“China”

The premise of The Office, for both the U.K. and U.S. versions, in terms of the main character, is a terrible boss who is so unaware of his own shortcomings such that he thinks he is the best boss in the world.  This unlikability, while funny initially, resists durability.  If dragged on too long, it becomes either too depressing or too shticky.  That is why the U.K. Office ended after only two seasons, and why the U.S. Office has made it clear that Michael Scott is not as bad as he first appeared, that he is essentially sweet-natured, and thus plenty lovable.  Still, it has generally remained the case that Michael’s coworkers have had to look past his foibles to be able to see that likability.  So it was gratifying in “China” to behold Michael looking impressive, with no exceptions necessary.  He expresses concerns over the rising economic power of China, a concern worth having, and when he states his facts, he actually seems to know what he is talking about.  He is even able to show up Oscar, the office’s resident pretentious blowhard.  If a show is going to be on the air for several years, an audience appreciates it if there is a character that it can get behind, and there were plenty of moments in “China” in which Michael proved that he is such a character.

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