It’s time to return to the famed workplace series, The Office. On March 24, 2005, NBC debuted the pilot episode of this classic mockumentary that delved into the day-to-day activities at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company’s Scranton branch. Facing potential downsizing by corporate, the employees grappled with their roles. Michael Scott, the boisterous regional manager (portrayed by Steve Carell), posed a question: “What matters most for a company? Is it financial flow or inventory?” His answer was unconventional: “No way. It’s the people.
The paper’s characters include Dwight Schrute, the people person, who is a salesman and Assistant to the Regional Manager, the camera-loving prankster Jim Halpert, the long-enduring receptionist Pam Beesly, and the new temporary worker Ryan Howard.
The paper’s personalities comprise Dwight Schrute, a people person who works as both a salesman and an Assistant to the Regional Manager, the mischievous Jim Halpert who enjoys playing pranks with the camera, the patient receptionist Pam Beesly, and the new temporary employee Ryan Howard.
After nine seasons and 201 episodes filled with laughter and cringeworthy moments, “The Office” still manages to delight fans. We’ve carefully considered our choices (that’s what she said), and here are the top 20 episodes that truly deserve a Dundie award:
1. The Dundies – Season 2, Episode 22
2. Casino Night – Season 3, Episode 8
3. Product Recall – Season 4, Episode 16
4. Dinner Party – Season 5, Episode 20
5. The Job – Season 5, Episode 23
6. Niagara – Season 6, Episode 22
7. The Deposition – Season 7, Episode 23
8. Goodbye Michael – Season 7, Episode 25
9. The Dinner Party (Part 2) – Season 8, Episode 14
10. The Dunder Mifflin Merger – Season 8, Episode 23
11. The Farm – Season 9, Episode 3
12. Michael’s Last Dundies – Season 9, Episode 7
13. Goodbye Andy – Season 9, Episode 24
14. Finale – Season 9, Episode 24
15. A Benihana Christmas – Season 4, Episode 10
16. The Inner Workings of a Bear – Season 8, Episode 7
17. The Whale – Season 3, Episode 17
18. Threat Level Midnight – Season 5, Episode 9
19. The Duel – Season 2, Episode 20
20. Safety Training – Season 6, Episode 4
20. Scott’s Tots (Season 6, Episode 12)
The infamous “Scott’s Tots” episode from The Office, known for its awkwardness, showcases how Michael Scott yearns to be accepted, even going as far as promising to cover the college tuition of a third-grade class he nicknamed “Scott’s Tots.” Now, a decade later, Stanley (Leslie David Baker) chuckles mischievously and encourages Michael to fulfill his long-standing debt.
Michael, who had hoped to become a millionaire by 30 and then 40, but ended up having fewer funds at 40 than when he was 30, is compelled to go to the school with Erin (Ellie Kemper) and confess his failure. After listening to Scott’s Tots enthusiastically singing his praises (“Hey, Mr. Scott! What are you going to do? What are you gonna do, make our dreams come true!”), Michael admits he can’t cover their tuition costs. Despite proposing to give them lithium laptop batteries instead of tuition payment, Michael realizes he has let down 15 young lives. That hurts.
In my life, I’ve made a few empty promises, but honestly, that was the most extravagantly kind one.” (Michael Scott)
19. Murder (Season 6, Episode 10)
When it’s uncovered that Dunder Mifflin is on the verge of bankruptcy, causing chaos in the office, co-managers Michael and Jim argue over Michael announcing (with a Southern drawl) that “there’s been a murder in Savannah.” To divert attention, Michael proposes a game called “Belles, Bourbon, and Bullets: A Murder Mystery Dinner Party Game“, where the main character Andy, played by Ed Helms, struggles to determine whether he asked out Erin or her role-play persona, “Naughty Nellie.
The most memorable part of the episode occurs when accountant Oscar (Oscar Nunez), who’s been monitoring Dunder Mifflin instead of participating in the game, is compelled to deliver a company update with a squeaky southern drawl: “Our plantation is facing some financial difficulties. We’re having trouble paying those who supply us with seeds and soil. Regrettably, we can’t pay them right now!
Additionally, Creed (Creed Bratton) arrives tardily and quickly departs upon hearing Michael impersonating Caleb Crawdad, stating, “There’s been a murder, and you’re a prime suspect.”
Later on, Creed (Creed Bratton) shows up late and leaves right away when Michael, pretending to be someone else, tells him that there’s been a murder and he’s a possible suspect.
Here’s a friendlier way to phrase it: “I’m not sure who you’re referring to. Is he from Sesame Street?
18. Money (Season 4, Episodes 7-8)
Following three intriguing seasons of romantic tension, the show introduces Jim and Pam as a new couple who spend a night at Dwight’s Schrute Farm (Dwight prefers to call it “agrotourism” instead of a bed and breakfast). Simultaneously, Michael, rather than disclose his financial troubles to lover Jan, declares bankruptcy and flees the scene instead, as his financial problems stem from Jan’s excessive spending and accumulating credit card debt on items like The Muppet Show DVDs and the Core Blaster Extreme.
At the heart of this episode, there’s a touching scene where the usual tension between Jim and Dwight softens. This occurs when Andy manages to win over Angela, who used to be Dwight’s girlfriend. Feeling empathetic, Jim consoles Dwight by reminiscing about his own past struggles, such as leaving Scranton due to Pam’s relationship with her ex-fiancé Roy. “It was terrible,” Jim explains, “something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy… and that includes you.”
The main part of the episode shows a sweet moment between the usually adversarial pair, Jim and Dwight. This happens when Andy manages to win over Angela, who was once Dwight’s girlfriend. Feeling sympathetic, Jim shares his past troubles with Dwight, such as leaving Scranton because of Pam’s relationship with her ex-fiancé Roy. “It was terrible,” Jim explains, “something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy… and that includes you.”
Or:
In this episode, a heartfelt scene unfolds between the usually contentious duo, Jim and Dwight. This transpires when Andy successfully woos Angela, who was once dating Dwight. Feeling compassionate, Jim confides in Dwight about his past hardships, like moving away from Scranton due to Pam’s relationship with her former fiancé Roy. “It was horrible,” Jim says, “something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy… and that includes you.
Well, I’m simply letting you know that I have formally announced my financial inability to repay my debts, which is called declaring bankruptcy.
17. Diversity Day (Season 1, Episode 2)
Following Michael’s performance of a Chris Rock stand-up act, the company invites diversity and sensitivity trainer Mr. Brown (Larry Wilmore) for a workshop. The session soon becomes awkward. During his Chris Rock imitation, Michael’s words are censored, causing another moment of secondhand embarrassment. Asserting that our office is “extremely progressive when it comes to racial understanding,” Michael declines to sign a form indicating he learned something about avoiding offending colleagues in the workplace.
Michael runs his own initiative called “Diversity Tomorrow” and twists a quote from Abraham Lincoln into something inappropriate. He then organizes a game where people try to guess each other’s races. Michael, known for pushing boundaries, goes too far when he impersonates an Indian person, causing Kelly (Mindy Kaling) to slap him. In response, Michael says, “Now she knows what it’s like to be a minority.”
This version aims to make the original text more accessible and easy to understand while preserving its meaning.
“This is an environment of welcoming and you should just get the hell out of here.”
— Michael to Toby
16. Email Surveillance (Season 2, Episode 9)
Leaving employees out of the office leads to increased scrutiny on personal interactions, as “Email Monitoring” can uncover intimate details such as Jim’s affection for Pam while she is engaged; Pam’s suspicions about Dwight and Angela dating; and Michael’s feelings of exclusion after not being invited to a BBQ at Jim’s apartment. Following his peers abandoning him in an improv class (due to his excessive portrayal of FBI Detective Michael Scarn), a disheartened Michael gatecrashes the party, despite not receiving an invitation.
Despite his abrasive and off-putting nature, it’s genuinely saddening to see Michael – who views his colleagues as his chosen family – being excluded. Yet, it’s heartening when Jim participates with Michael in a karaoke duet of “Islands in the Stream,” reminding us all that there’s room for everyone under the same tune.
One aspect I find remarkable about contemporary America is the digitalization of medical records, which as a volunteer sheriff allows me to access various health records, such as psychiatric histories or surgical past, including information related to yeast infections. Interestingly, our county seems to have an unusually high number of yeast infection cases, possibly due to being downstream from that old bread factory.
15. Niagara (Season 6, Episodes 4-5)
After a broken engagement, two wedding ceremonies, and six seasons worth of episodes, the beloved couple from The Office, Jim and Pam, made their relationship official by getting married at Niagara Falls. Needless to say, this double-length episode was filled with classic Michael Scott moments (“I’ll see you in Viagra Falls”), awkward mishaps (Andy’s unfortunate groin injury during his splits), and endearing mental snapshots of the key moments they cherished together.
Before their traditional church wedding, Jim and Pam secretly tied the knot on the Maid of the Mist. Following the clandestine ceremony, they found themselves with a loosened tie and torn veil. In a playful moment, they captured memories as their loved ones danced down the aisle, reenacting the popular YouTube video “JK Wedding Entrance Dance.” The sequence closely mirrored the viral hit.
As soon as I watched that YouTube video, I instantly decided to grab those tickets. I had a feeling we might need an alternative plan, you see. The boat was our backup (Plan C), the church was the second option (Plan B), but my original plan for her goes way back – ever since I first met her, I’ve been planning to marry her, long before that day.
14. Goodbye, Toby (Season 4, Episodes 18-19)
Michael organizes a farewell bash for his arch-nemesis, Toby Flenderson from Human Resources, who’s often referred to as “His Horribleness.” He assigns Phyllis the duty of planning the event, even adding the challenging job of locating an anti-gravity machine. Later, Michael decides to give a hard time to Toby’s replacement, Holly Flax.
In this scenario, when Michael develops feelings for a woman similar to Toby, despite his biased views against HR – he once said “My role is to make the office enjoyable, yours is to make it dull” – it’s already too late to control Dwight’s actions. He manages to persuade Holly that Kevin, the dim-witted accountant, is not very intelligent. Meanwhile, Andy inadvertently disrupts Jim’s proposal plans by taking over Toby’s farewell party and proposing to Angela, which Phyllis discovers as she catches them having an affair with Dwight. Additionally, Michael learns that his ex, Jan, is expecting a child, and there’s more change in the usual order when Ryan (the VP of Northeastern Sales) gets arrested for fraud, concluding season 4.
Toby is leaving permanently, and we should plan something extraordinary. In some cultures, like those in New Orleans, when someone departs, they throw a parade with music and people celebrate in the streets.”
“Are you saying ‘leaves’ as in he’s passing away? Then we should give Toby a New Orleans funeral procession.”
“If Satan were to disintegrate, and all evil vanished forever, what kind of festivity would you organize?
13. The Negotiation (Season 3, Episode 19)
As a devoted movie buff, let me rephrase that for you: While I’m working on making it up to Jim for his defense during the heated altercation with Roy (who discovered our kiss with Pam in the last episode), I find myself applying some negotiation strategies I stumbled upon online when Darryl, our warehouse manager, approaches me seeking a raise.
In the course of our recent interactions, Darryl encouraged me to request my long-overdue raise for the first time in 14 years. We journeyed to Dunder Mifflin Corporate, where I shared my experiences of the day with you, Jan. Things took an unexpected turn when I inadvertently dressed as though for a different gender role, then felt embarrassed about not earning enough money. To add to my discomfort, I was forced to travel here alongside Toby, whom I found rather annoying, and your assistant, who happened to be quite youthful and attractive.
It was quite late, around 11 or 11:30 PM, when a large man burst in, shouting about some unknown matter. I suspected Halpert might have taken his car. Something similar to that happened. So, the big guy took out a sock full of nickels, and Schrute grabbed a can of hairspray and a lighter…
12. The Job (Season 3, Episodes 24-25)
In the final episode of Season 3, the Stamford merger chapter concluded, along with Jim’s romantic relationship with Karen (Rashida Jones). When Michael, Jim, and Karen journeyed to New York for job interviews with CFO David Wallace (Andy Buckley), a surprising twist unfolded as it turned out to be Jan’s position. However, Jim had an epiphany and decided to return to Scranton.
The catalyst for this sudden change of heart was a yogurt lid bearing an inspiring message from Pam (a reference to the “Office Olympics”), symbolizing the recurring motif of yogurt in their blossoming relationship, which could be traced back to the very first episode when Jim discovered Pam’s favorite yogurt flavor. After two years and three seasons of will-they-won’t-they tension, “The Job” delivered a shocking twist: Jim finally proposed a date to the now single Pam.
I will absolutely not depart from here; I have no plans to go anywhere. This location feels much like the hospital where I first entered the world, my home, my retirement residence, and perhaps even my final resting place – for my remains.”
Or in a more colloquial style:
“I’m never gonna budge from this spot; I ain’t going nowhere. This place is just like the hospital where I was born, my house, my old folks home, and maybe even my graveyard – it feels like home for my bones.
11. Fun Run (Season 4, Episodes 1-2)
In “Fun Run,” Michael is living happily at home with Jan, who’s recently lost her job. Meanwhile, PB&J (an apparent nickname) are secretly dating, and Ryan is employed in a corporate setting. The fourth season premiere is most recognized for an incident where Michael accidentally hits Meredith with his car in the parking lot. Despite this, he quickly reassures the office that “everyone inside the car was safe.
When Dwight informs Michael that the hospital is administering the rabies shot to Meredith due to her encounters with various animals like a bat, raccoon, and rat, Michael decides to organize a charity fun run (Michael Scott’s Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race for the Cure) to spread the word that rabies is curable.
Surprise! I have faults, but they’re not always easy to identify. For instance, I enjoy singing in the shower, and I can get carried away with volunteering. On rare occasions, I may accidentally bump into someone with my car. But don’t take me to court over it. In fact, that’s exactly what I’m trying to convey – we all have our imperfections.
10. Goodbye, Michael (Season 7, Episode 22)
On Michael’s final day at work before departing to Colorado with his fiancée Holly, he said his goodbyes in a unique way: He played bear advice and paintball with Dwight, received handmade mittens from Phyllis, gave gifts – a ball-less felt for Stanley and the company’s ten most crucial clients to Andy, had a caricature drawn for Kevin, and made a crude doll for Oscar.
Following an emotional farewell where Jim expresses to Michael that he was “the greatest boss I’ve ever had,” Michael heads towards the airport and nearly misses Pam. Michael, feeling relieved after voicing his feelings, removes his microphone and says, “I can tell already, this is going to be great, unburdening myself like this.” This is a play on words referencing the popular phrase, “That’s what she said.
In essence, your coworkers are more like your closest friends as far as it goes. Unlike what they say, when it’s all said and done, I would rather spend more time at work than on my deathbed. I find that idea strange. To be honest, I don’t comprehend the concept of a deathbed. After all, who in their right mind would purchase one?”
— Michael
9. Business School (Season 3, Episode 17)
In a touching moment, Michael and Pam share a warm embrace, marking the end of “Business School.” Here, Ryan extends an invitation to Michael for his Emerging Enterprises class as a guest speaker, while Pam invites everyone from the office to her art exhibition. However, a student unintentionally reveals that Ryan anticipates Dunder Mifflin will become obsolete within the next five to ten years due to competition from national chains, causing Michael to storm out of the classroom in anger. Later, he sends Ryan and Kelly to work at the annex.
Michael delivers his final words of wisdom: “A good manager doesn’t fire people; they hire people and inspire them.” He emphasizes the importance of people over business, expressing his belief that people will always remain in operation. Although Michael may not have been the best boss (even with his Spencer Gifts mug), he was a loyal friend to Pam: after Oscar, he was the only coworker from the office who attended her art show, offering to purchase Pam’s portrait of the office. Upon hanging it on the wall opposite reception, Michael reflects: “Without paper, this wouldn’t have happened – unless, of course, you had a camera.
“There are four kinds of business: Tourism. Food service. Railroads. And sales. And hospitals-slash-manufacturing. And air travel.”
— Michael
8. Booze Cruise (Season 2, Episode 11)
During the office’s first quarter team-building event, which took place as a January boat trip on Lake Wallenpaupack, Michael – who isn’t the most charismatic speaker – offered some words of wisdom to Jim regarding his feelings for Pam, who was long engaged: “If you feel so strongly about her,” Michael said, “don’t lose hope. Engaged doesn’t mean married. You should never, ever, ever give up on your hopes.” (Jim’s crush on Pam had unfortunately led to Amy Adams’ character, Katy, being rejected.)
Transforming the scene: Instead of removing the team from the office and confining them on an alcohol-fueled voyage, which is a hilarious prank, Michael stirs up tension by pretending that the ship is sinking during a motivational talk. This leads to one person diving into the icy lake in panic.
“Last year, Michael’s theme was ‘Bowl over the Competition!’ So guess where we went.”
— Oscar
7. Finale (Season 9, Episodes 24-25)
Despite the fact that “The Office” had become more exaggerated by its final season, the series finale (directed by Ken Kwapis in the pilot and written by Greg Daniels) delivered everything you’d hope for in a final episode. After the release of the documentary, several changes occurred in the office (Kevin and Toby were let go, Stanley retired, Devon, who was previously fired, was rehired). There was a wedding (between Regional Manager Dwight and Angela at Schrute Farms). A major life transition took place (Pam and Jim moving so he could work at Athlead in Austin). And there were reunions (Michael Scott made a return as Dwight’s best man for one last “that’s what she said”).
Instead of being predominantly humorous, the finale of The Office concludes with poignant conversations, culminating with Pam, who delivers the last line of the series, removing the painting of the office building from the wall. In her final reflections, she says, “I initially found it strange when you chose us for a documentary. However, in hindsight…I believe an ordinary paper company like Dunder Mifflin made an excellent subject for a documentary. There’s beauty in the ordinary, isn’t that the essence?
“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”
— Andy
6. Casino Night (Season 2, Episode 22)
Title changed to “Romantic Gamble,” the story revolves around self-styled ladies’ man Michael, who finds himself in a love triangle involving Jan and realtor Carol (Nancy Walls), during the Scranton Business Park’s charity Casino Night where the warehouse is transformed into a gambling hall. Highlights include Creed stealing items, Kevin putting all his chips on a losing hand against Phyllis, and a humorous discussion about Michael donating the proceeds to people with AIDS in Afghanistan. The episode also features a surprising declaration: “I’m in love with you,” Jim confesses to Pam, leading to a heart-stopping kiss that leaves them both speechless at the end of the season. As Michael puts it, “Love triangle. Drama.” Additionally, this episode is famous for its iconic line: “Love makes you do the craziest things.
Michael asked Toby, “What’s with your attitude? It seems like whenever I attempt to enjoy myself or have a good time, you manage to ruin it. Frankly, there’s a lot about you that I really dislike.” (Informal)
5. The Dundies (Season 2, Episode 1)
Following its initial six-episode run, “The Office” gained momentum with an episode written by Mindy Kaling primarily set within a Chili’s restaurant. Michael Scott hosted the annual staff awards ceremony, known as the “Dundies,” which recognized employees for titles like “Busiest Beaver” and “Hottest in the Office.
At an awkward awards ceremony, Michael awkwardly plays tracks such as Naughty by Nature’s “O.P.P.” (“Are you down with the Dundies?”) and Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” (“You have won a tiny award named after Dundie”). Dwight struggles in his role as emcee, and an intoxicated Pam passionately kisses Jim when she wins the “Whitest Sneakers” award. However, her excitement gets her banned from the restaurant chain.
Just like a car accident that’s hard to ignore, no matter how terrible it seems, the Dundies are like an unavoidable spectacle, even though you wish you could look away. It appears your boss is forcing you to watch it.” (Pam)
4. Beach Games (Season 3, Episode 23)
In the second-to-last episode of season 3, all the storylines from the season culminate: the complex love situations involving Pam, Jim, Karen, and Roy, as well as the Scranton-Stamford office merger. This merger leads Michael to organize a competition similar to “Survivor” in order to determine his replacement as the Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin Scranton.
Michael contemplates several candidates for the position, including Jim, Dwight, Stanley, and Andy. The staff then engage in various challenges, ranging from inflatable sumo wrestling to hotdog eating contests. Eventually, a confident Pam voices her concerns about her coworkers neglecting her art exhibition and her feelings towards Jim following their cancelled wedding with Roy.
“I would rather work for an upturned broom with a bucket for a head than work with somebody else in this office besides myself.”
— Stanley
3. The Injury (Season 2, Episode 12)
Among all episodes of “The Office,” “The Injury” stands out as one of the easiest to understand. The incident unfolds when Michael accidentally burns his foot by stepping on his George Foreman Grill. However, it’s Dwight who suffers a more severe injury; he collides with a pole while hastily driving towards Michael, resulting in a concussion.
As a movie critic, I found myself envious of the limelight Dwight was basking in due to his injury, but I couldn’t help but accompany him during his CAT scan examination, hoping that somehow, my own presence might be captured on film (even if it meant attempting to squeeze my foot into the machine). Interestingly enough, a concussed Dwight formed an unlikely bond with Pam far before their friendship would blossom in the usual course of events.
Michael, what should I write in ‘Reason for Visit’? I wrote ‘concussion’. What about you?”
“I didn’t write anything. I penned down ‘accompanying someone to the hospital.’
2. Stress Relief (Season 5, Episodes 14-15)
Dramatic Demonstration of Emergency Exit Procedure in the Office”
The opening scene of ‘Office’ is strikingly memorable due to Dwight, the safety officer, setting fire to the office as a means to illustrate the correct emergency exit procedure following his talk being ignored.
Mayhem ensues: employees, terrified and trapped, hurl furniture at doors and windows; cats are sent flying into the ceiling, and Kevin ransacks a vending machine. Upon revealing that the chaos was a simulation for testing their readiness during emergencies, Dwight’s stunt causes Stanley to suffer a heart attack. In an attempt to create a tranquil environment, Michael steps in but unintentionally escalates Stanley’s stress levels instead.
No one should have to worry about potentially losing their life while at work. A hospital is designed for such emergencies, an office space is meant to be a sanctuary from danger. It’s a place where we can thrive and achieve our fullest potential, a venue where dreams manifest.
1. Dinner Party (Season 4, Episode 13)
Among all episodes of The Office, one that stands out for its memorable quotes is undeniably the most awkward. Michael extends an invitation to Jim and Pam, along with Angela and Andy, to join him and Jan for dinner at his condo. However, the evening takes a turn for the uncomfortable as described by Jim – it transforms into a “game” of making our guests feel as uneasy as possible.
During their lengthy wait for dinner, Michael and Jan argue intensely about various topics, including her candle-making business, her relationship with her ex-assistant Hunter who’s now a singer-songwriter, the health consequences of Michael’s three vasectomies, and the unfortunate demise of Michael’s $200 plasma screen TV (which met its end with a Dundie). If you appreciate cringeworthy humor from The Office, “Dinner Party” takes the prize for the most awkward episode yet.
I’d be delighted to use your candles!”
This response conveys enthusiasm and politeness, while maintaining the original intent of expressing a desire to use the candles. It also sounds natural and easy to read in everyday conversation.
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2025-03-25 04:45