Planet Fun News 05.22.08: Top Ten Episodes of The Office (US)
Posted by Matt Richissin on 05.22.2008
A look into the top ten episodes of the US version of The Office.
In Search Of The Funniest Television Episode of the Past 20 Years is exactly what it sounds like. It's the formula that gets slightly more complicated:
I (alongside some guests) will be taking some of the funniest television programs in the past twenty years and will examine through the shows' episode logs and review episodes to determine the 10 funniest episode of each program. From then, we take the best episode of each program and put them in a tournament bracket against other programs to ultimately find: The Funniest Television Episode of the past 20 Years.
This week we'll be taking a look at the US version of The Office. During the process I have brought in an unnamed friend who was responsible for turning me onto the UK Version. I will have to thank the people at TV.com, who I've stolen most of the info from on this piece. Through some brainstorming we came up with this list (let the hating begin):
10. Christmas Party
Writer: Michael Schur (Cousin Mose)
Director: Charles McDougall
First Aired: 12/6/05
Synopsis: Michael hosts a Christmas party at the office, but somehow manages to decrease the holiday cheer when he changes the arranged secret Santa pairs to a game of "Yankee Swap," where everyone gives their pre-bought presents to a different, random worker. To boost morale, Michael introduces vodka shots while the others compete for an iPod, Jim hopes that his sentimental present, meant for Pam, doesn't end up with Dwight, and Angela becomes enraged about Michael's party changes
Funniest Moments: Michael trying to employ reverse psychology during "Ya-Ankee Swap!" / Todd Packer 's limited, yet hilarious cameo.
Funniest Quote: Michael Scott: Happy Birthday Jesus. Sorry, you're party is so lame.
9. Gay Witch Hunt
Writer: Greg Daniels
Director: Ken Kwapis
First Aired: 9/21/06
Synopsis: When one of the office members comes out of the closet and into the spotlight, Michael does all the wrong things while trying to make him feel more comfortable with his colleagues.
Funniest Moments: Michael forcing Oscar to kiss him / Jim sending Dwight a "Gaydar"
Funniest Quote:MIchael Scott: I would never have called Oscar faggy had I known he was gay. You don't call retarded people "retards". That would be in bad taste. You call your friends "retards" when they're acting retarded. And I consider Oscar to be my friend.
8. The Chair Model
Writer: BJ Novak (Ryan)
Director: Jeffrey Blitz
First Aired: 4/17/08
Synopsis: Michael gets fascinated by a chair model in a catalog, leading to a desire to move on from Jan. Kevin and Andy team up to gain parking spaces back for Dunder Mifflin lost during another complex tenant's construction work
Funniest Moments: Entire grave yard scene (Michael and Dwight's escalating version of "American Pie" and Michael's words on "true love"/ The recommendation of "Wendy."
Funniest Quote: Michael Scott: Oh, hello, Oscar Meyer weiner-lover. I bet that you have a bunch of very liberal girl-type friends who trust you implicitly because they know you'd never touch them because of your condition
7. Casino Night
Written by: Steve Carrell (Michael)
Directed by: Ken Kwapis
First Aired: 5/11/06
Synopsis: In the season finale, Dunder Mifflin holds a Casino Night in the warehouse to benefit charity. While Michael faces the task of juggling two dates, Jim is forced to ponder the reality of transferring to the Stamford branch and what that means for his relationship with Pam
Funniest Moment: Michael's Handling of his "two woman"
Funniest Quote: Michael Scott: 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. (My favorite quote).
6. Email Surveillance
Written by: Jennifer Celotta
Directed by: Paul Feig
First Aired: 11/22/05
Synopsis: Michael starts monitoring the e-mails sent out in the Dunder Mifflin workplace, upsetting the employees. Meanwhile, Pam believes that the relationship between Dwight and Angela is more than just worker-to-worker, Jim throws an office BBQ at his house, and Michael annoys everyone at his improv class.
Funniest Moment: Michael at improv class continuously pulling a "gun."
Funniest Quote: DwightShrute: As a volunteer sheriff, I can look up anyone's psychiatric records or surgical histories. Yeast infections - there are a huge number of yeast infections in this county. Probably because we live right down the river from that old bread factory.
5. A Benihana Christmas
Writer: Jennifer Celotta
Director: HAROLD RAMIS
First Aired: 12/14/06
Synopsis: Michael sends out an inappropriate Christmas card which lands him in hot water with his girlfriend, Carol. Meanwhile tensions mount on the party planning committee between Angela, Pam, and Karen. The resulting tension leaves the office with two competing Christmas parties
Funniest Moment: Michael listening to James Blunt's "Goodbye, My Lover" (my favorite moment in Office history)
Funniest Quote: JimHalpert: It's a bold move to Photoshop yourself into a picture with your girlfriend and her kids on a ski trip with their real father, but then again Michael is a bold guy. Is "bold" the right word?
4. Goodbye, Toby
Written by: Paul Lieberstein (Toby). Jennifer Celotta
Directed by: Paul Feig
First Aired: 5/15/08
Synopsis: Toby leaves Dunder Mifflin, and Michael plans a huge goodbye party—out of joy. Angela refuses to help with it, so Michael turns to Phyllis. Dwight and Meredith harrass Holly, their new HR representative
Funniest Moments: Toby's Exit Interview / Michael's References to the Anti-Gravity Machine
Funniest Quote: Michael Scott: Thanks to Toby I have a very strong prejudice against Human Resources. I believe that the department is a breeding ground for monsters. What I failed to consider, though, is that not all monsters are bad, like E.T. Is Holly our extraterrestrial?
3. The Secret
Written by: Lee Eisenberg, Gene Stupnitsky
Directed by: Dennie Gordon
First Aired: 1/19/06
Synopsis: When Michael slips some sly references about Pam in his conversations with Jim, Jim quickly tries to do damage control to make sure that no one else in the office finds about his crush on Pam, all while slamming himself with regret for ever telling Michael in the first place. Jim goes to drastic measures, even bonding with Michael at a Hooters restaurant for lunch. Nonetheless, Jim's efforts do little to keep Michael from revealing the secret, but Jim smooths the situation over with Pam to make it seem like nothing more than a tiny crush in the past. Meanwhile, Dwight conducts an investigation about Oscar's mysterious absence from work, and what Dwight finds, though it goes way over his head, is surprising.
Funniest Moment: Michael's attempts to befriend Jim / Michael choosing Peach Iced Tea for Stanley
Funniest Quote: Dwight Shrute: Guess what I found about Oscar? (pause) He was lying about being sick.
2. The Dundies
Written by: Mindy Kaling (Kelly)
Directed by: Greg Daniels
First Aired: 9/20/05
Synopsis: After the annual staff Dundies awards is redlined by corporate, Michael is uncertain if he can produce the calibre of evening his staff have come to expect. Pam meanwhile develops second thoughts about her engagement to Roy while watching video footage of old Dundies award nights. Dwight hears a rumor of malicious graffiti in the female toilets and schemes to find out more. The entire office meets at Chili's for the Dundies awards show, and together experience a night they will never forget
Funniest Moments: Ryan winning hottest in the office award/ Dwight failing at his Ed McMahon role at the Dundie's "An Aid's Test?"
Funnest Quote: Michael Scott: An employee will go home and he'll tell his neighbor, Hey, did you get an award? And the neighbor will say, No man, I mean I slave all day and nobody notices me. Next thing you know, Employee smells something terrible coming from the neighbor''s house. Neighbors hanged himself... due to lack of recognition.
THE WINNER: The Convict
Written by: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant
Directed By: Jeffrey Blitz
First Aired: 11/30/06
Synopsis:When Michael discovers there' an ex convict on staff, he goes out of his way to make the employees realize that being in prison is not at all like working at Dunder Mifflin. Also, Andy pursues some bad advice by Jim on how to impress Pam.
Funniest Moment: Prison Mike
Funniest Quote: Michael Scott: Close your eyes. Picture a convict. What's he wearing? Nothing special, baseball cap on backward, baggy pants. He says something ordinary like "Yo, that's shizzle" Okay, now slowly open your eyes again. Who were you picturing? A black man? Wrong, that was a white woman. Surprised? Well, shame on you.
Seriously though the episode where Dwight finds the joint in the parking lot blows almost all of these out of the water
Posted By: Mike (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 10:33 AM
A Benihana Christmas for me would be the best for me. When Michael marks the one girl on the arm so he can tell them apart is one the funniest things I have ever seen.
Nogasaki!!!!!!
Posted By: Jerome Saloser (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Ohh man, I forgot how hilarious "The Convict" episode was. Prison Mike was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. I started laughing out loud at work when I read about that episode. Good stuff.
Posted By: monty (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 12:30 PM
All excellent choices! Although you could have picked any episode and I would have been happy. My favorite episode of all time is when Dwight takes Ryan on his first sales trip. He takes him out into a field to plant a bean sprout. Then he takes him to the beet barn where mose is waiting. The best quote from Toby's Leaving is "you have a quarter, a nickel, well thats a button...you can get anything on the top row or the second row..." or "I am so going to bang holly."
Posted By: Amp (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 12:58 PM
How about the one where Dwight gets a concussion...I think we'll have to move to a top 20 for the office.
Posted By: steveo (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 12:58 PM
got to say, the lsit is pretty dead on but im a big fan of Branch Wars and Dwight explaining how he has to do something to the security guards eyes because "they are like the groin of the head"
Posted By: rc (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 01:01 PM
'Diversity Day'...
Michael: How come Chris Rock can do a routine, and everybody finds it hilarious and groundbreaking, then I go and do the exact same routine, same comedic timing, and people file a complaint to Corporate? Is it because I’m white and Chris is black?
Posted By: JB (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Can't believe you didn't include "Diversity Day", that is still my favorite
Posted By: Phil (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 02:43 PM
You'll have to keep in mind that the list is being created by two people who are somewhat of UK purists. I find that episodes that revolve around Dwight can be a bit too sitcom-my, which is why episodes like Drug Testing and The Initiation didn't make the cut. Just a simple matter of preference.
Posted By: matt richissin (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Great list, but I have to agree that I'd give top honors to Michael burning his foot on his George Foreman grill and Dwight's ensuing concussion (including his vomiting all over the back of his Trans Am). Watching Bizarro Dwight interact with Pam and her realizing at the end that it was only temporary is some of the best stuff ever.
Posted By: props (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Toby, you work in HR so you aren't really a part of our family. Also, you're divorced, so you aren't really a part of your family either.
Posted By: Spare Tire (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 04:27 PM
The Injury was definitely the one that I flirted most with putting in at the ten spot instead of the Christmas party.
Posted By: Matt Richissin (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I agree with steveo. The Injury is one in my top 3 office episodes ever, simply for jim spraying michael and dwight in the van. Another classic is Safety Training, just because of the watermelon drop off of the roof. That was the most hilarious Office moment for me EVER. A Benihana Christmas is my other Top 3, so I'll give this list credit for that one.
Posted By: Tyler (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Diversity Day definitely needed a mention here, but overall good choices.
Posted By: Orangutan (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Business School is definitely my favorite, sad to see it didn't make your cut. It has everything: Michael's speech to the business students, Jim becoming a vampire, and the heartfelt ending that shows the more serious side to Micheal.
Posted By: terd (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 11:24 PM
The funniest moment in "The Office" hsitory is Dwight's impersonation of Jim...
Jim: "Spot On"
Dwight: "Uhhhh...little comment."
Posted By: Dave (Guest) on May 22, 2008 at 11:37 PM
where's "survivor man"?
michael tries to rough it and eats random mushrooms only to be saved by dwight who was hiding literally in the bushes.
Posted By: rey (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 03:04 AM
The Chair Model was nowhere near as funny as the episode when Michael and Dwight go to NYC to hang with Ryan and we find out that 1. he's on drugs and 2. his friend looks like he's from a Tolkien novel!
Posted By: Paul (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 07:29 AM
best episode ever (Diversity Day) gets no mention.
Good read but too many recent episodes. Dwight & Michael used to be somewhat realistic but have become way too over the top and the comedy in general has gone from being "subtle" to "hit you over the head obvious."
still the funniest show on tv
Posted By: divine comedy (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Love that "The Injury" is getting so much love on the board. I would get rid of "Chair Model" for "The Injury". Bizaro Dwight, Michael falling off the toilet and asking for Ryan to help him up and do some minor wipping (Toby telling Michael he can't get Ryan because Ryan is "Dead").
Great now I have to go watch that one again.
Great List!
Posted By: JT Money (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Got say "survivor man" is probably my least favorite episode ever. but "the deposition" has to be a classic jsut cause of Michaels journal and the part when he jsut pushes Toby's tray off the table in the lunch room.
Posted By: Guest#9834 (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Jim being Dwight: Question - Which Bear is best?
Dwight, unaware: Well that's a ridiculous question...
Jim being Dwight: FALSE. Black Bear.
Dwight: Well that's debatable.
Jim being Dwight: FACT. Bears eat beets. Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.
Dwight: What are you talking about? WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?
The Client should have mad ethe top ten I think. I agree, 11-20 should be made next!
Shows how good the show is when there's so much difference in opinion over the top 10 ouit of 70 odd episodes. Kudos.
Posted By: Stealer (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 10:31 AM
I know we all have different opinions on things, but I can't help but disagree with some of the choices. Chair Model wasn't that great of an episode, especially with so many better options from Seasons 2 and 3. I also have an issue with the finale of season 4 being ranked as highly as it is.
Why isn't "The Fight" mentioned on this list? Michael and Dwight fight, Ryan getting prank calls from Michael, Ryan updating the emergency contact list, Jim stealing Dwights karate belt, the awkward Jim/Pam grab, Dwights "promotion"?
Also, sorry but the article really lacks substance. It's just a summary of the episode, no further explanation. If you're going to continue to do this a bit more substance would be nice as my hopes for this post/column were much higher.
Posted By: stan (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 11:44 AM
The episode "The Injury" being omitted from this list is a shame.
Posted By: Dominic (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Stan, you'd be shocked to know how long this article can actually take to compile.
Posted By: matt richissin (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 01:11 PM
How can you forget the Basketball episode??? that to me is the funniest one by far. Hearing Michael and Dwight chant defense while they are playinf defense is classic!!!
Posted By: Jonathan (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Safety training is easily one of my favorite episodes ever, and it would make my top 5 for sure. The watermelon drop and when the staff realizes that Michael is going to jump onto a bouncy castle is so awesome, and of course his destruction of the warehouse is great too.
I also love when they're doing the sexual harassment training, with Darryl having banged the redhead in the sexual harassment tape and Michael's "that's what she said" blurting after saying he'll never say it again are both priceless.
Posted By: JCullen (Guest) on May 23, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Matt. Matt! MATT! How, in good conscience could you not have 'The Injury' on this list. Its my all time favorite episode. Dwight running his car into a pole and then throwing up on it, Michael asking Pam to rub Country Crock on his foot, RYAN, Dwight typing his name over and over on his desktop, the whole car scene (You can't fire me I don't work in this car!). Come on Matt
Posted By: Susan (Guest) on May 25, 2008 at 02:59 PM
I'm shocked that nobody mentioned the greatest episode in the history of "The Office," which is, "The Return." I'm sorry, but you can't beat Michael slowly coming to realize that Andy is a suck up, Jim's hilarious stolen cell phone prank and the moment when those two awesome plots collide in a moment that makes Andy lose his mind. Best episode ever.
Posted By: John (Guest) on May 26, 2008 at 01:05 AM
