If you’re not familiar with The Office, (we need to change that!) then I must mention that the “openers” are usually the funniest 2 minutes of the episode. And occasionally, like last night’s episode, we are treated to yet another prank pulled on Dwight, courtesy of Jim. And although we always know that Jim is behind the pranks, it’s so amusing when he nonchalantly admits it. “Oh, don’t worry. I made it back down.”

I especially enjoy the inside jokes and references to past episodes. For example, when visiting the “Prince Paper,” Michael chooses his undercover name to be Michael Scarn. (Michael first uses that name for himself in Season 2: “The Client” when he writes a screenplay and he is Agent Michael Scarn, the hero.) I think that’s why The Office has such a cult following. You get to see how each character changes over time, how some relationships getter better (Jim and Pam), and how others get worse (Michael and Toby). And you either can’t live without it, or… well, you can.

I love how the most ridiculous things bring the characters together- like having a debate over whether or not Hillary Swank is hot. (I have to say- I’m on the fence). And even though they’re disagreeing the entire episode, it’s still fun (and rare) to see them all interacting at once. It usually only happens when Michael is out of the office.

Look for a special episode of The Office, Sunday Feb. 1st, following the Super Bowl.