“FIVE MINUTES, CONFERENCE ROOM ” by Shea Serrano, is a collection of essays that take an in depth analysis and review of some of the most memorable shenanigans that occur in the episodes of the smash hit TV show, The Office.
Both the title and the introduction set the tone for the entire collection. The title, “FIVE MINUTES, CONFERENCE ROOM”, is a reference towards a commonly used phrase throughout the run of the show. It’s a phrase used whenever a staff meeting is about to take place in the show, a phrase commonly used in any office setting. However, in “The Office”, these 5 minute meetings are often some of the most memorable parts of the show. They are often the stage setter for some explosive humor or jaw-dropping drama. It is these deeper nuances of seemingly mundane everyday workplace activities that these essays delve into that help the reader realize these situations in “The Office” are not-so-everyday. And that’s what makes it special.
The introduction proposes what seems to be, at first, a theoretical “The Dark Knight” ethical dilemma to the reader. The writer continues to further build to the climax of the question, raising the stakes, only to drive the entire theoretical dilemma into the ground with a raunchy punchline. For those who have watched “The Office” in its entirety, they’ll quickly realize what both the introduction and title do for the tone of the entire collection. It helps the reader realize that it’s silly. It’s a silly review about a silly show, and that’s why it’s great.
I didn’t think that I would ever need ESPN style statistics about the athletic abilities of the characters involved in the show, nor would I have ever guessed I would have needed in depth character analysis of Michael’s character, Prison Mike. Yet, I’m glad I got it. The reason I’m glad is because Serrano’s analysis of these elements involved in the show highlights what makes certain episodes, moments, and characters stand out throughout the seasons. The entire piece as if someone who’s extremely enthusiastic about the show was explaining the jokes to you, and why they’re funny. Rarely, these kinds of explanations captivate or hold attention, but Serrano’s methods achieve both.
While Serrano outlines all the elements that goes into every memorable joke, clearly and effectively illustrating to the reader why they’re funny and memorable, she also does the same for major plot developments and gushes an extreme appreciation for narrative devices that goes behind the writing of the show. She juxtaposes some of the narrative directions of certain aspects of “The Office” to major films. For example, Serrano frames a major part of the cast from the first two seasons in roles of those who participate in heist movies, drawing comparisons specifically with the “Ocean’s 8” franchise. Another example is when she drew a comparison between “Enter the Dragon”, which stars martial arts star Bruce Lee, to the “Office Olympics” episode. When watching “The Office” one would never be actively comparing the hilarious hijinks of the Dunder Mifflin employees to major box office films like “Enter the Dragon” or “Ocean’s 8”. However, Serano is able to achieve this by effectively framing the narrative devices of the show into these comparisons.
As I’ve stated before, the collection of essays work best when it helps the reader realize that the subtle nuances of certain moments in “The Office” help it become strikingly profound. This is especially apparent in Serrano’s essay, “Pam has an art show.” In this essay, as she’s focusing specifically on an episode where Pam’s art is displayed in an art show, she delves into its most touching moment. One excerpt stood out to me especially; “Normally his attempts at being profound are as nuanced as someone throw-ing a trash bag full of pots and pans down a flight of stairs, but this time it touches Pam, and, for whatever reason, she nods along with him as he talks.” And although Serrano states Michael’s most touching line was so nuanced, It’s due to this emphasis that enlightens what made these moments of “The Office” special and touching to both the characters, and viewers.
This collection at its heart is an exploration into all the elements that made “The Office” special. And yet, ironically, on the surface it’s still just a silly review of a silly show, but that’s what makes it work.
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