Yep, we are deep in the heart of rerun season. Time to catch up on the episodes we missed or if we did catch them the first time, watch ‘em again because we have nothing better to do. That being said, here is a recap and my impression, based on my second viewing, of this week’s The Office episode, Diwali.

The show starts with Michael explaining to the camera that, “One of our most ethnic coworkers, Kelly, has invited us all to a Diwali celebration put on by her community.”
He then goes on to explain that Diwali, “is about a bunch of gods with unpronounceable names…or essentially a Hindu Halloween.”

In an effort to educate the staff, Michael conducts an “Indian Culture Seminar” so, as he says, the staff won’t embarrass him later at the Diwali celebration. The seminar includes Michael handing out books on Karma Sutra (“because Indian people like sexual positions”) and a slideshow of famous Indian people, including Apu from The Simpsons.

Michael takes Carol (this is pre-Jan) to the Diwali celebration and as they arrive, Carol, donning a cheerleader outfit, is shocked to see that it is not a costume party, as Michael told her it would be. For Michael, who is wearing his “second head” costume from Season 2’s “Halloween”, it’s an easy fix – he takes off the second head. But Carol is stuck in the cheerleader outfit all night.

Most of the rest of the show is about culture clash…the food that’s offered, Kelly’s parents not happy by Ryan saving up his money for an x-box - not a family, and Angela, irritated she had to take her shoes off, standing guard to make sure no one steals them.

Finally, inspired by the fact that Kelly’s parents got married after only meeting once, Michael grabs a microphone, and in front of everyone asks a horrified Carol to marry him. Of course she wants no part of this and leaves.

The highs –
Angela was on fire - telling her co-workers not to attend the Diwali celebration because “they eat monkey brains”, snottily asking Kelly how many Gods she has and slamming Kevin on the condition of his bare feet. (Kevin – “I told you, it’s a disease!”)

Michael, having an intimate conversation with Kelly’s parents, asks the father “Is your marriage the type that if you die she has to throw herself on a fire?”

The above mentioned marriage proposal. This is the type stuff that makes The Office special. The moment is so awkward and uncomfortable you almost want to turn your TV off. Fantastic!

The lows –
Pretty weak b-story involving Jim, Karen and Andy working late and doing shots.

Kelly’s domineering Indian mother wanting Kelly to be with an Indian doctor instead of Ryan…how many times have we seen this? Seemed kind of lazy.

NED. Not enough Dwight.

Overall -
While it had a few lulls, I think Diwali was a good episode. Good, not great. But let’s face it, even an average episode of The Office is better then most of the other stuff out there. Did you catch Diwali? Let me know what you thought.

This post was Authored by Joe Purcell, Our Resident Authority on all things The Office