# The Office: "The Duel" (open spoilers) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [January 16, 2009, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534 "2009-01-16T02:52:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/21 "2009-01-16T15:13:38Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > Where was HR during all that drama? Did Toby jump the fence again? God, I hope so. He’s such a weed, I’ve come to hate him almost as much as Michael does. Especially after that pathetic scene in his comeback episode, when Michael tried to pick a fight with him, and it ended up with Toby sitting at his desk, head bowed, making feeble little punching gestures. Bring back Holly! Nice to see my favorite character, the perennially underused Meredith, get two good zingers in this episode: the great, off the wall throwaway line about her neighbor, and the talking head about having two men fight over her. > [@Greg Charles](#): > > Meredith: “I call the loser!” Oh yeah, that one too! ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/22 "2009-01-16T16:01:54Z")
I liked when Dwight and Andy high-fived each other after setting a time and place for the duel where Jim couldn’t interfere. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/23 "2009-01-16T16:03:09Z")
I’m interested in seeing if Angela’s character changes after this double-diss. ---
**Author:** ![mshar253](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@mshar253](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mshar253)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/24 "2009-01-16T16:05:46Z")
I think that this was one of the better episodes of the season, although I can’t pinpoint why, exactly. I chuckled throughout, and I’m glad they told Andy that he was being cheated on, so hopefully the story can finally start to move forward. I agree that this is one of the few in which I wished for a whole hour, though I am glad that they kept the Jim and Pam stuff to a minimum (which probably wouldn’t have happened had the episode been a full hour). Also, in case anyone was wondering, [The Office (and 30 Rock)](http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/01/30-rock.html) have just been renewed for another season. I’m of the opinion they should have ended the show after the third season, but it’s obviously way too late for that now, so I guess I’m glad that the show will have the chance to try to return to its glory days before it eventually ends. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/25 "2009-01-16T16:23:33Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > I so thought Wallace was going to decide that rather than trying to extract info from Michael he should visit the office first hand to make his own observations and then we’d see them pulling into the parking at the same time Dwight and Andy were going at it. I think it’s going to become pretty apparent to David Wallace that Jim in his new position as #2 is the reason that the branch is doing so well. ---
**Author:** ![kasuo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8c91f0/32.png) [@kasuo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kasuo)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/26 "2009-01-16T16:26:12Z")
> [@HelloNinja](#): > > I think it’s going to become pretty apparent to David Wallace that Jim in his new position as #2 is the reason that the branch is doing so well. Oh yeah, almost forgot about that whole B-story. So _how_ is the Scranton branch doing so well? ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/27 "2009-01-16T16:54:54Z")
As dysfunctional as they are, they actually have pretty good sales people, starting with Michael, and most of the others are competent at their jobs as well. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/28 "2009-01-16T16:57:20Z")
Maybe it’s that Michael is so annoying that people will buy from him just to be rid of him? I mean, David Wallace seemed to be wrapping up the meeting and Michael was content to sit there and keep eating. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/29 "2009-01-16T17:14:55Z")
Let’s not forget the Creed moment of the night, Andy: I would just like to thank everybody for lying to my face. Creed: You are welcome. I also like the Jim and the others actaully know that Dwight hides weapons in the office. And then there was Michael trying to claim he had run 31 miles per hour. ---
**Author:** ![shy\_guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a6a055/32.png) [@shy\_guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shy_guy)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/30 "2009-01-16T17:25:11Z")
> [@HelloNinja](#): > > I think it’s going to become pretty apparent to David Wallace that Jim in his new position as #2 is the reason that the branch is doing so well. This was my thought as well. We might also be seeing a sort of validation of Michael’s more personal sales methods, where clients are willing to stay with them in spite of the higher prices. Given that Dave Wallace already likes Jim and thinks he’s more competent than Michael, I’m surprised he didn’t call them both in. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/31 "2009-01-16T17:32:12Z")
Angela’s confrontation with Andy – have we ever heard her say so many words at once? Whole sentences? Maybe when she argued with Phyllis about party stuff, but that was a long speech for Angela. ---
**Author:** ![Kal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Kal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kal)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/32 "2009-01-16T17:33:07Z")
> [@kasuo](#): > > So _how_ is the Scranton branch doing so well? All the free advertising that comes from being featured in a documentary. Seeing as the documentary team have been following the action for years, the show must be quite popular. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/33 "2009-01-16T17:39:33Z")
> [@Kal](#): > > All the free advertising that comes from being featured in a documentary. Seeing as the documentary team have been following the action for years, the show must be quite popular. I don’t think the show’s ‘aired’ yet, or ever will. I wonder if Angela will wind up pregnant, now that we know the 'Nard-ster got a couple of shots in there. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/34 "2009-01-16T18:06:24Z")
The Scranton branch does so well because despite all of their bitching and eye rolling at each other, they all like each other and have fun together. Seeing everyone out there cheering while their co-workers ran at the traffic radar at the beginning of the episode is a perfect example of that. Do they do stuff like that at the other branches? Michael’s style is totally vindicated which baffles everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/35 "2009-01-16T18:11:18Z")
> [@msmith537](#): > > “Why isn;t he turning around?!!” > > “The Prius is silent if he keeps it under 5 mph!” “He deserves the win.” 😛 ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/36 "2009-01-16T18:17:38Z")
I thought it was hilarious. One of the best episodes in a while. The Prius line was perfect, and it wasn’t the only time I was laughing out loud. > [@AuntiePam](#): > > Angela’s confrontation with Andy – have we ever heard her say so many words at once? Whole sentences? Maybe when she argued with Phyllis about party stuff, but that was a long speech for Angela. Well her “that’s how I sleep at night” talking head was pretty long, too. ---
**Author:** ![rucciface](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ba9def/32.png) [@rucciface](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rucciface)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/37 "2009-01-16T18:40:41Z")
This episode was a waste of my time. It left me totally unsatisfied, after waiting 3 (was it 4?) weeks for it. The only purpose it served was to remind me how much I like Oscar. The Office is the only tv show I watch, and it’s starting to lose me. Right now, I’m ambivalent about its renewal next season. ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/38 "2009-01-16T19:56:09Z")
> [@Gangster\_Octopus](#): > > And then there was Michael trying to claim he had run 31 miles per hour. That was HILARIOUS! ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/39 "2009-01-16T20:40:44Z")
> [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](#): > > God, I hope so. He’s such a weed, I’ve come to hate him almost as much as Michael does. Especially after that pathetic scene in his comeback episode, when Michael tried to pick a fight with him, and it ended up with Toby sitting at his desk, head bowed, making feeble little punching gestures. Bring back Holly From your keyboard to Greg Daniels [ears](http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/01/exclusive-amy-r.html): > [@](#): > > Greg Daniels, the big boss behind The Office, just confirmed for me exclusively the best news ever: Amy Ryan will be reprising her spectacularly popular role as Holly Flax, soul mate to Steve Carrel’s Michael. ---
**Author:** ![Borborygmi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/borborygmi/32/217_2.png) [@Borborygmi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Borborygmi)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534/40 "2009-01-16T20:45:30Z")
> [@rucciface](#): > > [It] was a waste of my time. It left me totally unsatisfied, after waiting 3 (was it 4?) weeks for it. The only purpose it served was to remind me how much I like Oscar. That’s what SHE said! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-office-the-duel-open-spoilers/481534.md?page=3)