The Dundies

Last updated

"The Dundies"
The Office episode
Episode no.Season 2
Episode 1
Directed by Greg Daniels
Written by Mindy Kaling
Featured music
Cinematography by Randall Einhorn
Editing by David Rogers
Production code2003 [1]
Original air dateSeptember 20, 2005 (2005-09-20)
Running time22 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Hot Girl"		Next →
"Sexual Harassment"
The Office (American season 2)
List of episodes

"The Dundies" is the first episode of the second season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's seventh episode overall. Written by Mindy Kaling and directed by Greg Daniels, who is also a producer for the show, the episode originally aired in the United States on September 20, 2005 on NBC.

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, Michael Scott (Steve Carell) hosts "The Dundies", the annual awards show in which he presents awards to various members of the office. But the night does not turn out as he plans, and Michael ends up angering or humiliating the majority of the office staff. Meanwhile, after Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) argues with her fiancé, she becomes obviously intoxicated and kisses Jim Halpert (John Krasinski).

"The Dundies" was the second episode of the series directed by Greg Daniels. Many of the scenes at the Chili's had to be changed so the restaurant would allow filming, most notably the scenes where Pam falls over. "The Dundies" was viewed by an estimated 9.0 million viewers and received a 4.3/10 rating share among adults between the ages of 18 and 49, making it the highest episode of the series since the show's pilot. The episode received positive reviews from critics.

Plot

Michael Scott (Steve Carell) is the only person who looks forward to "The Dundies", his annual awards show at the local Chili's restaurant. Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) tries to dissuade Michael from once again awarding Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) the "World's Longest Engagement" award. Meanwhile, Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) learns that there is graffiti about Michael on the ladies' room wall (later revealed to have been written by Pam), and his attempts to investigate are embarrassingly unsuccessful.

At the awards show, Michael's performance as MC falls flat. Ryan Howard (B. J. Novak) is embarrassed when Michael awards him "Hottest in the Office". Pam's fiancé Roy Anderson (David Denman) and Darryl Philbin (Craig Robinson) leave, taking Pam with them. In the parking lot, Roy and Pam argue, and Pam returns alone to the restaurant, where she begins drinking beer and margaritas. Heckled by other customers, Michael decides to end the show, but an intoxicated Pam leads the office in encouraging him to continue. Relieved upon winning the Dundie for "Whitest Sneakers" (as opposed to a demeaning and sexual award), Pam gives a drunken acceptance speech and kisses Jim on the lips. This leaves Jim surprised, but happy.

As Jim recaps the Dundies for the camera, Pam stares at Jim with dazed fascination and then falls off her stool, and Dwight springs to her rescue, thinking Pam is having a seizure. He then tries to take off his dress shirt and tie, but a Chili's employee stops him. The employee then talks to the camera and says that Pam apparently was sneaking drinks off of others' tables, which is against the restaurant's rules. He then tells the audience that he Xeroxed her driver's license and she is never welcome at Chili's again. [nb 1] After the party is over, Pam runs to the camera and screams "I would just like to say that this was the best Dundies ever! Whoo!". In the parking lot, Pam admits to Jim that it was she who wrote the graffiti. She begins to ask Jim a question, but stops when she notices the camera. Jim helps Pam into Angela Martin's (Angela Kinsey) car and smiles as they leave.

Production

The episode was written by Mindy Kaling. Mindy Kaling at PaleyFest 2013.jpg
The episode was written by Mindy Kaling.

"The Dundies" was the second episode of the series directed by Greg Daniels. Daniels had previously directed the first season episode "Basketball". "The Dundies" was written by Mindy Kaling, who also acts for the show as customer service representative Kelly Kapoor. [4] According to Daniels, while he worked on the Fox animated series King of the Hill , the show would have an annual Dundies-type event called the "Swampy Awards". [5] [6] He previously considered using the plot from this episode for the pilot, but decided it was a "very risky thing to do" and decided to make the pilot a direct adaption of the first episode of the British version. [6] [7] Following the mixed reaction towards the first season, the writers attempted to make the series more "optimistic" and make Michael more likable. [8] They also began fleshing out the supporting characters of the series more by giving them actual personalities. Finally, to further differentiate the series from its British inspiration, the producers made the lights in the office brighter. [8]

The episode was filmed at a former Chili's in the San Fernando Valley, in the city of Panorama City, California, on the corner of Roscoe Blvd. and Tobias Ave, across the street from Panorama Mall. The episode was filmed "from dawn, until very late at night", according to Kaling. [9] During filming breaks, Kaling explained that she took "ladylike" naps while Paul Lieberstein made notes on the episode and its script. [9] While filming, many parts of the script were changed so the restaurant would allow the shoot to continue. For instance, in the original script, Pam vomits at Chili's and Dwight responds, "A woman has vomited!" Because the completed script was not available for Chili's to review until shooting had already started, when they were finally given a chance to read it, they objected to a customer vomiting in their restaurant. Chili's withdrew its permission to shoot, but, after a few hours, Steve Carell developed a compromise: Pam would fall off her bar stool and Dwight would respond, "A woman has had a seizure!" [10] In the original version, Pam was also to be over-served alcohol by the Chili's staff, but Chili's—feeling that this would reflect poorly on their character as a company—did not want this in the episode either. To solve this issue, the writers had Pam steal drinks off other tables. [10] The writers and producers also agreed to include a scene in which a Chili's manager (played by actor Christopher T. Wood) makes it clear that the restaurant does not over-serve alcohol to its customers. Since Jenna Fischer does not drink much in real life, B. J. Novak took her out so she could get drunk while Novak described to her how she was behaving and how it did not match her own perception. She drew upon this experience for her performance. [11]

Cultural references

Michael calls Jim "Fat Halpert", using a voice reminiscent of the cartoon character Fat Albert. During the "Last Year's Dundies" video, Michael awards Oscar the "Show Me the Money" award, a reference to the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire . Dwight later plays a recorder version of Lou Bega's 1999 cover of "Mambo No. 5" while Michael sings parody lyrics. During a phone call, Jan makes reference to a "tsunami relief fundraiser which somehow lost a lot of money." [12] Michael defends his actions, noting that it was a "fun-raiser", in an attempt to raise the morale of the people in the office following the events of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Michael's psychic act is a blatant rip-off of Johnny Carson's Carnac the Magnificent act. [12]

At the Dundies party Michael sings various song parodies, including spoofs of Naughty by Nature's 1991 hit "O.P.P." ("You Down with the Dundies") and Elton John's 1971 hit "Tiny Dancer" ("You Have Won a Tiny Dundie"). He also sings Hot Chocolate's 1975 single "You Sexy Thing" while presenting the "Hottest in the Office" award. [12] Originally, a parody of Eminem's 2002 hit "Lose Yourself" was slated to be featured in the episode, but was axed when Eminem refused to allow permission. [6] [8] In the background of one scene, Michael is seen singing the 1987 song "(I've Had) The Time of My Life", by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. The final scene in the episode features "Tiny Dancer" playing over the actual footage of the show. [12]

Release and reception

"The Dundies" originally aired on NBC in the United States on September 20, 2005. [4] In its original American broadcast, the episode received a 4.3/10% share among adults between the ages of 18 and 49. This means that it was seen by 2.4% of all 18- to 49-year-olds, and 6% of all 18- to 49-year-olds watching television at the time of the broadcast. The episode was seen by 9.0 million viewers, making it the highest-rated episode of the series since the show's pilot episode. [13]

"The Dundies" represented a turning point in the series, in which the show found its own tone and differentiated itself from the British version. [14] [15] It received critical acclaim, unlike the first season. In its "The Top 10 Moments from The Office", IGN ranked Pam's drunken scene at Chili's as number five. [16] Michael Sciannamea of TV Squad stated that "This season's first episode showed a marked improvement over the final episode from last season", and went on to praise the episode's expansion of supporting characters as one of the main reasons for the improvement. [15] In a Flashback review, Travis Fickett of IGN complimented the episode for creating the personalities of the supporting characters and for the workers affection towards Michael in the episode. [14] He also praised the Jim and Pam moments in the episode. [14] He ultimately gave the episode a 9.0/10. [14] Seb Patrick of Noise to Signal, while comparing the American version of The Office favorably to its UK counterpart, writes that the series "could be finding its feet again over the course of its opening couple of episodes." [17]

Jacob Clifton from Television Without Pity gave the episode an A rating. [12] Erik Adams of The A.V. Club awarded the episode a "B". Part of his review focused on the scene wherein Pam and Jim both convince Michael to continue on with the Dundies celebration, writing that "they’re clapping and chanting for Michael Scott, human being, and that’s incredibly important for the episodes that will follow". [18] However, he felt that the episode's reputation was slightly inflated by its success, and that the episode, while good, is merely just a start for the success that would follow it. [18]

Notes

  1. ↑ In 2017, Fischer returned to Chili's and tweeted a selfie standing outside the restaurant with the caption "Should I try to go in?" Chili's responded with "we hope you felt God tonight," referring to Pam's line in the episode, "I feel God in this Chili's tonight". [2] Chili's later issued a press release stating that it had "removed the longstanding ban on a Scranton, Pennsylvania woman who allegedly caused a disturbance during a company awards party held at a Chili's near the Pennsylvania town of Scranton." [3] Chili's president Kelli Valade said, "After reviewing the good conduct of Pam, I have decided to lift the now 11-year ban ... Pam is an inspiration to many and we welcome her with open arms." [3]

Related Research Articles

"Halloween" is the fifth episode of the second season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's eleventh episode overall. It was written by executive producer and showrunner Greg Daniels and was directed by Paul Feig. The episode first aired on NBC in the United States on October 18, 2005. Guest stars in this episode included Devon Abner, Hugh Dane, George Gaus, Annabelle Kopack, Ava Nisbet and Alec Zbornak.

"The Client" is the seventh episode of the second season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's thirteenth episode overall. Written by Paul Lieberstein, who also acts in the show as Toby Flenderson, and directed by Greg Daniels, the episode first aired in the United States on November 8, 2005, on NBC.

"Christmas Party" is the tenth episode of the second season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's sixteenth episode overall. It was written by Michael Schur and directed by Charles McDougall. It was first broadcast on December 6, 2005 on NBC. The episode guest stars David Koechner as Todd Packer.

"The Secret" is the thirteenth episode of the second season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's nineteenth episode overall. It was written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky and directed by Dennie Gordon. The episode first aired on January 19, 2006 on NBC.

"The Carpet" is the fourteenth episode of the second season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's twentieth episode overall. It was written by Paul Lieberstein and directed by Victor Nelli, Jr. The episode first aired on January 26, 2006 on NBC. The episode guest stars Ken Howard as Ed Truck, and David Koechner as Todd Packer.

"Boys and Girls" is the fifteenth episode of the second season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's twenty-first episode overall. It was written by B. J. Novak and directed by Dennie Gordon and first aired on February 2, 2006, on NBC. The episode guest stars Melora Hardin as Jan Levinson, Craig Robinson as Darryl Philbin, and Patrice O'Neal as Lonny.

"Valentine's Day" is the sixteenth episode of the second season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's twenty-second episode overall. Written by Michael Schur and directed by Greg Daniels, the episode first aired in the United States on February 9, 2006 on NBC. The episode guest stars Craig Anton, Andy Buckley, Charles Esten, and Conan O'Brien as himself.

"Dwight's Speech" is the seventeenth episode of the second season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's twenty-third episode overall. Written by Paul Lieberstein and directed by Charles McDougall, the episode first aired in the United States on March 2, 2006 on NBC.

"The Alliance" is the fourth episode of the first season of the American comedy television series The Office. The episode aired on NBC in the United States on April 12, 2005. It was written by Michael Schur and directed by Bryan Gordon, marking their first credits for the show.

"Gay Witch Hunt" is the third-season premiere of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's twenty-ninth episode overall. Written by executive producer and show runner Greg Daniels and directed by Ken Kwapis, the episode first aired in the United States on September 21, 2006, on NBC.

"The Convention" is the second episode of the third season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's thirtieth episode overall. The episode was written by Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg, and directed by Ken Whittingham. It first aired on September 28, 2006 on NBC in the United States.

"Initiation" is the fifth episode of the third season of the American version of The Office and the show's 33rd overall. In the episode, Ryan Howard is taken by Dwight Schrute on what he believes is a sales call, but instead is brought to Dwight's beet farm for an "initiation." Pam Beesly is supposed to keep track of Michael Scott's productivity, but Michael spends his day waiting in line for a pretzel. Jim Halpert steals Karen Filippelli's chair and foils her attempts to get it back.

"Business School" is the seventeenth episode of the third season of the American version of The Office and the show's 45th overall. In the episode, Michael Scott is invited by Ryan Howard to speak to his business school class. When many of the students question the usefulness of paper in a computerized world, Michael attempts to inform the class of how essential paper is. Meanwhile, a bat becomes trapped in the office, leading Dwight Schrute on a mission to protect the employees.

"Grief Counseling" is the fourth episode of the third season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's 32nd overall. The episode was written by co-executive producer Jennifer Celotta and directed by Roger Nygard, making it Nygard's only series credit. It first aired on NBC in the United States on October 12, 2006.

"Fun Run" is the first and second episode of the fourth season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's fifty-fourth and fifty-fifth episode overall. Written and directed by executive producer and showrunner Greg Daniels, the episode first aired on NBC in the United States on September 27, 2007.

"Dunder Mifflin Infinity" is the third and fourth episode of the fourth season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's fifty-sixth and fifty-seventh episode overall. It was written by Michael Schur, who also acts in the show, and directed by Craig Zisk. It first aired in the United States on October 4, 2007, on NBC.

"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.

The Deposition (<i>The Office</i>) 12th episode of the 4th season of The Office

"The Deposition" is the twelfth episode of the fourth season of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's sixty-fifth episode overall. Written by consulting producer Lester Lewis and directed by Julian Farino, the episode originally aired in the United States on November 15, 2007, on NBC. "The Deposition" was the last original episode of the show to air before the show went on hiatus due to the 2007 Writers Guild of America strike.

<i>The Office</i> (American TV series) season 3 Season of television series

The third season of the American sitcom The Office premiered in the United States on NBC on September 21, 2006, and concluded on May 17, 2007. The season had a total of 25 half-hours of material, divided into 16 half-hour episodes, five 40-minute "super-sized" episodes, and two one-hour episodes. The Office is an American adaptation of the British TV series of the same name as a mockumentary 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 Melora Hardin, David Denman, Ed Helms, Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Paul Lieberstein, Oscar Nunez, and Phyllis Smith.

"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.

References

  1. ↑ "Shows A–Z – Office, The on NBC". The Futon Critic. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
  2. ↑ McCluskey, Megan (February 7, 2017). "The Office Star Jenna Fischer Just Tweeted the Best Pam Tribute Ever". Time.com . Retrieved February 8, 2017.
  3. 1 2 Hooton, Christopher (February 8, 2017). "Chili's lifts ban on Pam Beesly Halpert to The Office US fans' delight" . The Independent . Archived from the original on June 18, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
  4. 1 2 "The Dundies". TV.com. Archived from the original on October 11, 2010. Retrieved May 17, 2008.
  5. ↑ "Panels The Office". National Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on July 30, 2008. Retrieved July 26, 2008.
  6. 1 2 3 Daniels, Greg (Writer). 2006. "The Dundies" [Commentary track], The Office Season Two (US/NBC Version) [DVD], Los Angeles, CA: Universal.
  7. ↑ "In Conversation: Greg Daniels, Executive Producer/Showrunner of The Office (U.S.)". heywriterboy.blogspot.com. June 20, 2007. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
  8. 1 2 3 Novak, B.J. (Writer). 2006. "The Dundies" [Commentary track], The Office Season Two (US/NBC Version) [DVD], Los Angeles, CA: Universal.
  9. 1 2 Kaling, Mindy (2011). Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). New York: Crown Publishing. p. 113. ISBN   9780307886262.
  10. 1 2 Novak, B.J. (September 20, 2005). "Office Gossip's First Exclusive Blog!", TVGuide.com
  11. ↑ Fischer, Jenna (April 20, 2006). "Return of the "The Dundies"". TV Guide. Archived from the original on May 30, 2006. Retrieved June 16, 2012.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 Clifton, Jacob. "The Dundies". Television Without Pity. Archived from the original on April 21, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2012.
  13. ↑ "Sept 26, 2005 Press Release ("The Dundies")" (Press release). NBC. February 27, 2007. Retrieved February 7, 2012.[ dead link ] Alt URL
  14. 1 2 3 4 Fickett, Travis. "The Office Flashback: "The Dundies" Review – TV Review at IGN". IGN . Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  15. 1 2 Sciannamea, Michael (September 20, 2005). "The Office: The Dundies". TV Squad . Retrieved January 4, 2012.
  16. ↑ Goldman, Eric; Zoromski, Brian (September 20, 2006). "The Top 10 Moments from The Office". IGN . Retrieved May 17, 2008.
  17. ↑ Patrick, Seb (September 28, 2005). "The Office USA : "The Dundies"". Noise to Signal. Archived from the original on November 10, 2007. Retrieved May 20, 2008.
  18. 1 2 Adams, Erik (June 25, 2013). "'The Dundies'/'Sexual Harassment' | The Office | TV Club". The A.V. Club . The Onion . Retrieved July 10, 2013.

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.