I liked Andy during his introduction in Season 3. We hadn't seen a character quite like that before, so he was a nice addition.
Everything involving him from season 7-9 in particular was just awful. I tried to give it a chance but the "click" just never happened. I have no problem with Ed Helms in general but I always feel like using his character sparingly is best. Trying to make him the main character is a recipe for disaster, and The Office proved it.
I don't want to sound like the typical critic but Seasons 2 and 3 of The Office were the peak. They were firing on all cylinders. When the writers ran out of ideas for the main cast, they brought in new people and created new situations that were comical. It worked for a short period. And, as much as I'll defend Seasons 4 and 5 as being adequate, I'll admit that the spark wasn't quite there. It was good enough but not to the level that really drew me in and made me a fan. I am happy that the writers were ambitious with the Michael Scott Paper Company arc, even though it ended up in failure. After that, everything just seemed forced.
Forever, Seasons 2 and 3 will be the best, and Seasons 4 and 5 will be the acceptable rest. Season 1 is the testing phase. The later seasons fit into the mold of "watch it because you want to see the entire thing through." Dexter syndrome, basically. You'll deal with the shit because you've already made it that far.
I could say the same about Parks and Rec but that series actually didn't shit the bed. The first season is kind of difficult, in the sense that the viewer enjoys the premise but hates the characters. From then on, Season 2 and 3 follow a similar approach as the Office, offering some of the best comedic content that you'll get out of the series, making most of the characters endearing. Then, Seasons 4-7 are purely enjoyable based on what you got out of the upswing in Seasons 2 and 3. Overall, P&R is the winner because it doesn't completely shit the bed, but the reactions to how it changes the plot may vary across the board. Personally, I wasn't a huge fan of Seaons 4-5 but I was right there with everything after. No idea why.
The Office just had too many ideas to try to salvage itself in later seasons, especially after losing Steve Carell. They tried, valiantly, but failed. I won't say I was offended by the episodes leading up to and including the finale, but said episodes certainly left me feeling a bit empty. It's an odd experience, losing touch with a series that once resonated so well with you. But, that's how it goes with entertainment, right?
