2025-08-19 0:47:25 ¶ ●

Overall I prefer the concept that Michael Shelley knew something was going on in The Institute even if he didn’t know the details like everyone. However, I do find the concept that he’s just THAT unaware really funny.

Emma keeps coming in with a clump of cobwebs in her hair and Michael wonders to himself how he can gift a coworker anti-dandruff shampoo without coming across as rude.

Eric’s intimidating girlfriend keeps showing up to get him for dates with red on her hands, and Michael’s super excited about it because she’s clearly a painter and Eric would be great with someone creative.

Fiona keeps being brought back to The Institute passed out, and each time Michael just dims the lights and throws a blanket over her because the poor women clearly isn’t getting enough sleep. There’s one time he almost asks if she’s alright, but he doesn’t want to be nosey and pry.

James (Jonah) mentions a detail about Michael’s weekend that he didn’t bring up on his own, and Michael feels self-conscious because he must be REALLY predictable if James can guess the events of his off-time so well even despite the fact that weekend was the first time he went rock-climbing.

Gertrude comes back to the office surrounded by smoke and carrying a lighter in her hand. Michael is upset by the sight and almost says something about it, but then he thinks to himself “At her age a smoke isn’t so bad I suppose. As long as it doesn’t become a habit.” Then he goes back to filing statements thinking about the future “No Smoking” intervention he might have to throw at his job.