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The Office Season 3 Episode 24

The Job

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Episode Summary

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AIRED: 5/17/07

A job opening at Dunder Mifflin's corporate offices has Michael, Jim, and Karen in New York City competing against one another, leaving Dwight in charge of the Scranton branch. Jim fights with his feelings for Pam and leaving Scranton. Everyone else fights for the corporate job in New York City.

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Fan Episode Reviews (32)

Season 3 Finale

9.5

By Lostindharma, Dec 04, 2012

There is lots to talk about in this episode so I apologize in advance for anything that I forgot. It's interview time for some people to interview for the same position Michael was offered and one surprise candidate. More on that later. The start of the episode was pretty funny how Michael messed up the interview time. He was "Michael being Michael with how he tries to salvage it. Jim's new hair cut is different yet funny. It's because of Karen. It's something that Karen convinces Jim to do. It is this episode you really get to see the real Karen. This is something that you see in little bits in earlier episodes and some deleted scenes. Before Michael leaves for Corporate again, Jan comes back. Yet another funny scene happens before and after Jan leaves. His expression when he comes back to his office and sees Jan's work is something to remember. His talk with Jan about getting back together was very funny. All the interviews were interesting. Michael's was the best. You later find out that the position everyone is interviewing is Jan's. Her reaction was priceless and something you expect especially after her car ride with Michael. That car ride was also funny. It was yet another funny Michael reaction. Like when Michael accidentally first came to corporate for his interview, it was funny how he tried to salvage the situation when he finds out that he was not a candidate.

Meanwhile back at the office Pam is being vocal especially she walked on the coals. Some of the staff take some shoots at her but it was all in fun. I really liked how she went to Karen and didn't apologize for what she said. Even better than that was how she messed with Dwight. Before Michael left, Dwight was in charge. I really liked the references to past seasons with assistant to the regional Manager with Andy and Pam in secret. Dwight's interview with Andy was very entertaining. I also enjoyed Angela's smile when Dwight told her that once Michael got the job. Yet another funny part was how Kevin was ranking attractiveness between Pam and Karen after Jim told Kevin to do so. I think Jim was 90% making fun 10% when he asked Kevin to do this.

Before the car ride that Jim and Karen took together and up until Jim's interview, you see to see how Karen is controlling Jim. This was done in such a great way that didn't make you feel uncomfortable. You really get to see the kind of person Karen is when she immediately leaves after Jim tells her she can.

As funny as Michael's interview with David Wallace, Jim's while was maybe more memorable. When you see that yogurt cup with Pam's message was very sweet and something you appreciate more when you see the episodes prior to this. The producers did a great job with Pam talking to the camera and Jim in David's office and then him driving away. When Jim comes back and accidentally interrupts Pam's camera time to ask her out you see the pure joy in her face when he asks her out. I really liked this and if you emotional you may shed a tear or two. Not only that but you find out at the end that the new boss is Ryan. What I liked about this is that never saw this coming with only a hint or two here or there.

This was a excellent episode to an amazing season. And Ryan's time in corporate is well you just have to wait for it. More on that later.moreless
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What Jim Wants.

10

By sh811a, Jun 24, 2011

A lot of people felt by second season both of them should of got together but I'm glad they didn't by that time, I never like it whenever two characters we know are right for each other get togther too soon, that just destroys the chemestry. I like being kept in suspense for a certain period of time, it just makes the romatic interplay all the more intersting and the tension where were thinking it's coming it's coming or cmon cmon get together already. That's why the romance story with those two characters work and what constitutes a good romance in general, like in "Pritty Guardian/Soilder Sailor Moon" it not the destination matters so much it's the journey. Michael as usual the holy fool he is choses he's love for Jan over the new job, which doesn't make much of a difference because he wasn't going to get it anyway. Part of the reason was the fact that he prematurely told Jan the head honcho was going to fire her for psychological reason; though I can't understand why prematurely giving out that news should bother the head honcho it doesn't make a differnce either way she's going to know. Though I felt a little bad for Michael because he really worked hard (or at least seemed to) for that possition and didn't get it and might never, I can't help but get the feeling he might have been holding back some emotion. And from that look he gives the camera as he drives the car with Jan in an ongoing overly emotional display you get the feeling he might regret his desision latter.

Jim of course we know is right for the job, but just like Mike he's a holy fool as well. I'll admit I stand by his decision, because I get the feeling even if he got the job he never would be happy without Pam in his life. The distance between the two is obviously killing them, we can see that from Pam in the interview segments who has a bit of emotion as she admits a truth about the two that both of them have feelings for one another but their both victims of bad timing, indeed she's right. There really are more things in life that are more important than money and business, and that one thing of course is love. So both Pam and Jim do get together in the end and go on that long awaited date.

I felt the funnest bits were mainly when Dwight was the boss for a day of course. It was great how he was trying to create both Synergy with those Shrute Bucks reward system he created. While also trying to exersise total supremicy over everyone. The funnest moment had to of been during the meeting, which was a very bizare one about how paper is made, and of course he has an argument with one of the characters about the value of Shrute Bucks and Nickels, which I thought was hillarous since both are imaginary money. Or even Dwight daft idea of painting his whole office black as a psychological ploy to shake may'be destroy every employee's confidance that enters the room, comic gold. However this episode though in the end makes us wonder what will happen next. What will happen to the Karen character now that Jim has chosen Pam, personally I like the Karen character even more than Pam, I don't know may'be because she's more my type she has that spicy persona and she's hot, is she going to be out of the picture? But just as the friendship between Jim and Pam has changed, so has the relationship with everyone in the office, even though Mike says he's back for good we know after everything that has happened in one day things are not the same, is Mike really going to be happy and what about Dwight with the knowledge that his opportunity for being the boss is gone? But probably the biggest question is what's going to happen with Pam and Jim now that their in a relationship, will it go a good direction or a bad one? Well like a lot of things in life that's really up to the people who have to live and follow though with the certain choices they make.moreless
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Season 3 Finale

10

By Canogaparkcindy, Oct 06, 2010

A beautiful wrap up to season three, it was hilarious, eventful, emotional, and managed to wrap up every on going plot that this entire series ever had. Honestly it would have been the best way to end things, sure there are some fans that want this show to go on forever. But quantity isn't important to me, quality is, and this was a perfect season in a near perfect series. Everything was resolved in the end, and this would have been the perfect end to the series.

I mean, Jim & Pam got together, Ryan ends up getting the corporate position which was a very surprising ending, Michael stays with Jan, everything was resolved and it was beautifully executed. The only thing I didn't get was why Jim left Karen, sure he had feelings for Pam, but Karen didn't do anything to deserve getting dumped for Pam, you just can't help but feel bad for her. Everything else made sense and was just amazing in all aspects. I'm surprised this isn't the best episode of the series to be honest. An amazing end to an amazing season, a beautiful finale which I'm sure got all the fans cheering for joy.moreless
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Very good season finale! Maybe even my favorite episode ever.

10

By smithevilwitch, Apr 25, 2010

I'm not a big fan of season finales; they usually suck, but the Office's don't like most shows. It was hilarious!

Also I only understood the title's second meaning (Jan's surgery) after watching it about five times, I don't know why. Just being and idiot. I loved the "Hotel Hell" conversation between Dwight and Jim. Creed thoughts I've gotta check out to see if that's a real web site. I loved when Dwight was talking about hiring Jack Baurer and fictional was the second adjective he used. When he was asking Andy to walk him though an apendictomy, I was just cracking up. I love how when Jan is leaving she just keeps dropping everything, and in the commentary Melora says that, that wasn't written in it just happened.

The surprise factor that the ex-temp becomes the new boss, that was a good idea; I never would have expected it.

And Jim and Pam are back! Jan getting fired! Tons of big changes happened. Tons of character advancement, it's nice too see it. Jan's breakdown, Ryan's hired to cooperate, not to mention Jim and Pam are back and there's no one left to get in the way.moreless
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Michael, Jim and Karen compete for a job, with shocking results, meanwhile Dwight becomes the head of the Scranton branch.

9.7

By SuperHiro77, Sep 27, 2007

This season finale had everything it needed, the season ended nicely with an interesting twist at the end. Michael now has to face the fact that he didn't get the job and deal with his idiotic decision of selling his condo on ebay. Michael got back together with Jan, she's still crazy but she did get plastic surgery for Michael. We find out that the job that Michael,Jim and Karen are attempting to get is actually Jan's. This caused an emtional breakdown for Jan and she decided to quit. Then in a suprise ending Ryan gets the job! This made a hilarious ending to the third season. I was very impressed, I think of all this season finales of 2006 this one was one of the best. I give it a 9.7.moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

EDIT

Angela Kinsey	Angela Martin
Ed Helms	Andy Bernard
Jenna Fischer	Pam Beesly
John Krasinski	Jim Halpert
Kate Flannery	Meredith Palmer
Leslie David Baker	Stanley Hudson

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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Nicholas D'Agosto	Hunter	Guest Star
Vivianne Collins	Grace	Guest Star
Creed Bratton	Creed Bratton	Recurring Role
Rashida Jones	Karen Filippelli	Recurring Role
Andy Buckley	David Wallace	Recurring Role

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (4)
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- Michael's potential roommate in Queens is named Vijay Chokalingam. That's the name of star Mindy Kaling's older brother.
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- Pam says that she and Roy only ever joked around once, but actually they've done it several times in the first and second season.
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- Creed's Blog, as it appears in the episode:
  
  www.creedthoughts.gov.www/creedthoughts
  
  Creed Thoughts!
  
  Hey-o, everyone out there in SyberWorld. It,s old Creed Bratton coming at your again, here from my perch as Quality Assurance Manager at Dunder Mifflin paper. Just a few observations on the world around me.
  
  What do you guys think is the best kind of car? To me, you can,t beat motorcycles. They,re small and dangerous.
  
  I got into a car
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- This is the second episode to feature a flashback to the conclusion to the cliffhanger, Jim/Pam ending of a previous episode. Episode 3.1., "Gay Witch Hunt," included a flashback to the events of 2.22, "Casino Night," showing us what happened moments after that episode ended. This episode flashes back to the Jim/Pam beach scene that followed her fireside speech.
  
  The flashbacks are similar as they both deal with the aftermath of one of the characters confessing something personal to the other.
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QUOTES (21)
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- Andy: I am a great interviewee. Why? Because I have something no one else has...my brain. Which I use to my advantage when advantageous.
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- Dwight: Welcome to the Hotel Hell. Check in time now. Check out time is never.
  Jim: Does my room have cable?
  Dwight: No, and the sheets are made of fire!
  Jim: Can I change rooms?
  Dwight: No, we're all booked up. Hell convention in town!
  Jim: Can I have a late check out?
  Dwight: I'll have to talk to the manager.
  Jim: You're not the manager...even in your own fantasy?
  Dwight: I'm the owner....the co-owner. With Satan!
  Jim: Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
  Dwight: But I haven't told you my salary.
  Jim: Go.
  Dwight: Eighty thousand dollars a year!
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- Pam: (In confessional) No, it's fine! I'm sure it must have been weird for Jim when Roy and I were joking around...that one time.
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- (Confessional)
  Pam: No, I don't know what the future holds but I'm optimistic and I had fun goofing around with Dwight today. Jim and I are just too similar. Maybe one day I'll find my own Karen.. but you--that is a umm.. you know not -- A man. A man version. But until then I can hold my head up. I'm not gay.
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- David: (on the phone) So, I know we left the other day on a note of uncertainty, but after some more thought I'm very pleased to be able to offer you this job. ... (laughs) Great. I'm so glad. ... We're all very glad you're going to be joining us. It'll be nice to have another MBA around here.
  Ryan: (on the other end of the phone) I'm excited too. ... Okay. Bye. (hangs up the phone)
  Kelly: Who was that?
  Ryan: Nobody. You and I are done.
  Kelly: What?!
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- Pam: (in confessional) I haven't heard anything. But I bet Jim got the job. I mean, why wouldn't he? He's totally qualified and smart. Everyone loves him. And if he never comes back again, that's okay. We're friends. And I'm sure we'll stay friends. We just, we never got the timing right. You know? I shot him down. And then he did the same to me. But, you know what, it's okay. I'm totally fine. Everything is going to be totally...
  Jim: (enters the room) Pam! (to the cameramen) Sorry. (to Pam) Um, are you free for dinner tonight?
  Pam: Yes.
  Jim: Alright. Then it's a date. (he leaves)
  Pam: (smiles and gets teary eyed) I'm sorry. What was the question?
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- David: We want this person who takes the position to be here for the long haul. So, long haul. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
  Jim: (thinks back to what he said to Pam after her confession during Beach Day) How are your feet?
  Pam: Medium rare. Thanks.
  Jim: The real reason that I went to Stamford is because I wanted to be...not here.
  Pam: I know.
  Jim: And even though I came back...I just feel like...I've never really come back.
  Pam: (nods) Well, I wish you would.
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- Michael: How are you guys doing? Do you need anything?
  Karen: Uh, no. We're good. Thanks.
  Michael: I have been here a bunch of times so I know where everything is, know everybody's names. If you need to know somebody's name, just ask me.
  Jim: (points to someone) Who's that?
  Michael: (turns to look at him) That is Beardy.
  Jim: Beardy?
  Michael: Mm-hmm.
  Jim: Alright, I'm going to introduce myself. (starts to get up)
  Michael: No, no. That's not his real name. That's just what I call him.
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- Jim: So I was wondering if Karen and I could get off a couple hours early cause we want to spend the night in the city
  Michael: Why so you can do it? Ha
  Jim: Whoops
  Michael: No, uh, well I was thinking, that, uh, actually, we could all leave tomorrow. Do a convoy, you know
  Jim: Ahh
  Michael: Convoys are really fun. Pull up next to each other, give each other the finger...
  Jim and Karen: Hmm
  Michael: ...moon each other
  Jim: Uh, we're going to go tonight but we're going see you there tomorrow morning
  Michael: Alright. Your loss
  Karen: Wait. How would you moon us if you were driving
  Michael: Cruise control
  Karen: Oh
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- Deleted Scene
  Phyllis: Michael, what happened?
  Michael: Jan got fired. And I realized that I could not work for a company that would fire my girlfriend. But more than that, I realized that I couldn't take a job that would take me away from this place. This is where I belong. This is my home, and home is where the hardest.
  Oscar: Home is where the heart is.
  Michael: Heart is. That makes a lot more sense. You think they'd help each other out like that at Corporate? I think not!
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- Michael: Well, I guess you could come and stay at my condo. I think I could back out of the sale. I'd probably get some negative feedback on my eBay profile.
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- (Confessional)
  Pam: I'm happy for him, I hope he gets the job. I really just want him to be happy and I know that sounds cliche and I know saying it sounds cliche sounds cliche. Maybe I'm being cliche, I don't care cause I am what I am -- that's Popeye.
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- David: Oh, hey, do you have your quarterly numbers?
  Jim: Yes! Absolutely!
  David: And that questionnaire?
  Jim: Yes!
  David: Sorry to make you fill that out.
  Jim: Oh no, absolutely!
  David: It's a stupid HR formality. We have this very irritating HR guy here. He's probably the only person you're not gonna like. Kendall! Ugh!
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- Dwight: Don't you want to earn Schrute Bucks?
  Stanley: No. In fact, I'll give you a billion Stanley Nickels if you never talk to me again.
  Dwight: What's the ratio of Stanley Nickels to Schrute Bucks?
  Stanley: The same as the ratio of unicorns to leprechauns.
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- Creed: (on Jan's breast implants) I find it offensive. Au naturel, baby, that's the way I like 'em. Swing low, sweet chariots.
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- Ryan: Last year Creed asked me how to set up a blog. Wanting to protect the world from being exposed to Creed's brain I opened up a Word document on his computer and put an address at the top. I've read some of it. Even for the Internet, it's pretty shocking.
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- (Dwight interviews Andy for the #2 spot)
  Dwight: I am going to begin this process with a simple test of intelligence and mental dexterity. What is the best color?
  Andy: White, because it contains all other colors.
  Dwight: Wrong. Black: it is the most dominant. How do you make a table?
  Andy: You make a chair, but you don't sit on it.
  Dwight: What is the capital of Maine?
  Andy: The capital of Maine is Montpelier, Vermont, which is near Ithaca, New York, where I went to Cornell.
  Dwight: Okay. Also, moratorium on Cornell-talk. Don't want to hear about it. Forget your personal history and learn the history of this company.
  Andy: That should not be a problem. I minored in history at the Ivy-League school which I attended.
  Dwight: You are not off to a very good start, Bernard.
  Andy: I agree.
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- Dwight: How would you like to spend the night with the regional manager of Dunder Mifflin - Scranton?
  Angela: No, Dwight! I don't care if that's how they consolidated power in ancient Rome.
  Dwight: No, no! Not- not Michael. Me! I'm taking his job.
  Angela: ...Goodbye, Kelly Kapoor.
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- Pam: Hey.
  Karen: Hey.
  Pam: Um, about the beach-
  Karen: It's okay. We all say things without thinking.
  Pam: Oh, no. It's not that. I've actually been thinking that for a long time, and I'm glad I said it. I just- I'm sorry if it made you feel weird.
  Karen: Oh... okay.
  (Confessional)
  Karen: Pam is... kind of a bitch.
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- Dwight: You wanted to see me?
  Michael: Yes, the time has come to name my own replacement. So please hand this letter to Dwight K. Schrute.
  Dwight: But that's my name.(Opens envelope)"Dwight, congratulations, a-wipe. Don't screw the pooch."(Dwight starts sobbing uncontrollably)Thank you, Michael. Thank you.
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- (Confessional)
  Jim: Karen suggested that I get a haircut... for the interview tomorrow... so that I could look presentable and not as she so lovingly puts it, "homeless."
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NOTES (6)
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- The French episode title is "Le départ", meaning "The Departure". The Spanish title is "El Trabajo", an exact translation.
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- Music: "Kind & Generous" by Natalie Merchant
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- Paul Lieberstein and Michael Schur won a WGA Award in the Episodic Comedy category for their work on this episode.
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- David Rogers and Dean Holland won an Emmy in the Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series category for their work on this episode.
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- John Krasinski's haircut was finally worked into the storyline. The actor had to have his hair cut shorter to film Leatherheads, and was wearing a hairpiece for the last part of the season. In this episode, it is revealed that Karen made him cut his hair for the interview.
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- Creed's blog has been created on NBC.com, and is updated occassionally, available at http://blog.nbc.com/CreedThoughts/
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ALLUSIONS (3)
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- Michael borrows the catchphrase, "Good night... and good luck," from journalist Edward R. Murrow.
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- Dwight states his, "ideal choice: Jack Bauer. But he is unavailable, fictional, and overqualified," referring to the main character from 24.
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- Dwight's utterance regarding the black-painted office, "Abandon all hope ye who enter here," is a reference to the supposed inscription at the entrance of hell from Dante's Divine Comedy.
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