Marv, and the ever-raunchy Lisa from HR, decide to demote Esmeralda, who currently serves as Editor of Online Content of the TTT after Marv offers Nicole Esmeralda’s role. Esmeralda perceives her new work space in the communal office as a promotion rather than accepting defeat, but soon uncovers the rowdy lack of productivity in the office–more particularly, a gong some of the men bang to cause a reaction. Esmeralda attempts to mobilize Oscar and Kimberly against the disruptive use of the loud musical instrument, and does not respond well to the staff’s diminished respect for her as a superior.
The chemistry between Ned and Mare becomes abundantly more obvious in the production of their new TTT podcast: Duelling Pencils. Nicole’s first act as Head of Circulation: booking a live Duelling Pencils episode at a local bookstore, where their chemistry could be put to the test–a bit of sabotage for being out of the loop of Mare’s romantic ongoings.
However, Mare and Ned spat passive-aggressively moments prior to attending the live event about their secret office relationship, and more specifically how Ned avoids any underscoring of their compatibility. Nicole hijacks the arrangement by inviting a recently split couple, which challenges Ned and Mare’s authority and chemistry.
Nicole uses her authority to undermine Detrick while remaining in his proximity, but he intercepts these plans by requesting data from her as his department technically oversees hers, which doubtlessly upsets her.
Esmeralda clandestinely sabotaging the gong cements her newfound pettiness and defiance over Nicole’s new role. This closely resembles acceptance by her standards.
Content-wise this episode lacks in depth or stakes, which a series with a ten-episode arch should establish. If anything, it presents and augments the fundamental flaws behind Ned and Mare’s relationship as doomed. Esmeralda’s change in authority (not that the staff had much respect for her anyway) offered a refreshingly new layer to her development.
Rating: 6/10