I’m a huge Office fan. Many people are. And yes, many of the fans have definitely had their beefs with the newest season (4). Jim and Pam are finally together—and really what more could you want?—and all should be right with the world. I confess, when the new season premiered and I caught my first glimpse of their blossoming relationship and we see their first kiss as an actual couple, I threw up my hands and said, “That’s it. That’s all I’ll ever need to see.” But then, of course, I remembered that The Office’s charm rests not only on the shoulders of JAM, but also on that of Michael Scott… and Dwight… and Angela… and Kevin… and Oscar… and Creed, and the whole crew, really.

But perhaps the show is missing something. It seems that this season is all about adding that extra zing to the stories and characters when really, if they’d just stick to playing everything a bit more subtle (like they used to) the entire tone of the show would benefit.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love some of the things the writer’s have done this season, in fact I really haven’t had a single problem with any of the episodes so far. I mean, come on, who knew that this season we’d be asking the same questions about Angela and Dwight that we used to about Jim and Pam? Who really saw Michael and Jan’s relationship lasting as long as it has—their relationship alone has led to some of this seasons most charming and somewhat heartwarming moments. But the weakest points of the season, it seems, is that the show has now taken to leaving ‘the office’ more and more (e.g., Survivor Man, Dinner Party, Night Out, Fun Run). Gone are the little everyday-office occurrences that great episodes are built upon (Safety Training, Sexual Harassment, Health Care, Take Your Daughter To Work Day, CASINO NIGHT!). Think of it in terms of a show like The X-Files: while we enjoyed watching the “mythology” episodes that continued the development of all the different character and story arcs, we absolutely adored the “monster of the week” episodes—the episodes that give the show it’s lasting, intriguing, and mystifying appeal.

I only mention all of this because an internet buddy of mine who writes fan-fiction for the show recently produced his eleventh fan script. The episode in question dealt with all of the characters donating blood for a blood drive. The script caught me off guard because I honestly have no idea how the real writers of the show have never written an episode pertaining to this. It’s such a simple idea, yet, at the same time, brilliant when one thinks of the potential of all of the characters’ actions that can result. The episode took place entirely in the office, had nothing to do with the season’s continuity and really made some smart and interesting plot points for several of the characters (the link to said script is posted below).

It’s simplicity that we’re yearning for, purely and simply. It’s nice to see all of our favorite characters continue to evolve but please, don’t forget about those strictly “office-contained” episodes. It keeps us charmed. And it’s not like we’re asking for anything more; really, we’re actually just asking for less.

Script link