a loser. Does that sound fun or funny? Because it really wasn't either. I realize The Office trades on cringe comedy, but this was just kind of sad and sadistic; it also wasn't particularly believable, at least as it was written. I'm not really sure why the show's writers felt the need to go there.
But all hope is not lost for poor Andy. In fact, he's actually been performing halfway decently in his new position. Here's his report card so far:
Season 8, Episode 1: "The List"
Notes: In the season premiere, Andy had an agenda: Secure a day off for his employees for the notoriously non-committal U.S. holiday, Columbus Day. If he got them the day off, he'd win their hearts and minds. A simple and achievable plan. But life threw him a curve ball, in the form of a popularity list compiled by bossman Robert California. He was nominated by his underlings to get to the bottom of what it could mean—which he did, nervously. When it came out that the list separated the office into "winners" and "losers," Andy defended his crew, naming them all winners. In the end, he secured a half-day off (which is what they had in the first place)
Managerial Grade: B+, for standing up for his employees to the terrifying Robert California.
Season 8 Episode 2: "The Incentive"
Notes: Robert Caifornia gave Andy a threatening sales goal, telling him he needed to double Scranton's profits, or else. His solution, straight out of the Michael Scott Playbook, was to announce merit system that allowed the team to exchange points for crappy prizes. Led by Jim, the employees quickly escalated the situation, squeezing a promise out of Andy that he'd tattoo his rear end with the design of their choice, should they reach 5,000 points. (Doable, since there was no rule saying they couldn't pool their points.) In the end, Andy submitted to the tattoo, the design of which the gang switched at the last minute from a baby emerging from Andy's butt cheeks to a dog that says "Nard" on it—a "Nard Dog."
Managerial Grade: B-, for being way too desperate to meet unrealistic sales goals, but standing by his word nonetheless.
Season 8, Episode 3: "Lotto"
Notes:
A lotto win for the warehouse crew and their subsequent mass-quitting resulted in Andy's biggest challenge thus far: 1) Replacing the team in time to get Phyllis's big order shipped on time, and, 2) dealing with Darryl, who was bitter over missing out on the lotto win as well as being passed over for the manager promotion. This episode was a big breakthrough moment for Andy, as he actually stood up for himself and put Darryl in his place, listing the reasons Darryl wasn't hired, and telling him to shape up or leave. Darryl got in line, putting Andy and Darryl on the same page; neither took any crap from Jim, Dwight, and Erin when they caught the trio screwing around with lubricant in the warehouse.Managerial Grade: A, for finally kicking ass and taking names. Andy handled the situation way better than Michael ever would have.
Season 8, Episode 4: "Garden Party"
Notes: I've already mentioned the baby monitor scene. The events that preceded were no better: Andy, jealous of his brother (played by Josh Groban) and his brother's tight relationship with their dad, organized a garden party at Dwight's beet farm. Sadly, Andy's hopes of impressing his parents with the respect and admiration he's earned from his staff and the formidable Robert California were quickly dashed. The party was a weird dud—mainly thanks to Jim, who apparently wrote and published an lengthy fake guide to garden parties, which Dwight then happened to purchase over the internet and follow to the letter, in what could very well be the most outlandish premise this show has ever foisted upon us. And Robert California gave a speech in which he likened the manager's job to being a "baby" in "soiled diapers" —not exactly the imagery Andy was hoping for. It all culminated in a belittling conversation with his father, and Andy eating a cheeseburger with his employees, who took pity on him.
Managerial Grade: D, for letting his insecurities get the better of him.
What did you think of this week's episode? How do you think Andy's doing in his new role?
I don't really like the show anymore. It's lost its edge. I did enjoy the premiere, but Andy as manager is getting very stale. I even feel like all of the characters are mere caricatures of their former selves. I may watch another episode to give it a chance, but I can't foresee watching the rest of the season unless the dynamic changes drastically. It's gotten boring and somewhat amateurish.
Personally, Andy is one of my least favorite characters, but he's the same as he always is, so no complaints there. However, since they chose to make an existing worker into the new manager, they've essentially cut Michael Scott's slot from the character line-up. Apart from the fact that Andy's desk is in another room, this season is like if Michael just stopped showing up for work.
Actually as a long time Office fan, I think Andy's doing good so far. I mean, Michael Scott is a tough act to follow. So, you can't expect that it's going to be easy for the writers. The last episode, we got to see how Andy is the way he is and you really feel for him. Jim has been pranking people (mainly Dwight) the whole show, it's funny.
Michael Scott, and the UKs David Brent, were both great salemen with no business bing managers other than the fact that they never pushed their workers too far or too hard. Andy is a mediocre salesman with anger issues, no idea what women are about (or whether he like them) and apparently a small penis. If the show started with him in charge, the majority of the time would be spent showing us how his employees deal with him as the boss they have had to deal with. Instead we watched him get promoted, and now get to watch how they handle a promotion from within thier ranks. Will Dwight always be underming of go back to being a kiss-up?; will Jim joke around if business goes bad?
Will Robert california replace Andy (Jo didnt want to change managers again, Jo is gone so that's back on the table)?Will Ryan need to start working, or will he have Andy's bromantic affection too?
Hasn't started off on fire, but neither did the US series, but I look forward to seeiing if it finds a new groove.
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how did "sh*t" get through the random censors on this site twice?
Also, you missed the premise behind showing Andy's relationship with his father; character development. Most comedies, and shows in general, utilize this. Think you before you talk shit man.
Calm down Seth, this show is not meant to be taken seriously. Do you think all of the stories prior to this season with Michael Scott at the helm didn't have any plot holes? Are you kidding me? Stop looking at the show like an academic by proclaiming shit like Jim's prank on Dwight was "the most outlandish premise this show has ever foisted upon us" and recognize the show for what it is - a comedy. You can't be nit picky with these kinda shows.
They made Andy too much of a coward, weirdo now. Remember when Andy punched a hole in the wall? He used to be more interesting (and funny). All he does is say nice things and smile and it's getting old. Many of the characters tried to change too much the last couple seasons. I like that Jim is back to playing pranks and all the other supporting characters have been much funnier this season.
I think he's fine. At this point I think there's been a line in the sand drawn with this show. Either you like it or you absolutely hate every single thing about it. What I don't understand is why the people that hate the show so much still watch it.
He's been absolutely horrible. He acts too much like Mike and it doesn't work. They need to let him go and give it to someone who won't act like Mike.
i don't find the office very funny - but i do find it oddly enjoyable. i think it's been a good decision by the writers to keep james spader as a sideline character - even though he's great.
i stopped watching the office this season because i dont think its that good after watching a disappointing premiere.
I want to go to a Schrute Farms Garden Party! I'll carpool with you Seth.
I like what they're doing with Andy, I also understand its a way to get people behind him and accept him as a boss because they'll want him to succeed. I never had a problem with Michael Scott leaving and I think this season has been strong so far.
I am getting so tired of this Andy- rara-underdog schtick, and we're what, 4 episodes in?
Is every episode just gonna be about Andy getting embarrassed, and the Office coming to his rescue? Michael Scott was SO much funnier than Andy ever was (even in the beginning, when Andy was much funnier than the lame-wad the writers have turned him into). To sum up, Andy is just an annoying loser. He can't even make it work withe Erin, and she practically loves him!! What that's about?
Furthermore, Ed Helms isn't half as talented a comedian as Steve Carrel. I'll admit he's the better musician though...
I found Michael Scott was overly obnoxious at some points, to such a degree that it seemed unrealistic and out of his character. In my opinion, Andy is a better character and a better boss than Scott. Andy will allow for more character development and heart warming moments, rather than cringe worthy, blatant, absurd, and over-the-top comedic situations epitomized by Michael Scott. Employee relationships, especially the boss/subordinate relationship, has been just as integral a part to The Office as the comedic elements--in this respect, Andy makes this show shine.
I loved the Jim/Dwight storyline (and for some reason I can totally believe Jim would write a book like that, though I'm sure he did a lot of copy/paste from the internet). And while I agree the rest of the episode wasn't that funny, it was still good, and I really felt for Andy who I've never really cared that much for before this season. And I keep getting suprised by how I'm not missing Michael. That he's not there isn't something I think about at all.
I think he's doing good, but not great, in his new role. The fact of the matter is nobody is perfect. Everybody comes with insecurities, and Andy's were exposed in that episode. However, his great coworkers didn't let his family problems affect how they feel about him. They still had his back at the end. We definitely have a better understanding of why he is so quirky, but that doesn't affect my outlook of him at all. Andy isn't Michael, he's more of the anti-Michael, which surprisingly to me, is a breath of fresh air. On a separate note, this episode was freaking hilarious! The Jim/Dwight storyline had me rolling!
I have to disagree. It's true that what happened to Andy was terrible and difficult to watch, but at the same time we now know exactly why he's the way he is. As for the Jim/Dwight thing, yes, the premise was ridiculous, but the payout was hysterical and clearly worth it. Also, "Hey, Andy, how about you don't steal my business strategies, and I won't dress like life is just one long brunch."
As an office fan, I just ain't as good as Michael was in the show. I can't get Andy's joke. It's kinda lame. The ensemble has been performing better but just not good enough. Everyone starts to get weird. Oscar fighting for a dog and breaking a car mirror, it just ain't what I expect him to do. He's rational. Dwight's synergy with Michael is just so different with Dwight and Andy. I just don't get the vibe. I hope they start picking up the pace. I miss Steve.
Well, let's leave Steve vs Andy aside and see Andy as his own. Andy just lacks the distinct characteristic and comedic appeal to be a regional manager in Scranton. I liked the episode when he handled the Lotto problem, by giving Darryl his piece of mind and that really pulled the show back to the reality.
The 4th episode is the worst. He has become a snob and as Seth mentioned an insecure man. He stopping his dad and brother from singing is just so Michael-wannabe. It makes no sense that he did that and make the viewers sympathetic and liked him the way Michael could. I don't know but I think the writers must be able to differentiate the likeability and characteristics that used to work differently for Michael and Andy. The show is still living under Michael's shadow. So is the comedy setting.
If you observe carefully, one of the pillars that the writers are relying heavily on to replace Michael's showtime is Jim and Dwight's bickering and pranks which recently takes more and more emphasis. But I doubt it would be sustainable. However, Kudos to the 4th episode, Trickington's garden book. One of the best laughs in the episode is attributed to that.
I say, find a new manager with a big personality. If not the show's not working out without changing the subtext and context of the comedy synergy working round the manager-employee relations.moreless
Andy, the funny man!