The Office: Cafe Disco

It's been a while since we had a party episode. I suppose the brief but tyrannous reign of Charles Minor wasn't the best time for the folks at Dunder-Mifflin to boogie down inept-style. "Cafe Disco" was good for the small revelations and a ton of funny moments, so let's get into it.

Still not quite ready to return to the status quo after getting bought out, Michael wants to apply the camaraderie he felt at the MSPC to his old life at DM Scranton. When he invites someone, anyone (except for Dwight) to join him for lunch, Michael finds that everyone is still exercising the "No lunch with the boss" policy that mysteriously went into effect the moment Michael became the branch manager. As always, he's unwilling to take "Nobody likes you" for an answer, so he pulls out his trump card.

Michael still has the lease to the utility closet that once was the Michael Scott Paper Company. He decides to fill the space with an espresso machine and a sound system to make it into DM Scranton's own party room. But when he tries to get his employees to join him for a mid-day dance, everybody but the ever-affable Erin declines. I just want to take this moment to reiterate how much I love this new character and I'm so glad to see her getting to take a bigger role in the show. Erin seeks the guidance and approval of everyone, so she ends up being a sort of social chameleon. Whether it's Michael looking for some unprofessional enthusiasm or Dwight seeking a partner for a mean-spirited (and kinda funny) prank, Erin's the go-to girl.

In barely-there B-plot news, Pam and Jim decide that it's time to just get married on a whim, so they hatch a plan to elope to Youngstown, Ohio where they can get a same-day license. Now, I'm from Ohio, so I appreciate just how depressing that scenario is. This little story doesn't actually go anywhere, but it didn't take up much time.

Most of the episode centers on Michael's repeated attempts to get his party started. He starts by pumping some C&C Music Factory through the building vents. Aside from conjuring an embarrassing memory of "Evan Almighty" it actually manages to attract Phyllis. She tries to get Bob Vance to join her, but he's busy barely hiding what seems to be an affair with his secretary. When Phyllis starts to dance with Michael, she throws out her back. This sets up an amazing routine in which Dwight uses horse medicine to heal her. The only thing funnier than Dwight being horribly deluded is when Dwight is shockingly competent.

Kevin succumbs to the party vibes next, but Angela puts a stop to that in short order. Aside from literally acting like a dog, Kevin doesn't last long and Michael is left with more disappointment. It's only when Erin and Kelly start rocking out on their own that the boys in the warehouse take notice and an unlikely celebration ensues. It ends up being like a reception for the wedding Jim and Pam don't actually end up having, though they're still all dressed up. It's always nice to see the folks at DM Scranton getting along.

Best Moment: I'm gonna hand this one to Erin. Her enthusiasm is just infectious. Seeing her get such a big part in this episode was very satisfying and it proves that The Office has a lot of life left in it.

Biggest Laugh: Dwight sticking a carrot in Phyllis's mouth.

Episode Rating: 4.5/5- The Jim and Pam stuff was pretty pointless, but the rest was gold.