The Office“Did I Stutter?”
Original Air Date: May 1, 2008
PG Ignacio – Associate Editor
Confrontation. What is the best way to approach an employee that seems to step out of line? There are probably several different ways a sensible manager would handle a situation like this. But we’re not talking about a sensible manager. How would Michael Scott handle the situation? A fake firing of course. Makes sense to me.
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The Office
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Original Air Date: May 1, 2008
PG Ignacio – Associate Editor
Confrontation. What is the best way to approach an employee that seems to step out of line? There are probably several different ways a sensible manager would handle a situation like this. But we’re not talking about a sensible manager. How would Michael Scott handle the situation? A fake firing of course. Makes sense to me.
In an attempt to energize the Dunder Mifflin Scranton staff, Michael calls the usual impromptu meeting in the conference room. He suggests a song or rap that might help the group get motivated. Who would Michael think is best to help come up with a rap? None other than Stanley, the only African-American in the office. Stanley never wants to participate in Michael’s irrelevant games, especially when Michael stereotypes. When Michael annoys Stanley too much, Stanley snaps at Michael telling him he will not participate finishing with, “Did I stutter?” How does Michael react? Just as he does in most confrontations…he rolls over.
Toby insists that Michael confront Stanley for his out-of-line behavior in front of the group. Michael hates confrontation, but knows he must do something. He turns to Dwight, but Dwight wants to take care of the problem himself. Michael goes to Darryl, in the warehouse, for some gang advise – yes, Darryl is African-American too. Michael decides to go his own route. Put on a fake firing of Stanley in front of everyone to teach Stanley a lesson. Can you say backfire? Stanley unleashes again on Michael, letting out everything he feels about Michael in front of the staff.
Michael clears the office so its just the two of them. When you think its going to get worse, it actually takes a turn towards reality. They speak like business professionals. Stanley calmly voices his disapproval of Michael’s management style for the past 10 years. Michael clarifies that Stanley cannot speak to him like that in front of the office like that, no matter the ill-feelings. Stanley agrees. They shake hands. Crisis averted.
In the rest of the office:
- Pam is forced to wear her glasses, which changes her look entirely, magnifying her eyes. These make Kevin fantasize about librarians and Michael simply tells Pam she looks ugly now.
- Jim fake proposes to Pam in the conference room just before the energizing meeting starts, but it turns out he just wants a cup of coffee, not her hand in marriage.
- Ryan makes a surprise visit to confront Jim about his performance, suggesting if Jim would play less pranks and spend less time at reception, then maybe his sales would be even better than they are now. Clearly a reaction to Jim going above Ryan’s head to David Wallace about issues with the new Web site, Ryan’s baby.
- Dwight buys Andy’s SUV at a lower cost then Andy listed it. Then Dwight turns around and sells it for more.
- Dwight’s new tactic: pressuring someone into making a decision by telling them what they will do and then counting down to force them to make a decision as if to beat the buzzer. It works with Andy and his SUV, but not with Michael and his issue with Stanley.
So, what did you think about this week’s episode? Tell me now! You’re going to give me your TwoCents! Five, four, three, two, one. Tell me now!
I'm so glad to see another side of Stanley. I mean, yes, of course we have seen Stanley's frustrated and annoyed side towards Michael, but to hear him yell in front of everyone, well it was amazing. Not only did he yell, he yelled, "Did I stutter?". haha. Brilliant. I love that Jim keeps hinting that he'll propose. Well, soon enough, Pam is going to just not pay attention to Jim as he pulls one of his "proposing" tricks, except, the time he's serious, she's going to think he's joking. I'm looking forward to that. Don't even get me started with Darryl's little conversation with Michael. The way Michael whispers when talking with someone privately cracks me up. Can't wait for next weeks episode. Counting down the days! No, hours! Ok..that's a little extreme. Or is it?
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