Office Ladies: Webisode Breakdown – "The Third Floor"
Episode: Webisode: The Third Floor
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Hosts: Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
Title of Podcast Episode: The Third Floor
Podcast: Office Ladies
Introduction to "The Third Floor"
In this engaging episode of Office Ladies, co-hosts Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey delve into the "The Third Floor", a webisode from The Office series where Ryan Howard takes on the role of a horror movie director within the mundane setting of the Dunder Mifflin office.
Breaking Down the Webisode
Overview of the Webisode
Jenna opens the discussion with enthusiasm about Ryan's venture into horror filmmaking.
Jenna Fischer [02:19]: "Welcome back to Office Lady 6.0. Angela. Are you ready for some jump scares? Maybe some eerie music and a really scary villain?"
Angela expresses her hesitance towards horror movies, especially those featuring zombies.
Angela Kinsey [02:42]: "Love. I hate them. But I want to tell you I'm just thankful that there are no zombies in this one, because I really hate zombies."
Jenna counters with her love for zombies, highlighting their differing tastes. This sets the stage for their nuanced discussion of the webisode's horror elements.
Behind the Scenes Insights
The hosts share exclusive behind-the-scenes anecdotes, enhancing the listener's appreciation for the webisode's production. They reference interviews with cast members like Mindy Kaling and BJ Novak, who provide insights into the creative process behind Ryan's horror project.
BJ Novak [13:18]: "Ryan is directing a horror film that he thinks will be sort of the paranormal activity set in an office picked up by the documentary crew and by the main characters in the office."
Jenna and Angela highlight how the webisode captures the subtle complexities of Ryan's character and his passion for filmmaking, contrasting it with his usual office antics.
Character and Plot Discussion
The hosts provide a detailed synopsis of the webisode's plot, focusing on Kelly and Aaron's transition from music to acting in Ryan's horror film.
Jenna Fischer [14:34]: "Kelly and Erin are conducting an interview with Meredith, who is playing a fortune-teller type woman."
They discuss key scenes, such as the jump scares orchestrated by Aaron and Ryan's creative costumes, emphasizing the blend of humor and horror that The Office is renowned for.
Angela Kinsey [18:12]: "Your level of helpfulness is making me think you're not in charge."
This notable quote from Ryan during a tense moment exemplifies the show's ability to intertwine humor with character development.
Costumes and Effects
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the intricate costumes and practical effects used in the webisode.
Jenna Fischer [24:07]: "I thought it was fantastic. I thought they did a great job with it. It was very, very creative."
They particularly highlight Ellie's transformation into a monster character, praising the hair and makeup team's efforts.
Angela Kinsey [25:24]: "That was absolutely the longest I was in hair and makeup at the office."
The hosts also critique Ryan's costume as the horror movie director, adding a humorous take on his over-the-top appearance.
Jenna Fischer [26:17]: "I would describe it as full douchebag."
Assignment: Watching John Carpenter's "The Thing"
To deepen their analysis, Jenna assigns Angela the task of watching the first 24 minutes and 30 seconds of John Carpenter's classic horror film, The Thing. This assignment serves as a parallel to Ryan's filmmaking endeavors in the webisode.
Jenna Fischer [08:58]: "I asked her to watch the first 24 minutes and 30 seconds of John Carpenter's the Thing."
Angela's Reaction to "The Thing"
Angela shares her candid reactions to the assignment, providing a deeper layer to the discussion about horror elements.
Angela Kinsey [50:17]: "I was like, this was a terrible idea."
She narrates her experience of watching the film, highlighting her discomfort and the intense suspense that contrasted with her usually adamant dislike for horror movies.
Angela Kinsey [57:38]: "It's a really good plot. It's a simple plot. Here are my first reactions."
Her detailed recounting of The Thing emphasizes the film's effectiveness in building paranoia and suspense, aligning with Ryan's attempt to inject similar elements into the office setting.
Jenna's Review of Ryan's Movie
Jenna offers a comprehensive critique of Ryan's homemade horror film, applying both her own criteria and the traditional elements of great horror movies.
Jenna Fischer [39:40]: "I think Ryan's film has it all."
She praises the film's atmosphere, suspense, and plot clarity, while also noting areas for improvement, such as the lack of creative kills.
Jenna Fischer [41:19]: "I think a good horror movie has creative kills. And in this one, we kind of get the same kill over and over."
Despite the shortcomings, Jenna commends the effort and creativity behind the webisode, appreciating it as a solid effort for a homemade production.
Angela Kinsey [42:03]: "I would give it two thumbs up. I would."
Conclusion: Embracing New Experiences
The episode concludes with Jenna and Angela reflecting on their friendship and the importance of encouraging each other to step out of comfort zones.
Jenna Fischer [62:48]: "Look at that. Jenna. We're just like in our friendship, we're just encouraging each other to grow and experience new things."
They emphasize that it's never too late to explore new interests, underscoring the podcast's theme of personal growth and collaboration.
Notable Quotes
- Jenna Fischer [16:03]: "I want to express myself, but I have nothing to say and no medium with which to do it."
- Angela Kinsey [18:12]: "Your level of hysteria makes me think you're not in charge."
- Jenna Fischer [39:54]: "I think Ryan's film has it all."
- Angela Kinsey [57:38]: "It's a really good plot. It's a simple plot. Here are my first reactions."
Summary
In this detailed episode of Office Ladies, Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey offer an in-depth analysis of The Office webisode "The Third Floor", exploring Ryan's foray into horror filmmaking. Through lively discussions, exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, and personal anecdotes, the hosts illuminate the creative nuances of the webisode. Angela's assignment to watch The Thing further enriches the conversation, allowing for a comparative critique that highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement in Ryan's homemade horror film. The episode not only celebrates the creativity of the cast but also underscores the value of friendship and personal growth.
Note: Timestamps correspond to the segments where the notable quotes and discussions occur within the episode.