Don’t get me wrong: I like that “The Office” can get serious and do it effectively. It is, in my book, the mark of a truly great comedy. If, even through all the hijinks, you can get people to truly feel compassion for the characters and become attached to them - that’s just great art.

That said, the serious episodes of “The Office” tend to be my least favorites. They’re good, sure, but so painful and awkward at times. Almost too real. The Hilary Swank episode earlier this season (you know the one I’m talking about!) was a huge relief, because it involved almost all of the characters just doing the same frivolous stuff they used to do in the first season. “New Boss,” the latest episode, is as painful as it is funny.

The Jan/Ryan VP position has now been filled by the very stony-faced Charles Minor. He clearly dislikes Michael from the start, and Jim, who’s showed up to work in a tux to irritate Dwight, doesn’t make a great impression either. It’s always a bit sobering when someone from the “outside world” steps into the Scranton branch and points out how unprofessional and ridiculous everything is. Even our favorites like Jim and Pam tend to fade a bit when they’re cast in a harsh light.

I appreciate these serious episodes can (and do) exist, but I don’t really want to watch them. I want to see my favorite characters have a good laugh, do something ridiculous, and escape without any consequences. I don’t want to see Michael get upset and quit. We know he’ll be back, but still.

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