Planking drove me crazy for the few weeks it dominated on the Internet. So, of course, The Office would spoof the whole ridiculous concept as its opener.

The questions surrounding season 8 have been flying around in my head the second season 7 ended and we were left wondering who would be manager. So who took on the role of Michael Scott’s (Steve Carell) role as office head?!

None other than Andy Bernard!

How do I feel about this? I had a feeling it was going to be Andy (Ed Helms), he is after all– one of the most famous Cornell grad’s EVER! If you didn’t already know, Robert California (James Spader) was originally hired for the Regional Manager position, but due to his brilliance, was able to take over as CEO.

Several other major announcements were made very quickly. We found out there are two mamas-to-be at the Scranton branch: Pam (Jenna Fisher), which we already knew about, but Angela (Angela Kinsey) too? Oh, and she married the Senator as well….huh?

Pam is already showing her preggers emotions complete with sobbing over the dog commercial and his beloved bone (you know, the one about investing your money?) at her desk. Let the water works begin!

Things really started to turn when Robert left his notebook open on Erin’s desk with two lists of names: some of the office staff on the left side, and the others on the right. After everyone freaks out, Andy confronts him about the list and gets a weird response. Well, basically everything that comes out of Spader’s mouth is a bit off. Who is this man?

Robert then asks half of the office out to lunch including Jim (John Krasinski) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson), leaving the others back wondering why they were left behind. Quickly it is discovered that California has split the office into two categories: “winners” and “losers.” Worried manager Andy decides to have a pizza party with his fellow “losers” to lighten the mood. But the tears begin to flow for Pam once again, when she realizes she is not on the winning side of the list.

This whole plot creates a strong man in Andy’s character causing him to stand up to the mysterious CEO and make his voice heard. When Robert starts preaching about his thoughts on the winners and losers of the office, it all boiled down to Andy standing up for his fellow co-workers who were not getting the credit they deserved. This was the first side of Andy really being a manager.

Is Robert doing these things on purpose to make a statement or to get Andy to react What is his mission? I’m not sure if the word jerk should be tattooed across his forehead or if he is twisting with everyone for a positive ending.

The characters on this show have changed over the seasons, and it does worry me where they are leading with the many changes that have occurred. Despite the episode having their funny moments, the material just can’t compare. The show is now in a rebuilding phase, trying to find a new path and voice.

This mainly is on the shoulders on Andy and how he carries the role as manager. Ed Helms plays such a great supporting role on the series, but I’m not too sure about him playing boss. He’s such a softy, and I know he stood up the Robert about casting out several workers but he’s just a big old sweetie in the end.

The story behind tonight was the fact that everyone has a piece of winner inside of them, but is the big picture still “winner” material? With the first episode under the belt of a new era, only time will tell!

As a loyal and beloved fan, Dunder Mifflin will always have a place in my heart and I will continue to support the show until the very end. Even with the awkward moments, the writers always seem to bring little scenes that are unforgettable. Case in point: Jim “ accidentally” dropping a list including Pam, CeCe, and the new baby on the left and everyone else on the right. He just melts my heart every time.

Some things will never change.