The Office Analyzed: Season 2

In Season 2, The Office finally finds its groove. You can think of Season 1 as a six-episode mini-series, and Season 2 as when The Office (U.S.) really begins. The writers responded to fair criticism of Michael Scott’s character and the bleakness of the work environment. British audiences could handle something that depressing, but American viewers demanded something more light-hearted. Thus the writers reimagined the character of Michael Scott with two rules: 1) make Michael 10% more likable and 2) make the other characters treat Michael 10% better. The result is a successful character makeover which is also apparent in the way Steve Carrel is styled. In season 1, Michael has a combed back stringy hairdo, a fake bald spot, and a tightened collar that creates an appearance of a double chin, but the rest of his clothing is oversized to make him appear overweight. But in Season 2, his hair looks great and his clothes fit him well. This makeover is also in the writing, his character takes on greater dimension. This is evident in certain episodes like “Office Olympics” (S2, E3) when Michael goes out to buy his condo, the rest of the office plays games while he is gone. Jim hosts a closing ceremony and awards Michael with a gold metal for closing the deal on his condo. The last shot of the episode is Michael crying because he thinks he is finally being recognized for all his hard work he has done for the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch. And at this moment the ensemble cast recognizes Michael as their leader.

The ensemble cast is what holds this show together, they are witnessing Michael grow just like the audience. Just like Michael the ensemble develops as a whole and gels with each other to propel many storylines further later in the show. Even though I find Michael’s maturation to be the most interesting element of the series, Season 2 is mostly focused on the love story between Jim and Pam with the antics of boss Michael Scott gluing the story together. Michael has a strange experience with his superior Jan Levenson, which damages both careers. This is very recognizable in the standout episode “Casino Night”.        

 In the episode, “Casino Night” the whole story of season 2 crescendo into a laugh filled heartwarming season finale. This episode continues Michael and Jan’s relationship, Jim Confesses his love for Pam, and gambling related antics happen. This episode is the beginning of a drama filled love story that is continued in season 3, this episode reinforces the new Michael as a “Hero”. This episode is summed up by something Michael says, “Love triangle. Drama. All worked out in the end, though. The hero got the girl.”  

In my mind there are no bad episodes of Season 2, but here is my ranking:

22) The Carpet (S2 E14)

21) The Secret (S2 E13)

20) Michael’s Birthday (S2 E19)

19) Take Your Daughter To Work Day (S2 E18)

18) Performance Review (S2 E8)

17) Valentine’s Day (S2 E16)

16) Boys and Girls (S2 E15)

15) The Fight (S2 E6)

14)  Dwight’s Speech (S2 E17)

13) Christmas Party (S2 E10)

12) The Fire (S4 E4)

11) Sexual Harassment (S2 E2)

10) The Client (S2 E7)

 9) Office Olympics (S2 E3)

 8) Booze Cruise (S2 E11)

 7)  Drug Testing (S2 E20) 

 6) Conflict Resolution (S2 E21)

 5) Email Surveillance (S2 E9)

Michael realizes that he can read his employees emails and sees that he was not invited to Jim’s barbecue. Also Michael does improv with Ken Jeong.

4) Halloween (S2 E5)

Michael has to let someone go by the end of October, of course Michael waits until halloween. Michael fires someone in costume.

3) The Dundies (S2 E1)

Michael hosts an award show for his employees and he crosses the line. This is the first time Michael is humanized by having hecklers make fun of him and you actually feel for him.

2) Casino Night (S2 E22)

This episode is the standout but is not the best of the season, Michael hosts a charity casino in the warehouse and many big things happen between main characters (Mostly Jim and Pam) and it is basically a perfect storm of drama comedy and intrigue.

1)  The Injury (S2 E12)

Michael burns his foot on a grill and pretends to be handicaped. Michael’s overreactions make this episode the best of the season and one of the best of the show.