Season 3 - Episode 10 - A Benihana Christmas

December 14, 2006 brought us the Dunder Mifflin Christmas present with the episode "A Benihana Christmas".

Writer: Jennifer Celotta
Director: Harold Ramis

In a special one-hour holiday episode directed by Harold Ramis, strife on the party planning committee results in two competing Christmas parties, while Michael is dumped for the holidays. Michael (Golden Globe Winner Steve Carell) sends out an inappropriate photoshopped Christmas card and gets his heart broken for the holidays by girlfriend Carol (guest star Nancy Walls). Andy (guest star Ed Helms) takes Michael out drinking, with Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Jim (John Krasinski), while tensions on the party planning committee between Angela (Angela Kinsey), Pam (Jenna Fischer) and Karen (guest star Rashida Jones) cause rival parties to form.

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Season 3 - Episode 9 - The Convict

We all were introduced to Prison Mike in "The Convict" on November 30, 2006.

Writers: Ricky Gervais & Stephen Merchant
Director: Jeffrey Blitz

Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) tries to be supportive after learning that one of the new employees is an ex-convict, but gets upset when the staff starts to compare the office to prison. Meanwhile, Jim (John Krasinski) "coaches" Andy (guest star Ed Helms) when he decides to make a play for Pam (Jenna Fischer).

Season 3 - Episode 8 - The Merger

Stamford and Scranton combined in "The Merger" on November 16, 2006.

Writer: Brent Forrester
Director: Ken Whittingham

The Scranton branch and the Stamford branch of Dunder-Mifflin are merged, bringing old friends Jim and Pam back together after months apart. Michael and Dwight and the other employees deal with the changes.

"The Merger" News Items:
Fan Site Conference Room

Interview with Ursula Burton (Hannah)

Season 3 - Episode 7 - Branch Closing

We all found out that there was a "Branch Closing" on November 9, 2006.

Writer: Michael Schur
Director: Tucker Gates

When Jan tells Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) that the Scranton Branch will be shutting down, Michael strives to keep his staff's spirits up. Meanwhile, everyone privately begins to envision how their lives will change in the aftermath.

"Branch Closing" News Items:
Fan Site Conference Room

Season 3 - Episode 6 - Diwali

We all celebrated "Diwali" on November 2, 2006.

Writer: Mindy Kaling
Director: Miguel Arteta

Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) encourages the entire Scranton branch to support Kelly (Mindy Kaling) and attend a local celebration of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. As Ryan (B.J. Novak) nervously faces Kelly’s family at the event, Michael, new girlfriend Carol (guest star Nancy Walls, "The Daily Show"), and the staff sample a range of Indian culture and cuisine. Meanwhile, Andy (Ed Helms) convinces Jim (John Krasinski) to turn a late night of work into a drinking game.

"Diwali" News Items:
Fan Site Conference Room

Season 3 - Episode 5 - Initiation

October 19, 2006 we all tuned in to watch Ryan's "Initiation" and to watch the birth of the phenomenon called Pretzel Day!

Writer: BJ Novak
Director: Randall Einhorn

New full-time employee Ryan (B.J. Novak) anxiously accompanies Dwight (Rainn Wilson) on his first sales call, but is taken aback by the odd series of challenges Dunder Miffin's top salesman puts him through along the way, including a sidetrip to the Schrute family beet farm. Back at the office, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) is forced by corporate to keep a log of his day's activities, and Pam (Jenna Fischer) tries to help him be productive. Meanwhile, Jim (John Krasinski) begins to settle into the Stamford branch.

Season 3 - Episode 4 - Grief Counseling

Oct 12, 2006 had us all go through some "Grief Counseling" with the crew at Dunder Mifflin.

Writer: Jennifer Celotta
Director: Roger Nygard

After learning that the former regional manager has tragically died, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) attempts to compel an appropriate show of grief from the Dunder Mifflin staff as he searches for the right way to honor a company man. Roy (David Denman) helps Pam (Jenna Fischer) duck out of the session. And in the Stamford office, Jim (John Krasinski) and Karen (guest star Rashida Jones, "Wanted") go on a hunt for snacks.

"Grief Counseling" News Items:
Fan Site Conference Room

Season 3 - Episode 3 - The Coup

"The Coup" is what greeted us on Oct 5, 2006!

Writer: Paul Lieberstein
Director: Greg Daniels

After Jan (Melora Hardin) busts Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) for declaring it's "movie Monday," where everyone watches a movie instead of working, an upset Angela (Angela Kinsey) pushes Dwight (Rainn Wilson) is into making a play for Michael's job. Meanwhile, Pam (Jenna Fischer) internet shops and has a fashion show at lunch and Jim (John Krasinski) plays video games and gets killed again and again in virtual reality.

"The Coup" News Items:
Fan Site Conference Room

Season 3 - Episode 2 - The Convention

Sept 28, 2006 brought us "The Convention" - and the birth of "Ain't no party like a Scranton party..."

Writer: Lee Eisenberg & Gene Stupinsky
Director: Ken Whittingham

After meeting Jan (Melora Hardin) in Philadelphia for the annual Northeastern Mid-Market Office Supply Convention, Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) enlists Dwight's (Rainn Wilson) help in organizing a party in his room for fellow conventioneers. Meanwhile, Ryan (B.J. Novak) and Kelly (Mindy Kaling) join friends out on a double date.

"The Convention" News Items:
Fan Site Conference Room

Season 3 - Episode 1 - Gay Witch Hunt

September 21, 2006 greeted us with the premiere of Season 3 entitled "Gay Witch Hunt".

Writer: Greg Daniels
Director: Ken Kwapis

When Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) unintentionally outs a gay employee, he stumbles through a sensitivity mine-field. Also, we find out what happened with Jim and Pam.

Season 2 - Episode 21 - Casino Night

I love this episode from May 11, 2006. I'm really sorry if that's weird for you to hear, but I needed you to hear it. Probably not good timing, I know that. I just... I just needed you to know. Once.


Writer: Steve Carell
Director: Ken Kwapis

The Dunder Mifflin warehouse is converted into a full-blown gambling hall for the Scranton Business Park's casino night. But things get dicey for Michael when he ends up with two dates for the event, or, in his words, “two queens.” Meanwhile, Pam searches for a band for her wedding, and even considers hiring Kevin's Police tribute band, Scrantonicity. Steve Carell wrote the script. - TV Guide

"Casino Night" News Items:
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Season 2 - Episode 20 - Conflict Resolution

May 4, 2006 gave us a laundry list of pranks that Jim has played on Dwight - Jim felt bad by the end... but then, not so much! Also, who complained about Pam's wedding planning? Jim!?!? Not a win win... win situation.

Writer: Greg Daniels
Director: Charles McDougall

Michael's highfalutin attempts to resolve conflicts in the office only serve to stir up petty differences and forgotten arguments among his employees, causing bedlam and tumult at Dunder Mifflin. Also, the workers get their ID photos taken; and (some) staffers receive Pam's save-the-date notices for her wedding. - TV Guide

Season 2 - Episode 19 - Drug Testing

Dwight found a joint in the parking lot on April 27, 2006. WHO could it be? Jim won't tell, because he's been Jinxed by Pam. Hi... Hey.

Writer: Jennifer Celotta
Director: Greg Daniels

When half a joint is found on company property, Dwight dons his Lackawanna County volunteer deputy sheriff's uniform (complete with badge) and launches an investigation. He brings in a professional drug tester---a turn of events that makes Michael nervous. Meanwhile, Jim and Pam play a game in which Jim is forbidden to speak. - TV Guide

Season 2 - Episode 18 - Michael's Birthday

Michael's birthday was celebrated on March 30, 2006 and who better to throw a party for Michael than, well, himself. Also, Kevin is worried he has cancer and even Angela feels bad for him! Live Strong! Fun fact of the episode? Michael's favorite song is "For The Longest Time" by Billy Joel.

Writers: Lee Eisenberg & Gene Stupinsky
Director: Ken Whittingham

It's Michael's birthday (which he proudly shares with actress Eva Longoria), but nobody in the office seems to care---except for Dwight. Meanwhile, Kevin waits to hear from his doctor about whether or not he has cancer. This upsets the staffers, but none more so than Michael, who sees the medical crisis taking attention away from his special day. - TV Guide

"Michael's Birthday" News Items:
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Season 2 - Episode 17 - Dwight's Speech

On March 2, 2006 Dwight was honored as the top salesman in NE Pennsylvania. Just remember everyone - WE ARE WARRIORS!

Writer: Paul Lieberstein
Director: Charles McDougall

Dwight wins an award for top salesman of the year, but has to conquer his fear of public speaking when he must give a speech at a big Northeast Sales Association convention. And he turns to the worst possible person for help---Michael. Meanwhile, Pam makes plans for her wedding at the office, prompting a downcast Jim to plan a vacation; and the staffers battle over the thermostat for control of the office temperature. - TV Guide

Season 2 - Episode 16 - Valentine's Day

The Office did Halloween and Christmas - it only makes sense that Valentine's Day shows up too on February 9, 2006. We also saw the birth of the Dwight Bobblehead! Who has one? I do!

Writer: Michael Schur
Director: Greg Daniels

Michael takes a bite out of the Big Apple when he heads to corporate headquarters in New York City for a meeting with Jan (Melora Hardin) on Valentine's Day. But he may be biting off more than he can chew, for he and Jan are in for a big surprise. Back at the office, Pam hopes for a holiday gift---something, anything---from her fiancé. Conan O'Brien has a blink-or-you'll-miss-it cameo. - TV Guide

"Valentine's Day" News Items:
Interview with Craig Anton (Craiggers)

Season 2 - Episode 15 - Boys and Girls

Michael can't sit there and let the women have their own meeting - so it's off to the warehouse on February 2, 2006 to do his best Hasselhoff impression and share some ideas and pizza with the guys.


Writer: BJ Novak
Director: Dennie Gordon

Jan (Melora Hardin) assembles the female staffers and presents them with a “women in the workplace” seminar. Not to be outdone, Michael hustles the Dunder Mifflin boys to the warehouse for some male bonding. - TV Guide

Season 2 - Episode 14 - The Carpet

On January 26, 2006 Todd Packer left a 'present' for Michael on the carpet of his office and no Creed, it's not soup. Almost as bad? Jim has to sit next to Kelly for the day.

Writer: Paul Lieberstein
Director: Victor Nelli Jr.

Michael questions the loyalty of his staffers when someone defiles his carpet, so he then tries to bond with them by relocating to Jim's desk in the main office area. This forces Jim to move next to the blabbering Kelly---and farther away from Pam. - TV Guide

Season 2 - Episode 13 - The Secret

The best place to take Michael to keep his mouth shut from spilling secrets? Hooters! That's where Jim took him on January 19, 2006.

Writer: Lee Eisenberg & Gene Stupinsky
Director: Dennie Gordon

Worried that Michael knows that he secretly pines for Pam, Jim begrudgingly hangs out with his ego-inflated boss in an effort to keep him from spilling the beans. One of their manly outings: a trip to Hooters. - TV Guide

"The Secret" News Items:
Fan Site Conference Room

Season 2 - Episode 12 - The Injury

Michael burned his foot on a George Foreman grill on January 12, 2006. Hey, don't we all love the smell of bacon in the morning? Also, we learned that Dwight does not work in this van.


Writer: Mindy Kaling
Director: Bryan Gordon

Michael tries to get extra sympathy from his staff after he burns his foot on a portable cooking grill. Dwight emerges as the primary caregiver---to Michael's chagrin. - TV Guide

"The Injury" News Items:
Interview with Marcus A. York (Billy Merchant)

Season 2 - Episode 11 - Booze Cruise

On January 5, 2006 we all boarded Captain Jack's ship and headed off for some fun in the sun, umm, I mean night. We also experienced one of the most memorable 20+ seconds of silence in JAM history.


Writer: Greg Daniels
Director: Ken Kwapis

Michael tries to motivate his office crew by taking them on a harbor cruise. But there isn't any love on this boat, as Michael makes waves and is ultimately thrown in the brig. Elsewhere, Jim's spirits sink when Pam finally sets her wedding date. - TV Guide

"Booze Cruise" News Items:
Fan Site Conference Room