The Office recap: Paper chase

As Michael, Pam, and Ryan use the power of pancakes to get their company off the ground, Jim continues his downward spiral from office golden boy to resident screw-up

Michael does what he does best (or at least fairly well): He sells himself, against the odds. He leans in and gingerly gives Pam a pep talk. Sure, it's a combination of pathetic anecdotes and sort of self-defeating advice, but there's a sincerity and certain strength buried inside his spiel. If Michael were just an out-and-out buffoon, The Office wouldn't really make sense; we have to believe he really is a good salesman, that people really would tolerate his outlandish behavior — that every once in a while, he really does come through. —Margaret Lyons

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