There have been many distinct instances in my life where I have been keenly questioned about the hit American television comedy series "The Office."
I have had light conversations with a new acquaintance migrate from elemental questions like, "So, what do you want to do with your major?" to a more eager investigation of, "But, what season of 'The Office' do you think Kevin is the funniest?!" Being, at the time, someone that had only seen the sparse amount of episodes of "The Office" that were shown during daytime television, I often would dig my way out of these incredibly direct inquires of the show by covertly shifting the conversation to a topic that was more personally familiar. Usually with something like, "Okay, but can we talk about the finale of 'How I Met Your Mother'?!" After a while, all the discussion of "The Office" left me feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My social media was suffocated with an assorted collection of Buzzfeed personality quizzes with titles like "Which Character From 'The Office' Are You?" and "Which Guy From 'The Office' Should You Date?" I began noticing the hefty amount of Dunder Mifflin paraphernalia that was showcased on tee shirts and laptop stickers around my hometown by local college students. My friends started calling me Phyllis. This show was undoubtedly everywhere I turned. Once I recognized that this production was something that I could never escape, I finally decided that enough was enough. I agreed to sit down and give this show, that everyone is so crazy about, a try. And, for the past two months, I have been hopelessly devoted to all nine seasons of "The Office."
In the dark days, when my life lacked the uproarious personality that is Michael Scott, I did not understand the hype behind everyone's obsession with this aimless television show. Now, speaking as someone who has the entire "Garden Party" episode nearly memorized, I wanted to share a few of the individual components that make "The Office" so lovable for those that are still perplexed.
1. Jim and Pam
Of course Jim and Pam are number one on the list, because how could they not be? Truthfully, I have often wondered why Jim and Pam's relationship is so favored by viewers, and I think I might have a slight perception of the reason why. The relationship created by Jim and Pam is one that exceeds all expectations. It defies all odds. It's a friendship founded on paper that beautifully turns into a marriage, and eventually a family. We, as spectators, love the drama that come along with Jim and Pam. We love their jokes and their pranks that they pull on other employees in the office. We love how Jim proposes at a gas station in the rain. We love how devoted the two of them are to their relationship. What can we say? We love love.
2. The Dundies
The Dundies is probably one of the most well-known quips from the show. Basically, every person in the office rendezvous at a Chili's in the middle of Scranton, PA, and is presented with a trophy separately awarding them for their own unique attributes that they bring to the office. It's an episode full of karaoke, margaritas, and Michael Scott emceeing in a tuxedo.
3. Dwight Schrute
A trusty beet farmer and Assistant To The Regional Manager. Dwight falls short when it comes to social skills, but he is infamous for his work as the Scranton volunteer sheriff and his passion for martial arts. Dwight is the character responsible for a large bulk of the most cherished quotes from "The Office." My personal favorite: "In an ideal world, I would have all ten fingers on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching."
4. Kevin Malone's Famous Chili
Besides Kevin being one of the most comical characters on the show, he is also the most unfortunate. Kevin is consistently asserting his own comments into conversations, which conclusively set him up to be made fun of. Thankfully, one of Kevin's saving graces is his famous chili. He spends the entire night before preparing the chili by hand-pressing garlic and dicing whole tomatoes. He reveals that the secret to "Kevin Malone's Famous Chili" is to undercook the onions!
5. How Dwight calls Angela "Monkey"
I mean, who doesn't love a good pet name?
6. Phyllis and Stanley's Friendship
Stanley and Phyllis are polar opposites, and yet, they are the best of friends. We do not see the extent of this friendship until about season nine, but man, is it delightful to watch. They are two of the oldest Dunder Mifflin employees, and their desks sit across from each other for all nine seasons. They understand each other's need for mid-work naps and a hardy lunch, and they both know how to tear up the dance floor at a wedding.
These six small features of "The Office" may not mean anything to you or interest you in the slightest. They might not change your mind when it comes to understanding the fascination with a documentary-style television show, but know that these cover the bare minimum of what this show can offer to you. You should just sit down and give it a try. Trust me.
