(**To back up these claims, in my viewing repertoire I hold, respectively, Baby Mama and The O.C.)
I keep hearing people talk about the ships, which is not a viable angle, because the whole problem with this show is that none of the people are attractive. I don't deal in fictional relationships unless at least one member of the party is genuinely attractive (exception: couples married at least 30 years). Ann is the closest thing to normal/attractive, and my feelings on Rashida Jones cycle back and forth depending on how recently I've seen season 3 of The Office; also, the haircut is a real detriment to her prettiness. April almost had some potential, until I heard she was with Chris Pratt's character, and: GROSS. SO GROSS. Characters can be ruined by their proximity to horrible characters, you know. Which is why Adam Scott, who had just the tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniest bit of potential (not much, since he's less "attractive" and more "doesn't have disproportionately large eyes") has no shot.
[Now, if there has been a disgruntled civilian shooting up the office, someone nearly dying in a car accident, a cancer diagnosis or similar mortal peril in which a 'ship was involved, that would potentially override the default controls. If not, you are out of luck.]
Leave the shipping out of it, and you've got nothing but a bunch of disfunctional freaks who embarrass the hell out of themselves and act like clueless idiots over and over and over again. I hate this. Not only is this show unforgivably stupid, it is unforgivably unfunny. You have to pick characters or humor to be a quality comedy. This show has neither, and its similarities to the many awful aspects of The Office become glaringly apparent without a central OTP to distract you.
[I want to stop here and make sure I underline how really, truly bad The Office is at its core, especially in the days of season 2 and 3, even though it is my most-used of all the TV tags and thus gives the illusion that I love it. I definitely do not go around telling people to watch that show. It is merely a vehicle for Jim and Pam.]
If you need to watch a show set in Indiana, which you should because the midwest is the best, I recommend The Middle. Everyone should talk a lot more about THE MIDDLE. In conclusion, The Middle. Look it up and get to know it.
