In the second episode of The Office (AU), titled "The Wake," we delve deeper into the eccentric world of Flinley Craddick and its managing director, Hannah Howard. This episode is a poignant exploration of office dynamics and the lengths to which Hannah will go to preserve the illusion of a close-knit "work family."
The episode begins with the revelation that a staff member, whose name Hannah can't quite place, has passed away. In a bid to prove the importance of their workplace camaraderie, she decides to throw an impromptu wake in his honor. This decision sets the stage for a series of cringe-worthy moments that are quintessential to the mockumentary style of The Office franchise.
Hannah's character is further established in this episode as she grapples with the challenge of remembering the deceased employee. Her attempts to organize a fitting tribute are both endearing and cringeworthy, as she struggles to balance the gravity of the situation with her desire to make a positive impression on the head office representative, Alisha. This scenario highlights Hannah's well-intentioned but often misguided approach to management, which is a hallmark of the series.
Meanwhile, Lizzie, played by Edith Poor, takes the initiative to invest in a pair of roombas, hoping to reduce the need for cleaning staff. This decision leads to a series of comedic mishaps, as Lizzie fails to consider that the roombas are only capable of vacuuming carpets. Her subsequent realization forces her to enlist the help of her colleagues in cleaning the office toilets, a task that Deborah, the head of finance, refuses to participate in. This subplot adds another layer of humor to the episode, as it showcases the staff's reactions to Lizzie's impractical solution.
The roombas become a source of annoyance for the office, operating loudly throughout the day and getting in the way of the staff's work. This "Take That!" moment towards the technology is a humorous commentary on the pitfalls of embracing new solutions without fully understanding their limitations.
The episode also includes a Mythology Gag, referencing two episodes from the US series. The mention of an employee's death echoes the "Performance Review" episode, while Hannah's extravagant wake is reminiscent of Michael's over-the-top grieving and impromptu funeral for a bird in "Grief Counselling." These references serve as a nod to the original series while also setting the Australian adaptation apart with its unique spin on the storyline.
The characters' psychological changes throughout the episode are subtle yet significant. Hannah's desperation to keep her work family together is palpable, and her actions, though often misguided, stem from a place of genuine care for her staff. Lizzie's determination to maintain productivity at all costs reveals her dedication to her role, even if her methods are questionable. The other characters, though still finding their footing, begin to show their unique quirks and dynamics within the office setting.
In conclusion, "The Wake" is a solid second installment in The Office (AU) that builds on the foundation laid in the first episode. It expertly balances humor with the underlying themes of workplace culture and the complexities of managing a diverse team. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to deliver cringe comedy while also exploring the nuances of its characters' personalities and their evolving relationships within the office environment.