From what I understand, the difference has to do with network economics. Cable series run on a model similar to British TV, but the networks have to support affiliates and so there's a need to have steady, consistent, broad programming to sustain high numbers for local stations.

It was okay, and it's sad it couldn't at least air its last two episodes.

Yeah, I was a little confused about the last part. He was a pariah with the American Cancer Association (that's who was giving the award, right?) or with all the big business in the city?

I don't think anyone gets a screener, given Weiner's hatred of spoilers.

So… anyone wanna start a Mad Men discussion here?

Its amazing how a couple years ago, after the Leno/Conan debacle, everyone said NBC couldn't fall any further. At the time, even 30 Rock was drawing ratings in the high 2s/low 3s.

I wouldn't be surprised to see UAN cancelled actually. The show looked like a guaranteed renewal in the fall, but ratings unexpectedly tanked when they moved it to Thursday. (Interestingly, Parks' ratings also took a hit when it came back post-Office, which seems to suggest that – bizarrely – The Office may be…

Last season's DVD features both versions, so I imagine they'll do the same with this one. Although Netflix only lets you stream one version (I think the E. Coast version).

Chris is funny, but I feel the character is a little played out. This whole Chris-hitting-rock-bottom thing is funny, but beyond that I can't really see what they'd do with him. Plus, he kind of distracts from the rest of the cast – because he's Rob Lowe, they have to write a bunch of B and C-plots that sometimes feel…

I think it's just rumors about Lowe possibly leaving. Nothing confirmed – and this point I'm actually fairly skeptical, as we'd probably have heard something official by now.

Nobody would be taking sordid pleasure in The Office's fall if they had just wrapped it up last year after Carrell left. The show was still pretty enjoyable through S6, and S7 had its moments too. Now, though, it's a total zombie show.

Nobody would be taking sordid pleasure in The Office's fall if they had just wrapped it up last year after Carrell left. The show was still pretty enjoyable through S6, and S7 had its moments too. Now, though, it's a total zombie show.

This really isn't very similar to the regular show.

Well they mentioned Fisher's character too right before they cut to that.

I liked it better than you, but this definitely feels like an episode that could use a bit more – luckily, there's going to be a director's cut, so that may well be better.

On E. Coast show, Alec Baldwin and Scott Adsit started making out at the very end.

It was great playing Spot Fred Armisen, like when he subbed in as Frank in one scene.

Yeah, agreed. Last year's was amusing, but seeing it again on Netflix just confirmed that it's sort of thin.

He totally is. Deleted scene from last week's episode:

Wow, I love that they set that up back in February.