Even though I think it is wise that they kept Jim and Pam separated by working at different branches to increase that "will they or won't they" energy of the underlying story, I am glad they didn't wait a long time in getting Jim and Dwight into the same room because nothing tops the pranks that Jim can and will pull on Dwight. It does give the series the bulk of its laughs, so it was good that they immediately had them all reconnect in this episode.

This was also the start of Toby's crush on Pam and his inability to suddenly not know how to talk to her was very funny and would become a running gag. Awesome episode.

Leave it to Michael Scott to turn Ed Truck's death into a funeral for a bird that kills itself by flying head first into the glass door of Dunder Mifflin.  The gang does it's best to avoid talking about Ed, because they just don't know the dude. But what this is really about is that Michael is looking for validation that what he does as manager is important and life changing that those who work under him should feel the same. There is something very uncomfortable about someone trying to force other people to grieve just so that Michael can somehow be the center of attention.

The Grief Counseling scene in particular was very funny when everyone was telling their own "stories" by swiping scenes from movies just to placate Michael and his group therapy session.

Also, Jim and Karen finally get to bond somewhat as they hunt down a bag of chips that their office vending machine is all out of. I would go to the end of the earth to get her a bag chips.....or just give myself to her in its place.

This episode highlights just how clueless Michael can and is regarding his own delusional status with other people. After just 9 dates, he decides to propose to Carol at Kelly's Diwali party. Why? Is he that hard up for affection as well as the need to be the center of the party that he would go there? I don't know anyone in real life that would ever do that. Correction, I don't know any sober person that would do that. And then to top it off, he thinks that brining up the fact that he has the Kama Sutra is going to sway her her decision. Clueless.....but oh so funny. Some funny moments, but this one has never been perfect in my eyes because nothing really happens with the Jim, Karen and Andy arc other than Jim and Andy get drunk.

The Merger is an awesome episode due to it being extremely uncomfortable to watch as Michael does his best, i.e. worst to make the new employees like him. I can't for the life of me figure out how he is able to maintain his position as manager when he does everything wrong in so many ways. Thank God the writers are able to capture his ineptitude down to a T. Steve Carell really is an amazing actor and nails it every time. (That's what she said)



Probably the best scene other than Dwight and Andy battling it out for the #2 spot is when Pam sees Karen touching Jim's back in a very casual manner. It's not much, but it says a lot in what is happening and the look on her face said it all. Like I said, awesome episode.

I love these oversize episodes. Instead of the standard 20 minute episodes, this is when NBC starting giving us 10 minutes more per episode for a long run. I miss those days.

The original UK Office had the epic Christmas party episode that really can't be beat, no matter how hard you try. So, how does this one stack up against the classic? Pretty good actually. There are a ton of great moments from Carole dumping Michael, the sushi bar and the battle of the Party Planning Committees. This one also saw the return of Oscar at the end....for about 3 seconds before he bailed. Perfect Epilogue to the episode that had Dwight destroying his cell phone because the "FBI" had warned him that he has been compromised.....courtesy of Jim and Pam. Haha. This was an hour long episode, but they managed to make every second count. Personally I think they should have went for a 2 hour episode, but that's just me. So, an hour long episode means more screencaps! Wheeeeeeeee!!!

This is one of the best episodes for Season 3 and it's a very memorable one at that. It's the one where Michael sends out 4 teams of 2 out on sales calls, which gives Andy plenty of time to try and undermine Dwight by pointing out his flaws to Michael. Apparently it works because by the end of the day, Dwight has resigned and ends up working for Staples. This episode is also notable for 2 other reasons. A) This is the one where Jim pranks Andy using his Cell Phone as the instigator, which causes Andy to snap emotionally and punch a wall and B) Jim admits to Karen that he still has feelings for Pam.

Also, Oscar returns back to the Office full time. Just a heads up for those not good with remembering things, The Office would revisit Andy punching a wall in Season 8 with the episode Angry Andy

It's Phyllis's Wedding day and that can mean only one thing: It's all about Michael and the lengths he will go to be the center of attention. Awesome episode and thank God he did everything he could think of to make it about himself because it produced some laugh out moments that still tickle the funny bone, even on the 30th viewing. From Michael "walking" Phyllis down the aisle to "standing" with the Bride at the alter to the wedding toast, it gave us an instant classic in the series. How desperate is he for attention? He is so desperate that he literally creams his own face with cake at the end. Sad....but hella funny.

Also, Pam gets back with Roy, more out of feeling lonely at the sight of seeing Jim and Karen still together. Jim should have known that she was pinning for him with the way Pam was looking at him while he was dancing with Karen. Man, it must be hell to have 2 women wanting you, huh?