Second Drink: Dundies

Summary

Office Ladies Podcast Summary: Second Drink Episode – "Dundies"

Release Date: December 23, 2024
Hosts: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
Guest: Creed Bratton

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Introduction to the "Dundies" Breakdown

In the "Second Drink" episode of the Office Ladies podcast, co-hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey delve deep into the iconic "Dundies" episode from The Office. This episode serves as the season two premiere and marks a pivotal moment in the series, especially following Steve Carell's breakout success with The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Joined by Creed Bratton, the trio shares exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, anecdotes, and detailed analyses that enrich the viewing experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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1. The Impact of Steve Carell’s Success

Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey discuss how Steve Carell's rising fame significantly influenced the airing order of the episodes. Originally slated as the third episode of season two, "Dundies" was moved up to capitalize on Carell's popularity.

• Jenna Fischer [02:08]: “This was supposed to be our third episode of the season, but we switched it to being the first after the success of The 40-Year-Old Virgin. They thought this is the episode people who loved The 40-Year-Old Virgin might like to see.”

Angela Kinsey concurs, emphasizing the strategic decision by the network to boost viewership.

• Angela Kinsey [02:27]: “It changed everything.”

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2. Behind the Scenes: The 40-Year-Old Virgin Premiere

The hosts reminisce about attending the premiere of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, sharing humorous and memorable experiences.

• Creed Bratton [16:06]: “It was my first big movie premiere. I didn't know what you were supposed to wear or how you were supposed to dress.”

He recounts an amusing mishap involving his attire, showcasing the camaraderie and spontaneity among the cast.

• Creed Bratton [17:03]: “I was wearing this dress... had the ribbon tassels hanging down in the front. I had to pee so badly before walking the red carpet and ended up tucking my slip into my underwear, which was thankfully covered by the ribbon.”

Angela Kinsey adds to the laughter by detailing her recollections of dressing up for the event.

• Angela Kinsey [19:54]: “I don't know if I did the red carpet or not. I think I just went into the theater.”

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3. The Chili’s Manager Misconception

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the misconception that the Chilí's manager in "Dundies" was a real employee, leading to confusion among fans.

• Jenna Fischer [06:07]: “He is not a real Chili's manager. He is an actor. His name is Christopher T. Jones. And Christopher, please accept our sincerest apologies.”

The hosts explain how Christopher T. Jones was mistakenly believed to be an actual Chili’s manager, clarifying his role as an actor hired for the episode.

• Angela Kinsey [07:10]: “We had such a memory of having Chili's people on set to make sure we got the whole Chili's of it right.”

They further discuss the behind-the-scenes adjustments made when Chili’s expressed concerns about depicting drunkenness on screen, leading to changes in the script from Pam vomiting to her falling off a stool.

• Angela Kinsey [64:09]: “They were very nervous about the drinking and the drunkenness and the sort of way that that might reflect on Chili's.”

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4. Script Changes and Adaptations

Due to Chili’s reservations, the original script underwent significant changes. Initially, Pam was supposed to vomit, but this was replaced with her falling off a stool to maintain a family-friendly image.

• Angela Kinsey [64:21]: “They didn't have the scene where Pam vomited. And all of this happened.”

Creed Bratton elaborates on the creative solutions employed by the writers and cast to align with Chili's guidelines while preserving the episode's comedic and narrative integrity.

• Creed Bratton [64:45]: “Instead of vomiting, that Pam would fall off a stool.”

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5. Pam and Jim's First Kiss: Debate and Insights

A recurring fan question addressed in this episode concerns whether the kiss between Pam and Jim in "Dundies" constitutes their first kiss or if it was meant to be a build-up to their eventual moment in "Casino Night".

• Angela Kinsey [04:03]: “It was supposed to be not their first kiss.”

• Creed Bratton [05:13]: “I said that it was not.”

The hosts present differing viewpoints, with Angela leaning towards it being their first kiss, while Jenna supports the notion that it was accidental and not a definitive first kiss.

• Angela Kinsey [59:17]: “I considered it their first kiss.”

• Jenna Fischer summarizes the unintentional nature of the kiss, emphasizing the different perspectives.

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6. The Creation and Evolution of the Dundies

The origin of the Dundies awards is explored, highlighting Greg Daniels' inspiration from his time on King of the Hill and his intent to boost office morale.

• Creed Bratton [13:00]: “The Dundies were based on an awards presentation that Greg Daniels did for his real-life employees on King of the Hill.”

They discuss how the Dundies were intended as a morale booster, evolving into a beloved tradition within the show.

• Angela Kinsey [13:33]: “Yes. It was a morale booster.”

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7. Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Throughout the episode, several standout quotes from the podcast capture the essence of the hosts' camaraderie and their deep appreciation for the show.

• Creed Bratton [09:12]: “Fill in the blank.”

• Angela Kinsey [06:30]: “Oh, my goodness, Christopher.”

• Jenna Fischer [09:38]: “That was not in the script.”

One particularly heartwarming moment discussed is Pam’s affectionate acknowledgment of her Dundee:

• Angela Kinsey [57:47]: “Look what I have on my note card.”

This moment underscores the emotional depth and growth of the characters within the series.

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8. Technical and Production Insights

The hosts reveal behind-the-scenes technical aspects, such as the challenges of filming in an abandoned Chili’s location and dealing with environmental factors like extreme heat.

• Creed Bratton [38:52]: “It's time to go to Chili's. And if we look like we're sweating, it's because it was over 100 degrees when we shot this episode, and there was very little air conditioning inside this abandoned restaurant.”

They also touch upon the meticulous set design efforts to recreate a realistic Chili’s ambiance, highlighting the collaboration between the production team and Chili’s.

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9. Improvisation and Actor Contributions

Improvisation played a key role in several scenes, enhancing the authenticity and humor of the episode. Creed Bratton shares his experience with improvising his character's drunken behavior to meet the episode's demands.

• Creed Bratton [41:18]: “BJ and I decided to go out. I'll have some drinks, and BJ will ask me questions and help me observe what it feels like to slowly get drunk.”

This method approach ensured that Pam’s portrayal resonated with genuine emotion, balancing humor with character development.

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10. Fan Interactions and Questions

The podcast episode is rich with responses to fan-submitted questions, ranging from character motivations to specific scene analyses. For instance, Angela addresses a quirky fan observation linking watching the episode to experiencing a tornado, showcasing the hosts' playful engagement with their audience.

• Creed Bratton [72:36]: “She saw a whole page on the Internet of me picking my teeth.”

Angela Kinsey humorously suggests practical advice for Samantha to avoid repeating the peculiar coincidence.

• Angela Kinsey [73:05]: “Perhaps the next time you watch it, watch it in the storm cellar.”

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Conclusion: Celebrating "Dundies" and Looking Forward

In wrapping up the episode, Jenna and Angela express their heartfelt appreciation for "Dundies" and tease future discussions on upcoming episodes. They reflect on the enduring legacy of the Dundie Awards and their importance in the show's narrative arc.

• Jenna Fischer [73:37]: “Each week we will break down an episode of The Office and give exclusive behind the scenes stories that only two people who were there can tell you.”

The hosts sign off with enthusiasm, promising more engaging content and insider stories in future episodes.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Creed Bratton [16:06]: “It was my first big movie premiere. I didn't know what you were supposed to wear or how you were supposed to dress.”

• Jenna Fischer [02:08]: “This was supposed to be our third episode of the season, but we switched it to being the first after the success of The 40-Year-Old Virgin. They thought this is the episode people who loved The 40-Year-Old Virgin might like to see.”

• Angela Kinsey [57:47]: “Look what I have on my note card.”

• Jenna Fischer [09:38]: “That was not in the script.”

• Creed Bratton [41:18]: “BJ and I decided to go out. I'll have some drinks, and BJ will ask me questions and help me observe what it feels like to slowly get drunk.”

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Final Thoughts

The "Second Drink" episode of Office Ladies provides a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of "Dundies," blending humor, nostalgia, and insider knowledge. Jenna, Angela, and Creed bring to light the intricate details and creative decisions that shaped this memorable episode, offering listeners a richer understanding of The Office's enduring charm.

Whether you're revisiting "Dundies" for the first time or reliving cherished memories, this podcast episode promises an engaging and informative experience that celebrates the magic of office camaraderie and comedic brilliance.

Transcript

[Jenna Fischer]

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[Angela Kinsey]

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[Creed Bratton]

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[Creed Bratton]

That is an example of like one fitness thing I'll do in a week.

[Angela Kinsey]

And here's the thing, a lot of times you think, oh, do I have time to exercise? Well, they have 10, 20 or 45 minute time increments of classes.

[Jenna Fischer]

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[Angela Kinsey]

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[Jenna Fischer]

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[Creed Bratton]

Merry almost Christmas, everyone.

[Jenna Fischer]

We are actually on our holiday break right now, but we're keeping the second drinks going.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes, we are.

[Jenna Fischer]

And today we are taking a big second drink of the Dundees. The Dundees, you know, was a big episode for us. It kicked off season two of the Office and it was the first episode of the Office that aired after Steve Carell hit it big in the 40 year old virgin over the summer.

[Angela Kinsey]

It changed everything.

[Jenna Fischer]

Yes. In fact, this was supposed to be our third episode of the season, but we switched it to being the first after the success of the 40 year old virgin. They thought this is the episode people who loved 40 year old virgin might like to see.

[Angela Kinsey]

They were smart.

[Jenna Fischer]

They were. And in this breakdown, we told our stories of going to the 40 year old Virgin premiere so you can enjoy those again. But to kick things off for second drink, since I know everyone has been on pins and needles.

[Angela Kinsey]

It's a cat calendar update.

[Jenna Fischer]

Are you ready?

[Angela Kinsey]

I don't know. Am I?

[Jenna Fischer]

There is no cat calendar at reception. It's gone.

[Angela Kinsey]

Whoa.

[Jenna Fischer]

However, the all hands meeting poster is still there. We are all still meeting on Saturday.

[Angela Kinsey]

I like to think that Angela Martin took down that cat calendar.

[Jenna Fischer]

Did she think I wasn't worthy?

[Angela Kinsey]

You weren't worthy.

[Jenna Fischer]

Pam didn't love cats enough.

[Angela Kinsey]

She didn't have cats. She took it down was a gift from Angela Martin that Angela Martin, like, took back. Well, Jenna, in our breakdown of the Dundees, we also discuss the moment when Pam kisses Jim. We got a fan question asking if we thought it was their first kiss or if that was actually during Casino Night. We disagree. We have talked about this quite a bit. I have said it was their first kiss.

[Jenna Fischer]

I said that it was not.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, I have found something to share about that kiss.

[Jenna Fischer]

I know you've been real excited. I have to hit me with this.

[Angela Kinsey]

I have. You know, I don't know if it really clears anything up, but it just gives a little bit more insight.

[Jenna Fischer]

Well, what I think you mean is that it's more evidence to prove your opinion.

[Angela Kinsey]

No, no. You hear it and you tell me.

[Jenna Fischer]

Okay.

[Angela Kinsey]

I think maybe all it does his mom, Detective, this, which is like, well, we're back where we started.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, let's see.

[Angela Kinsey]

So I went back and I read the shooting draft. We did not share this the first time we watched. Here's what it said in the stage direction. Are you ready? Right after, Pam says, but mostly I want to thank God. She says, I feel God in this Chili's, don't you? And the stage direction says. Jim looks at Pam with admiration. Dwight turns on the wrap it up music. Pam grabs Michael and kisses him, leaving him speechless. Dwight hits the button on the Casio and we hear the oh yeah cue. Pam skips off the stage and back to her seat. As Jim pulls the seat out for the Dundee winner, Pam impulsively grabs him and kisses him before sitting down. Jim sits down too. She has blown past the little kiss, but he is still blushing and very aware of it. Oh my gosh.

[Creed Bratton]

That is not how I remember it.

[Angela Kinsey]

That is in the shooting draft. And now when you watch the episode, Pam kisses Michael on the cheek. Still Leaves him speechless. But it says Pam impulsively grabs Jim and kisses him. So I'm just saying.

[Jenna Fischer]

Okay, okay.

[Angela Kinsey]

I know we can still debate it, but I feel like that does support my argument.

[Jenna Fischer]

All right, well, I might stand corrected. Oh, you're starting to sway me, I have to say. Well, in this episode, I very confidently share that the person at the end of this episode who plays the Chili's manager that bans Pam from coming back to Chili's, I say that this person was a real Chili's manager. This is what we were always told.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah, that's what everyone told us. That's sort of the lore that we were like, oh, my goodness, they had a real Chili's person.

[Jenna Fischer]

Yes, that's what Greg believed. Well, guess what, everyone? He is not a real Chili's manager. He is an actor. His name is Christopher T. Jones. And Christopher, please accept our sincerest apologies.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, my goodness, Christopher.

[Jenna Fischer]

We had no idea. I was reading Andy Green's book about the Office and Christopher is interviewed. And here is what he said. I was hired by the fantastic Alison Jones to work on the 40 year old virgin with Steve Carell as a cop. The scene I did was cut, but it made the deleted scenes on the dvd. I guess I did well enough because they brought me in to audition for the Office. He went on to say, I think at least some of the extras were Chili's employees. And the reason I say that is because almost everyone assumed that I was actually a Chili's manager.

[Angela Kinsey]

So maybe that's where the mix up happened. Yes, because we did. I have such a memory of having Chili's people on set to make sure we got the whole Chili's of it right.

[Jenna Fischer]

Yes. And we talk about this in our breakdown. It was a surprise to the Chili's folks that Pam was gonna get drunk. And Pam is supposed to vomit. And they were on set and they.

[Creed Bratton]

Were like, no, no, no, no, no.

[Jenna Fischer]

No, no, no vomiting. She can fall off a stool, but she can't throw up. And we didn't realize she was gonna be overserved. And you need to add this talking head. Like, all of that kind of happened on the set. So there were really chilly people there and they were in the background of some scenes. Well, poor Christopher said that he has been on Twitter trying to debunk this fact. And he said people don't believe him. They're like, no, you are a Chili's manager. And he has to be like, I promise you, I am not. And he said, I guess I should take it as a Compliment toward my acting. But, Christopher, since I didn't do it in this episode, I would like to give you a proper guest star breakdown. According to his IMDb bio, Christopher has been a working actor in Los Angeles since 2002. He has appeared on numerous TV programs like Everybody Loves Raymond, Arrested Development, Joey Two and a Half Men, er, NCIS Superstore, to just name a few. And he was most recently in the movie Barbie.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, Christopher, I really hope this clears things up for you. You know, we're going to put the word out in our office family community that you were not a Chili's employee. That you are in fact an actor playing a role that you did very well because we all believed you were a Chili's employee.

[Jenna Fischer]

Yes.

[Angela Kinsey]

And we just wish you all the best. Well, we have a few more things to cover in this second drinks tidbit section. Jenna, after this episode aired, a lot of people wondered, what did Pam write on the bathroom wall? Do you know?

[Jenna Fischer]

It was never scripted and I was never told it was never written. It's for your imagination.

[Creed Bratton]

It's kind of like the teapot letter.

[Angela Kinsey]

Fill in the blank.

[Jenna Fischer]

You decide what Pam wrote on the bathroom wall. Something else I didn't share in this original breakdown. You know, at the end of the episode when Pam runs up to the camera and I shout, best dundees ever.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jenna Fischer]

That was not in the script.

[Angela Kinsey]

Aw, little improv.

[Jenna Fischer]

It was scripted that I'm just leaving and I'm kind of drunken hugging and kissing everybody as I leave. I even had a line where I was supposed to be like, toby, you didn't get a dundee. Here, you can have mine. And he's like, I don't really want it, Pam. But on the day, I think it was Greg that had the idea that I should run up and like shout at the camera. Then the other stuff was kind of played as B roll.

[Angela Kinsey]

Those are the things I love. They are the little moments we found while we were making it all together. That creative collaboration we always talk about.

[Jenna Fischer]

Well, there you have it. We hope you enjoy listening to this breakdown of the Dundees.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, we are off this week. We wish you all a very happy holiday and we will be back for second drink next week. We hope you have a nice one.

[Creed Bratton]

I'm Jenna Fisher.

[Angela Kinsey]

And I'm Angela Kinsey.

[Creed Bratton]

We were on the Office together and we're best friends. And now we're doing the ultimate Office Rewind Watch podcast just for you.

[Angela Kinsey]

Each week we will break down an episode of the Office and give exclusive behind the scenes stories that only two people who were there can tell you.

[Creed Bratton]

We're the office ladies. Hello, everyone.

[Angela Kinsey]

Hi there, guys.

[Creed Bratton]

Thank you so much for your support of our podcast and watching with us and listening with us.

[Angela Kinsey]

It means so much. And we are loving all of your comments too.

[Creed Bratton]

It has been so fun. I have loved going through the comments and going through the questions and the. The mailbox. All right, today we are moving into season two, Season two, episode one, the Dundees. Written by Mindy Kaling, directed by Greg Daniels.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes. And you guys out there listening. We really wanted to do a live podcast of this at a Chili's, but yes, as it turns out, a lot of stuff is involved in doing that, and we just didn't get it together in time.

[Creed Bratton]

But we do plan on doing some live podcasts.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes. And maybe we'll go to Achilles.

[Creed Bratton]

We have to make that happen. We have to make it happen for sure.

[Angela Kinsey]

You're allowed back in now.

[Creed Bratton]

I am. They lifted the ban officially, like a year and a half ago, so I can now go to a Chili's. So we have to make that happen. There is so much to talk about with this episode. I have so many notes, and I'm looking at my notes and I realize the one thing I don't have is a summary written down.

[Angela Kinsey]

What is wrong with you?

[Creed Bratton]

I was so excited to get into the episode that I failed to write a summary. So here we go. I'm going to wing it. In this episode, manager Michael Scott gives out awards to his employees called the Dundees during a very awkward show at a Chili's where he thinks, how'd I do?

[Angela Kinsey]

You did pretty great. He thinks he's like, you know, an amazing standup comedian performer. I did see that a Dundee. I saw a description online of what a Dundee is. Okay, so if you look up Dundee, it says, a Dundee is an award bestowed annually by Dunder Mifflin Scranton regional manager Michael Scott in order to maintain morale. Everybody gets a Dundee.

[Creed Bratton]

Where did you read that?

[Angela Kinsey]

I did. There's a thing called Dunderpedia.

[Creed Bratton]

Oh, well, let's start with this fast fact.

[Angela Kinsey]

Okay.

[Creed Bratton]

It's also a fan question. Aaron asked, where did the idea for the Dundees come from?

[Angela Kinsey]

I don't know.

[Creed Bratton]

The Dundees were based on an awards presentation that Greg Daniels did for his real life employees on King of the Hill.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, my gosh.

[Creed Bratton]

He was the Michael Scott of King of the Hill, Greg. He gave them out in a ceremony and they were called the Swampies.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, my Lord.

[Creed Bratton]

And he gave out the same businessman statues that Michael gives out. He went into a trophy shop and he saw those statues, and it inspired him to do an award show for his employees. And then now it graduated into an idea for the Office.

[Angela Kinsey]

I actually can really see Greg doing that. I can see him going and buying them and thinking, like, it would, like, boost everyone's spirits.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. It was a morale booster.

[Angela Kinsey]

Awesome, Greg.

[Creed Bratton]

This leads me into fast fact number two. The Dundees was the story that Greg wanted to use as the season one, episode one pilot instead of. Instead of the pilot. Yes. This was his idea for how to kick off the American version of the Office, but the network said they preferred we do an adaptation of the British pilot.

[Angela Kinsey]

Wow.

[Creed Bratton]

And Greg was very, very disappointed. But if you notice, and Angela, maybe you did notice, there has been a Dundee on Michael's desk from the very beginning. It's in our opening credits. And Michael Scott, all through season one, had a Dundee.

[Angela Kinsey]

It's in the opening credits. But is it on his desk in the episode? I don't know. That.

[Creed Bratton]

I don't know.

[Angela Kinsey]

See, because I don't think it's on his actual desk, but I think it's in the credits.

[Creed Bratton]

It's in the credits.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes.

[Creed Bratton]

But I do think that even that little bit is that way where Greg had something in his head.

[Angela Kinsey]

Right.

[Creed Bratton]

He had this idea of these Dundee awards looming for all this time, and finally when we got picked up, he was able to do something.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, thank goodness we got a second season. That would really have been a bummer.

[Creed Bratton]

Or else that little shot in the opening credits would have remained a mystery. What is the little man on his side?

[Angela Kinsey]

What's the little man with the briefcase?

[Creed Bratton]

What is it? Are we ready for fast fact number three? We're moving more quickly than I thought we would.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, let me just tell you. I'm just letting you go, lady. All right, Jenna. I wish you guys could see her. She came in what looks like a mechanic's outfit.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah, it's my green jumpsuit.

[Angela Kinsey]

Her green jumpsuit.

[Creed Bratton]

But I also have a hat on.

[Angela Kinsey]

A hat on. It's like she came to play. Either that or pilot in an airplane. But you are ready.

[Creed Bratton]

Do you need anything assembled? Because I think I look like I could assemble something.

[Angela Kinsey]

Maybe. Okay, go, go, go.

[Creed Bratton]

All right, fast fact number three. The second season of the Office was originally only six episodes long. We only got picked up for six episodes.

[Angela Kinsey]

I know. We were so excited to get six. But after that, we're like, well, I guess that's it.

[Creed Bratton]

That might be all. But they started airing, and then they Ordered three more. Then they ordered four more.

[Angela Kinsey]

Right.

[Creed Bratton]

Then I think they ordered the rest of the whole season. And we ended up with a usual amount of time.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah. But in the beginning, we were like, well, we got six. Well, that's that. Oh, no, we got. We got three more. Oh, we got. You know, it was. It kind of gave you that sense of like, well, we might as well go for it because we don't know if we're gonna lose this job. Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

And this episode of the Dundees was actually the third episode that we shot when we came back, and it was the first episode that we ever shot away from our office. This is the first time we went on a completely different location. It was really, really cool. And we shot this the week after Steve carell's movie, the 40 Year Old Virgin hit theaters.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes.

[Creed Bratton]

It was the number one movie at the box office.

[Angela Kinsey]

We were so excited for him. And Steve, being the sweetheart that he is, invited the whole entire cast to the premiere.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah.

[Angela Kinsey]

And we all went. We got dressed up, and that was like one of the first fancy movie anything parties I've ever been to.

[Creed Bratton]

I have a crazy story about that, Angela. Well, we had been shooting all day, and then the premiere was that night.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

And we got dressed on set and the hair and makeup people did our hair and makeup, and we carpooled and we went to this premiere premiere. And when we got there, I was wearing this dress. It's very hard to explain. Maybe we can find a photo of it and put it on our website. And it was sort of like a lacy mermaid thing. It was. It was like green and blue.

[Angela Kinsey]

What?

[Creed Bratton]

I don't even remember where I got it or how I got it. It was my first big movie premiere.

[Angela Kinsey]

Right.

[Creed Bratton]

I didn't know what you were supposed to wear or how you were supposed to dress.

[Angela Kinsey]

Right.

[Creed Bratton]

It was a silky dress. And then over it. What's the lace part? A lace part.

[Angela Kinsey]

So the silk part was like the slip, and then the lace part went over.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes, a silk slip. Thank you, Angela. And it was blue and green, sort of mermaidy colors, I guess. And it had this really big ribbon around the hips. What is happening? But I'll tell you. And then it had the ribbon tassels were hanging down in the front.

[Angela Kinsey]

In the front.

[Creed Bratton]

Okay.

[Angela Kinsey]

Okay.

[Creed Bratton]

So when we got to the premiere, I had to pee so badly. So before we walked the red carpet, I ran into the bathroom and I peed very quickly.

[Angela Kinsey]

Did you pee on the ribbon?

[Creed Bratton]

I did not pee on the ribbon, no. That would have been awful.

[Angela Kinsey]

That's where I thought the story was.

[Creed Bratton]

No, the ribbon did not dip in the toilet. Okay, but you know, that happens sometimes.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah, I said that because I feel like it's happened to me.

[Creed Bratton]

Okay, I did not pee on the ribbon. But I was rushing, and I came back out and I went to the red carpet. I took my pictures, I posed, I did the pictures. Whirlwind, hoped I did it right, went inside. When I got inside, I realized that I had tucked the slip into my underwear.

[Angela Kinsey]

No.

[Creed Bratton]

And I.

[Angela Kinsey]

Was your butt showing in the lace in the photos?

[Creed Bratton]

No, my butt was not showing. Thankfully, that ribbon was strategically poised to cover my lady bits.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, Jenna. Oh, my God.

[Creed Bratton]

Because it was just lace on the bottom because I had tucked the slip in my underwear. But it gets worse.

[Angela Kinsey]

What? How can it get worse than you tucked her? Also, didn't you feel some air in places you should been feeling?

[Jenna Fischer]

I was so nervous.

[Angela Kinsey]

You were rushing. Okay, okay.

[Creed Bratton]

I wanted to get into my friend Steve's big movie premiere.

[Angela Kinsey]

How does it get worse?

[Creed Bratton]

You know, when you go and you buy, like, the three pack of cotton underwear at Target, and there's. There's a white pair, a black pair, and nude pair, and then a crazy colored pair. I was wearing the crazy pair.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, Jenna.

[Creed Bratton]

From my Target underwear pack. And I think, like, from the back, you must have been able to see it. Thankfully, I didn't turn around on the red carpet, but I'm sure many people saw that as I was walking.

[Angela Kinsey]

Jenna. I do not remember if I did the red carpet or not. I don't know if I did. I think I just went in the theater. I mean, I would have to go back and look, but I feel like I didn't even know that we had to do that. And I kind of.

[Creed Bratton]

Someone made me do it. Like, I got out of the car and, you know, someone grabbed me and said, you need to take pictures. And I was.

[Angela Kinsey]

I'm pretty sure I showed myself. And I just parked in the garage and I walked in. But I just remember being so excited for Steve, and he was so happy we were there. He had us all sitting together, and he came over and he gave us all a big hug. And I kind of remember that he wore a white suit. Am I remembering that right?

[Creed Bratton]

Don't know.

[Angela Kinsey]

Don't know. Should have looked it up. We were doing the Dundees today. I don't think I bought anything new. I don't remember what I wore.

[Creed Bratton]

I sat between John and Rain at the premiere. When the movie was over, I turned to John and I said, steve is gonna be the biggest movie star. When this movie comes out, he's gonna stop being Steve. He's gonna start being Steve Carell.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

And it's gonna be weird because we know Steve, right? And the rest of the world is gonna know Steve Carell in about one week.

[Angela Kinsey]

I remember thinking, like, holy moly, this is gonna be a big hit.

[Creed Bratton]

So now we're shooting the dundees.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes.

[Creed Bratton]

The 40 year old virgin has come out. And as predicted, our friend is Steve Carell. He's a huge movie star. And since they had to economize space and we were each given these teeny, teeny tiny trailers to change clothes in.

[Angela Kinsey]

Basically.

[Creed Bratton]

That's right.

[Angela Kinsey]

That's all you could do.

[Creed Bratton]

That's all you could do. It was about the size of a closet. Even Steve, biggest movie star in the country, did not get a larger closet to change in. And his was infested with ants.

[Angela Kinsey]

Ew.

[Creed Bratton]

And I will just never forget how humble he was and how he did not complain at all. Well, he's not. And I thought, you know what? That is how you behave with class.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes. And Steve is not a complainer. And he's professional and he's on time and he gets his shiitake done.

[Creed Bratton]

And he even joked about it. He was like, well, that's how they keep you humble in this business. It was great. It was so great. I have a fourth fast fact, Angela.

[Angela Kinsey]

But, Jenna, you only do three fast facts.

[Creed Bratton]

But this is the Dundees. The Dundees deserves a fourth fast fact. Okay, so fast fact number four. And this was based on a lot of questions from fans about the Chili's location. It was not a real Chili's.

[Angela Kinsey]

In fact, it was an out of business restaurant.

[Creed Bratton]

We got permission from Chili's to make it a Chili's.

[Angela Kinsey]

And they sent all their gear, all their signs and their chalkboard stuff to make it look like a Chili's.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. They spent weeks. Michael Gallenberg, our set designer, spent weeks conferring with Chili's, reconstructing with painstaking details this Chili's restaurant, which was in an abandoned former restaurant.

[Angela Kinsey]

It was in an abandoned restaurant and an empty parking lot. And it. I mean, it didn't even have any signs or anything on it when they started. It was just a out of business restaurant.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah. So there you go, guys. You can't. And that. What's crazy about that is you can't go eat at that Chili's.

[Angela Kinsey]

It is near a mall. And on my lunch break, I wanted a mask and snorkel and I went, what? Yeah. So this is a story that's not that interesting. But when we film. Listen. We filmed at this random neighborhood, this outer business restaurant. And I just happened to see that it was near, like, a mall. And I was able, on my lunch break to get a snorkel and a mask.

[Creed Bratton]

For what reason?

[Angela Kinsey]

I wanted to go snorkeling. I was gonna go, but this is what I remember about this restaurant is like, oh, that's the restaurant snorkeling, where it's like the ocean. Jenna. I was gonna go to Catalina Island. Listen, the details aren't important. What is important is when I think about that out of business restaurant that we filmed in as a Chili's. Is that. That's near where I bought my mask and snorkel.

[Creed Bratton]

Do you still have your mask and snorkel?

[Angela Kinsey]

It broke.

[Creed Bratton]

Here's the. If you want to not eat at that Chili's and also buy a broken mask and snorkel, a kind of crappy mask and snorkel, head out to wherever that was.

[Angela Kinsey]

I think it was in Panorama City.

[Creed Bratton]

Deep in the valleys of Los Angeles. You want to take a break?

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah, let's.

[Creed Bratton]

And then we'll get into this episode. We have so much to say.

[Angela Kinsey]

We have so much to say. And I have all my note cards. Some of them are really great. Some of them. Eh, I don't know, guys.

[Creed Bratton]

Some of them are just a mask and snorkel.

[Angela Kinsey]

Some of them.

[Creed Bratton]

Did you see? Oh, well, that means dud.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, okay. Well, do you want to talk more about the ants in the trailer?

[Creed Bratton]

The ants in the trailer were interesting.

[Angela Kinsey]

You want to tell another riveting insect story?

[Creed Bratton]

We'll be right back.

[Angela Kinsey]

Macy's has an exciting collaboration with Disney. It's a collection featuring apparel, accessories, collectibles, and more, featuring new and exclusive Disney artwork by Jeff Shelley, who is Disney's legendary director of character art. This collection is so cool. They've got clothes, accessories, collectibles, and more.

[Jenna Fischer]

One of my very good friends loves Disney stuff. There are a lot of people that collect Disney stuff. They have got a jean jacket. It's so special. It's so unique. You've got Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse. They're, like, dressed like they're in a marching band. They've got the batons. It's such a cool jacket. There's also a Stoney Clover Lane fanny pack. Oh, my gosh.

[Creed Bratton]

Stop it.

[Angela Kinsey]

This exclusive collection is available on Macy's.com, macy's mobile app, and select Macy's stores nationwide.

[Jenna Fischer]

If you want to know what to get your nieces and nephews for Christmas and they are huge Disney fans. They're there are so many great gifts. Shop this exclusive Disney and Macy's collection now head to Macy's.com or visit your local Macy's store.

[Angela Kinsey]

This show is sponsored by Liquid iv. I definitely feel like I'm going from one thing to the next during the holidays. Oh yeah, building up to it during the holidays, even the cleanup after it.

[Jenna Fischer]

And when you're busy, sometimes you forget to hydrate.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah, you forget to take care of yourself.

[Jenna Fischer]

This would be a good time to stock up on some liquid IV. Just tear pour live more one stick plus 16 ounces of water hydrates better than water alone.

[Angela Kinsey]

And you know if you're having some long days during this time or free of travel, it's so important to stay hydrated.

[Jenna Fischer]

Liquid IV has three times the electrolytes of leading sports drinks and it has eight essential vitamins and nutrients. It is also non gmo, vegan, gluten free, dairy free and soy free.

[Angela Kinsey]

Stay hydrated through the holidays with Liquid IV. Get 20% off your first order of Liquid IV when you go to LiquidIV.com and use code OfficeLadies at checkout.

[Jenna Fischer]

That's 20% off your first order when you shop. Better hydration today using promo code [e-mail].

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, the holidays are upon us and Whole Foods Market is your holiday headquarters. Whether you're hosting or if you're a guest, impress everyone at your table with exceptional flavors and enchanting Host gifts for all of your holiday gatherings.

[Jenna Fischer]

This is where you want to go for cheese. Ange Oh I know.

[Angela Kinsey]

I love their cheese. There's such a huge selection.

[Jenna Fischer]

Yes, and not just that. They also have all the best like little extras that go on your cheese board. The nuts and the dried fruit and the little jam and the fig stuff.

[Angela Kinsey]

Chocolate. You can put chocolate on a cheese board.

[Creed Bratton]

It's just the way you set it.

[Jenna Fischer]

And they have it at Whole Foods. And don't forget about the 365 by Whole Foods Market seasonal cookies and baking mixes or go to the bakery department for some timeless classics.

[Angela Kinsey]

Whole Foods Market has everything you need whether you're hosting the big meal and planning to cook up a feast feast or if you're simply a guest who wants to impress with a thoughtful gift. Need help in the kitchen? Let Whole Foods Market cater your meal with ease including savory appetizers, irresistible mains and crowd pleasing desserts. [e-mail] Make Whole Foods Market, your holiday headquarters. So, you guys, we were going to a break, and while we went to a break, I googled Jenna's dress at the 40 year old virgin. And I see what you mean.

[Creed Bratton]

You see how it's kind of mermaid?

[Angela Kinsey]

It also looks like. This is like someone told you when you pose, stick your arms on your hips and stick your chest out a little.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah, look at that.

[Angela Kinsey]

You're like, kaboom.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, I want to say that in addition to attending the premiere, Angela, do you remember that you and I went and saw it a second time together, just the two of us as BFFs, and we took a picture with Steve's poster in the lobby.

[Angela Kinsey]

We went on our own because we were just so excited for Steve. I still have it. I have a photo of you and I standing next to his face on the poster in the movie theater. I'm sure people were like, what are those two up to?

[Creed Bratton]

Should we get into this episode? As Angela continues to scroll through pictures of me at this premiere looking for my crazy target underwear?

[Angela Kinsey]

I'm sure, oh, Steve did wear a white suit. He wore a white suit. I remembered that correctly. There are no photos for me.

[Creed Bratton]

All right, let's get into this episode. In the very opening shot of Pam at her desk. I don't know if you noticed this, Angela, as our background expert, but I am holding my work shoes in my hand. I've just arrived at work and I'm holding my work shoes. And this was something that we did but did not mention. It was to establish that she wears her white Keds to work and then changes into her work shoes, which a.

[Angela Kinsey]

Lot of people do. A lot of people do.

[Creed Bratton]

A lot of people who live in New York City and walk or use the subway. I'm not sure why Pam, who has driven to work work by her fiance, needs to work heads in the car. So it is.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, maybe. Maybe Pam only has, you know, the one pair of shoes that are her nice shoes, and she doesn't want to muck them up.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, this is how she keeps her kids so white is because she just wears them in a car, in case you were wondering. All right, so moving on to Michael's talking head describing the Dundees. Everyone wrote in about this. Why does Steve look so different in the first shot of him in this episode?

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, I know why. Because when he. The summer that he was gonna film 40 year old Virgin, he got in crazy amazing shape.

[Creed Bratton]

Amazing shape.

[Angela Kinsey]

Amazing shape. And then he's maintained that he's just like, he's Very fit. Now he's sort of, like, made that part of his life. They just gave him a whole new look, too. They zhuzhed him up.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, originally, his character was based on the British show and the boss there. So they really mirrored his look after David Brent. And when Steve came back so much thinner and just looking amazing. Yeah, they used it as an excuse. Yeah. I mean, he just looked healthy.

[Angela Kinsey]

He looked healthy.

[Creed Bratton]

He was great.

[Angela Kinsey]

Also, the first season, I know they put this gel in his hair. They, like, slicked it back to look like David Brent. And then after that, they were like, okay, let's style his hair different. And then Jenna and I, actually, you guys, we were talking about this because this would crack us up. The guys had all their own, like, hair accessories in the hair and makeup trailer. And one of them was, like, the tiniest little rolling brush that they would, like, get their hair blown out like a little bouffa.

[Creed Bratton]

But it was really tiny. And Brian and Rayn had. Remember that teeny, tiny little flat iron?

[Angela Kinsey]

It's the tiny little flat iron iron.

[Creed Bratton]

It could fit in your pocket. It was like a joke.

[Angela Kinsey]

It looked like an envelope opener, but it was a flat iron.

[Creed Bratton]

It was so small.

[Angela Kinsey]

And they would flat iron their tiny bits.

[Creed Bratton]

Why did the men all have these miniature, like, almost something you would use on a doll?

[Angela Kinsey]

That's what it looked like. It was so weird. But, yeah, so it totally changed the way Steve looked. And Steve himself had just gotten in amazing shape.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, we also a little bit adjusted the character of Michael Scott as well. Finally. I think they felt like when they got the pickup for season two, they could really make this for Steve. They could really base it more on what Steve was gonna bring to the character. And, for example, in this episode, later, we'll talk about it, Michael gets hazed, and you see him really wounded. And that was a choice. That was a choice to make Michael a little bit more, I don't know, sympathetic.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, I feel like in season two, they started doing a thing with Michael's character, and I'm sure you guys watching noticed this as well. Is that as awkward and cringy as he could be and really not aware of the things he said and how they affected people. They would give him one moment that was redeeming, one moment in the episode where you rooted for him or felt bad for him so that it wasn't just all like, oh, that guy is such a jerk.

[Creed Bratton]

Instead of the onslaught of insults that season one had been?

[Angela Kinsey]

Right. They just made him have one moment where you were just Sympathetic towards him.

[Creed Bratton]

So I hope that solves the mystery for all of you about why did Steve suddenly look different? So next we have Pam's talking head about the Dundees. She's sitting in the conference room, and Pam has so much residual anger. Do you see how, like, deeply angry she is about the Dundee?

[Angela Kinsey]

And also, though the Dundees just keep poking that wound about her engagement.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

And then we move on to the scene where Pam, Meredith, and Kelly are laughing about how someone wrote something on the bathroom wall in the ladies room about Michael.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes.

[Creed Bratton]

And this is funny. Mindy said people always talk about how the Dundees is about an awards show, but she thinks it's also a mystery about who wrote on the bathroom wall.

[Angela Kinsey]

You guys were like, oh, it's just something funny. And then Dwight's like, what was it? Dave Barry. He is like a humorist. He had a column in the Miami Herald that became a TV show called Dave's World. Oh, yeah. So that is who Rayn would consider. That was his go to funny, go to funny person.

[Creed Bratton]

Did you notice in that scene that Kelly is still not fully transformed?

[Angela Kinsey]

She's getting there, though. Her hair is now half up, half down. Yes, yes, she's getting there. And she had some brighter lipstick on.

[Creed Bratton]

But she still has that high neck paisley blouse. And also, did you notice that Mindy is basically laughing through the entire scene?

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes. And I thought, you know what? When I watched it, I was like, how happy was Mindy that she was allowed to laugh because she was gonna be laughing anyway.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. Mindy laughed through all of her acting.

[Angela Kinsey]

Takes a lot of them. A lot of them. Yeah. So I thought she must have been just so tickled that she got to be laughing.

[Creed Bratton]

So the next scene is Michael's on his phone call with Jan where he throws the camera out of his office. I loved that. I love that he throws the camera.

[Angela Kinsey]

Get out. Get out, get out.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. And she is giving him trouble because, you know, she says, we're not gonna pay for the Dundees this year.

[Angela Kinsey]

She also lists what she considers some of his failed parties, which were the. She was like, you just threw a party on May 5th. And he goes, it was 0505 05.

[Creed Bratton]

It happens once every billion years.

[Angela Kinsey]

And then she goes, And a luau. You threw a luau. And then she was like. And you had a tsunami relief fundraiser that lost money. Oh, by the way.

[Creed Bratton]

By the way. He goes, no, it wasn't a fundraiser. It was a fundraiser.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

And then Michael has a talking head where he puts the Envelope to his head, which is a riff on a bit that Johnny Carson used to do on the Tonight Show. Greg told us that the joke that Michael does in this scene with the envelope was the first joke that Greg ever wrote.

[Angela Kinsey]

Really?

[Creed Bratton]

He wrote it as a kid. He wrote it for his dad.

[Angela Kinsey]

Aww.

[Creed Bratton]

Who used to do a presentation at work when Greg was younger. He did a riff. His dad did a riff for his.

[Angela Kinsey]

Own on Johnny Carson.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah. And so Greg put it in this episode.

[Angela Kinsey]

That is adorable.

[Creed Bratton]

That is adorable. So then we have the scene where Dwight is sneaking into the woman's restroom. And he goes in, but he doesn't realize Phyllis is still there. And she throws him out. Can you see rain breaking? Yes.

[Angela Kinsey]

Look at my note card.

[Creed Bratton]

He is almost breaking.

[Angela Kinsey]

Almost breaking. I have. When Phyllis chases Dwight out of the bathroom. Look at that. Rain is about to laugh.

[Creed Bratton]

For sure.

[Angela Kinsey]

For sure. I love that, though. Phyllis just owned him in that moment. It was so great. So I have a note card because this cracked me up. At 7 minutes, 9 seconds, Dwight gets everyone's attention. He's very mad at the ladies of the office, right? And he makes this announcement. And when he comes out to make this announcement, the camera shot starts over Stanley's shoulder. And Stanley is playing with a toy car. He is. He is holding a bright blue toy car. It's a convertible. The doors are open on it, like he's been opening the doors. And he holds this blue convertible toy car throughout the scene. And you see it a few times. And I was like, what? What is that?

[Creed Bratton]

What is that?

[Angela Kinsey]

I don't know, but it cracked me up. And I remember that he had some cars on his desk. Do you remember that?

[Creed Bratton]

I don't.

[Angela Kinsey]

I don't know why I forgot that Dwight had bobbleheads, But I know that Stanley has, like, cars.

[Creed Bratton]

Something that never becomes a plot point.

[Angela Kinsey]

I know. I heard.

[Creed Bratton]

In your brain.

[Angela Kinsey]

Not a plot point to my character, specifically. I know.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, did you notice, Angela, that in the background of that same scene, if you look at Meredith's computer, you can see she's in the middle of a freestyle game?

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, no, I didn't see that.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. So in later seasons, after we got Internet and we stopped playing freestyle, we would get in trouble if we had unapproved things on our screens?

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, yeah, I do. The camera guys would say, angela, we can totally see your email account. I'd be like, oh, okay.

[Creed Bratton]

Or if you were looking at a website, there were certain things that we were allowed to show on computer screens, like fake documents. The Dunder Mifflin logo, Freecell games. I guess we got that cleared, but we couldn't have other stuff. And we would get yelled at. And then Rain said, you never have to tell me again about the screens. All right, stop hounding me about the screens. In fact, if you ever find something on my screen while we're shooting that's not allowed to be there, I will donate $100 to charity every time.

[Angela Kinsey]

Why was he so Ann? He had such a bee in his bonnet.

[Creed Bratton]

He had to pay out so much because he would forget.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, and the camera guys would hold him to it.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. Because he made this big declaration. Well, goodness, you never need to tell me again. And water bottles. We used to get in trouble for having soda cans or whatever on our desk.

[Angela Kinsey]

I mean, you don't watch Game of Thrones, but there was a Starbucks coffee cup that. Really?

[Creed Bratton]

I don't watch Game of Thrones. And yet I did get into the coffee gate situation.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

I thought, how in the world.

[Angela Kinsey]

How do they miss that? I mean, there's a Starbucks coffee thing next. Like a dragon on the ground.

[Creed Bratton]

I mean, that's a whole other world. There are not even Starbucks in that world. At least if we left a Starbucks on our desk, you could be like, well, I guess they went to Starbucks.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah. I just have to say something that, in watching this again made me laugh out loud, is that Michael is trying to make everyone feel good about the Dundees. He's so wounded that people aren't excited. This clearly means so much to him, and he can't believe that no one else shares his enthusiasm for the Dundees and sees how important they are. So as a way to try to, like, get them back into it, he says, listen, friends and family are invited to the Dundees for the first time. For the first time. Do you mean, like, all these years that he's been doing the Dundees, he's never let them bring plus ones. I couldn't believe that. I was like, what? And everyone is like, oh, great. Everyone is, like, genuinely happy about it.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes.

[Angela Kinsey]

I was like, oh, my gosh. It was like, employees only. Oh, my God.

[Creed Bratton]

And then later you realize that no one is paid for that. Everyone. Now their bill is going to be double, double. Because they brought a plus one.

[Angela Kinsey]

And they wouldn't have probably even brought anyone.

[Creed Bratton]

So now, guys, we are going to move to the Chili's.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, here we go.

[Creed Bratton]

It's time to go to Chili's.

[Angela Kinsey]

Here we go.

[Creed Bratton]

And if we look like we're sweating, it's because it was over. 100 degrees when we shot this episode, and there was very little air conditioning inside this abandoned restaurant.

[Angela Kinsey]

I'm absolutely fine, because when I'm completely comfortable, everyone is miserable.

[Creed Bratton]

So I was doing okay as well. But the gentleman. The men wearing suits were.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, poor Steve.

[Creed Bratton]

Tuxedo.

[Angela Kinsey]

And then he would put things on top of the tuxedo.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah. Yeah. We spent three full days filming there, and we also had to sometimes wear coats. And. Because we were pretending like it was fall.

[Angela Kinsey]

Right.

[Creed Bratton]

If you see rain, he's got that big trench coat on.

[Angela Kinsey]

It always worked out that way. We would film all these episodes that we'll talk about where we were in coats and suits and stuff outside and.

[Creed Bratton]

It was August, or we would have to pretend like it was spring, but we were shooting it during the winter, and we would be freezing.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes.

[Creed Bratton]

We never. We never shot the episodes during the time of year, but it was supposed to be in which they were. I love Oscar's talking head. His description of the Dundees, comparing them to a children's party.

[Angela Kinsey]

He did that so well. It was so spot on.

[Creed Bratton]

Oscar always has some of my favorite talking heads.

[Angela Kinsey]

He's brilliant. He's an amazing actor. He really is.

[Creed Bratton]

Oscar describes the Dundees as a child's birthday party, and Pam compares it to an accident that you're forced to look at.

[Angela Kinsey]

You're forced to look at. I have a question for you, Jenna.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah.

[Angela Kinsey]

All right. I read. When I was looking back over the Dundees, I read an article that said that BJ Novak took Jenna out to get drunk in real life and then let her know what her responses were like, because you don't really drink that much in real life. So he took you out drinking. Is that true?

[Creed Bratton]

Yes.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes. What?

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. I was nervous about this episode because Pam had to be drunk, and that's.

[Angela Kinsey]

Hard to play and not be goofy.

[Creed Bratton]

It is. And I confided in the writers, and I said, I am nervous. I don't know how to do it. And Mindy had a great stage direction later where she was saying, you know, Pam is nodding along.

[Angela Kinsey]

I loved that nodding.

[Creed Bratton]

That was not. That was in the script. That Pam is nodding when she's really drunk.

[Angela Kinsey]

So hard to pay attention.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. Yeah, exactly.

[Angela Kinsey]

I'm a normal person paying attention.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. Look how I am nodding at you. Yeah. So that was Mindy's stage direction. But the rest of it, like, how do you gradually become drunk? And I was really afraid that I was gonna do just some horrible fake drunky performance.

[Angela Kinsey]

You did fantastic.

[Creed Bratton]

Thank you. So BJ and I Get to talking, and we decide. How about we go out? Out? I'll have some drinks, and BJ will ask me questions and help me observe what it feels like to slowly get drunk.

[Angela Kinsey]

So he was sort of gonna document you having drinks?

[Creed Bratton]

Yes.

[Angela Kinsey]

This is really method.

[Creed Bratton]

This is super nerdy.

[Angela Kinsey]

I like it, though. And I know why I didn't take you out, because I would have been the one also being like, I'll have drinks too. And like, no, this defeats the purpose.

[Creed Bratton]

This is a scientific experiment.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

So, yeah. So I went out with bj, and it was really interesting because after the first two drinks, I was like, oh, I just feel buzzed and a little dizzy. I was laughing a lot. So that's why I had Pam do all of those ridiculous laughs in the episode. But by drink number four, I.

[Angela Kinsey]

Four.

[Creed Bratton]

Number four, I was drinking Cosmopolitan.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, my gosh, Jenna, did you get sick? I didn't get sick. Oh, good lord. I know.

[Creed Bratton]

So by drink number four, apparently I said to bj, I don't feel drunk at all. I feel normal. And PJ Said, really? Because you're talking really loud and really close, and you almost just fell over. And I was like, I did. So I stopped after drink number four. But I thought that it was really interesting how after so many drinks, I doubted that I was even drunk.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes.

[Creed Bratton]

And so all that information I kind of weaved into my performance.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, it worked, lady.

[Creed Bratton]

Thank you.

[Angela Kinsey]

And I'm glad you didn't have a hangover. So, folks, drink responsibly. Yeah, don't drink four Cosmos.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah, don't drink four Cosmos.

[Angela Kinsey]

We do not recommend.

[Creed Bratton]

Rain got really into the sound effects on that keyboard.

[Angela Kinsey]

He did.

[Creed Bratton]

So you remember that?

[Angela Kinsey]

I do. So they had a keyboard for him, and they told him the different sounds the keyboard made. This is like handing a child, like, a keyboard, or it's like, even when you give Rain a microphone. Oh, yeah, get ready. Cause he's gonna have a lot.

[Creed Bratton]

And they told him he could play it whenever he wanted during Michael's speeches.

[Angela Kinsey]

And did he ever. I mean, right out of the gate when. When Michael's like, well, Stanley, I can't wait to meet your wife. And she's like, I'm holding her hand right now. Like, that was Rain improvised. Like. Yeah, that was just Rain having fun on the keyboard.

[Creed Bratton]

There was also an oh, yeah. That he used to play.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, my gosh. And Rain kept doing it at the most inappropriate moments.

[Creed Bratton]

And that was the thing that would make Steve break more than anything else. It wasn't the fart noise. Or the trumpet sounds. It was that, oh, yeah, Button. And there was one time where Steve broke down laughing. It felt like 10 minutes.

[Jenna Fischer]

He could not get it back.

[Angela Kinsey]

He doubled over. We had to stop filming because he got so tickled because rain kept hitting that. Oh, yeah, Button.

[Creed Bratton]

And Steve never breaks. He is a rock. He and Oscar are the two. Oh, it is very hard to make either of them break.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, I would say they were statues. For a long time I was like, oscar, are you a robot?

[Creed Bratton]

Let's get into the awards.

[Angela Kinsey]

There were seven Dundees given out at this awards. I'm sure there were more given out, but what we witnessed were seven. There was the busiest beaver, which was the bushiest beaver to fill us. There was Hottest in the office to Ryan the timp. Awkward. There was the tight Ass award given to my character because not only is she's everybody's favorite stickler, she also has a great caboose. The Spicy Curry Award given to Kelly. And it was actually a bowling award because they had run out of the little men holding briefcases. So she got a bowler.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah.

[Angela Kinsey]

And then number five went to Kevin for the Don't Go in There After Me award. Here's the interesting thing about that. If you look at that Dundee, it's actually a little guy squatting, but it was actually a weightlifting award. And they took the dumbbell out of the guy's hands.

[Creed Bratton]

Oh, that's so smart.

[Angela Kinsey]

So that's what Kevin gets. And then number six is the fine work award given to Stanley. And number seven, of course, is the Widest Sneakers award given to Pam, which brings the house down.

[Creed Bratton]

So a lot of fans asked this specifically. Courtney asked, what Dundee did Jim get? This is the first Dundee ceremony and we never see him get his award. Jim gets the Jim Halpert Award. That was his Dundee.

[Angela Kinsey]

Jen Halpert.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah, it got cut out, but Jim got the Jim Halpert Award.

[Angela Kinsey]

That's awesome.

[Creed Bratton]

So strange.

[Angela Kinsey]

I think. I think Michael just thinks Jim is cool.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah.

[Angela Kinsey]

So you just get an award for being you.

[Creed Bratton]

Correct.

[Angela Kinsey]

Please be my friend.

[Creed Bratton]

So you talked about Ryan the temp gets the Hottest in the office award. He has that great talking head then where he's being asked what he's gonna do with his award and he's like, I don't. That is the least of my worries right now. Well, when Greg would direct, he would often pull us aside and interview us on the fly. And that talking head was an improvisation.

[Angela Kinsey]

Nice. B.J.

[Creed Bratton]

B.J. Improvised that.

[Angela Kinsey]

That is awesome. I have some really random cards. When you're ready for random. Jenna, I don't want to mess up your list over there.

[Creed Bratton]

All right?

[Angela Kinsey]

But when you're ready for random, I have some random cards.

[Creed Bratton]

I'm ready. You know what? Why don't we take a break and then we'll come back to your random cards.

[Angela Kinsey]

Okay?

[Creed Bratton]

And some more info.

[Angela Kinsey]

Really sell it. My fancy random cards.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah. Guys, stay with us so you can hear a bunch of random stuff.

[Angela Kinsey]

Hey. So my New Year's resolution is to get better at speaking a language. You know, I studied Spanish a while back, but I would love to freshen up on it. And I'm going to use Rosetta Stone.

[Jenna Fischer]

Well, Rosetta Stone is the most trusted language learning program. It is available on desktop or as an app, and it really immerses you in the language that you want to learn. They're a trusted expert for 30 years with millions of users and 25 languages offered. One of them is Spanish. Angela. And, and here's the thing I like about Rosetta Stone. It really immerses you. There are no English translations, so you really learn to speak, listen, and think in the chosen language.

[Angela Kinsey]

You know, I also think it's so healthy for you to challenge your brain to learn something new. And learning a language is so good for that.

[Jenna Fischer]

Don't put off learning that language. There's no better time than right now to get started. Today, Office Ladies listeners can get Rosetta Stone's Life membership for 50% off. Visit rosettastone.com officeladies that's 50% off.

[Angela Kinsey]

Unlimited access to 25 language courses for the rest of your Life. Redeem your 50% off at rosettastone.com OfficeLastoday for yourself or as a gift that.

[Jenna Fischer]

Keeps giving, guess who has a new holiday blanket on her couch right now? Thanks to Wayfair.com does her name rhyme with Shmina Schmisher?

[Creed Bratton]

Yes, it's me.

[Angela Kinsey]

From cozy comforts and crowd pleasing cookware to all the thoughtful trimmings, Wayfair has everything you need to celebrate the holidays your way while staying within your budget.

[Jenna Fischer]

It's really true. There is something for every style in every home, no matter your space or your budget. There is free and easy delivery, even.

[Creed Bratton]

On the big stuff.

[Jenna Fischer]

They even help you set up the big stuff.

[Angela Kinsey]

They do.

[Jenna Fischer]

In addition to my cozy blanket, we also got a new desk for my.

[Creed Bratton]

Son'S room on Wayfair.

[Jenna Fischer]

Yes, and it's really nice quality.

[Angela Kinsey]

We got our kids bed frames at Wayfair and they love them.

[Jenna Fischer]

Wayfair has a huge selection of home items it makes it easy to find exactly what is right for you. Set the scene for new holiday memories with wayfair. Head to wayfair.com right now to get your home home holiday ready.

[Angela Kinsey]

That's W A Y-F-A-I-R.com Wayfair Every style, every home. If you ever worry about the safety of your home or your family, there's no better time to act than right now. Because Simplisafe is extending its massive Black Friday deal for our listeners. You can get 50% off a new SimpliSafe security system. I've been using it and I love how easy it was to set up and maintain. And there's always someone to help.

[Jenna Fischer]

You can get 50% off today just by visiting simplisafe.com officeladies this is the last chance to protect your home at Simplisafe's lowest prices of the year.

[Angela Kinsey]

Simplisafe has active guard outdoor protection.

[Jenna Fischer]

Simplisafe is extending its massive Black Friday deal for our listeners this week only. You can get 50% off any new system with a select professional monitoring plan.

[Angela Kinsey]

This is your last chance to claim their best offer of the year. Head to simplisafe.com officeladies that's simplisafe.com officeladers there's no safe like Simplisafe.

[Creed Bratton]

Hey guys, we're back. Are you ready for some random facts, Angela?

[Angela Kinsey]

All right, here's some random Creed, I love you, but at 9 minutes 53 seconds, you pick your teeth. And I think you did it on purpose. I think as Creed, you just let your freak fly and you're like, you know what? I'm picking my teeth. It's on camera. It's all good. I love me some creed. At 9 minutes, 58 seconds, I do an enormous Angela eye roll because Michael tells this very lame drunk driving joke, right, about spilling his drink. And I do it. A massive eye roll. And I have been sent that eye roll. Like people text it to me.

[Creed Bratton]

Oh, wait, are you a meme?

[Angela Kinsey]

I might be. I guess I'm. I'm an eye roll meme. So.

[Creed Bratton]

But yeah, that's exciting.

[Angela Kinsey]

That's exciting. This guys hang with me. This could be horrible. But I became obsessed. You know what happens? I get obsessed. So everyone is sitting at tables. That kind of makes sense, right? You can sort of see how there's the work friendship. For example, Kelly and Toby are at a table at the Chili's. Roy, Pam and Daryl sit together. Ryan and Jim. When Ryan isn't holding up Michael's cue cards. He goes and sits with Jim. This is before Pam comes back. Right at the beginning, Creed and Meredith sit together. Stanley is with his wife, Terry. Kevin, I think, is with his fiance, Stacy. Stacy, Stacy, Stacy. And Angela's in the corner with Phyllis. But where is Oscar?

[Creed Bratton]

Where is Oscar?

[Angela Kinsey]

Who is Oscar sitting with, I ask myself. Well, at 11 minutes, three seconds, you see that Oscar is sitting between a woman and a man. The woman has long dark hair. Then at 15 minutes, 9 seconds, I'm sitting next to Oscar in the booth, and Oscar's sitting behind me. And then at 15 minutes, 40 seconds, there's a new man and woman in the booth with Oscar. What? And myself.

[Creed Bratton]

What is happening?

[Angela Kinsey]

I don't know. And then at 15 minutes, 52 seconds, Oscar is between. Back between the original woman and man. Then at 17 minutes, 38 seconds, there's a new woman with dark hair in an updo sitting next to Oscar. And I don't know. I don't. It's like he's, like, between this woman and man. Then it's like this random woman, this random man, then Oscar, then me. Then is Oscar back between this woman and man. But it happens within seconds. So, like, what kind of magic is Oscar doing in me? We're, like, hopping all over these booths.

[Creed Bratton]

Do you have a recollection from when we taped the episode that they were moving you around?

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, I do. I do. So in one shot, they needed to establish a reaction of everyone. And in order to do that, in one sweeping pan shot, they had to stack some of us. So they moved me from my corner booth, and they stuck me in front of Oscar in his booth, and they pulled these other two people out. But in watching it, it's so funny to me because it's like Oscar keeps entertaining. He keeps having all these different people at his booth in a matter of seconds. Like, we couldn't have physically all been up and down and back and forth like that. And then at the very end, Oscar leaves the Chili's with the original couple that he sat with. I know.

[Creed Bratton]

Who are those people? We never find out.

[Angela Kinsey]

We never find out.

[Creed Bratton]

We don't know.

[Angela Kinsey]

But anyway, it just cracked me up because I would look back there and I'd be like, oh, who's Oscar sitting with?

[Creed Bratton]

What?

[Angela Kinsey]

What? What? But it was like, a matter of seconds.

[Creed Bratton]

Wow.

[Angela Kinsey]

Now, here's the thing. If you're watching just Oscar's booth, you're missing a lot of action that you probably should be paying attention to. But I watched this episode three times, prepping for this So I watched it once, just as me.

[Creed Bratton]

You clearly watched it once just to see what Oscar was.

[Angela Kinsey]

I clearly watched it once just to see what was happening in the background.

[Creed Bratton]

I think something we should talk about is Pam and Roy fighting in the parking lot.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes. Let's talk about that.

[Creed Bratton]

They originally said that they were not going to use the audio from this because there was no dialogue in the script. It just said spy shot. Pam and Roy are having a heated argument in the parking lot. Roy tugs her arm. Pam pulls away and heads back into the restaurant. Roy slams the truck door, then gets in the other side. And that was it.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

So David and I improvised a fight that we were having and then they used it.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

So that was so crazy.

[Angela Kinsey]

That is crazy. And I love what Pam said when she was like, you know, if you had listened, you would have known that. Of course, we don't know what you're talking about. Right. But I was like, when Roy grabbed your arm, I was like, hey, hey.

[Creed Bratton]

Now. I know, I know. He gets a little physical with her sometimes with the grabbing of the arm. Someone mentioned that.

[Angela Kinsey]

And he's a big guy.

[Creed Bratton]

He is.

[Angela Kinsey]

So you sort of really see in that moment that Pam is just fed up and she wants to stay and she wants to be with her friends.

[Creed Bratton]

And I think she wants to be with another person.

[Angela Kinsey]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah, I think she wants to be with Jim, who she sits down at a table with.

[Angela Kinsey]

I know. And the look on his face when you come back in.

[Creed Bratton]

Oh, he is so delighted. She starts drinking his beer immediately.

[Angela Kinsey]

I know.

[Creed Bratton]

Then she orders her own drinks. It leads us into a famous line. Who knew it would be this famous? Written by Mindy Kaling.

[Angela Kinsey]

Look what I have on my note card.

[Creed Bratton]

It's like, second drink.

[Angela Kinsey]

Second drink.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. And Andrew Nelson asked, did you ad lib second drink or was it scripted? It was scripted. And a lot of people asked about, what are we really drinking? Is it really alcohol? No, no, no. It would be so wasted.

[Angela Kinsey]

Also, it looks like something from like a Nickelodeon slime, like award show. Because, like, have you. Do you see, like, if you look at Meredith's drink, it's like a neon green.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah. What was she drinking?

[Angela Kinsey]

I don't know. But I think they really wanted the drinks to pop so you could see them. And so they added a lot of, like, food dye and things.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, the beer is usually just non alcoholic beer. So the beer actually tastes like beer.

[Angela Kinsey]

And you feel bloaty.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah. And I don't like Beer. And I don't like the taste of beer, so I hate it whenever I have to drink it on camera because. Bleh. And then other drinks, like wine, it's usually watered down. Juice, cranberry juice, apple juice.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

And then the other drinks are anything they. Sometimes it's just water with a little food coloring in it.

[Angela Kinsey]

Or, like, if it is supposed to look like a bourbon or something, it could just be tea.

[Creed Bratton]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Sometimes they'll brew you some tea and pour it over ice.

[Angela Kinsey]

And then I'm actually happy when you have that. Like, if you have a Long island iced tea in it, you're just drinking an iced tea.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Angela Kinsey]

Sam just pulled up for you guys listening a whole page on the Internet of just me rolling my eyes and looking snarky. So as Angela Martin, I guess there's a lot of snarky eye roll options out there. Or just snarky looks.

[Creed Bratton]

They're not limited to the Dundees.

[Angela Kinsey]

Okay, Sam, take it down. I can't look at myself rolling my eyes at myself.

[Creed Bratton]

So now we get into the tender moment where Michael is desperately trying to keep the Dundies going, and the guys at the bar start to heckle him.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

And he's so wounded. And Pam won't have it.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, I think it's that moment even. There's a look that comes across Jim's face of like, ooh, like that. That's mean. You know, and it's sort of that thing of like, you know, your creepy cousin that creeps everyone out, but you have to take up for them because they're your cousin. It's like that moment of like, okay, he's like family, and we get to, like, make fun of him, but no one else can.

[Creed Bratton]

That's right. And Pam starts chanting Dundees and getting people to rally around him. And I love that. And this is a little bit the relationship between Pam and Michael. This is the way that she shows up for him, the way he shows up for her at her art show later.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

Like in their lowest moments, they are there for one another.

[Angela Kinsey]

When Pam gives him a hug when she gets her dundee, his face is so precious. He's just like. It's like the whole night was made in that moment.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, Pam accepting her dundee is another famous line.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes.

[Creed Bratton]

I feel God in this Chili's tonight. Aw.

[Angela Kinsey]

I love it. So when I rewatched this, there was this moment I wrote on my note card. Because when you say, I'd like to thank God for this Dundee, it cuts to Jim. And Jim's reaction to you thanking God for your Dundee is one of the best moments for me of the whole episode. It is just so sweet. He's just looking at you like, oh, oh, my. My sweet little drunk friend. I love you.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, I talked to Mindy about this on the day and she had told me that Greg did not have total confidence in Pam thanking God for her Dundee, but we were going to do it anyway. He was a little bit like, I don't totally get it.

[Jenna Fischer]

And she's like, no.

[Creed Bratton]

You know, like whenever people win awards or they have like big sports moments.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

A lot of times they thank God. And I asked her, I said, but how do I do it? Because. And she said, you do it totally sincerely.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

She's like, you really are, like, sincerely thankful and grateful for your Dundee tonight.

[Angela Kinsey]

It totally made sense to me because I felt like drunk. Pam thinks this is what you do when you win an award.

[Creed Bratton]

That's right.

[Angela Kinsey]

You take a moment, you thank God, then you scream, woo hoo. Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

And I loved it so much. And then after this, after she gets her Dundee, Pam kisses Jim on the lips. Lips.

[Angela Kinsey]

I know, I know. Was that weird?

[Creed Bratton]

Well, this was a big fan question. Caitlyn asked, do you consider this episode as Pam and Jim's first kiss or do you think it's Casino Night? I did not consider this their first kiss.

[Angela Kinsey]

I did.

[Creed Bratton]

John did.

[Angela Kinsey]

I disagree. I considered it. You planted one on him.

[Creed Bratton]

The intention there was that it was accidental. The intention was that Pam was going for his cheek and it was one of those moments where you. He moved his head in a way that I wasn't expecting and I'm drunk and I just followed through. That was what was in my head as Pam. So I wasn't thinking that I was intending to kiss his lips and so Pam kind of doesn't register it. That was me. John said that Jim, who is not drunk, was very aware that they just kissed on the lips. And this was a whole conversation that we had off camera.

[Angela Kinsey]

I agree with him, though, and I see both sides. I see as a drunk person, you just kind of hug and you're a little sloppy.

[Jenna Fischer]

Yeah.

[Angela Kinsey]

But I see for him as a sober person, this person he's in love with just kissed him. Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

But it was unintentional on Pam's part in her mind. I know, But a lot of people wrote in and said, oh, my gosh, why didn't everyone in the office, why wasn't this a big gossipy moment? They know Pam's engaged and they all Witnessed her kiss Jim. And in my mind, it was because it wasn't really a kiss. It wasn't a. Oh, well, in my.

[Angela Kinsey]

Mind, everyone was talking about it at work. Trust me. I tell you what, Angela Martin was sitting with Phyllis in a booth when that happened. And I'm pretty sure she was like, did you see the office mattress? Well, smooch someone else.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, I have another fan question for you then. This one is from Amy. She said at the end when you drive Pam home. In my mind, Angela would be so disgusted by Pam's behavior, it seems odd that she would give her a ride.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, let me tell you, Amy, if you watch the deleted scenes, because I did, you will see that Angela Martin has a talking head where she is the company's designated driver. And you would know that Angela Martin would take this very serious as the safety officer for Dunder Mifflin. And I have this talking head where Angela goes on to say, and you know what? No one gives me any gas money. And everyone lives all over. It's very expensive.

[Creed Bratton]

Wow, that is gold.

[Angela Kinsey]

So she's always the martyr. She's doing her job, but no one gives her gas money. And she has to drive these drunks around, but she's the designated driver and so she has to do it.

[Creed Bratton]

So not only did Pam probably not give her any gas money, yeah, she was very disappointed in her behavior.

[Angela Kinsey]

Angela quietly judged her the whole drive and probably told her, you need to make some new life choices.

[Creed Bratton]

Amy also wanted to know, was that really you driving?

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes, it was. At 20 minutes, 2 seconds in the car. You see my shoulder? Now, here's the thing. They wanted me every time in the car. You got in with me every time I pulled away. And then I would back up and we'd do the scene over a few times. And I had a front row seat watching Pam and Jim have that sort of very tender but awkward moment where Pam has a question for him but then notices the camera. I watched that whole thing over and over as you guys did it, and it was so great. You guys did such a fantastic job. And when I rewatched it, part of me was like, well, why'd they have me in the car? You don't see me anyway. But they didn't know, as, you know, with our show, we always had an A camera and a B camera, and they would be sort of carving up the scene and there might be this moment where they whipped around and could have seen me. So they wanted to make sure I was there just in case. And I was Happy to be there. But also, I had.

[Creed Bratton]

Yeah, a lot of times they would use a double for that in other shows, but in our show, we were our own doubles.

[Angela Kinsey]

That's right. Because as a documentary, you really never knew where that second camera would end up landing and you could end up on camera. I was asked, is that a cat air freshener hanging from your rear view mirror in your car?

[Creed Bratton]

Is it?

[Angela Kinsey]

It looks like it could be a cat or a tree, guys. I don't know. I tried to zoom in on it, but.

[Creed Bratton]

Oh, I hope it's a cat.

[Angela Kinsey]

I hope it's a green cat.

[Creed Bratton]

Let's call it a cat.

[Angela Kinsey]

I hope it's a green cat.

[Creed Bratton]

Green cat doesn't sound right now, Angela.

[Angela Kinsey]

I know, but maybe it was a Christmas cat that I held on to.

[Creed Bratton]

Not sure. Something we haven't talked about is the scene where Pam falls off the stool because she is so drunk. And this leads me into a fan question.

[Angela Kinsey]

Okay.

[Creed Bratton]

Matt Shelton asked, how did you get Chili's to cooperate with this idea?

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, they were on the fence, and we almost. We almost weren't allowed to film there, remember?

[Creed Bratton]

Well, here's what happened originally. In the script, Pam vomits all over the bar. She does not fall off the stool. She is listening to Jim, she is nodding, and then she vomits. And we had been filming for two days, right. And I guess suddenly they had had Chili's permission. Chili's helped build the Chilies. And someone at Chili's read the script finally. Well, I guess, and freaked out.

[Angela Kinsey]

I read the script wasn't fully complete. You know, they hadn't done their second pass. And so Chili's had not gotten all of the scenes. And so they didn't have the scene where Pam vomited. And all of this happened.

[Creed Bratton]

Well, once they read that, they shut down the production.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes.

[Creed Bratton]

And we thought they said no way. They were very nervous about the. The drinking and the drunkenness and the sort of way that that might reflect on Chili's. So Greg and Mindy started scrambling, and they came up with this idea that instead of vomiting, that Pam would fall off a stool.

[Angela Kinsey]

Right. And then also, I think it was Rain's idea to say, well, maybe Dwight could say, oh, she's had a seizure, and not the vomiting.

[Creed Bratton]

And then the other part of it was that we had to write in a new element, which is that Pam was going to get banned from Chili's. And the person who gives the speech in the episode was an actual Chili's manager, franchise owner named John Bossert. He was not an Actor.

[Angela Kinsey]

Right.

[Creed Bratton]

And they felt like by having an actual Chili's representative state very clearly the Chili's policy against over serving.

[Angela Kinsey]

Right.

[Creed Bratton]

And banning Pam for life. Then they allowed us to film the rest of the episode.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes. And also they had Pam. They had you as Pam. A waiter never brought you more drinks. You were reaching on other people's tables. So you were doing it, not Chili's. And you know what? I think that's great. I think that it was really important to Chili's that people know that they are responsible.

[Creed Bratton]

And a family establishment.

[Angela Kinsey]

And a family establishment. And I love that John Bosshart and actual Chili's, like, owner got to do that talking head. I thought he did a fantastic job. His look to camera when he's like, so she is banned. Like, his little look to camera was fantastic.

[Creed Bratton]

And also that aspect of Pam being banned for life was a wonderful thing that just grew into many more jokes. And I know.

[Angela Kinsey]

I loved it. I love Pam is like, such, like, not a troublemaker. And she's banned from, like, a nationwide chain.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes. As if there is such a system that could control that.

[Angela Kinsey]

I have one card that's sort of around that area. So can I talk about it right now?

[Creed Bratton]

Sure.

[Angela Kinsey]

Once again, Rainn Wilson finds a way to take off his shirt.

[Creed Bratton]

Always taking off his shirt.

[Angela Kinsey]

His beautiful white, fleshy belly. Because somehow that's going to help save Pam. It was going to be a pillow.

[Creed Bratton]

For your head, I guess so. A lot of people asked about the falling off the stool moment. Was it scripted? Did I actually do it? It. It was scripted. I did actually do it. But I, again, like being drunk. I was very nervous about falling off the stool and making it look good. So Greg Daniels, he got on the stool and he showed me how he wanted me to fall. He said he wanted me to just keep looking at John and nodding and then slowly slip off the stool. And he's very large.

[Angela Kinsey]

Very tall.

[Creed Bratton]

He's tall. He's like six two or something. And so he fell down. They had padding on the floor, so. So he and I were both falling on padding. But John Krasinski and I, we kept pretending like we didn't understand how I should fall off the stool on purpose.

[Angela Kinsey]

To mess with Greg so that Craig.

[Creed Bratton]

Kept having to keep showing us.

[Angela Kinsey]

Oh, my gosh. You were like. That's a moment where you were like real Jim and Pam because you were pranking Greg the way you would prank Dwight.

[Creed Bratton]

A hundred percent.

[Angela Kinsey]

Does Greg know that?

[Creed Bratton]

He does.

[Angela Kinsey]

And then Greg. Greg told me later.

[Creed Bratton]

I guess John and I told that story in an interview, and he confronted us. He was like, guys, you know, I really hurt my back doing.

[Angela Kinsey]

No, he did not.

[Creed Bratton]

So we were.

[Angela Kinsey]

That.

[Creed Bratton]

We felt so bad.

[Angela Kinsey]

Jenna. Oh, my God. You guys. You. That was real life Jim Pam moment.

[Jenna Fischer]

It was.

[Creed Bratton]

It was. But I love doing that. I love doing that stunt. I thought it ended up looking really good, too. I was proud of it.

[Angela Kinsey]

I thought it looked fantastic. I thought that whole, like, part where you were nodding and then you were like, what? And he was like, what? And then you start laughing. It was so perfect. It was so perfect.

[Creed Bratton]

This brings us to the scene with Jim in the parking lot that we were talking about a little bit earlier. A lot of people wanted to know, what was Pam going to ask Jim? She wanted to bring up so many things, and it's. That's what stopped her because there were so many options going through her head in that moment. And I had written out in my script all of these things that I could possibly say so that I could, in that moment, rifle through them, but then not pick any of them.

[Angela Kinsey]

Right. I think it's that moment where you have so much to say, and you're like, can I ask you a question? And then it would just. The floodgates would have opened, but you saw the camera, and it gave you sort of this, like, check of like, I can't do this. Not here, not now.

[Creed Bratton]

And I'm so glad that she didn't, because those kind of drunken confessional conversations, that wasn't gonna lead to the right place. You know, I'm glad the camera was there for them in that moment. Cause I think what Pam was gonna say, what I had written in my script was something along the lines of, I love you. Well, I think the question was gonna be, you know, do you think I should break up with Roy? Do you think I'm with the wrong person? Those kind of leading questions, hoping that.

[Angela Kinsey]

He'D say, you are. Be with me.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes, exactly. So here's a crazy thing. We mentioned earlier that our second season only had six episodes picked up, that this was the third episode that we shot. And we didn't know this was going to be the premiere of season two when we shot it. In fact, one of the ideas was that if we got canceled, it would be the season finale. And so I said to Greg, I think just in case we get canceled and this is the season finale, I think we should film an alternate ending to this scene in the parking lot where Pam does tell Jim how she feels and they kiss for real. Not the Chili's Kiss, but the real kiss, just so that we could air it and we don't leave people hanging. And Greg said no. He said no. If they want to see what happens with Jim and Pam, they're just going to have to order more episodes. I don't want to give him a choice.

[Angela Kinsey]

There you go. He was very protective of Jim and Pam.

[Creed Bratton]

He was.

[Angela Kinsey]

And what went out in the world about that relationship.

[Creed Bratton]

But that shows you how much we thought we were going to be canceled all the time. All the time that I was pitching ideas for how to wrap up the whole series, just in case.

[Angela Kinsey]

If you think that a normal show gets well, at that time, network TV, you would get 22 episodes and we got six. It doesn't make you feel like anyone's really confident about what you're doing. Like, we didn't think NBC was like, oh, we got a winner here. I have some deleted scenes cards.

[Creed Bratton]

Oh, tell them.

[Angela Kinsey]

Well, one of the ones I really loved is that Toby does a talking head where he says he's never won a Dundee.

[Creed Bratton]

Oh, yeah. Michael refuses to give Toby a Dundee. He just leaves him out every year.

[Angela Kinsey]

And now everyone in the office gets a Dundee. But Toby. And I think. And Toby's like, I'm okay with that. I thought that was really funny. And then the. There's a great Dwight Angela scene at the copier where Dwight is really trying to force Angela to tell him what was written in the bathroom wall. And I'm like, I don't repeat those kind of things. It's inappropriate. I don't say those words out loud. And then Dwight's like, does it have anything to do with his butt or his wiener? And I just walk off in a huff. But it's the very first time I feel like Dwight and I have some little clandestine conversation just between the two of.

[Creed Bratton]

Oh, that's a good one.

[Angela Kinsey]

Yeah.

[Creed Bratton]

Pam does confess that she wrote it on the wall.

[Angela Kinsey]

She does.

[Creed Bratton]

About Michael, but we don't find out what it was.

[Angela Kinsey]

Which I love too. I love what she's like, I feel bad about what I wrote. And he's like, no, you don't.

[Creed Bratton]

People wanted to know, did we all get to keep our Dundies?

[Angela Kinsey]

Yes, we did.

[Creed Bratton]

Yes, we did. We all have them.

[Angela Kinsey]

I have two.

[Creed Bratton]

I have two as well. I have longest engagement and widest sneak. They gave me the longest engagement that you see me win in earlier years.

[Angela Kinsey]

I have the tight ass award. And then from years later, which we'll get to. I have the. She's kind of A bitch.

[Creed Bratton]

I think Pam doesn't get a Dundee the second time around.

[Angela Kinsey]

I don't think so. There weren't as many that round.

[Creed Bratton]

I have a final fan question. This is something for us to discuss. Angela, this is from Samantha.

[Angela Kinsey]

Okay.

[Creed Bratton]

She Sundays, the last two times I have watched this episode, which is one of my top five favorite episodes, we have immediately been hit by a tornado.

[Jenna Fischer]

What?

[Creed Bratton]

Within 10 minutes of the line. I feel God in this Chili's tonight.

[Angela Kinsey]

Samantha, first of all, where do you live?

[Creed Bratton]

Do you think I'm jinxed, or is it just bad luck? Should Samantha ever watch this episode again.

[Angela Kinsey]

I would say, do you live in Tornado Alley? Do you live in, like, Kansas, North Texas, Oklahoma? Like, where? Where do you live?

[Creed Bratton]

Right, right.

[Angela Kinsey]

And perhaps the next time you watch it, watch it in the storm cellar.

[Creed Bratton]

Or maybe hit pause right before that line.

[Angela Kinsey]

Check the weather.

[Creed Bratton]

Skip it. Just skip ahead and watch the end and come back.

[Angela Kinsey]

That is a crazy coincidence.

[Creed Bratton]

That is crazy. That was the craziest fan question we got. I had to include it because I found it so charming, and I was a little worried about Samantha. That was it.

[Angela Kinsey]

That's the Dundee.

[Creed Bratton]

That is the Dundies. And next week we will be talking about Sexual harassment.

[Angela Kinsey]

The episode Sexual Harassment, Correct?

[Creed Bratton]

Yes, we will be talking about the episode Sexual Harassment.

[Angela Kinsey]

All right, you guys, see you then. Thanks for tuning in.

[Jenna Fischer]

Thank you. Thank you for listening to Office Lady's second drink.

[Angela Kinsey]

This episode was initially created in collaboration with Earwolf.

[Jenna Fischer]

Office Ladies is a presentation of Odyssey and is produced by Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsey.

[Angela Kinsey]

Our executive producer is Cassie Jerkins, and our audio engineer and associate producer is Daniela Silva.

[Jenna Fischer]

Odysee's executive producers are Jenna Wise Berman and Leah Reese Dennis.

[Angela Kinsey]

Office Ladies is mixed and mastered by Chris Basel.

[Jenna Fischer]

Our theme song is Rubber Tree by Creed Bratton.