The Office Finale - Thanks, Dunder Mifflin.

Cast Members at The Office Wrap Party, Scranton

Series finales are never easy for anyone. No matter what the state of the series, whether it's been on too long or not long enough, there's always a sadness surrounding the end, particularly for older shows like "The Office." Then there's the insurmountable pressure on the show to put on a "perfect" finale. Critics will pull out references to "M*A*S*H" and "Cheers," fans will have their say about Michael Scott's screentime. But realistically, we, as viewers, should only ask for one thing: Are we content with where we left these characters? Because we may never see them again. I just need to know they'll be okay.

Television comedies are about character connections. You allow these people to come into your home, you follow their lives, you want them to get what they deserve. "The Office" had the leisure of taking us one year into the future, giving time for things to change. I'm happy Oscar is running for Senate. Kevin wasn't a great accountant, and by the looks of his pour, he's not a great bartender, but at least it looks like he's having fun. Creed's probably going to jail, but he's ready for it. Phyllis and Stanley are friends.

The only story that felt a little forced was the Kelly/Ryan situation. While I believe that Kelly would certainly suggest ditching the baby so they could start fresh, I'm surprised Ryan would simply ditch little Drake (Drew and Blake). But story misstep does not a disaster make.

Dwight and Angela were married, standing in their own graves, as Schrute tradition states.  Jim and Pam are moving to Austin because it's what they both want. Michael has a family. And that's enough for me.

On a side note, I'm grateful Greg Daniels was back this season. In the finale alone, there were tons of throwbacks to seasons 2 & 3 (Dwight's stripper was also the stripper from S3's "Ben Franklin," Carol Stills makes an appearance as Pam's realtor, Devon, who was fired on Halloween in S2). It plays to the idea that everything's a cycle, a point "The Office" tried to make once in awhile.

 So complain that Steve Carell wasn't in it enough, or that the episode was uneven or unrealistic or pulled in too many different directions. 

Then watch Dwight's talking head, describing his relationships with his subordinates and tell me this was not a great finale.



(Photo credit: Sarah Pugh, May 4, 2013, Scranton, PA)