10 Scenes that Redeem Michael Scott from ‘The Office,’ Ranked
The Office’s Michael Scott (Steve Carell) is best known for the ways he bowls through all work boundaries, behavior that ranges from borderline harassment to reckless driving. Still, something about Michael inspires his employees’ devotion. Underneath the type of antics that will have you covering your eyes — but peeking through your fingers — is a shockingly complex character, exceptional amongst comedy series.
Michael’s keen longing for love and his deep-seated fear of rejection drive his more self-serving schemes, but they also make him kind. Here are the top 10 moments where Michael Scott’s good intentions and sensitive soul win out over his absurdity.
10) When He Reveals The Motivation for “That’s What She Said” — “Survivor Man”
Michael’s “that’s what she said” line is iconic, and it routinely gets him in trouble. In “Survivor Man,” Michael lifts the veil on the intention behind the punchline. Michael goes off for a solo wilderness experience, leaving Jim in charge.
Jim (John Krasinski) begins the day excited to try his hand at leadership but is surprised to find it’s not easy. When Michael returns, he acknowledges it only takes one unpopular decision for your workers to turn on you. This is why he employs his crass sense of humor, not just for laughs, but “to keep things light” and reduce the tension in the office.
9) When He Stands By Dunder Mifflin— “The Deposition”
To support his boss-turned-girlfriend Jan Levinson (Melora Hardin), Michael gives a deposition about Jan’s termination. Jan, eager to win her lawsuit, is willing to do anything to make her point. Her lawyer reads a portion of CFO David Wallace’s (Andy Buckley) deposition, which contains a negative comment about Michael.
Though Michael is hurt, he is insightful enough to see what Jan is doing: attempting to manipulate him, so he testifies against the company. Instead, he goes on record to assert that Dunder Mifflin has been nothing but respectful to him. This undercuts Jan’s wrongful termination argument, but he decides to stand by the company he loves.
8) When He Shares Gin With Jim—“The Promotion”
In Season 6, Jim steps into a co-manager role alongside Michael, and they are charged by David Wallace to distribute raises within the office. A power struggle ensues, but Michael and Jim forget their squabble when the other workers realize they won’t all be receiving an equal increase.
Before hunkering down to ride out their outrage, Michael runs out to grab something. He returns with two World’s Best Boss mugs filled with gin. They drink, and Michael tells Jim that he’s glad to finally have someone to share the hardest parts of leadership, putting aside his pettiness to appreciate their partnership.
7) When He Pays for Derrick’s Books—“Scott’s Tots”
“Scotts Tots” remains one of the most infamous Office episodes, in which Michael reveals a promise he made ten years ago to cover college tuition for a group of students. The time has come to follow through on that promise. The only problem is that Michael’s broke, and he has to break the news that he can’t support them after all. One of the students, Derrick (Kwame Boatang), confronts him, and Michael offers the most he can — to cover the cost of his books.
Michael’s empty promise is terrible, but one thing is clear: he really wanted to support his community, but just misjudged how much he could offer. While it could never fully atone for how devastated those students are, by buying Derrick’s books he is doing the most he can, making a small but real difference.
6) When He Reminds Jan About Consent — “Cocktails”
A cocktail party, hosted by David Wallace, is the night that Michael and Jan’s relationship goes public. After hours of hearing Michael telling everyone they’re together, Jan’s nerves are running high. Michael is taken off guard when she suddenly comes on to him, trying to get him to come with her to the bathroom.
He feels awkward in their boss’s house and surrounded by colleagues, which he voices, but Jan won’t stop. Firmer reminds her that “no means please don’t.” Jan listens to him and pulls away, but the drive home is tense. While Michael may cross the line of what should be said in the office setting, it seems he does understand consent.
5) When Pam Panics, and He Takes Charge —“Dream Team”
The first day Michael Scott Paper Company, which Michael and Pam (Jenna Fischer) break off from Dunder Mifflin to launch, gets off to a rough start. Pam arrives at Michael’s house to find he’s frozen by the magnitude of their new venture. She takes the reins, pushing him to get take it one step at a time.
At the end of the day, it’s Pam’s turn to panic. The day, spent trying to put together a sales team, doesn’t go well, which makes her begin to regret her decision. Michael surprises her, though. He speaks to her with authority and rare insight, and he tells her precisely what she needs to hear.
4) When He Distracts the Office With A Murder Mystery Game — “Murder”
In “Murder” the office gets news that Dunder Mifflin will likely go under. Everyone begins to spiral, but Michael somehow knows exactly what to do: facilitate a murder mystery game. The murder mystery game, set in Savannah, is responsible for Oscar’s (Oscar Nunez) famous, strange interpretation of a southern accent, which remains a beloved moment in the show.
Michael’s tactic works, and they are all distracted by the charade. Michael is just as fearful of losing his job, but he puts that aside to lead them. He is, more often than not, oblivious to others’ needs, but here he taps into an unexpected understanding of how to care for his employees.
3) When He Hands Out Candy to Trick or Treaters — “Halloween”
In Season 2, Jan charges Michael with the task of firing one person by the end of October. Not wanting to lose anyone, Michael waits until the last day of the month, leaving him the unfortunate task of firing an employee clad in his Halloween costume.
It’s an emotionally fraught day, but the episode ends on a bright note. The camera crew records him handing out candy to trick or treaters. He’s a natural with kids, and his desperate desire for a family maybe something he’d excel at it. His childish behavior is a flaw in the office, but outside Dunder Mifflin, it’s one of his greatest’s strengths.
2) When He Writes Dwight’s Recommendation Letter— “Goodbye, Michael”
As Michael’s departure from the office approaches, Dwight realizes he has not been considered as his replacement. Ultimately, the regional manager role is awarded to Andy Bernard (Ed Helms). Dwight is livid, having dedicated himself to Michael and the company.
That is until he sees the letter of recommendation Michael wrote for him. It details his exceptional skills as a salesman and as a friend, causing Dwight to tear up while he reads. After all the grief that Michael gives Dwight over the series, this letter is a true testament to the love he has for him.
1. When He Comes to Pam’s Art Show — “Business School”
After being embarrassed at Ryan’s business school class by students who argue paper sales will soon be obsolete, Michael leaves filled with self-doubt. Meanwhile, Pam is at her first art show. She invited the whole office, but only Oscar and his boyfriend come. When Pam overhears them calling her work motel art, she is crushed — until Michael arrives.
When he sees her art tacked on the wall, he beams, insisting on buying the watercolor painting of their office building. Pam, in tears and with renewed hope, hugs him. This is Michael Scott at his finest, supporting his coworkers unconditionally, even through their lowest moments. The simple act of showing up and celebrating the best that he sees in his friends is what truly inspires their allegiance.
