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October 23, 2007
“Ryan Used Me as an Object”
“Obviously it’s a real word, but I don’t know when to use it correctly.”
-Oscar in “Money,” The Office, Season 4
If you missed the “who/whom” conversation that happened as part of a staff meeting in last week’s episode of The Office, you need to watch it online.* If someone had thrown an F-bomb, I would have thought I was watching something written by David Mamet. (Instead, I was watching something written by Paul Lieberstein, a.k.a. Toby.) The scene as a whole is a lesson in how dialog should work, that something as mundane as a debate over the usage of “who” and “whom” can still reveal character, move the story forward, and be funny. Plus, what a great clip for instructors to show in class to liven up a discussion about usage. Another A+ for The Office.
*Although, UGH, that NBC.com player is IRRITATING. Nothing like taking a concept as simple as streaming video and making it difficult to use. Way to jump into the future, NBC!
Posted by adrienne at October 23, 2007 08:16 PM
Comments
Re: NBC.com player
You are so right, but it is worse than irritating. It's infuriating! I couldn't find the clip right now. I'll try again later, when I have more time. Lots more time. Like three hours, or so. It's like NBC is trying to keep you there for as long as possible by making you stumble around the pages.
Once I find the way, I'll try to post the path to the clip so it'll be easier to find.
Posted by: Carl at October 24, 2007 06:47 AM
I find most of the "official" sites a pain in the patootey to navigate. I found the clip in question in seconds on YouTube (search: The Office Whomever).
Posted by: Steph at October 24, 2007 10:20 AM
Carl, Stephanie has saved the day! This YouTube advice WORKS.
And, Stephanie, now I can show the clip at the staff meeting we are having this very day at the library!!! Show them all how the pros do it. YES!!!
Posted by: adrienne at October 24, 2007 11:24 AM
This was the BEST...so hilarious, and as you say, revealing of character.
Did you happen to catch the My Name is Earl before it, where the whole prison is trying to do creative writing? The prison instructor is an old lady in a battle helmet. And the whole episode is filled with the stories that the characters invent. It would make a great video lesson on genre and voice. Here's Joy's take on a children's book with a moral: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wojYWse5SP4
Posted by: Sara at October 24, 2007 04:00 PM
MANY thanks to Steph and, of course, the incomparable Ms. A. You can't imagine how much time and effort you saved me.
The clip IS rather funny! I especially enjoyed all of the false statements on the subject. It mirrors so much of right-wing-leaning urban myths that some of my "friends" feel obligated to forward to me.
Posted by: Carl at October 24, 2007 07:27 PM
I love how Pam, the receptionist, is the only one who really understands its usage. And let us not forget Mose running alongside Jim's car as they arrive at the beet farm...
It was a less funny episode than usual. The Office better not get too serious on us...
Posted by: jp at October 27, 2007 03:44 AM
Patti also didn't think that episode was that funny, but I loved it. This week's, though? Not so much. Plus Heroes is disappointing me. Sigh.
Posted by: adrienne at October 27, 2007 11:14 AM