Christmas Wishes (The Office)

Last updated

"Christmas Wishes"
The Office episode
Episode no.Season 8
Episode 10
Directed by Ed Helms
Written by Mindy Kaling
Featured music
Cinematography byMatt Sohn
Editing by
Production code810
Original air dateDecember 8, 2011 (2011-12-08) [1]
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Mrs. California"		Next →
"Trivia"
The Office (American season 8)
List of episodes

"Christmas Wishes" is the tenth episode of the eighth season of the American comedy television series The Office , and the show's 162nd episode overall. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on December 8, 2011. It was written by executive producer Mindy Kaling and was directed by Ed Helms in his directorial debut. The episode guest starred Lindsey Broad, Ameenah Kaplan, and Eleanor Seigler.

Contents

The series—presented as if it were a real documentary—depicts the everyday lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. In this episode, Andy Bernard (Ed Helms) attempts to "make everyone's Christmas wishes come true", including those of a drunken Erin Hannon (Ellie Kemper). Meanwhile, Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) and Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) are entangled in a prank war in which each tries to frame the other.

"Christmas Wishes" received mostly positive reviews from critics. According to Nielsen Media Research, "Christmas Wishes" drew 5.79 million viewers and received a 2.9 rating/8% share in the 18–49 demographic, staying even with the previous two episodes, "Gettysburg" and "Mrs. California." It ranked first in its timeslot, and was the highest ranked NBC series of the night.

Synopsis

Andy Bernard attempts to "make everyone's Christmas wishes come true". At a conference meeting, he vows to keep his promise to make wishes and asks the office members to also be nice to his new girlfriend Jessica. An emotionally confused Erin Hannon tries to be nice to Jessica, but ends up drinking too much at the party. Kelly Kapoor does her part as a friend of Erin's by being mean to Jessica, by accusing her of flatulating in public. In a drunken stupor, Erin tells Andy that her Christmas wish is for Jessica to die. Offended, he tells her to get over their breakup before storming off.

Andy becomes concerned about Erin's behavior, not least because Robert California has revealed that his marriage is ending, greatly desires sex, and spends a good deal of the party hanging out with Erin and pressures her into drinking shots. When Andy has to drive a drunken Meredith Palmer home, he sees Erin getting into Robert's car and he follows them with a look of panic on his face. However, he covertly witnesses Robert being a gentleman and sending Erin off to her apartment with a hug and words of encouragement. Andy subsequently drives away with a wistful smile on his face.

Dwight Schrute and Jim Halpert's pranking has caused Cathy Simms to ask Andy to move her to a different desk. In turn, Andy orders Dwight and Jim to quit their childish behavior. He tells them that the next one to pull a prank will lose their Christmas bonus, and the target of the prank will get the prankster's share. Wanting to double their bonuses, both Dwight and Jim attempt to frame the other. Jim loudly releases his credit card information hoping Dwight will steal it and buy something ridiculous. However, Dwight orders a $200 bouquet of flowers for Pam Halpert. Dwight then puts a porcupine in his desk and blames Jim. However, Jim tricks Dwight into stating the porcupine's name (Henrietta), causing him to inadvertently reveal his intentions. Jim, in retaliation, defaces a picture of his daughter Cece, and blames Dwight. After Andy says such vandalism is grounds for termination, Jim admits he staged the crime. Acknowledging that his plan has backfired, Andy tells Jim that he will not touch their bonuses, and just wants their behavior to not interfere with their job performances. Jim assures him he will tell Dwight, but purposely neglects to do so. Dwight thus continues to pull pranks on himself, to Jim's amusement.

Production

"Christmas Wishes" marked Ed Helms' directorial debut. EdHelmsJune09.jpg
"Christmas Wishes" marked Ed Helms' directorial debut.

The episode was written by executive producer Mindy Kaling, who also portrays Kelly Kapoor on the series, her 24th writing credit for the series. This marks her first writing credit as an executive producer. [2] Before this, it was speculated that she might not return to the series as a writer, [3] before she confirmed that she would be writing the Christmas episode. [4] She has also written the previous two Christmas episodes: "Secret Santa" and "Classy Christmas". [5] [6] The episode was directed by cast member Ed Helms, making his directorial debut. The episode also marks the fourth appearance of Lindsey Broad who plays Cathy, Pam's replacement during her maternity leave. [7] She appeared in a recurring role for the season and she initially appeared in "Pam's Replacement". [7] Due to Jenna Fischer's actual pregnancy, Pam did not appear in the episode. [8] The Season Eight DVD contains a number of deleted scenes from this episode. Notable cut scenes include shoots of several of the staff members’ Christmas wishes being revealed, Dwight and Jim's pranks start turning on Cathy, and Meredith hitting on a newly single Robert. [9]

Cultural references

Midway through the party, Dwight enters the conference room and sets up his own speaker system to play "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24", a heavy metal medley of traditional Christmas songs performed by Savatage and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The song acts as a backdrop to a brief montage of various scenes of members of the office exchanging gifts while shots of Dwight, Nate, Creed, and Gabe air-guitaring along are interspersed. [10]

Reception

Ratings

"Christmas Wishes" originally aired on NBC in the United States on December 8, 2011. [1] The episode was viewed by an estimated 5.79 million viewers and received a 2.9 rating/8% share among adults between the ages of 18 and 49. [11] This means that it was seen by 2.9% of all 18- to 49-year-olds, and 8% of all 18- to 49-year-olds watching television at the time of the broadcast. The episode matched the ratings with the previous episode, "Mrs. California." [11] Despite this, the episode ranked first in its timeslot, beating CBS drama Person of Interest which received a 2.8 rating/7% share in the 18–49 demographic, Fox drama series Bones which received a 2.4 rating/6% share, and ABC reality series America's Funniest Home Videos which received a 1.9 rating/5% share. [11] Despite place third, all three of these shows received more total viewers than "Christmas Wishes". [11] For the week of November 5 – December 11, 2011, "Christmas Wishes" placed twenty-third in the ratings among all prime-time broadcasts in the 18–49 demographic. [12]

Reviews

"Christmas Wishes" received mostly positive reviews from critics. Hollywood.com writer Hannah Lawrence enjoyed the episode, writing, "as an episode, ['Christmas Wishes'] had that certain… 'spirit' that I enjoy from Office episodes." [13] She also complimented the Erin-Andy relationship arc. [13] IGN writer Cindy White, although noting that the episode "had some big obstacles to overcome" with the absences of both Michael Scott and Pam Halpert," concluded that the episode had a "high rewatch factor." [14] She wrote, "If my Christmas wish was to watch an episode of The Office that made me laugh a lot, consider that wish granted." [14] She ultimately gave the episode 8.0/10. [14] M. Giant of Television Without Pity gave the episode a "B+". [10] Margaret Lyons from New York wrote a mostly positively review, saying "'Christmas Wishes' filled me with holiday cheer, proving that there's still some juice left in this show," before noting that "There are still some issues left, too, though." [15] What Culture! reviewer Joseph Kratzer praised Mindy Kaling and Ed Helms' writing and directing work, and said, "If this is what happens when cast members... take the reins then the writing and directing duties should be kept in house much more often." [16]

The A.V. Club reviewer Myles McNutt wrote a slightly more critical review, noting the episode's lack of structure. [17] He wrote that "['Christmas Wishes'] is not a terrible episode of television, but it's formless to the point where it avoids having to make any sort of statement." [17] He did, however, positively comment on the Andy and Erin subplot and suggested that the episode was "positioned as a transition point," featuring an Andy-Erin-Jessica love triangle and a darker Robert California. [17] He ultimately gave the episode a "B−". [17] Many reviews considered "Christmas Wishes" to be the best episode of the first part of the season. [16] [18]

Related Research Articles

"Hot Girl" is the sixth episode and season finale of the first season of the American comedy television series The Office. The episode aired on NBC in the United States on April 26, 2005. The episode was written by consulting producer Mindy Kaling, marking her first writing credit for the series. The episode was directed by Amy Heckerling, her only directing credit for the series.

"Diwali" is the sixth episode of the third season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 34th overall. It was written by Mindy Kaling, who also acts in the show as Kelly Kapoor, and directed by Miguel Arteta. The episode first aired on November 2, 2006, on NBC, twelve days after the actual Diwali holiday.

"Branch Wars" is the tenth episode of the fourth season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's sixty-third episode overall. Written by Mindy Kaling and directed by Joss Whedon, the episode originally aired in the United States on November 1, 2007, on NBC. The episode marks the return of season three recurring actor Rashida Jones, who plays Jim's former girlfriend Karen Filippelli, now Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin Utica.

Niagara (<i>The Office</i>) 4th and 5th episodes of the 6th season of The Office

"Niagara" is a two-part episode of the sixth season of the American comedy series The Office. It is the 4th and 5th episodes in the season's episode count and the 104th and 105th episode of the series overall. The episode was written by executive producer Greg Daniels and Mindy Kaling, and was directed by Paul Feig. It originally aired on October 8, 2009 on NBC in the United States.

Secret Santa (<i>The Office</i>) 13th episode of the 6th season of The Office

"Secret Santa" is the thirteenth episode of the sixth season of the American comedy series The Office and the show's 113th episode overall. It was written by Mindy Kaling and directed by Randall Einhorn. The episode aired on NBC on December 10, 2009. The night the episode premiered, it was immediately followed by an episode of 30 Rock with the same title.

"The Delivery" is a two-part episode of the sixth season of the American comedy series The Office. The episode aired on NBC on March 4, 2010. Since it is an hour-long episode, it is considered to be the 17th and 18th episodes in the season's episode count. It is the 117th and 118th episode overall.

"Secretary's Day" is the twenty-second episode of the sixth season of the American comedy series The Office and the show's 122nd episode overall. It aired on April 22, 2010, on NBC. It was written by Mindy Kaling, who portrays Kelly Kapoor on the series, and is also the second episode in the series directed by Steve Carell, who also portrays Michael Scott.

"The Sting" is the fifth episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office and the shows 131st episode overall. It originally aired on NBC on October 21, 2010. The episode was written by co-executive producer Mindy Kaling and directed by Randall Einhorn. "The Sting" guest stars Timothy Olyphant as Danny Cordray.

"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.

"Classy Christmas" is the collective name for the eleventh and twelfth episodes of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office, and the show's 137th and 138th episodes overall. Written by Mindy Kaling and directed by Rainn Wilson, the episode originally aired on December 9, 2010 on NBC. "Classy Christmas" guest stars Jack Coleman as Senator Robert Lipton, Rob Huebel as A.J., Mark Proksch as Nate, and marks the return of Amy Ryan as Holly Flax.

"Todd Packer" is the eighteenth episode of the seventh season of the American comedy television series The Office, and the show's 144th episode overall. It originally aired on NBC on February 24, 2011. The episode was written by Amelie Gillette and directed by Randall Einhorn.

"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.

<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, 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.

"Garden Party" is the fourth episode of the eighth season of the American comedy television series The Office, and the show's 156th episode overall. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on October 13, 2011. It was written by co-executive producer Justin Spitzer and was directed by David Rogers and marks Mindy Kaling's first credit as executive producer. "Garden Party" features guest appearances from Josh Groban, Dee Wallace, and Stephen Collins.

"Test the Store" is the seventeenth episode of the eighth season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 169th episode overall. The episode was written by Mindy Kaling, directed by Brent Forrester, and aired on NBC in the United States on March 1, 2012.

"Welcome Party" is the twentieth episode of the eighth season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 172nd episode overall. The episode originally aired on NBC in the United States on April 12, 2012. "Welcome Party" was written by Steve Hely and directed by series regular Ed Helms, who portrays Andy Bernard.

"Angry Andy" is the twenty-first episode of the eighth season of the American comedy television series The Office. It was written by Justin Spitzer and directed by Claire Scanlon. The episode aired on NBC in the United States on April 19, 2012.

"Andy's Ancestry" is the third episode of the ninth season of the American comedy television series The Office. The episode originally aired on NBC on October 4, 2012. The episode was written by Jonathan Green and Gabe Miller, and was directed by David Rogers. The episode guest stars Randall Park as Jim and Pam's actor friend, Steve.

"Dwight Christmas" is the ninth episode of the ninth season of the American comedy television series The Office and the 185th episode overall. The episode was written by Robert Padnick and directed by Charles McDougall. It originally aired on NBC on December 6, 2012. The episode guest stars Robert R. Shafer as Bob Vance and Mark Proksch as Nate.

Customer Loyalty (<i>The Office</i>) 12th episode of the 9th season of The Office

"Customer Loyalty" is the twelfth episode of the ninth season of the American comedy television series The Office and the 188th episode overall. The episode was written by Jonathan Green and Gabe Miller, and directed by Kelly Cantley. It originally aired on NBC on January 24, 2013. The episode guest stars Chris Diamantopoulos as Brian the boom mike operator, and Ben Silverman as Isaac, a coworker of Jim's.

References

  1. 1 2 "The Office : Christmas Wishes". Zap2It. Retrieved November 17, 2011.
  2. ↑ Moaba, Alex (September 15, 2011). "Mindy Kaling Gets 'Office' Promotion to Executive Producer". AOL TV. Archived from the original on October 6, 2019. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  3. ↑ Keller, Joel (May 12, 2011). "Is Mindy Kaling Done Writing for 'The Office'?". AOL TV. Archived from the original on December 25, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2011.
  4. ↑ Kaling, Mindy (September 27, 2011). "I'm at home writing Office Christmas episode. I've eaten two gluten free donuts, now listening to Charlie Brown Christmas. It's sad here". Twitter. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  5. ↑ Mindy Kaling (writer) (December 10, 2009). "Secret Santa". The Office. Season 6. Episode 13. NBC.
  6. ↑ Mindy Kaling (writer) (December 9, 2009). "Classy Christmas". The Office. Season 7. Episode 11 & 12. NBC.
  7. 1 2 Ausiello, Michael (September 8, 2011). "The Office Exclusive: 'Til Death's Lindsey Broad Befriends Pam". TVLine . Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  8. ↑ Hochberg, Mina (August 21, 2011). "The Office's Jenna Fischer Confirms That Baby No. 2 Is On the Way for Pam and Jim – Vulture". New York . Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  9. ↑ Deleted scenes for "Christmas Wishes" (DVD). Universal Studios Home Entertainment. 2012.The Office: Season Eight Disc 2
  10. 1 2 Giant, M. (December 8, 2011). "The Office TV Show – Christmas Wishes". Television Without Pity . Archived from the original on January 14, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Gorman, Bill (December 9, 2011). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Parks & Rec' Adjusted Up; 'Big Bang,' 'Rules,' 'Person Of Interest,' 'Mentalist,' 'X Factor,' 'Bones' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
  12. ↑ "TV Ratings Broadcast Top 25: 'Sunday Night Football,' 'Modern Family,' 'Two and a Half Men' Top Week 12 – Ratings". TV by the Numbers. December 13, 2011. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  13. 1 2 "'The Office' Recap: Christmas Wishes". Hollywood.com. December 8, 2011. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
  14. 1 2 3 White, Cindy (December 9, 2011). "The Office: "Christmas Wishes" Review". IGN . Retrieved December 10, 2011.
  15. ↑ Lyons, Margaret (December 9, 2011). "The Office Recap: I Would Like Another Alcohol". New York . Retrieved December 10, 2011.
  16. 1 2 Kratzer, Joseph. "TV Review: THE OFFICE 8.10, "Christmas Wishes"". WhatCulture!. Archived from the original on January 4, 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  17. 1 2 3 4 McNutt, Myles (December 8, 2011). "Christmas Wishes". The A.V. Club . Retrieved December 8, 2011.
  18. ↑ McQuinn, Craig. "The Office Recap (Season 8 Episode 10) "Christmas Wishes"". The Faster Times. Archived from the original on December 2, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.