10 The Office Episodes That Stand Out from the Series

Throughout its remarkable nine-season journey, The Office produced numerous episodes that showcased the show’s unique blend of humor and heart. However, some episodes diverged so sharply from the series’ established tone that they felt alien to its loyal fanbase. From awkward moments in episodes like “Dinner Party” and “Scott’s Tots” to the touching scenes in “Niagara” and “The Delivery, ” the series certainly delivered both hits and misses.

With a total of over 200 episodes, it’s almost inevitable that not every installment would hit the mark. Some episodes stand out not just for their lack of comedy but also for their disjointed storytelling that strays from the core essence of The Office.

10 Roy’s Wedding

Season 9, Episode 2

Andy and Erin do a fake news audition in The Office

In the second episode of season nine, “Roy’s Wedding, ”Jim and Pam take a detour to attend the wedding of Pam’s ex-fiancé, Roy. Surprisingly, Roy’s transformed demeanor raises eyebrows as he invites his ex and her new spouse, which poses a question about his reasoning. However, the narrative falters significantly in its B-plot, where Clark attempts to re-engage Erin by luring her to his apartment for a fabricated newscaster audition.

While Andy does inadvertently interfere with Clark’s scheme, this subplot veers into uncomfortable territory, portraying Clark in a decidedly unlikable light within his introductory episodes and making Erin appear vulnerable and exploited. The discomfort stemming from this episode is palpable.

9 Get The Girl

Season 8, Episode 19

Season 8, Episode 19, titled “Get the Girl, ”suffers from a lack of coherent storylines. Andy’s cross-country journey to profess his love for Erin, despite his commitment to a serious girlfriend, undermines his character development. Simultaneously, Nellie takes advantage of Andy’s absence by declaring herself the office’s new manager and distributing raises at will.

This situation defies logic; it seems unlikely that coworkers would accept Nellie’s sudden authority, given their long tenure with Andy. Overall, the episode falters due to its implausible character motivations and plot inconsistencies.

8 Customer Loyalty

Season 9, Episode 12

Pam cries as Brian helps her on The Office

“Customer Loyalty, ”the twelfth episode of season nine, introduces the character Brian, heightening the tension in Jim and Pam’s relationship. The episode features Dwight’s inexplicably deep concern for Darryl leaving the office and showcases a bleak turn for one of the series’ most beloved couples. As Jim pursues his aspirations, he leaves Pam to handle their children, leading to a raw and emotional telephone call where Pam breaks down in tears.

The depiction of a crew member comforting Pam, who had never been introduced before, feels jarringly out of place and disarms the audience. This episode represents a tonal shift that strays away from the comforting familiarity of The Office.

7 Lotto

Season 8, Episode 3

Jim, Dwight, and Erin in the warehouse in The Office

Episode three of season eight, “Lotto, ”initially presents a captivating scenario: the warehouse staff wins the lottery and abruptly quits. However, it soon spirals into absurdity. Jim, Dwight, Kevin, and Erin embark on a ridiculous mission involving bizarre tactics to transport boxes, stripping away the show’s essence of relatable office life and replacing it with cartoonish antics.

This drastic shift from workplace humor to slapstick comedy diminishes the grounded reality that made The Office special.

6 Promos

Season 9, Episode 18

Ryan Howard at Jim's office in The Office

In “Promos, ”the eighteenth episode of season nine, viewers encounter another odd development involving Brian, the sound guy. The episode seeks to inject self-awareness by revealing that the characters were continuously filmed, even during private moments. The suggestion that Brian harbors romantic feelings for Pam adds another layer of awkwardness to the mix.

Furthermore, Ryan Howard’s guest star performance, showcasing his self-aggrandizing sci-fi script, detracts from the show’s focus on everyday realities, emphasizing a disconnect from the established narrative style.

5 Pool Party

Season 8, Episode 12

While not inherently bad, season eight’s “Pool Party”strays from the traditional setting of The Office. Despite its amusing premise – a celebratory gathering at Robert California’s house – the episode feels disconnected from the show’s familiarity. The characters, usually mired in mundane frustration, embrace a carefree spirit, which contrasts sharply with their typical dynamics.

The shift in tone and setting, complemented by Robert’s extravagant lifestyle, creates a unique yet alien experience for fans.

4 Suit Warehouse

Season 9, Episode 11

Dwight and Clark sit in an office in The Office

“Suit Warehouse, ”the eleventh episode of season nine, highlights the struggles of the character Clark, whose awkward dynamic with Dwight fails to resonate. The episode attempts to portray a father-son relationship, but Dwight’s established success as a salesman renders this narrative unnecessary. Their antics, including jokes about cat litter collection, undermine the professionalism expected in a sales environment. Additionally, the erratic behavior of other office workers strains credibility and veers far from the show’s foundational principles.

3 The Banker

Season 6, Episode 14

Introduced in season six, episode fourteen, “The Banker” disappoints as a clip show, an often derided television tactic. While there are practical reasons for revisiting earlier footage—such as budgeting—this episode fails to provide fresh content or valuable storytelling. Instead, it relies heavily on previous episodes, utilizing guest star David Costabile merely as a setup for a series of old clips, ultimately diluting the series’ impact.

2 Stairmageddon

Season 9, Episode 19

Dwight and Clark slide Stanley down the stairs in The Office

Just prior to the series conclusion, “Stairmageddon”exemplifies the writers’ questionable choices. Rather than focusing on character arcs, the episode delves into absurdity as Dwight tranquilizes Stanley to force his assistance. The exaggerated actions, including wrapping Stanley in bubble wrap and sliding him down the stairs, pull the series further into cartoonish territory, disconnecting it from the vulnerability and depth previously developed in Jim and Pam’s narrative.

1 The Farm

Season 9, Episode 17

Dwight and his cousins on the farm in The Office

Rated as the most divergent episode, “The Farm” serves as a backdoor pilot for a potential spin-off centered on Dwight’s family. Throughout the episode, the satirical essence of The Office becomes overshadowed by a focus on eccentric characters at Schrute Farms during a family gathering. The dynamics that made Dwight appealing amid his coworkers’ normalcy do not translate effectively to a standalone narrative, underscoring the missteps inherent in abandoning the familiar identity of The Office.

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