This week opens up with Pam sharing her lack of funds for college. Michael has managed to get her a job at corporate, and unfortunately he knows exactly where he can reach her every day.
Michael and Holly make plans for a third date.
“In my opinion, the third date is traditionally the one where you have sex. Does Holly feel that way? If she starts having sex with me, I’ll know for sure.”
Dwight is distraught by Angela and Andy’s wedding invite, and after Phyllis finds him whittling a knife (using another knife) in the breakroom, she offers her advice. Initially, he scowls and denies that he feels anything for Angela. As though she and the camera crew never caught them having sex. Eventually, he does open up to her. Sincere Dwight is definitely my favorite Dwight if only because he always breaks that sincerity with the most inappropriate response possible.
“Why is she marrying Andy?”
“Angela’s not really a risk taker. And Andy’s not really a risk.”
That night, Holly and Michael lock themselves inside the office building and have sex in the stairwell. The next morning, they return to find the office in shambles. Michael had forgotten to lock the door behind them when they left.
“So much for sex without consequences.”
Dwight again consults Phyllis and she suggests that he offer Angela an ultimatum. Michael decides to hold a charity auction to replace the personal belongings stolen in the robbery: C.R.I.M.E.-A.I.D. His biggest item which he hopes will draw the most money is a pair of Bruce Springsteen tickets.
The auction is held in the warehouse and items up for bidding include: Creed Bratton (“That’s all inclusive.”), a yoga lesson with Holly, Hank the security guard’s debut album, a hug from Phyllis, and an immediate beer with the warehouse guys which Jim wins for $5.
Michael’s gavel squeaks when you bang it. Yes, that’s what she said. To everyone’s surprise, David Wallace shows up to the auction and offers a weekend at his place at Martha’s Vineyard–drastically undersold at less than $200.
Roy makes a surprise appearance at Poor Richard’s and sits with Jim and the warehouse workers. He’s amiable and reassures Jim that he’s not there to assault him, but manages to make him very insecure when he remarks about Pam’s late night. Jim is next seen on his way to New York to see her.
A very sad, wordless moment between Dwight and Angela at the auction reveals her choice: Andy. Dwight immediately lets the air out of Phyllis’s tires to lure her outside. She tells him to move on and let Angela be happy, which he construes as an attempt to secure her place in the Party Planning Committee. Dwight is slapped for the second time in the series.
“What did Phyllis do wrong? She stuck her nose in my business…and tried to help me.”
Michael finally gets to the Springsteen tickets and after searching his pockets claims that they’ve been stolen, effectively causing most of the bidders to leave. Phyllis reminds him about her hug. After a brief bidding war with Dwight (outbidding everytime by $.01), Bob Vance wins with $1000. Dwight: “Not worth it.”
Jim makes a u-turn when he reaches the interstate because:
“I’m not that guy. And we are not that couple.” Very nice.
The last scene has David Wallace taken aback by Michael and Holly making out in the warehouse. He had no idea. Definitely to be an issue next week.
“Crime Aid” was miles above “Baby Shower.” Good progressions with Andy/Angela/Dwight and Michael/Holly, and the writers have made a great choice in making the last two episodes Pam-lite. Her presence is felt, but PB&J is definitely in the background right now. Looking forward to how Michael and Holly’s relationship will be confronted by David next episode. How could they forget to sign a love contract?
Mike Trevino is a rabid fan of House and The Office and blogs out of San Antonio, TX.
