In the sixth episode of The Office (AU)'s first season, "Women in Business," Hannah Howard takes on a new challenge as she sets her sights on being nominated for a local Women in Business award. This episode is a delightful mix of ambition, miscommunication, and the everyday quirks of office life at Flinley-Craddick Packaging.
The episode begins with Hannah's excitement over the possibility of being recognized for her work as a leader in business. Her enthusiasm is palpable as she embarks on a campaign to secure the nomination, showcasing her determination and ego in equal measure. This is a classic Girlboss Feminist trope, where Hannah pats herself on the back for championing women in the workplace, despite the fact that her actions are often more self-serving than altruistic.
Meanwhile, the office is faced with a more immediate problem: the broken coffee machine. Lizzie, played by Edith Poor, takes on the task of finding a solution to this crisis, which is affecting staff morale. This subplot adds a layer of humor to the episode, as the importance of coffee in the workplace is a running joke that is well-trodden ground in office comedies.
The episode takes a turn when a workplace inspector, Georgia, arrives to discuss personal boundaries. Hannah, in her quest for the award, has inadvertently scheduled this meeting on the same day as her "pyjama day," creating a hilarious clash of professional and casual office cultures. The inspector's presence forces Hannah to confront her own behavior, as she is often the one blurring the lines between personal and professional relationships.
The Jerkass Ball trope is in full effect as Hannah's Mean Boss mode is dialed up to the maximum. Her temper is on a short fuse, and she is quick to lose her temper with the new receptionist when he asserts his rights regarding his likeness in her promotional video. This moment is a stark reminder of Hannah's ability to be both endearing and exasperating.
The Mythology Gag trope is present throughout the episode, as it mirrors the classic "Diversity Day" from the original series. The boss's clashes with an outside officer and the staff's engagement in an exercise to gauge acceptable conversation topics provide a familiar yet fresh take on the classic storyline. This nod to the original series adds a layer of nostalgia for fans while also establishing the Australian adaptation's unique identity.
The Token Minority trope is also evident in this episode, as Hannah enlists Sebastian to help her make a video of herself being inclusive and forward-thinking. Sebastian notices that she's roped all of the non-white staff into being extras, and she also hired a new receptionist who has Down's Syndrome, staging a meeting with Stevie from the warehouse in front of a Pride flag. This moment highlights the issue of tokenism in the workplace and the importance of genuine inclusion.
The episode ends with a "Shaggy Dog" story, as Lloyd's obsession with having a heroic bloodline is exploited by Hannah. She preys on his desire to be part of a heroic lineage by suggesting that donating money to cover her financial missteps would be a heroic act. This move is a particularly nasty one, as it takes advantage of Lloyd's dreams and financial situation.
In conclusion, "Women in Business" is an episode that highlights the complexities of office politics, personal ambition, and the quest for recognition. It showcases Hannah's character in all her flawed glory, while also providing a platform for the supporting cast to shine. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to blend humor with social commentary, providing viewers with a fresh take on the classic series while maintaining its unique Australian charm. The characters' psychological journeys are fascinating to watch, as they navigate the challenges of the workplace and their own personal growth. This episode leaves viewers with a renewed appreciation for the characters and their quirks, as well as a deeper understanding of the complexities of office life and the bonds that form within it.