The second episode of The Office (AU), entitled "The Wake," delves deeper into the quirky realm of Flinley Craddick and its enigmatic managing director, Hannah Howard, painting a poignant portrait of office dynamics and the lengths Hannah will traverse to uphold the façade of a tight-knit "work family."
The episode unfolds with a somber revelation: an unnamed staff member, whose identity escapes Hannah's memory, has tragically passed away. Determined to underscore the significance of their workplace bond, Hannah impulsively decides to host an impromptu wake in his honor, thereby setting the stage for a string of excruciatingly awkward moments, quintessentially embodying the mockumentary charm of The Office franchise.
Hannah's character is further etched in this chapter as she grapples with the dual challenge of honoring the deceased while grappling with her own memory lapse. Her earnest yet often misguided efforts to orchestrate a fitting tribute, balanced precariously between the solemnity of the occasion and her aspiration to impress head office representative Alisha, highlight her well-meaning but frequently misguided management style, a recurring theme in the series.
Meanwhile, Lizzie, brilliantly portrayed by Edith Poor, embarks on an unconventional venture, investing in a pair of roombas with the ambition of streamlining cleaning tasks and reducing the need for human staff. However, this endeavor spirals into a comical quagmire when Lizzie overlooks the fact that the robotic vacuums are solely adept at carpets. Her subsequent awakening propels her into a hilarious quest for assistance from her colleagues, tasking them with cleaning the office toilets—a duty that Deborah, the head of finance, staunchly refuses to undertake. This subplot adds a dash of humor to the narrative, showcasing the staff's colorful reactions to Lizzie's impractical yet amusing solution.
The Roombas, with their incessant clamor throughout the day, have transformed into a nuisance in the office, disrupting the tranquility and hindering the staff's workflow. This "Take That!" moment directed towards the technology offers a humorous yet poignant critique on the hazards of embracing novel solutions sans a thorough grasp of their drawbacks.
Embedded within this episode lies a Mythology Gag, subtly weaving in nods to two seminal instances from the American counterpart. The fleeting mention of an employee's demise recalls the poignant "Performance Review," while Hannah's lavish wake mirrors Michael's extravagant, unplanned funeral for a feathered friend in "Grief Counselling," offering a respectful homage to the original series while distinctively stamping the Australian adaptation with its own flavorful twist.
The psychological evolution of the characters in this episode is nuanced yet profound. Hannah's desperation to preserve the cohesion of her work family is palpably intense, her every misguided move stemming from a genuine wellspring of concern for her team. Lizzie's unwavering commitment to maintaining productivity at any cost exposes her unbridled dedication to her role, albeit through methods that might raise eyebrows. As for the other characters, they tentatively find their footing, gradually unraveling their individual quirks and the intricate dynamics that define their workplace existence.
In summation, "The Wake" solidifies itself as a formidable second chapter in The Office (AU), seamlessly building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor. It masterfully intertwines humor with profound themes of workplace dynamics and the intricacies of managing a diverse team. This episode stands as a testament to the show's remarkable ability to blend cringe-worthy comedy with a profound exploration of its characters' intricate personalities and their ever-evolving relationships within the confines of the office landscape.
