It's back to work in 'The Office'

    It's the sixth season of "The Office," and the workplace is buzzing with craziness as usual. The fresh season promises a different perspective than before, as previously supporting characters are finally getting some spotlight while lovebirds Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Pam Beasly (Jenna Fischer) give viewers a little romance (and normalcy) in the background. With tried-and-true tricks and some new twists, this season guarantees continued Thursday night laughs and all of the uncomfortably hilarious, awkward moments that make the NBC mockumentary so charming.
    The past five years may have lulled viewers into acceptance of the insanity that is "The Office," but season six shakes things up. The first step: some new characters. Enter the summer interns in the premiere "Gossip." Their reactions to the work environment, the job requirements and manager Michael (Steve Carell) mirror the feelings that viewers first experienced back in 2005. Mock sexual harassment, hazing through menial labor and stereotyping through celebrity nicknames make viewers grateful to be participating in "The Office" from the comfort of their homes.
    For the season premiere, gossip is in the air at Dunder Mifflin, aided and abetted by Michael. In an attempt to draw attention away from the one true rumor he "accidentally" reveals, Michael invents a bunch of stories and starts spreading them around. Inevitable mayhem results, as Andy (Ed Helms) doubts his sexuality and the staff ultimately learns that Pam is pregnant.
    The second episode of the season, titled "The Meeting," develops stronger and longer-lasting plotlines. Probably in response to impending fatherhood, Jim is angling for a promotion. He meets with a corporate representative in private. This, of course, makes Michael feel abandoned, and a stealthy recon mission involving Michael hiding under a cheese-cart ensues. In typical fashion, Michael sabotages a promotion for himself and makes matters worse trying to fix things.
    Previously supporting characters seem to be getting more screen time this season — and they really shine. Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Toby (Paul Lieberstein) go on a detective hunt to verify Darryl's (Craig Robinson) injury claim. Meredith says she'll have whatever is the most expensive meal option at Pam's wedding, unless there are ribs on the menu. Oscar (Oscar Nuñez) is understandably peeved at people consulting him for gay-related matters, be it Andy asking him for dating advice or Michael wanting to know the protocol for a colonoscopy.
    The strongest sign that the show will focus on other characters this season lies in its attention to Stanley (Leslie David Barker). He vents his anger about his secret being revealed in "Gossip" by beating Michael's car with a lead pipe — a bold move considering this guy is known for crossword puzzles and monosyllabic responses.
    In addition to promised character developments, season six will also have more of Jim and Pam in store, as the couple that viewers have rooted for since the very beginning of "The Office" will soon tie the knot. What has kept this relationship fresh over the course of the show is how real and relatable their story is. The fact that "Jam," as they are called by fans, have survived multiple roadblocks is a testament to their love and a beacon of hope to couples everywhere, cheesy as that may sound. In previous seasons, their timing has been off, but this season the pair seems solid so far.
    Regular viewers of "The Office" will be satisfied with season six and new viewers may be tempted to eat up all five previous seasons in one sitting after witnessing the show's sharp cubicle comedy. Without a doubt, "The Office" will continue to entertain — and make viewers grateful (or jealous) that their workplace isn't Dunder Mifflin.