'The Office' recap: Managing Expectations

But this episode was really about the type of man Michael Scott really is. Were he and Charles destined to cross swords because Charles' new fiscal restraint threatened Michael's anniversary party? Or did Michael simply object to being managed at all? Initially, it seemed like it was the party. After all, Michael erroneously announced that the new scaled-down budget would cut into salaries and benefits — not petty cash and office parties. He had visions of Cirque de Soleil, of a two-way petting zoo, of a Dr. Seussian cupcake-stripper delight, and of a 15-minute round of applause. (Followed, of course, by a 15-minute moment of silence.)

But Charles' intransigence, and David Wallace's refusal to intervene, made Michael mental. He skipped right over his Ace Ventura ''ass you a question'' routine and childishly mimicked Charles' every word. Later, when Charles dissolved the PPC, Michael snapped. ''Do you even know how paper's made?'' Michael tearily challenged the former steel company manager, before storming out of the office and driving to New York City to plead his case.

At Corporate, Michael ambushed David coming out of the office bathroom. David gave the camera an understandably irritated smirk that reminded me that Charles had been awfully comfortable around the show's intrusive documentarians. I don't expect the regulars to explain the show's concept to every new character, but it seems to me that a buttoned-down supervisor intent on setting a new office tone might object to a film crew shadowing his employees. Mind you, I don't want him to banish the camera — and us — but it almost seemed out of character for him not to acknowledge its presence with more than just a few wary glances. In David's office, Michael argued that 15 years of service demanded a certain respect. His party must go on — because he'd already purchased the figs. He'd already sacrificed so much for this company: a family, hang-gliding, and that wonderful trek up Mount Washington. But when David conceded and agreed to all of Michael's demands, it finally became clear that this wasn't about the party after all. Michael expected David to fire Charles, and when he didn't, Michael quit. Wow. Just like that.

What was it about Charles that sent Michael over the edge? Clearly, it was about more than just the party. Though it wasn't addressed, could race have played a role? I don't think Michael's prejudiced, just intimidated. He can barely look Darryl in the eye, so the idea of Charles cramping his style might be inconceivable to him.

Looking forward, I can't wait to see how Michael regains his job at Dunder Mifflin. (You don't think he's really leaving, do you?) Might he imitate Seinfeld's George Costanza, who once simply showed up the next day after he quit his job and pretended the ugly exchange had never occurred? Or will Michael do some soul-searching while he hang-glides over Mount Washington, which by the way, is only a short drive from Nashua, N.H.? Is that what Michael meant when he said, ''You have no idea how high I can fly.''

Thoughts? Did you like what Elba brought to the show, and where do you see his character heading in the weeks ahead? Do either of the smitten ladies have a prayer with him? For that matter, does Jim?

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