Office Ladies: Second Drink - "The Negotiation" (w/ David Denman)

Episode Date: September 15, 2025
Hosts: Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey
Special Guest: David Denman (Roy)
Episode Focus: In-depth breakdown of “The Negotiation” (The Office, S3E18), featuring behind-the-scenes stories, a major cast goodbye, and fan-favorite deep dives.

Brief Overview

In this “Second Drink” episode of Office Ladies, Jenna and Angela deliver a thorough breakdown of “The Negotiation,” a super-sized, pivotal episode of The Office—marked by the intense Jim-Roy fight, the final chapter in Pam and Roy's story, and a hilarious Michael Scott negotiation subplot. They’re joined by David Denman (Roy), who shares insights from his time on the show, his character’s arc, and personal anecdotes. The episode features hallmark deep dives (including a passionate monologue on women’s pockets), fan Q&A, and plenty of laughs.

Episode Structure & Timestamps

• [02:35] Main Show Start & Episode Theme
• [15:17] Interview with David Denman
• [40:31] Post-Interview Recap, Episode Breakdown
• [41:07] Scene-by-Scene Analysis & Fast Facts

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Episode Context and Major Storylines

• “The Negotiation” is super-sized, with no deleted scenes on the DVD. The Superfan cut has just two extra minutes ([03:09]).
• Key plot: Roy storms into the office to attack Jim for kissing Pam but is stopped by Dwight’s pepper spray. Roy is fired, leading to Daryl’s attempt to negotiate a raise. Michael uncovers he’s underpaid and embarks on an awkward negotiation journey with Jan.
• The episode marks the official end of the Pam-Roy relationship and Ed Helms’ return as Andy ([10:11]).

2. Behind the Scenes & Production Facts

• Written by Mike Schur (Emmy-nominated for this episode; Greg Daniels won for “Gay Witch Hunt”) ([11:51]).
• Michael’s negotiation tactics were fabricated—after airing, fans edited Wikipedia to include his fake advice, triggering semi-protection of the negotiation entry ([13:33]).
• Fast Fact: David Denman (Roy) was one of the earliest cast members and brought his own (Old Navy) jacket, which became the warehouse uniform ([15:17], [34:46]).
• Pam and Roy’s emotional final coffee scene was shot at a real diner frequented by cast and crew ([91:15]).
• Michael’s infamous "women’s suit" was an actual women’s suit (not custom-made), confirmed by costume designer Carrie Bennett ([83:25]).

3. David Denman (Roy) Interview Highlights ([15:17]–[36:51])

• David’s journey to The Office involved leveraging his acting background—inspired by friends who loved the British version ([15:35]).
• Backstory for Roy & Pam: Denman viewed them as high school sweethearts stuck in a rut. Roy's realization of needing to fight for Pam only came too late ([20:30]).
• Transformation for S3 was his idea, influenced by a conversation with Greg Daniels about being a credible “rival” for Jim and training for triathlons ([24:03]).
• Favorite off-camera moment: Speeding through Long Beach harbor at sunrise with Steve Carell after shooting "Booze Cruise" ([28:33]).
• The Roy-Angela “ship”: Denman laughs about online speculation, says it could have been juicy if he’d stayed longer ([29:32]).
• On leaving: Denman shares the bittersweet feeling of his character’s exit, Greg Daniels’ candor in conversations, and his appreciation for being part of The Office’s legacy ([32:52]).
• The famous warehouse jacket was his personal one from auditions ([34:46]).

“I'm constantly grateful every day that I got to be in a little part of the show, because that's, you know, very, very, very rare.” —David Denman ([23:14])

4. Scene-by-Scene Breakdown: Memorable Moments & Analysis

The Jim-Roy Fight & Dwight’s Heroics ([41:07])

• Detailed breakdown of the stunt scene: No pepper spray was used, just Evian mist; stunt coordinator Bobby Porter kept everyone safe ([42:04], [43:07]). Twelve takes for action, extra takes for mist.
• Angela notes her character (Angela Martin) wasn’t present for the chaos but is playfully obsessed with getting every retelling of the fight ([44:29], [48:37]).

Jan-Michael “Yeppers” Convo—Peak Comedy ([45:10])

• A fan-favorite scene where Jan scolds Michael for his overused catchphrase “yeppers”:

  “What did I tell you about yeppers?”
  “I don’t remember.”
  “I told you not to say it. Do you remember that?”
  “Yeesh.”
  —Jan (Melora Hardin), Michael (Steve Carell) ([45:28])

Pam’s Reaction & “Smirk” Debate ([47:28])

• Pam’s small smile at the end of her talking head is debated—Jenna explains it was likely “nervous discomfort,” not pride.

Michael’s Negotiation “Tips” & Wikipedia Prank ([52:39])

• Michael adopts nonsensical tactics (“change location,” “don’t speak first”)—none from real negotiation theory.
• Angela’s deep dive: Real negotiation isn’t conflict; women often “negotiate with themselves first.” Important advice: Don’t self-compromise before negotiating ([54:39]):

  “Go in there and really ask for what you want. Like, don’t negotiate with yourself first. Just negotiate with the company.” —Jenna ([55:30])

Michael’s Women’s Suit & Jenna’s Pocket Soapbox ([59:53]–[64:42])

• Michael’s embarrassment over wearing a women’s suit ignites Jenna’s passionate historical deep dive on the injustice of small or fake pockets on women’s clothing:

  “I just think we need bigger pockets and bigger paychecks. Can I get my cha-ching? Equal pay for equal pockets. Hashtag it, everyone.” —Jenna ([64:42])

Break Room Heartbreak: Pam & Jim ([67:19])

• Somber scene as Pam tries to apologize and Jim rebuffs her attempts at reconciliation:

  “She’s really trying to connect… Jim is being so cold.” —Jenna ([69:11]) “He’s just not gonna put himself out there like that… It’s too much drama.” —Angela ([70:10])

Michael’s Car Ride Trio ([78:27])

• Hilarious, awkward trio of Michael, Daryl, and Toby driving to New York City—a Mike Schur classic oddball combo.

Coffee Finale: Roy and Pam’s Goodbye ([91:04])

• Emotional symmetry and closure. Roy acknowledges Pam may move on to Jim; Pam is uncertain. Both apologize for mistakes ([93:00]).

The Dwight-Angela Make-out Reveal ([98:28])

• Dwight and Angela think they’re alone; big kiss—only for Jim to walk in and witness everything:

  “I will never say a word. And now we’re even.” —Jim, to camera ([99:59])

• Angela confirms that to make the shot work (given the height difference), Rainn Wilson always sat on her desk for kiss scenes.

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “I haven’t been to New York in a long time. I stay overnight. Cousin live down there. Oh, you can stay too…” —David Denman as Daryl, Superfan cut ([04:38])
• “What did I tell you about yeppers?” —Jan to Michael ([45:28])
• “I just think we need bigger pockets and bigger paychecks.” —Jenna ([64:42])
• “Go in there and really ask for what you want. Like, don’t negotiate with yourself first…” —Jenna ([55:30])
• “I immediately liked you. No, we definitely hit it off. What was fun about that show in the beginning was you guys were all stuck in the office for hours… you were like, oh, there’s a new person! Hi!” —David Denman ([18:16])
• “Did you notice Jim right away looks right to you? Like, oh crap.” —Angela, on the Roy-Jim fight ([41:26])
• “Dwight doesn’t just spray him, he douses him with the whole container…” —Angela ([41:54])
• “Negotiating is not conflict. It’s totally different. It’s going in there to be an advocate for yourself.” —Angela ([55:33])
• “Pam does right by Angela. Over and over. She does.” —Angela ([100:04])

Office Deep Dives & Fan Q&A

• The lack of deleted scenes—“It’s all in there, guys.” ([11:25])
• “Fast Fact”: Office/‘Heroes’ TV show crossovers, with actors appearing on both NBC hits ([05:37])
• Creed’s wild retelling of the Roy-Jim brawl—“Big fella pulls out a sock full of nickels, Shrug grabs hairspray and a lighter” ([72:31])
• Angela’s method for portraying “micro-expressions”: Writes emotional triggers in script margins and subtly acts them out ([51:46])

Fun Tangents

• Jenna’s epic soapbox on pockets: the Rational Dress Society, the history and injustice of women's clothing and pocket sizes ([59:53]–[64:51]).
• Keanu Reeves appreciation and John Wick/Point Break/Speed movie plans ([79:24]).
• Angela and Jenna debate Red Vines vs. Twizzlers: Team Red Vine wins ([90:14]).
• Final Destination movies explained in depth ([86:07]).

Closing Thoughts

• “The Negotiation” marks a turning point in The Office, saying goodbye (at least as a regular) to Roy, cementing the end of Pam/Roy, and foreshadowing future office romances.
• Denman’s interview underscores the family atmosphere of the original cast and crew, the “casting ruts” of recurring roles, and how being part of the show's DNA is a “rare privilege.”
• Jenna and Angela’s trademark blend of sitcom analysis, heartfelt reminiscence, and offbeat research (from negotiation theory to women’s fashion history) makes this episode a treat for Office fans and pop culture buffs alike.
• The episode closes with appreciation for David Denman, cast camaraderie, and a tease for more “super-sized” moments as the season heads into its home stretch.

Essential Timestamps

• [02:35] Main Show Begins: Episode Summary, Stakes
• [03:43] Superfan Extended Cut Differences
• [15:17] David Denman Interview (favorite scenes, Roy’s backstory, leaving the show, triathlons)
• [41:07] Opening Scene (Roy-Jim fight, Dwight uses “pepper spray”)
• [45:10] Jan/Michael "Yeppers" scene
• [55:30] Jenna’s negotiation advice
• [59:53] Jenna’s passionate pocket history deep dive
• [69:06] “Heartbreak in the Break Room” (Pam/Jim scene)
• [91:04] Hungry Fox Diner (Roy & Pam goodbye)
• [98:28] Dwight and Angela’s clandestine kiss, Jim’s reaction

For fans and newcomers alike, this episode offers an energetic, thorough, and affectionate look behind the scenes of a classic Office milestone—with plenty of laughter, real-life context, and love for the characters that made Scranton a cultural touchstone.