This episode, The Alliance, is part of the US Office's first season- six episodes that don't get much love. Although I liked some of these episodes (like Diversity Day), I can understand a lack of enthusiasm for this one.
Given fear of downsizing, Michael decides to lighten up the office by throwing a birthday party- despite the fact that the next birthday is a month away. Meanwhile, Dwight deals with the downsizing by suggesting an "alliance" with Jim.
Much of the episode is kind of dull, there's little to laugh at besides Dwight's water bottle. Michael makes a reference to Donald Trump, but it's hard to see why I should care and if anyone else will in twenty years. He also makes a Star Trek reference that isn't very funny. Nevertheless, I can appreciate how imperfect a month-early birthday party is, and Pam's question as to what the "alliance" really means is a valid one.
Towards the end, the episode does provide some laughs. The birthday girl's reaction, including to a cake she can't eat for medical reasons, is good. The downsizing joke is awkward. The fact that it's the temp's actual birthday is a humorous twist. The charity subplot also has a nice twist when Michael learns he's donated a lot more than he thought. It's not the greatest TV episode, but it does indicate the show has potential.
Given fear of downsizing, Michael decides to lighten up the office by throwing a birthday party- despite the fact that the next birthday is a month away. Meanwhile, Dwight deals with the downsizing by suggesting an "alliance" with Jim.
Much of the episode is kind of dull, there's little to laugh at besides Dwight's water bottle. Michael makes a reference to Donald Trump, but it's hard to see why I should care and if anyone else will in twenty years. He also makes a Star Trek reference that isn't very funny. Nevertheless, I can appreciate how imperfect a month-early birthday party is, and Pam's question as to what the "alliance" really means is a valid one.
Towards the end, the episode does provide some laughs. The birthday girl's reaction, including to a cake she can't eat for medical reasons, is good. The downsizing joke is awkward. The fact that it's the temp's actual birthday is a humorous twist. The charity subplot also has a nice twist when Michael learns he's donated a lot more than he thought. It's not the greatest TV episode, but it does indicate the show has potential.