I guess I have to disagree with you about the concept of "automatic tension."  I don't think a show ever earns that without some effort.  I like this show at times—a TON, even—but the sense of tension is never automatic simply because the situation is theoretically tense.  I feel like a lot of potentially intriguing…

The writers HAD to be aware that the "tubgirl" line was inadvertently (or I suppose it would be advertently, if they indeed were aware) referencing one of the most notorious internet "items" of the 2000s, right?

Sorry, but I reject the notion that Jim has never been worse.  How about all the times the past two seasons (at least) when his "pranks" aimed at Dwight have been incredibly cruel hearted (at best) and openly criminal at worst—like when he was fully prepared to cost Dwight millions of dollars in building renovations…

I thought the joke of the one-armed, scarred lawyer was that his "lawyer" was probably one of his meth-head buddies who was also in the explosion but survived.

This is a great list.  I love when AV Club puts together a list where I can go home and discover 10 new bands that I'll probably love (in other words, pretty much every list you guys create).

No less than Roger Ebert has addressed this sort of stuff:  The score is what it is, and sometimes it can't be what binds the hands (or typing fingers) of what the writer wants to talk about.  It was a really great episode, but the problems of the show overall make for interesting discourse.  This reviewer did much…

Not to be a dick, but if you loved the characters in the comic book, I think you aren't being critical enough when you read comic books.  The comics are pretty weak on almost every front and go downhill as the stories progress.  They make cool source material for a show, but the idea that the writers here should be…

Here's the thing though—he doesn't entirely do it in her defense.  I mean, he does, but he also makes the snide remark that he would've arrested him but she'd be the one to bail him out anyway—and he makes sure Ella Mae hears it.  He won't allow Delroy to get away with beating a woman, but he also doesn't condone her…

All I can say is "Amen."  You nailed it regarding Otis/Dale:  There's NO way he has figured out exactly what Shane did.  The writers are completely confusing their dramatic irony with character knowledge—I've never seen anything like it.

I found the blue light and lens flares to be more of a JJ Abrams trademark than any nod to other shows, but I was never an X-Files viewer.

I feel like I'm in a Twilight Zone episode here—I thought this episode was sadly predictable in its internal story.  The final few minutes saved it, for obvious reasons, but not a uniformly great episode by any stretch.  Another review with a subtle Community reference tossed in for good measure:  
http://www.fansandcri…

I would agree.  I love this show, but the addition of more universes this season has made watching some episodes an enormous effort while keeping us separated from the actual collection of characters we care about.  The universe has expanded enough—it's time to start contracting.

Amen on the confusing complicating factors.  Otherwise I thought this was pretty great.  I didn't find it as "nail biting" as some people apparently did, but what a final few minutes!  I like the questions this review asks about the Observer's prophecy.  
http://www.fansandcritics.c…

They do, and you're right.  He's gifted at facial expressions in particular.

I continue to just not see eye to eye with you on your takes on The League.  I thought these two episodes were both pretty fantastic.  I agree with other commenters who point out that the sentimentality is almost always undercut with more mean-spiritedness and certainly doesn't steal from the show's overall tone…

Yes—I agree with pretty much all your thoughts in this review, I'm just a bit surprised it's taken you this long to give up on this show.  The ridiculous plot contrivances and paper thin characters have been endlessly problematic.  I'm mostly watching this show now in order to enjoy the scathing reviews of it…

I'm a bit blown away that you loved the taco MyFace plot the best—I thought the entire concept was a predictable and unfunny joke.  They milked a couple laughs out of it, but it was, as usual, a C-quality story that fit Taco's character (as in, not really funny on a consistent basis).

Speaking as a person who has made reading AV Club reviews an essential part of my television viewing experience, I have to say that this is a pretty crappy review of this episode.  And it has NOTHING to do with the gender of the writer, so don't start agreeing with my comment with any more sexist arguments.  It's just…

Isaac
Am I the only one who isn't an Isaac fan? I find his character simultaneously boring and smug—his backstory doesn't do anything for me and he's way too proud of himself every time he accomplish anything.

INFINITE JEST SPOILER ALERT