Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager

Last updated

"Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager"
The Office episode
Episode no.Season 7
Episode 24
Directed by Troy Miller
Written by Justin Spitzer
Cinematography byMatt Sohn
Editing by David Rogers
Production code7024
Original air dateMay 12, 2011 (2011-05-12)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
 Previous
"The Inner Circle"
Next 
"Search Committee"
The Office (American season 7)
List of episodes

"Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager" is the twenty-fourth episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 150th episode overall. The episode was written by Justin Spitzer and directed by Troy Miller. It originally aired in the United States on May 12, 2011 on NBC. The episode also features guest appearances from Kathy Bates, Cody Horn and Michael Schur.

Contents

The series depicts the everyday lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. In the episode, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) becomes the interim regional manager, instituting a typically heavy-handed management style. Meanwhile, Gabe (Zach Woods) tries to win back Erin (Ellie Kemper), but Andy (Ed Helms) gets in his way.

The episode received positive reviews from critics, with many commenting that it proved the series could survive without the lead actor, Steve Carell. According to Nielsen Media Research, "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager" drew an estimated 6.45 million viewers and earned a 3.3 rating/8% share among those aged 18–49, making it the second-lowest-rated episode of the season after "Todd Packer".

Synopsis

When Deangelo Vickers (Will Ferrell) ends up in a coma on life support, Jo Bennett (Kathy Bates) makes Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) the interim regional manager before they find a proper replacement, much to Jim Halpert's (John Krasinski) chagrin, as the office had actually functioned very smoothly during the manager hiatus. As Jim notes, everyone showed up, worked for the day with reasonable breaks, and were highly productive. Once appointed, Dwight establishes a strict management style in stark contrast to their previously relaxed style, from making the employees recite the Pledge of Allegiance in the morning, setting up firewalls, creating long passwords to use the office's various machines, and installing antique punch clocks. He also renovates his office with odd decorations, such as a marble desk and a piranha tank.

Jim, who had turned down the temporary manager position believing that they should not be assigned one at all, is especially unhappy with the changes, and begins pranking Dwight by suggesting that he is leading an uprising called "The Fist." To impress Jo, Dwight buys a gun (the same kind Jo collects), though he is more excited when he receives a holster as a gift from a relative, and uses the gun to accessorize. Pam Halpert (Jenna Fischer) insists that he put it away, but Dwight accidentally fires the gun right by Andy Bernard (Ed Helms), causing him temporary hearing loss. Dwight attempts to bribe the office workers into silence with various favors, and Jim insists that Dwight do outlandish things (such as doing jazz hands and saying "Shagedelic, baby") at certain promptings.

Gabe Lewis (Zach Woods) continues with his attempts to win back Erin Hannon (Ellie Kemper). He invites Andy to go to the conference room to speak in private. Gabe tearfully breaks down, and forces Andy to promise that he will not date Erin again. Gabe confronts Andy with the promise after he sees the two hanging out together, but Andy stands up for himself and embarrasses Gabe by describing Gabe's crying fit to Erin. When asked whether he wants to date Erin, he vaguely dodges the question.

When Jo comes to visit the branch, Dwight admits to the gun incident. He attempts to divert the blame to his employees, saying that blackmail is a bigger crime than firing a gun accidentally, but Jo takes the position away from him, telling him that the gun incident is far worse. Jo later instates Creed Bratton (Creed Bratton), who has the most seniority in the office, as acting manager until a committee composed of Jim, Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein), and Gabe find a replacement. While Jim tells Dwight that Jo did the right thing, he also compliments Dwight, noting that the office got every single company order out on time, and Dwight slightly lights up.

Production

Kathy Bates reprised her role as Sabre CEO Jo Bennett. Kathy Bates by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Kathy Bates reprised her role as Sabre CEO Jo Bennett.

"Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager" was the ninth episode of the series written by supervising producer Justin Spitzer, and the first directed by Troy Miller. [1] The original working title for this episode was "Interim Manager" but was considered too bland by Office writer Mindy Kaling. While writing the episode, Spitzer originally titled it "Dwight K. Schrute", but decided the title was not descriptive enough, so he renamed it "Dwight K. Schrute, Interim Manager", before realizing that Acting Manager fits Dwight's role better and changed it to "Dwight K. Schrute, Acting Manager". Spitzer then decided that Dwight would downplay the acting part of the position and renamed the episode to its current title "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager". [2]

The episode features the return of Kathy Bates as Jo Bennett. [1] This is her first on-screen appearance since "Nepotism". [3] The long absence is due to her starring in the other NBC series, Harry's Law . [4] The episode also marks the second appearance of Cody Horn as Jordan Garfield, Deangelo's executive assistant, and the first of three new roles since Carell's departure. The role was originally said to be recurring at first with a chance of her becoming a series regular in the eighth season. [5] She eventually did not return for the eighth season. [6] The episode also features a voice guest appearance from former producer and writer for The Office Michael Schur as Mose Schrute, his first appearance on the show since "Counseling" due to his being the show runner for the other NBC sitcom, Parks and Recreation . [7]

The official website for The Office included four cut scenes from "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager" within a week of the episode's release. In the first, 66-second clip, Dwight shows the documentary crew his new office apparel including his desk modeled after Uday Hussein's desk. [8] In the second, 77-second clip, Jim pranks Dwight by putting fake results from Jordan's surveillance of the office. Later in her talking head, it is hinted that Jordan has a crush on Jim. [9] In the third, 86-second clip, the staff realize they are stuck with Dwight as their boss as Phyllis attempts to remember a movie. [10] In the fourth, 49-second clip, Gabe attempts to get Erin back by using her love of Pixar films, but ultimately fails. [11]

Reception

Ratings

In its original American broadcast on May 13, 2011, "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager" was viewed by an estimated 6.45 million viewers and received a 3.3 rating/9% share among adults between the ages of 18 and 49. [12] This means that it was seen by 3.3% of all 18- to 49-year-olds, and 9% of all 18- to 49-year-olds watching television at the time of the broadcast. This marked a nine percent drop in the ratings from the previous episode making it the second-lowest-rated episode of the season in the 18–49 demographic, after "Todd Packer". [12] "Dwight K Schrute, (Acting) Manager" was the sixth most-watched scripted show for the week of broadcast among adults aged 18–49. [13]

Reviews

..."The Office" did just fine without Carell, or Will Ferrell, or any of the big names who are going to pass through in the finale. This was an episode of "The Office" filled only with familiar characters (even Jo's been around long enough that she counts), and a pretty good one, at that. I said last week that I didn't really want to start judging the post-Carell version of the show until Deangelo was gone. Well, he's gone, and the first real impression of the show after Michael was a strong one.

Alan Sepinwall, HitFix [14]

"Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager" received positive reviews from critics. IGN reviewer Cindy White commented: "This episode proved that the show can be funny without him (Steve Carell)". She also praised Rainn Wilson and John Krasinski's performance in the episode calling it "one of my favorite dynamics on the show". [15] However, she criticized the Andy-Gabe-Erin love triangle storyline, commenting: "It's only been made worse by the way they've turned Gabe from meek, bumbling burocrat [sic] into unhinged stalker guy." [15] She ultimately gave the episode an 8.0/10. [15] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix called the episode "fun" and a "drastic improvement from 'The Inner Circle'". He mainly praised the return of "The Dwight/Jim dynamic", writing that he "briefly rethought the idea of Dwight as long-term boss", and went on to praise the writers for featuring Dwight as manager for only one episode. [14] He ultimately concluded that "the first real impression of the show after Michael was a strong one." [14] TV Squad writer Joel Keller was very positive towards the episode commenting that "The story also gave me faith that Lieberstein and company might actually do a credible job of exploring the other folks in the office now that the show's dominant force, Michael, is gone". [16]

The A.V. Club 's Myles McNutt stated that "'Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager' demonstrated that the show is perfectly capable of being funny without Carell", but criticized the episode for not featuring more "subtle" humor. [4] He ultimately gave the episode a B. [4] Sam Morgan of Hollywood.com called the episode "fairly decent episode" commenting that the concept of the episode was similar to the 10th episode of the seventh season, "China". [17] He also positively commented on Ellie Kemper's performance, writing that "She came into this series as a sketch actor but for the first time I think she finally started being an 'actor.'" [17] Several commentators praised the scene featuring Dwight massaging Kevin's back. [14] [16] [17] "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager" was voted the fourth highest-rated episode out of 24 from the seventh season, according to an episode poll at the fansite OfficeTally; the episode was rated 8.81 out of 10. [18] In another poll, the episode was voted the second-highest-rated out of 24 from the seventh season, according to a "Survivor" episode poll at the fansite OfficeTally. [19]

Related Research Articles

<i>The Office</i> (American TV series) season 5 Season of television series

The fifth season of the American television comedy The Office premiered in the United States in the 2008–2009 television season on NBC on September 25, 2008 and concluded on May 14, 2009. The fifth season consisted of 28 half-hours of material, divided into 24 half-hour episodes and two hour-long episodes. The Office is an American adaptation of the British TV series of the same name, and is presented in a mockumentary format, portraying the daily lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictitious Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The season stars Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, and B. J. Novak, with supporting performances from Ed Helms, Melora Hardin, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Creed Bratton, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, Craig Robinson, and Phyllis Smith.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Scott Paper Company</span> 23rd episode of the 5th season of The Office

"Michael Scott Paper Company" is the twenty-third episode of the fifth season of the television series The Office and the 95th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on NBC in the United States on April 9, 2009.

<i>The Office</i> (American TV series) season 6 Season of television series

The sixth season of the American television comedy The Office premiered in the United States on NBC on September 17, 2009, and concluded on May 20, 2010. The season consisted of 22 half-hour episodes, and 2 hour-long episodes to comprise the 26 total episodes of material created. The Office is an American adaptation of the British TV series of the same name, and is presented in a mockumentary format, portraying the daily lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictitious Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The season stars Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B. J. Novak, and Ed Helms, with supporting performances from Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Creed Bratton, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Ellie Kemper, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, Craig Robinson, and Phyllis Smith.

<i>The Office</i> (American TV series) season 7 Season of television series

The seventh season of the American television comedy The Office premiered on September 23, 2010 and concluded on May 19, 2011 on NBC. The season consisted of 26 half-hours of material, divided into 22 half-hour episodes and two hour-long episodes. The seventh season aired on Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. (ET) as part of Comedy Night Done Right. It stars Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B. J. Novak, and Ed Helms, with supporting performances from Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Creed Bratton, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Ellie Kemper, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, Craig Robinson, Phyllis Smith, Zach Woods, and Amy Ryan. This was the last season to feature Michael Scott, played by Carell, as the lead character. The seventh season was released on DVD and Blu-ray in region 1 on September 6, 2011.

"Nepotism" is the seventh season premiere of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 127th episode overall. Written by Daniel Chun and directed by Jeffrey Blitz, the episode aired on NBC in the United States on September 23, 2010. The episode guest stars Kathy Bates as Jo Bennett, Evan Peters as Luke Cooper, and Hugh Dane as Hank.

"Andy's Play" is the third episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office, and the show's 129th episode overall. Written by Charlie Grandy and directed by John Stuart Scott, the episode aired on NBC in the United States on October 7, 2010. Guest stars include Robert Mammana, Phil Abrams and Robert R. Shafer.

"Sex Ed" is the fourth episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office, and the show's 130th episode overall. Written and directed by Paul Lieberstein, the episode aired on NBC in the United States on October 14, 2010. The episode features the return of several recurring characters, most notably Melora Hardin as Jan Levinson, Linda Purl as Helene Beesly, and Nancy Carell as Carol Stills. Actresses Amy Pietz and Amy Ryan — who portray Donna Newton and Holly Flax — only make vocal cameos, though Ryan is credited as a starring role.

"Viewing Party" is the eighth episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office, and the show's 134th episode overall. Written by Jon Vitti and directed by Ken Whittingham, the episode aired on NBC in the United States on November 11, 2010.

"China" is the tenth episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 136th episode overall. It originally aired on NBC on December 2, 2010. The episode was written by Halsted Sullivan and Warren Lieberstein, and directed by Charles McDougall. The episode guest stars Mark Proksch as Nate and Hugh Dane as Hank.

"The Seminar" is the fourteenth episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office, and the show's 140th episode overall. Written by Steve Hely and directed by B. J. Novak, the episode aired January 27, 2011 on NBC. The episode features Ricky Gervais reprising his role as David Brent, his character from the original British version of The Office, in an uncredited cameo.

"Goodbye, Michael" is the twenty-second episode of the seventh season of the American comedy series The Office and the show's 148th episode overall. It originally aired on NBC in the United States on April 28, 2011. In the episode, Michael prepares to leave for Colorado with Holly and spends his last day in the office saying goodbye to everyone individually, wanting no drama to ensue. Meanwhile, new manager Deangelo and Andy try to keep Michael's biggest clients.

"Training Day" is the twentieth episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 146th episode overall. It originally aired on NBC on April 14, 2011. The episode was written by Daniel Chun and directed by Paul Lieberstein. This episode marks the first appearance of Deangelo Vickers in the series.

"Michael's Last Dundies" is the twenty-first episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 147th episode overall. It originally aired on NBC on April 21, 2011. The episode was written and directed by co-executive producer Mindy Kaling. "Michael's Last Dundies" guest stars Will Ferrell as Deangelo Vickers and Jack Coleman as State Senator Robert Lipton.

"The Inner Circle" is the twenty-third episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 149th episode overall. The episode originally aired on May 5, 2011, on NBC. The episode also marked Will Ferrell's final appearance as Deangelo, having signed up for four episodes. Cody Horn also makes her first guest appearance for the series as Jordan Garfield.

"Search Committee" is the two-part finale of the seventh season of the American television comedy series The Office. It comprises the 151st and 152nd episodes of the series overall and the 25th and 26th episodes of the seventh season. It originally aired on NBC on May 19, 2011 in the United States. In the episode, Deangelo's replacement is sought out through a search committee process led by Jim. Meanwhile, Angela becomes engaged to her state senator boyfriend, Robert, while the rest of the office believes he is gay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert California</span> Fictional character from NBCs The Office

Robert California, also known as Bob Kazamakis, and The Lizard King, is a fictional character on the U.S. comedy television series The Office, portrayed by James Spader. In the eighth season, Robert managed to persuade Jo Bennett to appoint him CEO in her place. In the eighth-season finale, Robert departs from the company after David Wallace purchases Dunder Mifflin.

<i>The Office</i> (American TV series) season 8 Season of television series

The eighth season of the American television comedy The Office commenced airing on NBC in the United States on September 22, 2011, and concluded on May 10, 2012, consisting of 24 episodes. The series is an American adaptation of the British comedy series of the same name, and is presented in a mockumentary format, portraying the daily lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictitious Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. The eighth season of The Office aired on Thursdays at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern) in the United States as part of the "Comedy Night Done Right" television block. It stars Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, Jenna Fischer, B. J. Novak, Ed Helms, and James Spader, with supporting performances from Catherine Tate, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Creed Bratton, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Ellie Kemper, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, Craig Robinson, Phyllis Smith, and Zach Woods. This was the first season without Steve Carell as Michael Scott in the lead role and the only one to not feature the character in any onscreen capacity, although he is occasionally mentioned.

"The List" is the eighth season premiere of the American comedy television series The Office, and the show's 153rd episode overall. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on September 22, 2011. It was written and directed by executive producer B. J. Novak.

"Moving On" is the sixteenth episode of the ninth season of the American comedy television series The Office and the 192nd episode overall. The episode was written by Graham Wagner and directed by Jon Favreau. It originally aired on NBC on February 14, 2013. The episode guest stars Bob Odenkirk, Mary Gillis, Collette Wolfe, and Andy Buckley. The episode also features the return of former series regular Zach Woods as Gabe Lewis.

"Finale" is the series finale of the American comedy television series The Office. It serves as the 24th and 25th episodes of the ninth season, and the 200th and 201st episodes of the series overall. The episode was written by series developer and executive producer Greg Daniels and directed by Ken Kwapis, who directed the series' pilot episode. It originally aired on NBC on May 16, 2013, preceded by an hour-long series retrospective.

References

  1. 1 2 "The Office: Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager". OfficeTally. May 12, 2011.
  2. "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager Q&A". OfficeTally. Retrieved June 2, 2011.
  3. Thiyagarajan, Aishini (September 24, 2010). "The Office Recap: Nepotism". The Cornell Daily Sun . Archived from the original on December 2, 2010. Retrieved September 26, 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 McNutt, Myles (May 12, 2011). "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager". The A.V. Club. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  5. Ausiello, Michael (February 15, 2011). "Exclusive: Meet the Newest Office Staffer". TVLine. Archived from the original on June 13, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  6. Sepinwall, Alan (August 2, 2011). "Interview: 'The Office' showrunner Paul Lieberstein on James Spader and more". HitFix. Retrieved August 5, 2011.
  7. "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager Q&A". OfficeTally. May 18, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2011.
  8. "The Office – Acting Manager – Clip One – Video". NBC. Archived from the original on May 18, 2011. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  9. "The Office – Acting Manager – Clip Two – Video". NBC. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  10. "The Office – Acting Manager – Clip Three – Video". NBC. Archived from the original on May 18, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  11. "The Office – Acting Manager – Clip Four – Video". NBC. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  12. 1 2 Gorman, Bill (May 13, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang,' 'Community,' 'Rules,' 'Mentalist,' 'Office,' 'Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up; 'Bones' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 16, 2011. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  13. Seidman, Robert (May 17, 2011). "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'American Idol,' 'The Voice,' 'Modern Family,' 'Dancing with the Stars,' 'NCIS' Top Week 34 Viewing". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Sepinwall, Alan (May 13, 2011). "Review: The Office – Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager: Keep it in your holster". HitFix. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  15. 1 2 3 White, Cindy (May 13, 2011). "The Office: "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager" Review". IGN. Archived from the original on May 16, 2011. Retrieved May 13, 2011.
  16. 1 2 Keller, Joel (May 13, 2011). "'The Office' Season 7, Episode 23 Recap". TV Squad. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  17. 1 2 3 Morgan, Sam (May 13, 2011). "The Office Recap: Dwight K. Shrute (Acting) Manager". Hollywood.com. Retrieved May 15, 2011.
  18. "The Office Season 7 Fan Ratings". OfficeTally. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
  19. "Survivor Poll: Season 7". OfficeTally. Retrieved August 26, 2011.