It was the funniest I've ever seen Penn, FWIW. I think it helped that he was basically playing a character named Sean Penn, the way that Colbert plays a character named Stephen Colbert.

But even when I'm really enjoying an episode, I can't get the feeling out of my head that they're all being way too nice.

I enjoy the American Office a lot, a lot but the thing that has made me rewatch the English Office to death is how keen it is to group dynamics when, within them, things get ugly. That's partly what gives the English series the edge for me because, aside from having concerns the US doesn't have, the sweetness of Pam's voicemails for Jim were never going to be couched in a moment like Tim getting his shoe thrown over a pub.

Also, minority opinion: I didn't like the Christmas Special. It seemed so contrary to the spirit of the series.

HMOG, did no one see the COLBERT REPORT with Sean Penn and the metaphor-off?

I saw it by accident, last night (early -- it must have been a re-run). Penn not only has a sense of humor, he had a sense of humor about himself in the metaphor-off. He's no comedian, but it wasn't painful to watch. It was of the good.

I saw it last night and thought it was hilarious. Robert Pinsky seemed to be having a great time, too. "And this one is worth ten million points."

HMOG, did no one see the COLBERT REPORT with Sean Penn and the metaphor-off?

Just saw it today. Wonderful - and with the God Machine noises! Woo!

I can't think of many scenes anywhere in television that can compete with Tim taking his mic off in the S2 finale. It's one of those perfect moments.

That scene where the camerapeople are somehow hiding in the break room, and Pam is pouring her heart out to her mom, and out of NOWHERE Jim walks in and puts it all on the line again.

Sigh. Breaks my heart every f'ing time, especially knowing how this damned season is playing out.

That scene where the camerapeople are somehow hiding in the break room, and Pam is pouring her heart out to her mom, and out of NOWHERE Jim walks in and puts it all on the line again.

Yes. From Jim's confession onward, the whole thing was just TV-perfection for me. It took my breath away. At the time, I kind of felt like everyone should stop making TV shows, because nothing that wasn't an iconic moment from a past episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was ever going to be any better than that. Ever.

But they've maintained the tension throughout season 3 -- brilliantly. There are no bad guys. Roy is a little scary and certainly wrong for Pam, but he's sympathetic. Karen? She's attractive, funny, smart and sympathetic, but not a Mary Sue.

I just read the most perfect 30 Rock fic: Annakovsky's Carbonite. Liz/Floyd, and spoilery for the latest episode. Aw, Liz.

I can't contribute to UK/US The Office-off meaningfully, since I've only seen snippets of the UK version, but that last bit of "Casino Night" was pretty much the highlight of my entire TV viewing experience (and I watch A LOT of TV) last year. It kills me, especially in knowledge of all the fallouts of that gesture this season.

I'd totally put the moment in "Return" when Michael goes to Staples to see Dwight up there with "Casino Night" though. "So maybe you should come back. You should come back, please." The "please" just about killed me. And the muzak version of "Up Where We Belong" playing tinnily on the speaker! Perfect.

I can't contribute to UK/US The Office-off meaningfully, since I've only seen snippets of the UK version, but that last bit of "Casino Night" was pretty much the highlight of my entire TV viewing experience (and I watch A LOT of TV) last year. It kills me, especially in knowledge about all the fallouts of that gesture this season.

In many things and in many ways, I am vonnie. (Actually, not to sound like a stalker, but I have learned through the years that if Vonnie likes something, I probably will too. Even if it is imperfect Dawson's Creek fanfic.)