" Goodbye, Michael" was an episode for the books. I believe that I cried the entire episode and then, more. I have seen the episode so many times that I know it's coming, but I still sob uncontrollably. If you are a giant fan of "The Office" as I am, you probably understand exactly what I am talking about. When you first start watching "The Office," Michael Scott is so ridiculous. He is uncontrollable, embarrassing, extremely awkward, and annoying all the time, literally. However, through seven seasons and 22 episodes, Michael Scott really grows on you. As I was shedding buckets of tears, my husband began laughing at me asking me why I am crying this much over Michael Scott. Through time and re-watching the show a million times, the characters feel so close to me, and Michael Scott is a really great friend that I don't want to lose. He is the head of the office, and no one can compare to him as manager. I miss him! The show is still great after Michael leaves, but there will always be a place for Michael at Dunder Mifflin. Here are all of the thoughts I have when watching "Goodbye, Michael."
1. Michael is being selfless.
Michael Scott is usually selfish, but today, on his last day (the employees think that tomorrow is his last day), he wants the party planning committee to choose what everyone would like for the ice cream flavor, which is vanilla. "What do YOU like, Pam?" "What kind of topping would you like?" Pam says, "Hot fudge," and then, Michael says, "Sounds good. Fudge it up." He is being incredibly sweet.
2. Michael is THE world's best boss.
He replaces his "World's Best Boss" mug with the Dundie award of World's Best Boss, given to him by his employees. Tears are already coming. I will miss you, Michael!
3. He is being really nice.
I'm so proud that Michael didn't make a comment about Phyllis' going away present. If he wasn't leaving, he probably would have.
4. Cue the crying with Michael's gift giving.
The chattering teeth for Phyllis to remind her to always speak her mind, the desk pool table toy with no sticks or balls to the ungrateful Stanley, the ten most important clients to Andy who loses one within the first minute (he warned you!), the terrible caricature for Kevin (at least Michael tried to be nice), the handmade, scary-looking scarecrow for Oscar (I laughed so hard when Michael laughed his head off afterwards because Oscar just accepted it), and the gift of acting interested and looking at Angela's pictures. These were awesome gifts to some awesome people.
5. Do not let Michael sit alone!
On his last day at the office, he's eating his lunch at a table alone, and everyone comes in there asking him to sit with them. He declines and ends up watching them and gets choked up because he's going to miss them. They'll miss you too, Michael!
6. Yes! Please stay in Scranton!
Michael starts to rethink his decision and calls Holly to tell her, but when he hears her voice, all is wonderful again. He's making the right decision (for him, not for his fans). Their interaction confirms that Michael and Holly are made for each other. Although, you knew this the day she showed up to replace Toby.
7. No! You can't leave without telling the rest of the office!
This is so bad because no one is going to get to give the proper send-off. The going away party is tomorrow, and Phyllis is not done making the mittens! My eyes are puffy and red at the moment, as I cry hysterically. Pam is leaving, and she's not going to get a chance to say her goodbyes.
8. I would let you use the baler, Michael.
"Darryl, I have one last wish. I would like to use the baler." "No." A few moments later to the guys downstairs, "Darryl said I could use the baler because I'm leaving." "No." I wish he could have gotten to use the baler, but at least he finally got the basketball into the hoop, while saying, "Catch you guys on the flippity flip."
9. Michael is being so sweet again!
Michael rarely gives good, thoughtful advice, but when he does, it's something to remember. His advice to Erin is so sweet, and then, when he kisses her on the head and tells her that she doesn't need a mother when she can call him anytime, tears began to pour down again.
10. The letter of recommendation for Dwight is the perfect gift, along with the paintball fight.
I was not just crying at this moment. Michael and Dwight have always been friends, and this just seals it all.
11. One last conference room meeting is in order.
This last meeting is a tearful one. At this point, I was already an emotional mess, but Michael really made me cry, again, when he got emotional and when he brought back Ping to say, "Goodbye." This was rough.
12. This goodbye to Jim is THE WORST!
The most tears I've shed as Michael says into his recorder, "Goodbye's stink." Tomorrow, Jim will tell Michael what a great boss he turned out to be, and Jim cues the tears when he says, "Best boss I've ever had." The tears keep on coming as Michael marks Jim off of his list.
13. It can't be 4 o'clock yet, but it is.
As he takes the unfinished mittens from Phyllis, takes one last look at his office and friends, and gets on the elevator, Michael Scott is really leaving us.
14. I can't believe he's taking off his microphone.
And he says his famous, "That's what she said."
15. Yay! Pam showed up to the airport.
It's crazy that after all these years of Michael annoying the heck out of his employees, Pam goes out of her way to see Michael one last time. As they hug and Michael kisses her on the cheek, I can't help but be incredibly sad.
16. I can't believe he is gone.
I cry minutes into the next episode as I mourn the loss of Michael Scott as the manager of Dunder Mifflin, Scranton.
BUT the show lives on. It is still great, even without Michael Scott. It's still the most hilarious show that I have ever watched. Also, Michael shows up in the very last episode of the very last season, and it's a moment that you won't forget. It is the cherry on top of the best show in the world.
