The Office Finale

Normally I don't write reviews of television shows or movies, but for sentimental reasons several themes touched upon from last night's "The Office" finale struck some chords. Probably as with most fans, "The Office" drew me in early on, but I slowly lost interest after Steve Carell left for greener pastures. Still, I tuned in semi-regularly when they brought in James Spader as Robert California. I had high hopes for his character, as he had great potential as a foil. His interview with Jim and Toby remains one of my favorite moments. 
Unfortunately, Spader's character did not evolve the way I had hoped. From that point forward, it became a bit of a strain to tune in week after week. A couple of new characters came into the mix, such as Gabe. I thought he had some great moments, particularly in the love triangle between he, Erin and Andy. He had become creepily obsessive over her, and the actor (name eludes me) played it so well. There were some good dynamics happening with the second-tier starring players as well. 
Namely, Dwight Schrute's character arc had evolved considerably. At first he was the over-zealous ass kisser to the Regional Manager (Michael Scott). He would stop at nothing to please his boss. He always ended up looking like a bumbling fool. When it became obvious that Michael never intended to have him promoted, Dwight became much more devious and cynical. 
Dwight had always considered Jim Halpert his arch nemesis, however they grew to respect one another through their elaborate series of pranks. It was nice to see that they grew to the point of considering one another true friends by the end. It was even at Jim's behest to the corporate head that Dwight be installed as the new Regional Manager at the end. That and being his "Bestest Mensch" was a really nice touch. Dwight's final words about his "subordinates", and whether or not he considered them friends, was incredibly touching. Especially when he referred to Pam Beasley-Halpert as his best friend.
At any rate, there were some very poignant moments in the finale, and it made sticking through the show's decline in quality really worthwhile. Michael's appearance at the wedding, while not exactly a big surprise, was done so well. For several years he played such a polarizing, socially awkward figure. He emerged after years away a changed man, much more at peace with himself. He had married his true love Holly, and they went on to have two kids together. Michael spoke very little, but what few words he did say, were perfectly executed. One last "That's what she said" had me laughing out loud. He appeared very much as the proud father of this weird, dysfunctional family. 
My final thoughts go to the very ending of the episode, when Jim and Pam each had their final interviews with the camera. Jim saying how incredible it is, having the most wondrous moments of his life documented on camera. From the moment he met his wife, to falling in love with her, to marrying her and then having a family with her. It is all there on tape. How many people wish they could have that? What started off as a documentary about working in a somewhat boring job, became all of this. Pam then saying how easy it is to fall into traps of putting things off and not realizing what they have in front of them. It took her four years, and almost marrying the wrong man to finally realize the man she truly loved was working four feet away from her the whole time. It was a beautiful touch having Creed playing and singing that stirring melody as well. 
Finally, perhaps the most sage words came from the one and only Andy Bernard. He started off the episode as pathetic as he had become over the past several years. He had reached his zenith of humiliation when his meltdown  A Capella audition had become viral. Nobody believed him about finding a job at his beloved Cornell. He proved it by finding a You Tube video of his commencement speech to the graduates. Andy's final words were so true, and to the point of things I touch upon in my blog about the ageing process. We never seem to realize it in the moment, when we are experiencing the best of times. We usually only recognize it after the fact.  This is especially true later in life, as I question whether or not I truly did seize such moments with all gusto.Just like Jim said, all of it would be incredible to have it all packaged up in a neat video documentary.