The Office Season 4

The Office Season 4 has quietly become one of the more dependable comedies currently available on and . A single, tightly-focused season means there is plenty to get through without ever feeling padded. A 9/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Steve Carell's performance alone is worth the time investment. There is no real reason to keep putting it off.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Office Season 4 is worth clearing space for. The Office Season 4 gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. Season four marked the departure of Karen Filippelli as a regular character, although she appeared for a few seconds in the first episode, "Fun Run" and in the sixth episode, "Branch Wars", as the regional manager of the Utica branch. Relationships again emerged as the main theme of the season, with Jim Halpert and Pam Beesley's rising, and Michael Scott and Jan Levinson's, as well as Dwight Schrute and Angela Martin's declining. Technology was another prevalent theme as the office staff struggled with initiatives introduced by Ryan Howard to modernize the company. Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was aired in 2007. The timing in The Office Season 4 is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. This is the rare one where the reputation undersells the reality.

If you need a comedy that actually makes you laugh, The Office Season 4 is a strong candidate. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. The complete run is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Steve Carell sets the tone, but the supporting cast is where a lot of the best moments come from. A reliable pick for any night you want quality comedy without the homework.