First Michael took a crew to the high school job fair. His group included:

• Michael, to instruct the kids about management and sales.
• Oscar, for accounting.
• Darryl, for the warehouse.
• Pam, for the eye candy.

They want to get some fresh blood, to youthanize (or possibly euthanize) the Dunder-Mifflin offices. Unfortunately, four people sitting at a completely blank table with a single white piece of paper on it doesn't put asses in the seats like it used to, I guess.

Speaking of doing things like they used to, Jim took a new approach to sales. After getting bitch-slapped by Ryan last week, he hit the golf course to score new clients. He took an extremely bad and gimpy Andy, and Kevin, who appears to be expert in Skinnies, Acey Ducey, Bingo, Bango, Bongo, Sandies, Barkies, Arnies, and Wolfe, among others. [Please forgive the spelling on that one.]

With so many people out, everyone else in the office wanted to play hooky. Stanley made it out (remember -- no one messes with Stanley). The rest were forced to stay, less have Dwight tattle on them.

Eventually everyone left, except Dwight and Angela. Aside from an awkward moment at the copy machine, it seemed like a lost opportunity for some rekindled romance -- or at least some sort of interaction.

If you stayed through to the very end, you saw Pam inquiring about a graphic-design job. The guy informed her that if she's serious, she should be in New York or Philadelphia. Are Jim and Pam moving? Are they the spin-off? More importantly, if you need to be in one of those spots to be serious, what the hell was that guy doing at a Scranton high school job fair?

Next week is the big one-hour season finale. Does anyone else smell a proposal? See you then. -- Rachel Cericola

……………

Best Line: "Say, we're going to ditch this bitch... you in?" – Creed

Best Moment: When Michael took the microphone and the floor during the high school job fair.

Best Revelation: When Michael says he would never tell Pam to her face that, "she is a good person and a gifted artist."

Of course, there are probably plenty of Xterras available in your local classifieds, but only eBay has the actual car used in last night's episode of "The Office."

It turns out that the car is actually owned by one of the show's hairstylists, and they've put it up for sale.

Don't expect to negotiate a Dwight deal; this car should score a pretty good final bid. Along with the vehicle, the auction winner will get:

• A script of the episode "Did I Stutter" autographed by the entire cast.
• Actual sides used during filming.
• Dwight's actual ad.
• Andy's bumper sticker, according to Office Tally.

When we last checked, the car was going for $15,300. The auction will end on May 8. -- Rachel Cericola

It's hard to believe that after such master skills, tonight's events ensued.

During an office meeting, Stanley exploded, "Did I stutter?!?" Hence, the title of tonight's episode. It was hurled with great force in Michael's direction. Of course, he wrote off the whole thing as Stanley being a "beautiful, sassy, powerful Black man." Toby, on the other hand, wanted Michael to confront Stanley about his insubordination.

Can't blame Michael's wussiness on this one. It appears that no one wants to confront Stanley -- ever. No one except Dwight, that is.

Instead of dealing with the problem like a good branch manager, Michael turned to Darryl's "fluffy fingers." Apparently, that's how the Crips, Bloods and Latin Kings handle things; they tickle each other. Too bad that never went further than that conversation.

Instead, Michael decided that a "fake firing" is a better plan. Stanley reacted by threatening a lawsuit and ranting. When he found out the firing was a fake, he actually went off worse than the first round. Then came one of the greatest moments in "Office" history: Michael actually reacted! This was a rare and fleeting occasion. Once he got Stanley alone, he cried a bit and then learned that Stanley did not respect him. Big surprise there.

Michael accepted it, but laid down the law. It was nice to see Michael sort of stand up for himself -- or at least bust into a Rodney Dangerfield/Jeff Foxworthy/Seinfeld routine. I know there was at least one other comedian in there, if not more. Who did I miss?

There was no major secondary plotline this week. However, there was plenty going on in the office -- it was nice to see a whole episode that took place inside Dunder-Mifflin. With the writers' strike, it had seemed like it had been a while.

Ryan also stopped by to continue his douchery. He gave a quick warning to Jim about his job performance. He also looked like he had come straight from a night of clubbing. Did that have to do with Pam? Her hot glasses? How long until his drug problem catches up with him and we see a "very special" episode?

Other than that, Andy sold his car cheaply to a very persuasive Dwight -- who then tried to flip the car for profit. We also saw another Jim proposal -- sort of. Also, did Angela have her baby yet? The camera angles are obvious. -- Rachel Cericola

…

Best Line: "I'd like to put the piano in front of Pam without her glasses and see what happens. I'd also like to see her topless." -- Creed

Best Moment: Michael's comedy routine.

Best Revelation: Jim is an Eagles fan.

It's in the Big Apple where we find out that Ryan is a bigger douche than we had originally thought -- and he doesn't even have a peanut butter hairdo. Maybe it's his "half beard," maybe it's the coke, or maybe it's because he spends Friday nights getting a beat-down by a bunch of party girls.

We get to see a lot of this first-hand, since Michael and Dwight decided to crash his party. Michael's dating life isn't going well, so he's hoping to have a better chance with one of the hotties that Ryan is always crowing about.

It’s surprising that Dwight could make it out. After all, it’s weevil season. Equally as surprising is that he could make out -- with the "Amazon" volleyball player that he met in the club line.

It's no surprise that Michael didn't score that night, but he still declares it to be the best night ever. He conquered his loneliness, at least for one more week.

Back at the Scranton office, the team decides to stay late to avoid coming in on a Saturday. The only problem is that Jim, the brainchild behind the idea, forgets to tell security guard Hank, so they are all locked in. Everyone blames Jim for the debacle. Not only did he forget to inform the security guard, he also forgot to give him the office Christmas tip, which made Hank go that much slower.

The second plotline was its usual funny filler. However, it was Toby's revelation (see below) that made it all worthwhile. See you next week. -- Rachel Cericola

....

Best Line: Pam quoting Dwight: "If I'm dead, you guys have been dead for four weeks."

Best Moment: Toss up between Dwight making out with the Amazon woman from the volleyball team or when he pours out the drink that said woman sent him at the bar.

Best Revelation: When Toby's hand did all of his talking... followed by the "announcement" that he was moving to Costa Rica, and made a superhero-styled exit.

Jim announced to Pam that he is planning to propose at some point. He even showed us the ring. He also showed her how he knows how to get down on one knee... to tie his shoes. I am wondering if this will be a running theme until the deed is actually done.

Speaking of done: It appears that Michael and Jan are no longer an item. For some reason, I don't see those two as being over. Maybe because Michael thinks she's smart and beautiful, and loves her boob job. Maybe it's because his only other shot at happiness was apparently a chair model who died in a car accident.

I think Michael will cling to Jan the way he clings to his office chair. He also won't have Pam (and Creed) nudging him in either direction.

The chair woman and her fate were not a mystery for very long. Dwight was on the case. It was nice to see him take a week off from Angela-pining and get back to one of the many things he is so good at: Tracking down incredibly useless information.

With the chair model out of the picture, Michael asks his employees to name potential mates -- or be fired. Pam is the only one that truly steps up to the plate, setting him up with her plain Jane landlady. Despite Michael dodging his own name for about two seconds, she decides to have coffee with him anyway. Wow... am I glad not to be single anymore.

The second plot of tonight's episode is where our title comes from: Parking. There's no parking at the Dunder-Mifflin offices, so the staffers need to park in a satellite lot.

To settle the parking score, Kevin and Andy assemble the Five Families, which are the five companies of Scranton Business Park. The leaders of that pack include:

1. Michael Scott, Dunder-Mifflin
2. Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration
3. Paul Faust, Disaster Kits Limited
4. W.B. Jones, W.B. Jones Heating & Air
5. Bill Cress, Bill Cress Tool & Die

Michael was absent, but the "family" reunion lasted about two seconds. Everyone got their parking back. It all seemed too easy though -- a lot easier than Andy's Moonwalk.

My guess is that the parking situation will be solved, but what about Michael and Jan? Could there be a wedding for that wacky twosome? Also, will we see a proposal from Jim this season, or will they drag that out? Finally, will anyone be heading to the "Office" spin-off? Stay tuned. See you next week. -- Rachel Cericola

....

Great Line: Michael calling Oscar "Oscar Meyer Weiner Lover."

Great Moment: Michael ordering takeout from Wendy's, and telling Dwight to go get it.

Great Revelation: Creed has his office chair, will get Pam's, and then he'll "only need one more."

However, there ain’t no party like a Scranton party -- even if it’s a dinner party at Michael and Jan’s.

This “party” gave us a brief, but oh-so-telling glimpse into the life of Scranton’s most curious couple. Directed by Paul Feig (“Freaks & Geeks”), this one was uncomfortable, frightening, and just what we needed after the lengthy writers’ strike.

Pam and Jim probably wouldn’t agree. They were on the guest list, which also included Andy and Angela, as well as impromptu guests Dwight and his mystery date, who also happened to be his former “baby-sitter.”

Inside the walls of Michael and Jan’s condo, we see there is a lot of construction -- and not just when it comes to the structure.

Jan is working on a new career, as a shrew and a candlemaker. The smells of her self-made products are strong, but perhaps not strong enough to take away her pain. She also is a budding photographer, which would explain the camera on their bed (*wink*). That device apparently gets more bed space than Michael, who also sleeps at the foot of the bed like a dog. This is quite fitting, since he is also treated like one, with his prized Dundies relegated to a teeny portion of the condo, and his most prized possession, the smallest plasma TV ever, given a small space for display.

Angela seems completely annoyed. She hates Andy’s romantic side (see the Great Moment below), although she could be blinded by Jan’s boobs or maybe Hunter’s music was putting her in a mood -- I know it would have that effect on me.

With no food in sight (can Jan even cook?), the charades come out -- and so do the claws on Jan. She appears to have a thing about Pam. Make it’s because she is dillusional in thinking that Pam and Michael were once a thing.

However, it’s not the jealousy that makes for an uncomfortable evening. It’s our hosts. This completely mismatched couple seems so perfect together and yet so wrong. Will either one be able to stop this insanity? It seems that no number of “babes” will fix this relationship.

Like many great parties, the thing gets busted up when Jan smashes Michael’s $200 plasma TV and the cops show up. However, it’s Michael that gets sentenced -- to a night at Dwight’s.

So is this the end of Michael and Jan? It feels like the right thing to do, but judging how both seem to be grasping at straws to save this relationship, I wouldn't be surprised if we actually see a wedding in the future. Could you imagine the goldmine of side comments and expressions for that one? What do you think? -- Rachel Cericola

....

Great Line: Michael’s review that the wine has an “oakey afterbirth."

Great Moment: When Angela stuck her ice cream cone to the side of Andy’s car after he made the “mistake” of taking a sample lick.

Great Revelation: Michael ran through the sliding glass door because he thought he heard the ice cream truck.

It had nothing to do with Jim, Pam... or even Creed. It was all about Nathan Alden Robinson. The 15-year-old super-fan has become a YouTube sensation, showing off his love for the show by performing its theme song -- very well.

Sadly, the Newton, Mass., high school freshman died last month, over complications from the flu. The video clip, as well as a brief "In Memoriam Nathan Robinson" were featured at the end of Thursday's 9:00 p.m. (EST) episode.

The Boston Globe says that a scholarship fund has been set up in Robinson's name. The Globe has the info. Enjoy a sweet peek at Robinson's handywork in the clip below. -- Rachel Cericola

Just days ago, E! Online was reporting that the new show would not revolve around Dwight. Was that just to throw the press hounds off NBC's scent? There's no official plot details, but I wouldn't mind watching the weekly happenings of Schrute Farms.

The network might save the show's premiere for January's post-Super Bowl timeslot.

NBC could be leaking plot details today. Stay tuned. -- Rachel Cericola

If you missed the last minute of tonight's episode, you missed one of the best moments of the season (and maybe the last, if the strike continues). Of course, it dealt with the secondary plotline, so more on that later...

Jan had her big day in court -- well, Dunder-Mifflin court. It was time for Michael to tell her side of her story... yes, her side. She had Michael trained like a seal before that thing started.

You would have thought that Ryan would have beaten her to it. His new smarm and expense account could have taken Michael out on the town, you know, "as friends."

Instead, Michael was forced to choose between his three great loves: "the twins" and Dunder-Mifflin.

It wasn't such a tough decision after all. As part of her "defense," Jan leaked Michael's diary to everyone involved, making him a definite laughing stock. It was really sad -- not just that he keeps a diary, but that deep-down, David is right. Michael is "a nice guy" and he loves his company.

While Michael was out, business was not as usual -- as usual. Jim needed to practice his ping pong so that he could finally beat warehouse Darryl. If not, Pam would have to be subjected to more of Kelly's trash/smack talk.

Tonight was the last new episode of "The Office" that we are going to get for a bit. While I thought it was a good one, it was sort of a bummer that Jim, Pam and everyone else were so secondary.

All of that, however, might have been excusable thanks to the return of Mose. Where does Mose live? What does he do besides work at Shrute Farms? For all we know, he lives in the Dunder-Mifflin basement, watching training films of Dwight's heroes (can anyone name all of those guys?) and practicing his ping pong.

That last minute with Dwight and Mose was a perfect moment to end on. Hope to see you guys soon. -- Rachel Cericola

Photo: © 2007 NBC/Byron Cohen

Toby got to go camping with Ryan and other members of corporate. One person that wasn't invited: Michael. Everyone seemed pretty happy about that. Everyone but Michael.

So he decided to set up his own camping trip, sort of a mini version of "Survivorman." However, considering that he had civilization and Dwight just inches away, it was more like his version of "Man vs. Wild."

Considering Dwight's collection of knives (and one blowdart) that he had around the office, as well as the supplies in his car, Michael seemed in good hands. However, the fact that Dwight already had a serial killer name ("The Overkill Killer") and plan in place might make us think otherwise.

Meanwhile, Jim was shaking things up at the office. His first real day in charge and his first order of business was to combine birthday month into one monster Mifflin bash.

You'd think the guy never worked a day in an office. Anyone who has would know that office people live for the party.

Aside from expecting certain birthday surprises, people seemed to be very particular about the pastries that they like. Meredith wanted a Devil's Food cake; Creed wanted a peach cobbler. Andy wanted Fudgie the Whale -- even though it wasn't his birthday.

As goofy as Michael is, he apparently knows how to make the birthday boy or girl feel very special. These superpowers, however, mean nothing outside of the office, say.. in the deep of the woods.

In Michael-like fashion, Jim called a meeting. Since he is committed to being the anti-Michael, he had the meeting out in the open instead of the confines of the conference room. It didn’t work on Phyllis; she actually called Jim "Michael." Ouch.

It was reasonable. He was acting like Michael and even took Michael's office. Hell, he even developed Michael's dislike for Toby.

Bottom line: No one likes being the boss -- even Michael, who apparently created these little songs and surprises to lighten the tension that often fills his life and our living rooms each week. Jim and Michael sharing their experiences at the end was priceless. It felt spontaneous and almost like a blooper real, but was also very touching to boot.

This was a good one, I thought. Better soak them up, kids. Because of the writers' strike, next week's episode is the last new one for a while. -- Rachel Cericola

Something I didn't expect: Karen is now the Regional Manager of Dunder-Mifflin, Utica branch. How she got that job is beyond me. How she can also offer Stanley more money is even more puzzling.

Michael was devastated that Stanley would even consider a move. Who wouldn't be? Stanley is hilarious, after all.

To prove to Karen, Stanley and the world that Scranton is indeed the better branch, Jim, Michael and Dwight head to Utica -- some against their will. Of course, Jim was not psyched about seeing the girl he had dumped, and rightfully so. However, it was sort of a bargain: Dwight wouldn't blow things up and Jim agreed wear a warehouse uniform (a ladies’ one) and a fake mustache -- but no afro wig.

Could the mustache moment have been the most bizarre ever? The episode also included Dwight peeing in a can, so you be the judge.

Meanwhile, Oscar, Toby and Pam have formed the Finer Things Club. Oscar claims that "aside from having sex with men," it's the gayest thing he's ever done. What does that say about Toby? It certainly says something about Andy. He was declined a membership.

Glad to see that Stanley decided to stay in Scranton. After all, wouldn’t he miss pretzel day? His comments about Michael being a genius did raise almost as big of a smile as those customized, delicious treats.

Good episode overall -- and just remember, kids: "The eyes are the groin of the head." See you next week. -- Rachel Cericola

Photo: © 2007 NBC/Byron J. Cohen

Don't expect to see more Ryan or others in Dunder-Mifflin's corporate office. The rumor is that new characters will be introduced, then spun off into the new series.

Supposedly, NBC is looking for "a name" to headline the new show. If they had any sense, they'd snag Ricky Gervais. Who do you guys want to see -- or not want to see?

"The Office" airs every Thursday at 9:00 p.m. (EST) on NBC. -- Rachel Cericola

His side job brings out two sides of Michael that we haven't seen yet: 1) the anti-seller; and 2) the popular Michael. Apparently he makes a much better employee than a boss. The other employees share their food, love his stories and even invite him to hang out after-hours. As amusing as that was, it was sort of disappointing that his salesman instinct never kicked in.

Maybe he didn't have time; Ryan forced him to quit the side gig. This was just another ray of sunshine Ryan has brought upon this season. But the look he had upon coming face-to-face with Darryl? Priceless.

Dwight had his own moonlighting gig as well; he started a B&B at Shrute Farms (loved Pam's nickname, "The Beets Motel"). This was not only a great opportunity for the return of Mose, but it was also the perfect first getaway for new couple Jim and Pam.

Although the permits are pending, the couple got to spend a night in the Irrigation room, where they were treated to a table-making display, some beet wine, and peeks at both Mose in the outhouse and Dwight's on-going misery without Angela.

Speaking of Angela: She has a new cat, courtesy of Andy. Actually, it was courtesy of Dwight. Wasn't this the same cat he offered her episodes ago? Whether it was the kitty or the moonwalking, it seems like Angela might have a date with Andy as well. Maybe she needs to re-think her vote for office slut.

A few other thoughts/questions:
• Do we like Darryl and Kelly as a couple? I am undecided.
• William Charles Schneider aka Creed. How many more skeletons could one person have?
• Does Scrantonicity II have the same set list as the original Scrantonicity?
• The moment where Jim consoled Dwight was a classic. Just when I thought it was going to be a "very special episode," Dwight when in for a hug with the already-gone Jim. Awesome.
• What was with Jim's "passion for Italian food?" Will we see a season-end proposal?

Maybe you guys can answer some of these. If not, there's always next week -- although we'll be back to the 30-minute episodes. -- Rachel Cericola

Photo: © 2007 NBC/Justin Lubin

Scranton will host the first Office Convention from October 26 through 28.

The Web site has info about how to get there and where to stay. It looks like fans are invited to hang out, watch episodes, look at some wardrobe, and boost the Scranton economy. A list of all of the events are on the convention's Web site.

Also, I'm guessing Chili's will be packed. Tickets start at $25; all of the $250 slots have been scarfed up.

If you can't make it, you can still catch "The Office" every Thursday at 9:00 p.m. (EST) on NBC. -- Rachel Cericola

p.s.: Expect this week's write-up sometime tonight.

Photo: © 2007 NBC/Justin Lubin