Dwight K. Schrute

Although for a while there, I was worried that The Office had jumped the shark, I think lately it's redeemed itself.

There's just something about the caricatures of the kinds of employees found in every office that cracks me up. I've definitely worked with my share of Stanleys (though they were usually female), Kellys, and Phyllises. But there's something about this guy

that makes me laugh. Dwight is my favorite character on The Office. Who is yours?

Office gossip

Ok, so it's not the kind where you talk about how you can't believe that so-and-so actually wore that particular wardrobe combo today.

But I need to talk about The Office.

The show.

Specifically, I want to know whether you think The Office has jumped the shark.

I'm feeling like perhaps it has.

The first episode of The Office that I saw was the Season 2 Christmas special. You know, the Secret Santa episode where Michael buys the iPod?

It's arguably the funniest sitcom Christmas episode ever, and I don't want to suggest that the series has gone downhill from there, because there have been several gems since then.

But since the writer's strike, I don't know. It just seems...different.

I mean, I love that Jim and Pam are engaged, but didn't the shenanigans surrounding their awkward and seemingly unrequited affections for each other keep us wondering whether it would ever happen? Now that it has, does it somehow change the anticipation of how their relationship will play itself out in each episode?

I still can't decide.

Vote in the poll to the right whether you think the shark has been jumped or not.

And maybe leave a comment with your thoughts.

Let's "tawk."