Office Ladies Podcast Summary

Episode: Second Drink: A Benihana Christmas with Rashida Jones & Jen Salata
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Hosts: Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey
Guests: Rashida Jones & Jen Salata

Introduction

In the latest episode of Office Ladies, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey delve deep into the beloved The Office episode titled "Benihana Christmas." Joined by special guests Rashida Jones and writer Jen Salata, the trio offers an engaging breakdown of the episode, complemented by exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and thoughtful discussions about the show's themes and character dynamics.

Episode Summary

"Benihana Christmas" is a standout episode from Season 3 of The Office, written by Jen Salata and directed by the late Harold Ramis. The episode centers around the festive chaos that ensues when two holiday parties collide at Dunder Mifflin.

Plot Highlights:

• Michael Scott's Heartbreak: Michael faces heartbreak as his girlfriend Carol breaks up with him on the day of the office Christmas party. In an attempt to mend his spirits, Michael Photoshops himself into Carol's family Christmas card, leading to awkward confrontations.

• Dueling Parties: Andy suggests taking Michael to Benihana to cheer him up. Concurrently, Angela Martin ousts Karen from the party planning committee, prompting Pam and Karen to form their own committee. The result? Two competing holiday parties with distinct themes—Angela's Nutcracker Christmas and Pam & Karen's more relaxed celebration.

• Karaoke Chaos: The episode culminates in both parties merging, leading to a heartfelt and humorous karaoke session where characters reveal their vulnerabilities and camaraderie.

Fast Facts

1. Harold Ramis' Involvement ([08:40])

• Angela: "Harold Ramis was a comic legend and I was in awe."
• Jenna: Reflects on Ramis' versatility as a writer, actor, and director, sharing memories of working with him and highlighting his contributions to the episode's depth.

2. Guest Star Breakdown ([10:42])

• Brittany Ishibashi plays Cindy, the main waitress. Both Jenna and Brittany have appeared separately on shows like Runaways, Hawaii Five-O, and Grace and Frankie.
• Kat Coiro (Amy) and Culap Wagué (Nikki) portray additional waitresses. Angela shares her positive experience working with Culap on Hot Wives of Orlando.

3. Benihana Filming Insights ([12:06])

• The scenes were filmed at the real Benihana in Encino, California. Jenna confirms, "It was a real chef."
• Jen Salata: Explains the challenges of shooting at a busy restaurant, including hiring real waitstaff and background actors, and the extensive effort to recreate the bustling atmosphere of Benihana.

Guest Interviews

Rashida Jones ([18:00]–[129:57])

Background and Casting:

• Rashida Jones recounts her journey to joining The Office, highlighting her long auditions and eventual friendship with co-star Rainn Wilson.
• Quote ([20:08]): "I auditioned many, many times... I was really mad at him, as I think a lot of people were, because we were like, how could you do that to the UK Office. My favorite show."

Character Dynamics:

• Discusses the evolving relationship between her character and others, particularly the alliance with Phyllis and the rivalry with Angela.
• Quote ([25:39]): "We joined forces... teach you a lesson and help you stop being so controlling."

Behind-the-Scenes Experiences:

• Shares anecdotes about filming, including interactions with cast members and the heartfelt moments that enriched her role on the show.
• Highlights the emotional weight of certain scenes and the impact of the show's themes on both actors and audiences.

Reflections on the Episode:

• Offers insights into the episode's portrayal of workplace relationships and its relevance in today's societal context.
• Quote ([27:02]): "I think it's good to have things that read really badly now and didn't read badly at the time because it is a mark of our progress."

Jen Salata ([70:00]–[129:57])

Inspiration and Writing Process:

• Jen Salata elaborates on the inspiration behind "Benihana Christmas," blending personal experiences of heartbreak with Michael Scott's character arc.
• Quote ([75:51]): "I put in a little bit of a 14-year-old boy and then a little bit of me... listening to James Blunt, 'Goodbye, My Lover'."

Creative Challenges:

• Discusses the logistical challenges of filming, such as perfecting the onion volcano and selecting the right karaoke songs.
• Quote ([82:02]): "The steam from the onion was added in post because we never... the volcano never erupted on the day."

Cultural and Ethical Considerations:

• Reflects on the portrayal of characters and the fine line between humor and offense, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in storytelling.
• Quote ([85:57]): "We have to understand, you know, even if our intention was to do something to show how ridiculous this behavior is... how does that portrayal come across?"

Memorable Moments:

• Shares stories about securing the use of John Mayer's "Your Body is a Wonderland" and the humorous yet touching backstory behind it.
• Quote ([116:09]): "He was like, I don't think so... So I actually went for it... I wanted a Dundee."

Behind-the-Scenes Insights

• Onion Volcano Fiasco ([82:02]–[84:14]):
  Filming the iconic onion volcano was a significant challenge. Despite hours of effort, the actual attempt failed, leading to the addition of steam effects in post-production to salvage the scene. Jen shares, "The steam from the onion was added in post because we never... the volcano never erupted on the day."

• Karaoke Song Selection ([88:09]–[89:56]):
  The selection of karaoke songs was a meticulous process, aiming to reflect each character's personality. Notably, they secured John Mayer's permission for "Your Body is a Wonderland" through a friendly gesture involving a Dundee trophy.

  • John Mayer's Approval: Initially hesitant, Mayer authorized the use of his song after receiving a Dundee, adding authenticity and humor to the episode.

• Continuity Errors and Props ([43:11]–[44:42]):
  The hosts discuss minor continuity errors, such as the waitresses' makeup changes and Creed's sudden appearance, attributing them to late script additions and on-set adjustments.

Notable Quotes

• Harold Ramis on Air ([09:18]):
  "He was just a teddy bear of a human. He just made you feel so comfortable and he was so fun to talk to."

• Rashida Jones on Character Relationships ([25:39]):
  "We did what we needed to do, which was just like, teach you a lesson and help you to stop being so controlling."

• Jen Salata on Writing Michael's Breakup ([75:51]):
  "I put in a little bit of a 14-year-old boy and then a little bit of me... listening to James Blunt, 'Goodbye, My Lover'."

• John Mayer's Stipulation for Song Use ([116:34]):
  "I want a Dundee."

• Angela Kinsey on Singing Fear ([124:22]):
  "But you will [sing]."

Fan Questions Addressed

1. Boat Stories ([02:38]–[19:38]):
   Fans inquired about the hosts' boat experiences during a Belize ocean preservation trip. Angela and Jenna clarify their never having been on a boat together, though Rashida shares her frequent boat outings during the trip.

2. Benihana Location Accuracy ([12:06]–[13:18]):
   Listeners asked if the restaurant scenes were filmed at a real Benihana. Jenna confirms it was filmed at the Encino location, detailing the day's shutdown and extensive shooting process.

3. Creed's Appearance and Makeup ([43:47]–[44:57]):
   Fans noticed Creed's inconsistent appearance between scenes. Jen explains it was a continuity error due to late script additions.

4. Jim and Karen's Gift ([86:32]–[88:06]):
   Questions about the significance of their exchange of Bridget Jones' Diary were addressed, highlighting it as a light-hearted, mutual joke rather than a deeply meaningful exchange.

5. Karaoke Song Choices ([88:09]–[89:56]):
   Inquiry about how songs were selected for each character's performance. Jen discusses the intentional alignment of songs with character personalities and storylines.

6. Michael's Photoshop Skills ([48:45]–[49:18]):
   Listeners wondered if Steve Shehbaz created the photoshopped image of Michael. Both hosts confirm that Phil Shea crafted the goose prop used in the cold open.

Conclusion

Second Drink: A Benihana Christmas offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of one of The Office's most cherished episodes. Through insightful discussions, personal anecdotes, and engaging interviews, Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey, Rashida Jones, and Jen Salata provide listeners with a richer understanding of the episode's creation, its impact, and its enduring legacy. As they wrap up, the hosts tease an intriguing cliffhanger involving Michael Scott's mysterious invitation to Tasmania, promising even more engaging content in the episodes to come.

Notable Quote to Wrap Up ([131:24]):
"We'll see you next week."

Stay Tuned: Don’t miss the next episode where Jenna and Angela dissect the aftermath of Michael’s tantalizing invitation and its ripple effects across the Scranton branch.

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