If I didn’t know better, I’d think that “The Office” was actually gearing up for a big change. It looks like Michael is really leaving, for good. Really starting his own paper company. The industry is “hurting” in the show’s universe, which I assume is based on reality, although you’d think even failing industries would still need to buy some paper occasionally. I wish him great success, although I don’t believe for a minute that they’re actually going to stick with this storyline.

The only way to weasel out of his plotline is to make Charles a truly incompetent leader, which seems to be what they’re hinting at. At the end of “Two Weeks,” he assigns Kevin to the phones and puts Stanley, who is hiding behind a crossword puzzle as always, on Productivity Alert. He’s probably trying to encourage people to come out of their comfort zones by giving them responsibility or whatever, but I have a feeling it will end badly.

And boy does Pam have a soft spot for Michael. Did I detect a hint of jealousy in Jim’s eyes when she so readily got up and followed her boss on his crazy, quixotic quest to start his own paper company? Something about his determination and devotion to his business really touched her, even though he’s treated her terribly over the years.

It will be interesting to see where they take this. I don’t believe for a second that Michael’s paper company will work out, but the crazy thing is…I kind of want it to.

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