"The Office" Recap & Review - "The Deposition"

The Office
"The Deposition"

Original Air Date: November 15, 2007





Lauren - Guest TwoCents Reviewer from Flonkerton.com

Even if you’ve only been casually keeping up with Office news, you know that because of the WGA strike, Thursday’s episode was the last new episode we’ll get to see for a while. I constantly remembered that fact as I watched “The Deposition” and found myself wondering if this episode will be enough to tie me over for the weeks and possibly months that will pass before a new “Office.” But as the episode unfolded with lawsuits, trash talk, revealed secrets, men defending the honor of their girlfriends, and Michael being forced to chose between the two great loves of his life, this Office fan determined that if we’re not meant to see anymore Office in 2007, this was a good episode to go out on.

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"The Office" Recap & Review - "Survivor Man"

The Office
"Survivor Man"

Original Air Date: November 9, 2007


Lauren - TwoCents Staff Writer

[Click here to see what your favorite Office fan sites think of this episode!]

In the opening segment, several employees are captivated as Toby talks about a wilderness retreat he went on with Ryan and some other branch managers. This is a combination of Michael’s two least favorite things; Toby and being left out, so of course he’s frustrated to the point where he interrupts Toby’s talking head to tell him no one cares. (Does anyone else feel like the cold openers have been steadily declining since the Launch Party “bouncing box”, or is it just me?)

So how does Michael respond to being left out of the wilderness retreat? The way he always responds; by creating his own retreat to go on. After Jim refuses to go (he has to donate blood . . . again), Michael decides to tough it out a la “Survivor Man. Equipped only with a knife (from Dwight’s arsenal of weapons that he keeps hidden in the office) and duct tape, Michael puts Jim in charge, and leaves with Dwight to be taken deep into the Pennsylvanian wilderness. Michael explains that a “true survivor man” simulates a disaster (in his case, a serial killer is taking him into the wilderness to leave him for dead). He then blindfolds himself so he would have no idea where he’s going, but opts not to be unconscious despite Dwight’s suggestion.

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"The Office" Conference Room - "Branch Wars"

Here's what some of your favorite Office Bloggers had to say about last night's episode.

If you want to give your TwoCents about Branch Wars, click HERE!

KP
TheTwoCents.com
Favorite Moment: Jim getting pissed at the cameraman in the car for not ducking.
Favorite Quote: "Jim if this is it for me, promise me something.... host the Dundies." - Michael over WalkieTalkie
Overall Episode Grade: B+

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Jenny
MTT
Favorite Moment: Jim trying to talk about Angela's Ashes with the Finer Things Club -- and failing.
Favorite Quote: Just climb on top of her and think about Stanley!
Overall Episode: B+

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Donna
www.lifeintheoffice.com
Favorite Moment: Karen ripping into Jim after he tells her that things are going great with Pam.
Favorite Quote: Michael Scott to Jim Halpert: "Come on Jim, just climb on top of her and save Stanley"
Overall Episode: A

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Devin/Spamster
theofficechat.com
Favorite Moment: Michael and Jim's walkie talkie conversation.
Favorite Quote: "Climb on top of her and think of Stanley" - Michael
Overall Episode: A

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theofficefan
jellostapler.com
Favorite Moment: When Stanley says "Money" to every question Michael asks.
Favorite Quote: Mike: Jim, Stall, Goto a motel and have sex with Karen.
Overall Episode: B-

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Lauren
Flonkerton
Favorite Moment: Jim trying (and failing) to hide from Karen
Favorite Quote: Michael: The smile. Those big, watery red eyes. I
don't know how George Bush did it when Colin Powell left.
Overall Episode Grade: B

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If you want to give your TwoCents about Branch Wars, click HERE!

The Office Conference Room - "Money"

The Office
"Money"

[Updated 10/19 10:40AM]

Lauren - TwoCents Staff Writer

As we continuously update our The Office Fan Site thoughts on "Money" we want YOUR TwoCents about the Money episode too! Click HERE to start it up!

Everyone into the Conference Room - NOW!

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KP
TheTwoCents.comFavorite Moment: Jim consoling Dwight in the stairwell.
Favorite Quote: "I know, but I'm not going to say because you're all jerks and didn't come see my band last night." - Kevin
Overall Episode Grade: A+
KP's TwoCents: This goes right into my top 5 favorite episodes of all time. It was so human - mixed with the comedy, which is what makes this show work. Amazing.

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Spamster/Devin
theofficechat.com
Favorite Quote: "I imagined less manure; some manure, just less." -Jim
Favorite Scene: Mose running alongside Jim and Pam's car on the way into the beet farm.
Overall Episode Grade: C

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Elyse
Life in the Office (outgoing)
Favorite Moment: so many to choose...but the entire conference room sequence was PRICELESS
Favorite Quote: "I'm very passionate about Italian food. In fact, I'm in love with Italian food." - Jim
Overall Episode Grade: A

Donna
LifeInTheOffice.com (incoming)
Favorite Moment: Jim comforting Dwight in the stairwell.
Favorite Quote: "In the Schrute family when one of the males has sex with another woman, he is rewarded with a bag of wild oats left on his doorstep by his parents."
Overall Episode Grade: A-

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Laura.Ann/Fancy New Beesly
Fancy New Beesly
Favorite Moment: Jan's speech to Michael in the very end about being there for him just like he was there for her.
Favorite Quote: "Miklusha....ohmygod, he watched Million Dollar Baby....he's gonna kill me."-Pam
Overall Episode Grade: A+
Laura Ann's TwoCents: Oh, wow. Ooooohhhh, wow. So, if y'all have read my last reviews for this season you know that I really have not liked the season thus far. I've thought the episodes were weak, the characters too pretty, the jokes were recycled five times over & that NBC was pandering WAY too much to its audience. Then tonight's episode "Money" reminded me why I'm a fan of this show. It's easily in my top 5 favorite episodes.

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Adam
OfficeQuotes.net
Favorite Moment: Michael walking into the break room and assuming everyone is talking about and picturing Jim and Pam having sex
Favorite Quote: I... DECLARE... BANKRUPTCY!
Overall Episode Grade: B

Office Conference Room - "Launch Party"

Welcome back to The Conference Room where we all share our thoughts on this week's Office episode!

[Updated: 10/12 10:45AM]

This week NBC showed us an hour of "Launch Party".

Click HERE for the TwoCents Full Review & Recap

Throughout the weekend we'll update with Office Fan Sites TwoCents and we want yours TwoCents too!!

"Launch Party"

THE WORLDWIDE WEB - The Dunder Mifflin Infinity website is launching and Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) is excited about going to the big launch party in New York while Angela (Angela Kinsey) plans a satellite party for the Scranton branch. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) competes against the website to see who can sell the most paper in one day.

So, what did you think? Some topics to discuss...

- What do you think of Angela and Andy? Andela? The acapela song!

- Do we like to HATE Ryan?

- Kelly and Darryl? Kerryl?

- The kidnap story line?

- The date on the roof

- Pam always feels bad for Dwight - it's cute.

- Do we like the hour long versions or 30 minute versions better?

Click HERE to give your TwoCents about this episode.

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KP
TheTwoCents.com
Favorite Moment: Andy's acapella performance.
Favorite Quote: Or Zipadeedodah....I was - mocking. - Jim
Overall Episode Grade: B-

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Jenny
MTT
Favorite Moment: Andy singing ABBA with his friends on the phone in order to woo Angela.
Favorite Quote: They say you should never mix business with pleasure. Really? Then explain to me how a putt putt golf company operates.
Overall Episode Grade: A

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Lauren
Flonkerton
Favorite Moment: After never being able to decide if I liked him, Andy finally won my heart with his Angela Serenade.
Favorite Quote: DunMiff/sys: You beat me. You are the superior being.
Overall Episode Grade: B+

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Devin/Spamster
theofficechat.com
Favorite Moment: The "DVD Video" icon bouncing around the screen and everyone waiting for it to hit the corner.
Favorite Quote: "Its like eating a hot circle of garbage."
Overall Episode Grade: B

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Adam
OfficeQuotes.net
Favorite Moment: Screen Saver Screen Bouncing
Favorite Quote: Andy: I stole it!
Overall Episode Grade: C+

The Office Conference Room - "Dunder-Mifflin Infinity"

Welcome back to The Conference Room where some of your favorite Office fan sites lend their TwoCents on this week's episode.

And of COURSE we want YOUR TwoCents! Click HERE to head over to TheTwoCents Branch Office to let us know what you thought about this episode!

Dunder-Mifflin Infinity
THERE'S A NEW BOSS IN TOWN - Much to the dismay of Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) and many of the employees, Ryan (B.J. Novak) returns to the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin to bring the company into the digital age. Angela (Angela Kinsey) is still upset about her cat.

[Updated: 10/8/07 - 8:20AM]

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KP
TheTwoCents.com
Favorite Moment: Pam's face as Jim say's "Yup" when asked if they're dating.
Favorite Quote: "I guess he can't get ANY girl." - Jim
Overall Episode Grade: B+

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Jenny
MTT
Favorite Moment: Toby talking Pam and Jim out of filing paperwork to declare their relationship.
Favorite Quote: "If you don't know that's awesome then you need awesome lessons." -Andy
Overall Episode Grade: A-

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Devin/Spamster
theofficechat.com
Favorite Moment: Dwight trying to give Angela a feral farm cat named "Garbage" and the very awesome Mose shoutout during that scene!
Favorite Quote: "Computers are about trying to murder you in a lake." -Michael
Overall Episode Grade: B+

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Melody
The Office Alliance
Favorite Moment: Jim and Pam's discussion of whether or not the magic is gone. Also, the return of the air five.
Favorite Quote: "Pam is the office mattress." -Angela
Overall Episode Grade: B

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theofficefan
Jello Stapler
Favorite Moment: Michael drives into the water because of his navigation unit.
Favorite Quote: Andy: You need lessons in awesome.
Overall Episode Grade: A+

"The Office" Conference Room - "Fun Run"

Hello! Welcome back to the Office Conference Room which is now open for business! For those of you who are new to us, the Office Conference Room was set up last season and some of your favorite "Office" Fan Sites submit their TwoCents through the days immediately after a new Office episode airs!

[Updated: 9/28 11:35AM]

We start off Season 4 with "Fun Run"!

However, YOU can start in the fun right now! Over at TheTwoCents Branch "Office" we have a post started for "Fun Run" where you, the fans, give your TwoCents about this episode! This will also be a weekly thing!

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KP
TheTwoCents.com
Favorite Moment: Kevin's "Are You Kidding Me" interview.
Favorite Quote: "I'm not supersticious, I'm a little sticious." - Michael
Overall Episode Grade: A

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Biggest Flan
jellostapler.com
Favorite Moment: Dwight putting Angel's Cat in Jell-O. Just kidding, but putting it in the freezer was funny.
Favorite Quote: Angela to Pam: I was hoping you could help me with relationship problems, since you have so many of them.
Overall Episode Grade: B+

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Marcus A. York
Plays: "Billy Merchant"
Thoughts on Shooting Fun Run: "It was so much fun shooting that episode and I thought what the characters went through in the season premiere was so funny, it was a pleasure to be there during shooting. How can you top rabies, sore nipples and an eight dollar lamp?! Coming from a farming community back in Ohio, I thought Dwight's perspective and reasoning as to what to do with a 'worthless' cat was histerical. His character is just the funniest thing on TV."

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Spamster
TheOfficeChat.com
Favorite Moment: Michael's speech in the conference room about making a sacrifice to an animal/monster!
Favorite Quote: "Just a couple of kittens out on the town." - Angela Martin
Overall Episode Grade: A

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Adam
OfficeQuotes.net
Favorite Moment: Seeing a quick shot of Meredith's face when Michael hit her with his car!
Favorite Quote: I'm a not superstitious, but I am a little bit sticious.
Overall Episode Grade: B+

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Omi Vaidya
Plays: Sadiq, The I.T. Guy
Thoughts on Shooting Fun Run: "It was awesome being on the premiere. Seeing the episode, it really doesn't do justice to the experience I had on set. But it was nice having my few seconds of fame. My character is mostly a setup for the main characters' jokes so watching it with my friends and seeing them laugh, I knew I had done a good job. Hopefully they bring me back and I get to explore the character of Sadiq a little more."

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Jenny
More Than That
Favorite Moment: Jim and Pam being confronted by the camera crew -- and admitting they're dating.
Favorite Quote: "I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious."
Overall Episode Grade: A-

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Melody
The Office Alliance Podcast
Favorite Moment: The scene where Jim and Pam were confronted with the footage of their little vehicular rendezvous. The smiles on their faces were absolutely amazing.
Favorite Quote: "Oh well. If they aren't together now, then they probably never will be. I thought they'd be good together. Like PB & J. Pam Beesly and Jim. What a waste. What. A. Waste." - Kevin
Overall Episode Grade: B

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Laura Ann
myspace.com/theportraitofalady
Favorite Moment: I think my favorite moment was when Michael hit Meredith. The shock of it & then realizing what was about to happen had me in STITCHES.
Favorite Quote: "I'm not superstitious. I'm just a little stitious."
Overall Episode Grade: A!

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We want YOUR TwoCents too!! So click HERE to get in on the fun!

"The Office" Conference Room - "Women's Appreciation" (Take 2)

The Conference Room is special today!

Last night NBC aired "Women's Appreciation". You can click HERE to get the feedback from your favorite Office fan sites from when the episode originally aired.

A constant contributor to TheTwoCents, FancyNewBeesly, visited the set the say they shot this episode and has filed the following story about her experience. Enjoy!

Laura Ann
TwoCents Guest Columnist

After being lead on the grand tour of The Office set & sitting at Pam Beesly's desk & stealing a "THIS MAN IS A PERVERT!" flyer from the wall I figured that my weekend in Los Angeles could not possibly get any better.

Then Bob (Bobby Ray Shafer who plays Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration) asked Sarah (founder of TheOfficeChat.com), Claudia, & I if we wanted to go get lunch. He drove us to a mall & we drove around the parking lot for about 10 minutes before we saw a row of trailers. We walked into the mall & Bob took us around in circles & it became apparent that he was looking for something. We did not know what. Finally, he saw someone & said,"Where is The Office?" The person pointed down a scary hallway that lead to a steel door. Bob opened it. It was definitely a "It's like Lost when they met the Others" Dwight Schrute moment. We walked out into a parking garage. All of a sudden in front of us out walked Michael Scott, Pam Beesly, Meredith Palmer, Angela Martin & Karen Fillipelli. They were all in costume & walking out of a shot. I saw that to my left was a small film crew. Someone yelled "Cut!" & it was time to go to lunch. A group of white vans came & picked everyone (including us!) up.

I was in the van with a couple of PA's & a few makeup & wardrobe ladies. We arrived at the trailers & there was the infamous buffet of FABULOUS food! As I stood there piling my plate with food I soaked in the entire scene. Behind me Rashida Jones had taken off her shoes & put on a pair of Uggs. A couple of the PA's were looking for Mindy Kaling. Jenna Fischer had put on a light jacket & was standing about 2 feet away from me. She was still in costume & really looked like she was still in Pam-mode so I didn't have a clue what to say. So I didn't say anything. Angela Kinsey was talking fast & loud to the chefs & Sarah motioned to me to look around. I turned & right across the table from me was Steve Carell joking about the prime rib. I heard a PA tell them that there was only 30 minutes for lunch so I made the decision not to bother any of them.

Sarah, Claudia, & I walked into one of the trailers & sat down with the cast & crew. It's true! They all really do eat together cafeteria style in a giant trailer. Phyllis Smith & Kate Flannery walked in & Phyllis sat next ot me & Kate across from me. They were absolutely adorable & very different from their characters. Phyllis is a sweetheart & very serious & personable. Kate is a bundle of energy & even though she was in Meredith clothes her personality made her bloody gorgeous! She's adorable & talkative & so much fun. When she realized who we were she got back up out of her seat & gave us all hugs & said how weird it was to see people in 3-D after seeing their pictures online all the time. Over on my far left I saw Gene Stupnitsky (writer) eating with the legendary Harold Ramis who directed the episode! I ate lunch in the same room as a Ghostbuster! :)

It was really fun to see everyone interact with each other because everyone called each other by their character names. Bob kept referring to Phyllis as his wife & that was too funny. One of the PA's came in & announced that lunch was over & that everyone was to go back to wherever they were supposed to be. Kate told us that she'd see us at Paley & definitely at her Lampshades show on Saturday. Phyllis said that she wanted pictures at Paley Fest later that night. We said 'goodbye' to everyone & Bob drove us back to our hotel. There are many words to describe that day & the weekend that followed but the only appropriate one is "dawesome."

"The Office" Conference Room - "Product Recall"

The Office
"Product Recall"
Original Air Date: Thursday, April 26, 2007

Again we have a repeat that has already gone through the Conference Room Ringer. Click HERE and we will "Beer You" the feedback from your favorite Office Fan Sites about this episode.

UNPRINTABLE? AN OFFICE IN CRISIS
The office is in crisis mode after a large shipment of Dunder Mifflin paper is accidentally sent out with an obscene watermark - and Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) tries to manage the media with an impromptu press conference. Jim (John Krasinski) and Andy (Ed Helms) also attempt to calm the high school principal who has sent out prom invites on the affected stationery. Rainn Wilson, Jenna Fischer, B.J Novak, Phyllis Smith, Leslie David Baker, Mindy Kaling, Rashida Jones, Creed Bratton, Oscar Nunez, Angela Kinsey, Brian Baumgartner and Kate Flannery also star.

Watch a Clip

"The Office" Conference Room - "The Negotiation"

The Office
"The Negotiation"
Original Air Date: Thursday April 5, 2007

Well folks, we have finally come full circle!

"The Negotiation" was the first Conference Room we did here at TheTwoCents!

CLICK HERE to read the reviews and favorite moments, from some of your favorite Office fan sites, from when the episode orignally aired!

SALARY NEGOTIATIONS DRIVE MICHAEL TO THINK ABOUT HIS OWN PAY
Darryl (Craig Robinson) decides to meet with Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) to negotiate a pay increase. Meanwhile, Jim (John Krasinski) deals with the consequences of Pam's (Jenna Fischer) confession to Roy (David Denman) . Rainn Wilson, B.J.Novak, Melora Hardin, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Angela Kinsey, Oscar Nunez, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, Paul Lieberstein, Creed Barton, and Rashida Jones also star.

CLIP 1 / CLIP 2

The Office Conference Room - "Cocktails"

The Office
"Cocktails"
Original Air Date: Thursday February 22, 2007

We have a guest reviewer this week while the Conference Room remains closed for the rest of the summer. If you'd like to sign up to write a repeat review for "The Office" drop us an EMAIL!

[Submitted by: AKGroom]

“The Office” is a repeat this week, but I am certain that no one was disappointed. This week’s episode is “Cocktails” and it fills the entire 20 minutes (that is, subtracting the commercials) with exciting and witty entertainment.

The episode begins with Michael attempting an escape-from-the-straight-jacket trick that he recently learned at magic camp (open to all with “a little extra time after school”). After Michael the Magic’s failed attempt to astound and mystify the office staff, we learn that he, Dwight, Jan, Jim, and Karen are all attending a dinner party hosted by David Wallace, the Dunder Mifflin CFO. For Michael, this party is a chance for his relationship with Jan to finally be publicized. Needless to say, Michael and Jan, or MAN as I have so aptly deemed them, become the focal point for the majority of the episode. This is the first in-depth insight we as an audience receive into the insanity that is MAN and it is juicy. Melora Hardin does a fantastic job of portraying the slightly crazed woman indulging in things that are all wrong for her, while Steve Carrell pulls off the concerned boyfriend magnificently. While all of this is occurring, there is also Karen mentioning to Jim each man she has dated that is in attendance at the party. That aspect of the episode is really quite annoying, but that could be because I love to hate Rashida Jones’ character.

Meanwhile, while MAN is exploding onto the scene and Dwight is giving the Wallace’s colonial home a thorough inspection, Pam and the rest of the Scranton staff are enjoying a drink together at their popular hangout, Poor Richard’s Pub. Pam is finally coming out of her quiet, awkward shell and telling the world what’s what. She demands that Roy go to the bar with her; her reason simply being that if he is going to be her boyfriend, then he “has to do boyfriend stuff.” This is a liberating time for Jenna Fischer’s timid character and I could not be happier. Throughout most of the bar scenes, there are numerous shots of Roy and Pam acting as a true couple which is utterly disgusting to all of the JAM (Jim and Pam) fans, myself included.

The MAN situation has become tense back at the dinner party after Jan makes an effort to seduce Michael in the bathroom, only to be thwarted. A humorous talking head gives us Michael beginning about his potato salad and ending with his exclamation that “there’s something wrong with Jan.” Also, Dwight has begun entering places of the home that no guest was intended to go. For instance, the young son’s bedroom: Dwight really wanted to know where the child’s rocking chair was purchased…how awkward can one man truly be? Finally, after what seems to be hours have progressed, Jan and Michael are driving home. Easily one of the best scenes of the episode, Michael is in tears while Jan is trying to save herself by stating that she didn’t mean to say that they should not have become exclusive. After an awkward pause, Dwight, in a glorious moment in television, slowly pops his head out from the backseat and assures the pair by saying, “Don’t break up, you guys. You’re great together.”

Once again at Poor Richard’s, Pam and Roy are in the spotlight. Pam is obviously thinking nice things about Roy, based on the look displayed on her face. Soon, she feels the need verbalize her secret: she and Jim kissed. Upon hearing said secret, Roy goes into a wild tangent, throwing glasses into the mirror across the bar while his brother breaks a few stools. Although a little over the top, David Denman offers the audience a side of Roy that we all knew, but had never seen. Pam hastily exits while explaining that the relationship is over.

With a final, 18-second scene, we hear the line that will forever strike fear in Halpert-loving hearts: “I am going to kill Jim Halpert.” What will happen? Will Roy really murder Jim? Will there be any killing whatsoever? You’ll have to wait until the next week and see…or, you could just get the next episode on iTunes and find out much quicker.

The Office Conference Room - "Business School"

The Office
"Business School"
Original Airdate: Thursday February 15, 2007

[Submitted by: Fancy New Beesly]

"Business School" was one of my favorite episodes of the season. I remember being really disappointed with the few episodes previous to it because they were just too sad for my liking.

This episode was directed by Joss Whedon & very appropriately one of the subplots involved a bat let loose in the office!

These scenes were special to me & many other Office fans because we were actually IN TheOfficeChat.com talking to the castmembers AT THEIR DESKS during those scenes!!

Michael standing up for himself & showing Ryan up at his business school made me so happy. I thought Carell did such an amazing job.

The part of the art show when Pam hugs Michael had me in tears. I watched it again tonight & still teared up during that part! I loved seeing the very best come out of those two. It was so endearing.

The end was just way too fabulous as well...Ryan being moved next to Kelly. Her reaction was so great. I adore Mindy Kaling.

Overall, it was such a fantastic episode! It had the right energy, humor, & heart that all comedies should strive for. I give it an A++!!

The Office Conference Room - "Phyllis' Wedding"

Ladies and gentlemen,

We have a VERY special guest lending us his TwoCents about last night's repeat of "The Office".

Our friend Bobby Ray Shafer, who plays Bob Vance - Vance Refrigeration, sent in his TwoCents about an episode that he had VERY much to do with!

Without any further ado...

Phyllis' Wedding
Original Airdate: Thursday February 8, 2007

[Submitted by: Bobby Ray Shafer]

The first time I watched the episode was at Greg Daniel's house for the original airdate. Everyone was there and we had a great time, but it's still a little unnerving to watch something for the first time when you don't know how it has been cut and assembled.

Last night I watched it at home (alone) on my 65" HD and I really enjoyed it. I think it's an exceptional episode with a lot of emotion and I've had several people tell me it was their favorite one of the season --and obviously it was mine as well.

Best wishes,

Bobby Ray Shafer
(Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration)

THANKS BOBBY!!!

The Office Conference Room - "Michael's Birthday"

[Updated: 7/13 - 10:50am]

NBC gave us two episodes this week.

They showed us "Michael's Birthday" from season 2.

As well as "Back from Vacation" from this season.

We will review "Michael's Birthday" this week as we've already covered "Back From Vacation" this year. If you want to read the Conference Room for this episode, it's OVER HERE.

Now that the Conference Room is back from vacation...

Everyone in the Conference Room - NOW!

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Name: KP
Office Site: TheTwoCents.com
Review: A cold opening of a pyramid scheme, perfection for suckers like Michael Scott! I think this episode really showcased what lies within Michael. And that's the NEED to be the center of attention. He buys his own birthday lunch (bologna, tomato and ketchup - BLECH!), brings in a big poster of himself for everyone to sign, throws himself a party at an ice rink and brings in donuts for himself. THEN we find out Kevin has a cancer scare and Michael (after sulking about losing attention) turns that about him too by making his own LiveStrong bracelet out of construction paper. All of this, some GREAT Jim and Pam moments while out shopping, some rare compassion from Angela, Dwight's knowledge of exactly what time Michael "exited' his mother, and of course learning that Michael's favorite song is "For The Longest Time" by William Joel (nice choice!). It was a nice episode but the JAM stuff raised it considerably.
Favorite Moment: Ryan's face AFTER my favorite quote.
Favorite Quote: Dwight: Hell, yeah. Save room for ice cream cake.
Angela: [grabs cake] Oh. Thank you.
Dwight: Oh. I got it.
Angela: What are--- it's... the party planning committee.
Dwight: [whispering] This is the most important day of the year. I can't risk anything.
Angela: Fine.
Dwight: What about that meeting... later... to discuss finances?
Angela: Yes... [whispering] but don't expect any cookie.
Dwight: [whispering] But what if I'm hungry?
Angela: [whispering] No cookie.
Overall Episode Grade: B

Top 3 All-Time Kevin Moments:- Rocking it in Scrantonicity (Both the video and at Phyllis and Bob's wedding)
- His pride in saying "I won the 2002 $2,500 No-Limit Deuce-to-Seven-Draw Tournament at the World Series of Poker in Vegas. So, yeah... I'm pretty good at poker." And then losing to Phyllis and saying "I suck".
- Being locked in Michael's office with "The Surprise" on Michael's carpet.

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Name: Lauren
Office Site: Flonkerton
Review: I don't know if it's because our last two conference rooms were about the very pivotal Casino Night and Booze Cruise, but watching Michael's Birthday again tonight left me a little underwhelmed. It's a solid episode, mostly focused on Michael's unrelenting need for attention, even when more important matters come up, like the possibility of Kevin having skin cancer. But at the same time, nothing about this episode really stands out to me; there no great line or scene that I'm just waiting to hear/see. So I guess my feelings for this episode are similar to how Dwight feels about Michael's breath; good not great.
Favorite Moment: Most, if not all, of the ice-rink scenes.
Favorite Quote: Dwight: What about that meeting... later... to discuss
finances?
Angela: Yes... but don't expect any cookie.
Dwight: But what if I'm hungry?
Angela: No cookie.
Overall Episode Grade: B

Top 3 All-Time Kevin Moments:
1. Kevin gives Jim the "head up" that Roy might beat Jim up (and Kevin's subsequent reaction to watching Roy talk to Jim) in "Boys and Girls".
2. Kevin demonstrates his game of "Who can put the most M&Ms in their mouth" in "Office Olympics."
3. Kevin making his "Pam vs. Karen" list in "The Job"

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Name: jenny
Office Site: MTT
Review: I would say this is more of a moments episode than an actual story. When you rewatch it, there's definitely these little pieces that you think "Oh, right, that was this episode." The cookie conversation, the ticking time bags, the 69 Cup o Noodles and fabric softener. I just find it interesting that there are so many of these little things and yet, this isn't always thought of as one of the best episodes of the series for me. On the Jam front, I love the Season Two Jam when something serious happens and you can genuinely see how much these two -- especially Jim -- care about everyone in the office and not just making googly eyes at each other. It happens in The Injury with Dwight, and it happens here with Kevin's scare. Plus, who else would think of buying Night Swept for Michael even after all the wackiness he pulls?
Favorite Moment: Ryan's bewildered non-talking head in response to hearing Dwight and Angela's "cookie" conversation.
Favorite Quote: Michael: Hey Pam, all the stuff with Kevin, it's pretty scary and I'm thinking that the next time you're in the shower you should check yourself out. You know, give yourself an exam. Those things are like ticking time bags.
Overall Episode Grade: B

Top 3 All-Time Kevin Moments:
1. Making a salad with a shredder
2. Helping Jim choose between Karen and Pam
3. "You Oughta Know" karaoke

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The Office Conference Room - Office Closed For the Holiday

Hello all!

Due to the holiday week, a lot of offices are closed today, and the Office Conference Room is no different! Happy July 4th!

BUT!!

Keep your eyes here on Monday when the first week of our "Office" Summer Scavenger Hunt BEGINS!!!

"The Office" Conference Room - Marathon #2

[Updated
6/29
2:45PM]

Another Thursday and another sampling of our favorite show. Even in repeats! It was pure Office Genius!

This week we got: Booze Cruise, Office Olympics and The Secret!

GOOD TIMES HAD BY ALL!!

This week we ask our panel of Office Site Owners:

Top 3 All-Time Dwight/Angela Moments!!

Everyone in the Conference Room... NOW!

----------
Name: KP
Office Site: TheTwoCents.com
Booze Cruise Review: I loved this episode. It's what the first two seasons were all about... will Jim tell her!?!? There's that, now famous, 40+ seconds of silence on the top of that boat and the entire world held its breath when it first aired, and I almost did again watching it a second time. One of my favorite moments wasn't even in the broadcast. The deleted scene of Creed rocking the guitar with the band was phenominal! Meredith coming out of her 'shell' with Captain Jack! Jim dumping Katie, Coporate Spies, I loved it all!
Favorite Moment: The 40+ Seconds of Silence
Favorite Quote: Jim: That's... great. You know, to tell the truth, I used to have a big thing for Pam, so...
Michael: Really? You're kidding me. You and Pam? Wow. I would have never have put you two together. You really hid it well. God! I usually have a radar for stuff like that. You know, I made out with Jan...
Jim: Yeah, I know.
Michael: Yeah? Yep. Well, Pam is cute.
Jim: Yeah. She's really funny, and she's warm. And she's just... well, anyway.
Michael: Well, if you like her so much, don't give up.
Jim: She's engaged.
Michael: BFD. Engaged ain't married.
Jim: Huh.
Michael: Never, ever, ever give up.
Overall Episode Grade: A

Office Olympics
Favorite Moment: Michaels face as the doves fly by.
Favorite Quote: Dwight: I have been Michael's #2 guy for about 5 years. And we make a great team. We're like one of those classic famous teams. He's like Mozart, and I'm like Mozart's friend. No. I'm like Butch Cassidy, and Michael is like Mozart. You try and hurt Mozart; you're going to get a bullet in your head courtesy of Butch Cassidy.

Overall Episode Grade: B+

The Secret
Favorite Moment: Michael doing his hair like Jim.
Favorite Quote: Dwight: Otherwise, it's just malfeasance for malfeasanceses-ses sake.
Overall Episode Grade: B

Top 3 All-Time Dwight/Angela Moments:
- Parking Lot at Phyllis' Wedding.
- No Cookie!
- Angela watching Dwight make his speech.

----------
Name: Fancy New Beesly
Office Site: Fancy New Beesly on MySpace
Booze Cruise Review: If I had to make a list of my top 10 all-time favorite episodes of The Office Booze Cruise would be in it. From Jim's bet that Michael would yell "I'm the king of the world!!!" within the first hour to Dwight looking at Angela from behind the fake wheel saying,"Do you want us to run aground woman?" Aside from Beach Games I think this is the best episode was that was ever taken outside of the office. Michael's superiority battle against Captain Jack was so great. The way Jim broke up with Katy "No. Let's break up." was hilarious but completely heartbreaking because I think that was the point when the audience realized that Jim was basically hopelessly in love with Pam. The high point..the very best...was in the end when the writers do one of the things that makes The Office such a WONDERFUL show...they had the characters achieve what they wanted to do most but in a way that they would never expect & was so natural to their character. The motivational speech that Michael gives to Jim "Never, ever, ever give up." should have earned Carell the best actor in a comedy Emmy that year.
Favorite Moment: Dwight being given the fake wheel....
Favorite Quote: Katy: Do you think we'll ever be like that? Jim: No. Katy: What is WRONG with you? Why did you even bring me here? Jim: I don't know. We should break up.
Overall Episode Grade: A

Office Olympics
Favorite Moment: The real estate guy thinking that Michael & Dwight are gay.
Favorite Quote: Kevin: The candle smells like cookies. Jim: Yes, it does my friend. Indeed, it does.
Overall Episode Grade: A

The Secret
Favorite Moment: When everyone (Kelly & Angela especially) find out that Jim has a crush on Pam.
Favorite Quote: "And I plan on keeping that secret...for...as long as I possibly can."-Michael
Overall Episode Grade: A

Top 3 All-Time Dwight/Angela Moments:
*Phyllis' Wedding: Dwight-You look like the Queen of England.
*Dwight telling Angela that she can be in charge of the women when they plot to overthrow Michael
*In The Injury when Dwight walks up behind Angela & says,"You're sweeter than candy" & then spanks her.

----------
Name: Ken_TOC
Office Site: theofficechat.com
Booze Cruise Review: We begin with a particularly strong cold-open with a classic prank on Dwight: Jim has managed, with a little aiding and abetting from his vending machine tech buddy Steve, to replace every snack selection in the machine with an item from Dwight's desk. After Pam enters the break room and purchases Dwight's pencil cup for the very reasonable price of $1, Dwight attempts to buy back his things only to discover that his wallet is one of the many fine selections of Schrute property trapped behind the impenetrable plexiglass of the vending machine. A very David Blaine-like feat by Jim...who hands Dwight a bag of nickels to liberate his possessions. Cut to the opening credits. Brilliance.

The major plotline of the episode is Michael Scott's first-quarter camaraderie event aboard the sub-luxurious yet functionally seaworthy "ship", the Lake Wallenpaupack Princess. At night. In January. In Pennsylvania . And it will be a booze cruise....to Meredith's delight and AA's chagrin. As we see the employees and their guests board the vessel, Michael makes Gilligan's Island references about all of them...with Kelly as the native, Dwight as Gilligan, and Stanley as one of the Globetrotters...classic Michael. We also see Katy, Jim's girlfriend, introduced to us in the "Hot Girl" episode of season 1, played by the amazing Amy Adams (Don't believe me? Rent "Junebug". Told ya.) As the guests are boarding, we see a brief power struggle between Captain Jack (the actual captain of the ship, deftly portrayed by Rob Riggle of SNL and Daily Show fame) and Captain Mike (captain of the "Dunder Mifflin is a ship" analogy). This theme will continue throughout the episode. Shortly after the ship has sailed, a limbo competition is followed by the dance competition...a perfect opportunity to see some fantastic Steve Carrell physical comedy. I couldn't help but be reminded of David Brent's awesome display of charity inspired rug-cutting in the BBC version.

Booze cruise is "JAM" packed with JAM action. The dynamic between the two of them is put to severe tests. When Pam, Roy, Jim, and Katy are sitting together at the cool kids' table, we see how painfully mismatched both couples are: the sensitive guy and the cheerleader on one side and the ex-high school jock and the art student on the other. Anyone for a Yankee swap? After Roy has done a shot of liquor out of a snorkel, Pam has had her fill of fratboy hijinks and heads out to the deck, followed closely by Jim. She reveals to Jim that she sometimes doesn't get Roy . They share an intense gaze into each other's eyes for about five seconds, and then Pam awkwardly breaks it off and using the cold as an excuse to go back inside. After a drunken episode of soul-searching brought on by Captain Jack's military tales, Roy decides to seize the moment and set a wedding date with Pam, announcing it on the band's PA system. Roy 's announcement serves as a catalyst for Jim to finally dump the empty-headed, purse-peddling Katy. Trapped on the ship, he has to endure her "woman scorned" glare for the rest of the outing. Once the wedding announcement celebration has subsided, Michael finally gets to give his oft-interrupted motivational speech, only to have his "ship is sinking" analogy taken literally by the non-Dunder Mifflin guests, causing one of them to dive overboard (which could have easily been prevented by Kevin if it didn't involve him getting out of his seat). Oops. This results in many things: a wet booze cruiser, an angry Captain Jack, a topless-in-public Meredith (again), and Michael restrained with hardware store zip ties. At the end of the episode, Michael does finally deliver a motivational speech...not about Dunder Mifflin; about love. Once informed of Jim's true feelings for Pam, Michael tells him to never give up...to do whatever it takes to get his girl. Overall, a solid episode with many key plot moments and great Dwight and Michael shenanigans.
Favorite Moment: When Michael and Jim have just had a serious man-to-man, heart-to-heart conversation and Dwight nerds up the vibe by telling them that he's steering the ship back to shore....with the pretend steering wheel mounted on the deck for children to play with. Michael informs Dwight of his navigational impotence - "It's a fake wheel, dummy!"
Favorite Quote: Michael: "Now on this 'ship' that is the office...what is the sales department? Anyone?"
Darryl: "How 'bout the sales department is the sails?"
Michael (patronizing tone): "Yes, Darryl...the sales department makes sales. Good."
Overall Episode Grade: B

Office Olympics
Favorite Moment: Ryan napping in his car after unwittingly delivering Michael's carb-friendly breakfast two hours before work under the misapprehension that he needed to be there early for....work. Silly temp.
Favorite Quote: Jim: "I really love the...uhhh....paper triangle flicking and hitting things game"
Oscar: "Yeah."
Kevin: "We call it Hateball."
Jim: "Why?"
Kevin: "Because of how much Angela hates it." (Angela gives Kevin a baneful scowl through the glass cubicle partition)
Overall Episode Grade: A-

The Secret
Favorite Moment: At Jim's excruciating Hooters lunch with Michael, when Michael uses the lame "I will have the chicken breast, hold the chicken" line on Hooters girl Dana only to shrivel and order the gourmet hot dog when she challenges him.
Favorite Quote: Dwight: "Guess what I found out about Oscar tonight....he was lying about being sick! Should I have reported his malfeasance? Hmmm...probably. But now I know something he doesn't want me to know, so I can use his malfeasance to establish leverage. Otherwise, it’s just malfeasance for malfeasance's...'s......sake."
Overall Episode Grade: B+

Top 3 All-Time Dwight/Angela Moments:
1. Angela keeping up appearances at Casino Night by slapping Dwight for his celebratory kiss after throwing a winning 8 at craps. Her sly little smile caught by the camera crew reveals her closet penchant for sexy discipline.
2. Angela's precious expressions when she makes her co-workers recount Dwight's moment of heroism when he pepper sprayed Roy , saving Jim's pretty face from utter mutilation in "The Negotiation".
3. Angela taking the slow train to Philly to make sure that Dwight has plenty of "monkey cookie" when he's not networking at the Northeastern Mid-Market Office Supply Convention in "The Convention", only to be caught in bed and mistaken for a hooker by Jim.

----------
Name: Lauren
Office Site: Flonkerton
Booze Cruise Review: I dare say for me this is the definitive episode of Season 2, or at least it's a close second to "Casino Night." The episode is a series of classic moments: Jim's vendor machine prank on Dwight, the great ensemble banter in the conference room, Capt. Jack's special assignment for Dwight, Michael being "The Boss of Dancing", the 27-seconds of Silence, Roy's surprise announcement, Michael's poorly worded motivational presentation that earns him a spot in "The Brig", and of course Jim's unexpected heart-to-heart with Michael. Speaking of that "27 seconds of silence", I'm sure Greg Daniels got a few looks when he proposed having the romantic leads (of a comedy, no less) stare at each other with no dialog for half a minute. It wouldn't work on most shows, but thank God The Office isn't "most shows." It's simple, beautiful, and really just a perfect scene. It's also a bittersweet as I feel this is when Jim and Pam lose their "innocence" in a way. Up until this point they mostly bantered and plotted and innocently flirted as they both seemed relatively content with their "friends" status. However it's clear on the deck we're not dealing with simple friendship, not even a crush or an infatuation. Jim loves Pam deeply, he knows Roy is wrong for her, but he also knows even suggesting that Pam leaves the only man she's ever been with would scare her. Jim is at a crossroads at the end of this episode; he can continue to play Pam's best friend while hoping maybe someday it will become more, he can avoid her and date other women and hope the feelings will just fade, or he can risk a broken heart and speak the words he so desperately wanted to say during those 27 seconds. After Michael offers some Winston Churchill-esque advice, Jim smiles slightly and we're left with a feeling that there might be a some fight left in Jim after all. Favorite Moment: The 27 Seconds of Silence, followed closely by
Michael being "The Boss of Dancing"
Favorite Quote: Jim: "You know what? I would save the receptionist. I just wanted to clear that up."
Overall Episode Grade: A+

Office Olympics
Favorite Moment: Michael freaking out over the length of his mortgage. And of course, the invention of "Flonkerton" ;)
Favorite Quote: Dwight: "A thirty year mortgage at Michael's age essentially means that he's buying a coffin. If I were buying my coffin, I would get one with thicker walls so you couldn't hear the other dead people."
Overall Episode Grade: B+

The Secret
Favorite Moment: Michael crying as he begs Jim to still be his friend even after he told everyone of Jim's crush on Pam.
Favorite Quote:
Michael: What do you like best about Pam?
Jim: Uh, I really don't want to talk about it.
Michael: Is it her boobs, or...
Jim: Um, she's easy to talk to I guess and she's got a really good
sense of humor.
Michael: Really?
Jim: Uh-huh.
Michael: Never gets any of my jokes.
Jim: [glance to the camera] What about you?
Michael: Her boobs, definitely.
Jim: Wow, that's not what I meant.
Overall Episode Grade: A-

Top 3 All-Time Dwight/Angela Moments:
3. Angela slapping Dwight on Casino Night followed by that weirdly kinky look on her face.
2. Stealing away to dance together at Phyllis' Wedding
1. Making out on Angela's desk (and Jim catching them)

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The Office Conference Room - Marathon #1

[Updated: 6/22 12:05pm]

It was a nifty little gifty for us last night as NBC showed up THREE episodes!

Casino Night (season 2), Branch Closing and The Merger.

Our panel of Office Fan Site Admins have again sent in their thoughts on these episodes, including full reviews of Casino Night, and their answers to our new All-Time Question!

This week we are looking for:
THE TOP 3 ALL-TIME Jim/Pam (JAM) Moments!

If you want to share your own TwoCents of this topic - head to the FORUMS and do so!

Be sure to check back throughout the day as we add more reviews to the list!

Everyone in the Conference Room - NOW!

----------
Name: KP
Office Site: TheTwoCents.com
Casino Night Review: This hour long end of Season 2 delivered on so many levels I could probably type forever. The cold open with Dwight in the tux his grandfather was buried in, Jim being able to move the coat rack and the wink Pam gives him. Michale having two dates but only after Pam would screen his corny comments first. Toby listing the reasons they didn't invite the BoyScouts including it being catered by Hooters! Kevin being a poker champ, and then losing to Phyllis. The kiss and slap from Dwangela. Creed stealing everything that wasn't locked down. The crazy impressed smirk on his face as Bob Vance gives away a mini fridge. Toby beating Michael in poker and loving it. Oh so many great moments. And then the flip that the writers gave us with Jim. He's talking with Jan about his transfer to Stamford and she tells him that he needs to tell someone. Jim finds Pam talking with Roy (who is leaving her there looking VERY cute). Jim has something to say, my mind was locked on it being about Stamford and then BAM! What did he say? Read my favorite quote below and you'll find out. My heart SOARED and then BROKE all within in 20 seconds. Then Pam is on the phone with Mom, you can make up what she's talking about. Does she love him too? They kiss! Roll credits. NOO!!! What a way to end the season keeping us ALL hooked all of last summer. The same way they did this year! A phenominal episode all around!
Favorite Moment: That very slight pause JUST before Jim says it. Pam just smiling and staring at him.
Favorite Quote: Jim: Yeah. Hey, can I talk to you about something?
Pam: About when you want to give me more of your money?
Jim: No, I...
Pam: Did you wanna do that now? We can go inside. I'm feeling kind of good tonight.
Jim: I was just... I'm in love with you.
Pam: What?
Jim: I'm really sorry if that's weird for you to hear, but I needed you to hear it. Probably not good timing, I know that. I just...
Pam: What are you doing? What do you expect me to say to that?
Jim: I just needed you to know. Once.
Pam: Well, I um... I... I can't.
Jim: Yeah.
Pam: You have no idea...
Jim: Don't do that.
Pam: ...what your friendship means to me.
Jim: Come on. I don't wanna do that. I wanna be more than that.
Pam: I can't. I'm really sorry if you misinterpreted things. It's probably my fault.
Jim: Not your fault. I'm sorry I misinterpreted our friendship.
Overall Episode Grade: A+

Branch Closing
Favorite Moment: Faxes from Future Dwight
Favorite Quote: Michael: It is an outrage, that's all. It's... hey're making a huge, huge mistake. Let's see Josh replace these people. Let's see Josh find another Stanley. You think Stanleys grow on trees? Well they don't. There is no Stanley tree. Do you think the world is crawling with Phyllises? Show me that farm. With Phyllises and Kevins sprouting up all over the place. Ripe for the plucking. Show me that farm.
Overall Episode Grade: B+

The Merger
Favorite Moment: Pam hugging Jim as he walks through the door.
Favorite Quote: Jim: Hi, I'm Jim. I'm new here.
Pam: Oh my god! It's really you!
Jim: Yeah, I was just doing a little joke there about how we'd never met...
Pam: I know. I don't care.
Overall Episode Grade: B+

ALL TIME QUESTION:
Top 3 Jim/Pam (JAM) Moments:
- Jim's confession on "Casino Night" / Jim asking Pam on a date on "The Job"
- The moment of silence on "Booze Cruise"
- Jim and Pam shopping for Kevin's get-well stuff on "Michael's Birthday"

----------
Name: Lauren
Office Site: Flonkerton
Casino Night Review: I feel like this episode has entered a mythical status in Office fandom because it always will be "The episode where Jim told Pam he loves her", so it's difficult to review. I sometimes forget how funny and entertaining this episode is before those last 4 minutes. Michael's not-so-secret hate of Toby is in full force, Jim and Pam pair up for a great prank on Dwight, Darryl can barely contain his laughter as he talks about teaching Michael phrases "from da hood", Ryan is reluctantly getting deeper and deeper with Kelly, and Michael ends up with two dates at the casino night. And, of course, this is the episode where Jim tells Pam he loves her. His confession is so simple and honest it makes such a beautiful and at the same time heartbreaking scene. It helps that John and Jenna's acting is pitch perfect; you can almost feel Jim's heart breaking when you look at his eyes, and at the same time you can see the panic on Pam's face as her world is being turned on it's ear. A year and many, many viewings later, the confession and the kiss still gives me goosebumps.
Favorite Moment: The Kiss
Favorite Quote: I have two.
1. Michael (to Toby): Why are you the way that you are? Honestly, every time I try to do something fun or exciting, you make it not... that way. I hate so much about the things that you choose to be.
2. Jim: I just needed you to know. Once.
Overall Episode Grade: A+

BRANCH CLOSING
Favorite Moment: Everyone's reaction when Jan announces the Scranton
branch is staying open.
Favorite Quote: Jim: I mean, I always knew that the [Scranton] branch would shut down someday. I just figured it would be because Michael sold the building for some magic beans.
Overall Episode Grade: A

THE MERGER
Favorite Moment: Jim and Pam seeing each other again (you know, before it all goes to pot)
Favorite Quote: Andy: Hello.
Michael: Ah! You must be Andy Bernard. Aloha and welcome!
Andy: And you must be Michael Scott. Aloha and... hello.
Michael: A-ha-ha-ho. Very good! Welcome to our little kingdom. Ah, we
have a bag of nifty gifties for you.
Andy: Michael, thank you for welcoming me to your little kingdom, Mike.
Michael: Oh.
Andy: Nifty!
Michael: They are nifty! They're nifty gifties.
Overall Episode Grade: A-

ALL TIME QUESTION:
Top 3 Jim/Pam (JAM) Moments:
3. Pam falls asleep on Jim's shoulder in "Diversity Day"
2. The 27 seconds of silence in "Booze Cruise"
1. (tie) The Casino Night Kiss AND Jim asking Pam out in "The Job"

----------
Name: Fancy New Beesly
Office Site: Fancy New Beesly on MySpace
Casino Night Review: I watched this episode when it aired with my best friend & just remember being really proud of Steve Carell for writing something SO great. It was the perfect season finale...in fact, if it had ended slightly differently it would have been a perfect SERIES finale! Every single actor got a great part in it & realizing that Creed was a much bigger oddball than we'd all realized was too fun. Of course the end scene when Jim confesses his love to Pam was totally unexpected & I remember feeling like he was saying it to me because it was SO realistic! I also remember audibly calling Pam a "bitch" repeatedly after she told him that they were just friends. HAhaahhahah
Favorite Moment: Jim kissing Pam.
Favorite Quote: "Why are you the way that you are? Seriously. Every time I try to do anything fun you make it...not that way. I hate so much about the things that you choose to be."-Michael to Toby
Overall Episode Grade: A

BRANCH CLOSING
Favorite Moment: the cold open with Jim's prank on Dwight...faxing him faxes from Future Dwight...
Favorite Quote: Michael Scott: It is an outrage, that's all. They're making a huge, huge mistake. Let's see Josh replace these people. Let's see Josh find another Stanley. You think Stanleys grow on trees? Well they don't. There is no Stanley tree. Do you think the world is crawling with Phyllises? Show me that farm. With Phyllises and Kevins sprouting up all over the place. Ripe for the plucking. [long pause] Show me that farm.
Overall Episode Grade: A

THE MERGER
Favorite Moment: Pam running up to Jim & hugging him when she first sees him.
Favorite Quote: Dwight Schrute: The Japanese camp guards of World War Two always chose one man to kill whenever a batch of new prisoners arrived. I always wondered how they chose the man who was to die. I think I would have been good at choosing the person.
Overall Episode Grade: C

ALL TIME QUESTION:
Top 3 Jim/Pam (JAM) Moments:
- making up diseases together in the Health Care episode
- the 45 seconds of silence on the Booze Cruise
- Jim confessing his love to Pam

----------
Name: Jade 6_TOC
Office Site: theofficechat.com
Casino Night Review: Ahh...Casino Night: the season two finale. It was a great episode packed with fantastic quotes from Michael, Darryl, Dwight, Jim, Creed, and Toby. Jim's cold open prank concerning his ability to move things with telepathy worked amazingly well on Dwight, even by Dwight's standards. His reaction was PRICELESS..."Oh my God".
Michael announces to the office employees that the person with the most chips at the end will get to donate 500 dollars to a charity of their choice. This leads to one of the funniest and memorable group discussions ever. Michael says he wants to donate the 500 dollars to Afganistanis with AIDS, and when Jim joking says that they are called "Afganistanannies" Michael says that there is nothing funny about AIDS. Funny, I don't remember Jim mentioning a thing about AIDS.
It’s not going to happen Dwight, stop trying to move the bobble head.
What a fun time Pam and Jim had looking through the wedding band videos. We finally get to see Scrantonicity and Kevin shows us his stuff! I'd hire him, alongside that photoghrapher in "Conflict Resolution", that would be one slammin' wedding.
Once the Casino charity actually starts, Dwight tries to help Michael juggle his two queens, but fails miserably. Jan and Carol , a.k.a. "Lan Jevinson" and "Codename: Remax" meet and Michael explains that he had already asked Carol. Jan pretends she's OK with it, but regrets ever getting together with Michael. Does she even know what she wants?
Towards the end of Casino Night, it seemed as if Michael had a good time with Carol, Pam enjoyed winning money from Jim, Creed won a mini-fridge from Vance Refrigeration because he stole the most chips, Phyllis and Bob were happy they won the all-in battle with Kevin, Angela was Dwight's good luck charm at the tables, Ryan is his usual miserable self ordering weird cherry drinks for Kelly, and Roy made himself scarce by leaving early. This leaves Jim and Jan, who are both unhappy and down. There's even a moment when we thought the two of them would get together and comfort each other. That didn't take, Jan leaves the Casino very fustrated.
Back to Pam and Jim! They meet up outside the warehouse, Jim catches Pam off guard by blurting out that he's in love with her. Pam lets him down saying their friendship means a lot to her. Jim says he wants to be more than friends, but Pam didn't cave in, not even when Jim teared up. She calls her mother from her desk at the office, and Jim soon follows her. Pam hangs up while Jim slowly approaches her, he embraces her then kisses her, she kisses back and places her hands on his head. They break apart and the episode along with the season ends there. Many thoughts go through our head, did it finally happen? Are they really together now? Will Pam leave Roy for Jim? Did she just admit to her mother that she thinks she loves Jim? Unfortunately for us viewers we had to wait many months to find those things out.
Favorite Moment: The conversations they have while Michael is sitting on Pam's desk, including the Afghanistanannies conversation and Toby's explanation and Michaels response to why the Boy Scouts will not be there
Favorite Quote: "I taught Mike some phrases to help with his interracial conversations, stuff like" fleece it out", "going mach 5", "dinkin' flicka"....you know, things us Negroes say"
Overall Episode Grade: A+

BRANCH CLOSING
Favorite Moment: Dwight reads Jim's fax from "future Dwight", then knocks the cup of coffee out of Stanley 's hand
Favorite Quote: "Oh really, what role is that? King of the stupid universe?" - Michael Scott
Overall Episode Grade: B+

THE MERGER
Favorite Moment: Dwight and Andy fighting over the cars they drive.
Favorite Quote: Dwight replies, " Do you mean, from you, to me? Cause that's how it works" after Andy says "Anything new to report?"
Overall Episode Grade: B

ALL TIME QUESTION:
Top 3 Jim/Pam (JAM) Moments:
- Pam falls asleep on Jims shoulder in Diversity Day.
- Jim tells Pam he's in love with her in Casino Night.
- Pam and Jim on the Booze Cruise, standing in silence on deck, in the cold.

----------
Name: Elyse Moretti
Office Site: Life in the Office
Casino Night Review: Oh, man. The season finale of the year, or maybe even the decade, for sure. Including drama series as well. This was definitely one of the defining episodes of the show for me--the night I watched it, I realized how completely invested in these characters and their lives. Furthermore, it's HILARIOUS, and you can watch it over and over again and find new, funny things to laugh at.
Favorite Moment: Jim's speech
Favorite Quote: See above
Overall Episode Grade: A++

BRANCH CLOSING
Favorite Moment: Dwight receives faxes from Jim--er, FROM THE FUTURE!
Favorite Quote: Michael: It is an outrage, that's all. It's... hey're making a huge, huge mistake. Let's see Josh replace these people. Let's see Josh find another Stanley. You think Stanleys grow on trees? Well they don't. There is no Stanley tree. Do you think the world is crawling with Phyllises? Show me that farm. With Phyllises and Kevins sprouting up all over the place. Ripe for the plucking. Show me that farm.
Overall Episode Grade: A -

THE MERGER
Favorite Moment: Jim & Pam see each other for the first time!
Favorite Quote: entire Lazy Scranton rap
Overall Episode Grade: B+

ALL TIME QUESTION:
Top 3 Jim/Pam (JAM) Moments:
How can I answer this question?! Ahhhhhhh...there are WAY TOO MANY! Here are just a few of my top JAM moments, in no particular order:
- The celebratory hug and kiss at the Dundies
- Right after the end of jinx, when they are smiling at each other and Jim says "Hey"
- The hand-holding/withdrawing in Casino Night/Gay Witch Hunt. HEARTBREAKING!

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The Office Conference Room - "Diwali"

[Updated: 6/15 - 11:50am]

Another week, another repeat, another Dunderfun Thursday!

This week NBC brought us back to that magical event that is Diwali! If you missed the episode, or are just curious, you can read the full transcripts, as always, at OfficeQuotes.us, or chat about it at TheOfficeChat.com!

Our panel of Office Fansite owners have checked in with their reviews and their answers to this week's all-time question!

"Top 3 All-Time Out of The Office Moments"

You can head over to the FORUMS and submit your own!

Check back here throughout the weekend as more Office Fan Site reviews come in!

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Diwali
Original Airdate: Thursday November 2, 2006
Michael urges the staff to support Kelly and attend a local celebration of the Hindu Festival of Lights.

Everyone in the Conference Room - NOW!

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Name: KP
Office Site: TheTwoCents.com
Review: I didn't need anything else in this episode other than Pam dancing. That was so great! I think it was the beginning of the breakout for her! It's also the episode when we had to decide, do we feel bad for Roy? Michael is such a joke, he tries so hard, but reducing Diwali to a "Hindu Halloween" is just perfect Michael. Not to mention the public proposal on the 9th date with Carol. Ending in a very appropriate "You've got to be kidding me" sigh. Then in Stamford we have the quarterly order form consolidation where Andy and Jim proceed to get SMASHED while Karen dumps out her shots and wins the day by taking home Jim. Over all a fun episode and it's always great to see them outside of the office.
Favorite Moment: Pam's Dancing
Favorite Quote: Andy: [sings Indigo Girls] I went to the doctor. I went to the mountains. I looked to the children...
Karen: Andy, no acappella.
Andy: [sings] I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain.
Andy and Jim: [sing] There's more than one answer to these questions pointing me in a crooked line
Andy: Wait, wait.
Andy and Jim: [sing] the less I seek my source...
Karen: Oh, come on, guys. Please.
Andy and Jim: [sing] the closer I am to fi-i-i-ne. The closer I am to..
Karen: It's not good.
Andy and Jim: [sing] fi-i-i-ine!
Andy: TUNA! Are you kidding me!!

Overall Episode Grade: B

Top 3 All-Time Best Moments OUTSIDE the Office:
- Pam's / Jim's confessions on "Beach Day" / "Casino Night"
- Who'd You Do? on "The Fire"
- Jim and Pam at the end of "The Dundies"

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Name: theofficefan
Office Site: JelloStapler.com
Review: I had a good appreciation for this episode because all my buddies in college were "Desi" and always had some kind of Diwali Party every week. Isn't it just a new year? One day a year? Apparently they were out partying "Diwali" every week. So it was funny in the episode how they played on the arranged marriage (Michael Scott was like they just met yesterday and they are getting married?) to the "These s'mores suck!" .. "They're not s'mores, they are samosas". Good Stuff!
Favorite Moment: Carol shows up in a cheerleader outfit
Favorite Quote: Michael Scott - My Indian culture seminar was going great until Toby decided that he was too immature to deal with culturally explicit images. Its just sex, people.. everybody does it.. I'm doing it.. with Carol.. probably tonight.

Overall Episode Grade: B+

Top 3 All-Time Best Moments OUTSIDE of the Office:
- Jim confesses to Pam
- Dwight & Cousin Mose tie Ryan up in the farm
- Dwight's speech at the sales convention

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Name: jenny
Office Site: MTT
Review: Answer the damn phone before Pam goes home with Hot Roy!!!!! What? Excuse me, sorry about that. In rewatching these episodes, I once again remember why it took awhile for me to warm to do with this season -- I missed Jim being in Scranton. It just wasn't the same. That being said, I do love me a Drunk!Jim. As for Diwali, I really liked seeing the office workers outside of their normal confines and actually having a good time and letting loose. And poor Michael -- there are times when he makes you cringe because you feel just so sorry for the guy and he did a great job pulling that helplessness off in this episode.
Favorite Moment: Jim falling into the bushes on his bike.
Favorite Quote: "Oh, that's what they call it." -- Meredith [still grosses me out]

Overall Episode Grade: B+

Top 3 All-Time Best Moments OUTSIDE of the Office:
1. Pam's coalwalk and speech
2. Jim and Michael sing "Islands in the Stream"
3. The Dundies -- all of them

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Name: Elyse Moretti
Office Site: Life in the Office
Review: Of course Michael would convince Carol to be a slutty cheerleader for Diwali. One thing I love about "The Office" is that I feel it's never cliche. You know how some sitcoms or dramas have that seemingly-requisite, culturally-aware, "very special" episode every once in a while? This episode wasn't like that at all--and yet I still feel like I was exposed to a culture and a tradition that is rarely portrayed on American television. It's the character-driven little moments that make this episode for me: Pam taking care of Michael, the unreturned text message, Ryan telling Kelly's parents exactly what they DON'T want to hear, and so, so much more. Plus, I still haven't mentioned Jim's biking-under-the-influence incident or the resulting ride home from smartly-sober Karen. Overall, a strong episode!
Favorite Moment: Jim & Andy harmonize.
Favorite Quote: "These are not my shoes." - Michael

Overall Episode Grade: B+

Top 3 All-Time Best Moments OUTSIDE of the Office:
1. The Dundies: Pam falls off her stool
2. Michael's Birthday: Jim holds Pam's hand while ice skating
3. Also Michael's Birthday: Jim and Pam shop for presents for Kevin--Jim convinces Pam to make an announcement over the intercom (prompting Pam to get scolded)

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Name: maurice_TOC
Office Site: theofficechat.com
Review: Even though the summer is full of repeats, this was the first time that I had seen “Diwali.” This episode showcases all of the Dunder Mifflin employees, except for Oscar, in their preparation and celebration of Diwali. In classic Michael Scott style, he attempts to break down the barriers of ignorance and educate the employees about Diwali in a way that only he can. He has a slide show that introduces “some famous Indians”: Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, Nobel Prize winning physicist, Apu from ‘The Simpson’s’, “hilarious Indian”, and M. Night Shyamalan, which is followed by an awkward, open eyed, smarmy faced slide of Michael kissing his girlfriend, Carol, to which he states, “where did that come from?” Of course, Michael’s Indian cultural seminar comes to an end when Angela feels that the “culturally explicit images” in the Kama Sutra brochures is incredibly offensive, which Toby agrees and volunteers to confiscate the materials. At the Diwali celebration, Michael again proves that his antics are just as valid outside of the office when he grabs the microphone and gets everyone’s attention to make an announcement that he has learned about Indian culture and even more about love. He then proceeds to propose to Carol after only 9 dates, and she, not surprisingly, turns him down. Michael not only tries to still get a ride home with Carol, enticing her with the Kama Sutra; however, if that wasn’t bad enough, he leans in and tries to kiss Pam while they are outside on the steps talking. With everything that is going on at the Diwali celebration and the Stamford office, this episode is extremely well written, filled with great character insight and dialogue, and explores some personal moments between Pam and Michael and Jim and Andy. I believe that this was the only episode that Pam attempts to make an out of office connection with Jim when she sent the text; however, he is too drunk from the shots with Andy to receive it. “Diwali” is one of the best episodes of season three; however, the only thing I did not understand is what was that something that Pam was kinda thinking would happen that night. Was it hearing from Jim?
Favorite Moment: Jim’s talking head explaining why he begins riding his bike to work and he makes a classic Jim face after he says that it makes him really sweaty for work. When Jim is leaving the Stamford office on his bike and he is too drunk and then falls into the bushes.
Favorite Quote: Angela: “Don’t go, they eat monkey brains.”
Michael: “Hey, hey, hey. Stop that, that is offensive. Indians do not eat monkey brains. And if they do, sign me up. Because I am sure that they are very tasty and nutritional.”

Overall Episode Grade: A

Top 3 All-Time Best Moments OUTSIDE of the Office:
- Pam falling off her chair at the Dundees and gets banned from Chilis.
- Michael speech at Ryan's business school.
- Jim reading Pam's note at the corporate interview and seeing the "gold medal".

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