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Season Guide

The Office — Season 8

24 episodes 5.5/10 our take

Season 8 Review

Inappropriate remarks, petty behavior, zero productivity — you can change the boss, but you can’t change the office. Season 8 of the hit comedy series promises to be the most interesting yet as the beloved cast keeps Dunder Mifflin moving in a world (and office building) without Michael Scott.

Season Review

Season 8 without Michael is the show’s nadir: Andy as manager in a Michael-shaped hole that doesn’t fit, Robert California’s inscrutable menace, Nellie arriving like a wrecking ball. There are still laughs (the Dwight-centric episodes keep it alive), but the heart’s gone.

Episodes

1
SummaryThe office staff become obsessed when they find a list of names in two columns in Robert California's notebook.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning and the character…
2011-09-22 ★ 7.5
2
SummaryUnder pressure from Robert California, Andy introduces an incentive program to increase sales.Our TakeA strong episode with a couple of wobbles, but The Office keeps its grip throughout.
2011-09-29 ★ 7.6
3
SummaryThe warehouse staff quits after winning the lottery.Our TakeA mixed bag: some good moves, some filler. The Office running at cruising speed.
2011-10-06 ★ 7.2
4
SummaryAndy throws a garden party to impress his parents.Our TakeA strong episode with a couple of wobbles, but The Office keeps its grip throughout.
2011-10-13 ★ 7.8
5
SummaryErin worries that Andy will fire her when her Halloween party doesn't live up to Robert California's expectations.Our TakeServiceable television — it advances the story without ever surprising you.
2011-10-27 ★ 7.1
6
SummaryDwight convinces Andy to let him install a doomsday device that sends an e-mail to Robert California after the office makes five mistakes.Our TakeServiceable television — it advances the story…
2011-11-03 ★ 7.1
7
SummaryPam worries that Jim thinks the temp filling in for her during her maternity leave is attractive.Our TakeA mixed bag: some good moves, some filler. The Office running at cruising…
2011-11-10 ★ 7.4
8
SummaryAndy takes a portion of the staff on an outing to Gettysburg; Part of the staff stays behind where they pitch the next big idea to Robert.Our TakeFine. Just fine.…
2011-11-17 ★ 6.7
9
SummaryAndy is in a tight spot when Robert doesn't want him to hire his wife at the office.Our TakeServiceable television — it advances the story without ever surprising you.
2011-12-01 ★ 7.2
10
SummaryAndy attempts to grant each person's holiday wish.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning and the character work pays.
2011-12-08 ★ 7.8
11
SummaryAndy brings the staff to a trivia night in order to win money to buy Dunder Mifflin's paper to meet their sales goal.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps…
2012-01-12 ★ 7.6
12
SummaryRobert California invites the staff to his house for a pool party before he sells the property.Our TakeA transition episode that sets up more than it delivers. Necessary, not thrilling.
2012-01-19 ★ 7.4
13
SummaryJim gets caught lying about having jury duty; Angela has her baby.Our TakeA mixed bag: some good moves, some filler. The Office running at cruising speed.
2012-02-02 ★ 7.1
14
SummaryDwight gets the opportunity to lead a special project team.Our TakeA well-built episode with more hits than misses. Worth your time.
2012-02-09 ★ 7.5
15
SummaryDwight is set on securing the VP position up for grabs even as he battles appendicitis.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning and the character work pays.
2012-02-16 ★ 7.5
16
SummaryDwight and Todd Packer try to win over Nellie by trying to sleep with her; Jim worries that Cathy is trying to hit on him; The office staff works late.Our…
2012-02-23 ★ 7.8
17
SummaryThe team in Florida launch the test store; Andy and Pam are attacked by a group of kids in the parking lot.Our TakeVery good — not the series' peak, but…
2012-03-01 ★ 7.9
18
SummaryJim learns that Robert plans to kill the store idea at the board meeting and tries to warn Dwight; Erin tells Andy that she is staying in Florida.Our TakeVery good…
2012-03-08 ★ 7.8
19
SummaryAndy heads to Florida to win Erin back; Nellie shows up at the office and attempts to take over the manager job.Our TakeSolid, satisfying television. The season's engine keeps turning…
2012-03-15 ★ 7.7
20
SummaryRobert California forces the staff to throw a welcome party for Nellie; Andy tries to break-up with Jessica.Our TakeA well-built episode with more hits than misses. Worth your time.
2012-04-12 ★ 7.5
21
SummaryAndy returns to the office to discover Nellie has taken over his job and refuses to give it up; Ryan is jealous when Kelly starts dating Jim and Pam's pediatrician.Our…
2012-04-19 ★ 7
22
SummaryThe staff attend a fundraiser hosted by Angela's husband.Our TakeA mixed bag: some good moves, some filler. The Office running at cruising speed.
2012-04-26 ★ 7.1
23
SummaryA turf war ensues when Robert fails to implement a transition plan when a branch closes.Our TakeServiceable television — it advances the story without ever surprising you.
2012-05-03 ★ 7.1
24
SummaryAndy arranges for David Wallace to buy back the company to make him the regional manager again.Our TakeVery good — not the series' peak, but an hour that reminds you…
2012-05-10 ★ 7.5