“The Convention”
Season 3 Episode 2
In this episode we see Dwight and Michael leave The Office for a paper convention in Philadelphia. There they reunite with Jim, the “prodical son.” Michael is sure to inform Jan that he and Carol are still dating and it would be inappropriate for them to have any contact.
Jim finds out Pam is not married.
Back in the office, Creed introduces himself to Meredith (who has been working there since the beginning) and Toby attempts to ask out Pam, but fails. However, Pam does go on a date with someone else.
I thought it was a good episode overall, but I did have a few observations.
I like it when the majority of the show is filmed in the actual office. This lets the minor characters add to it. Also, part of the charm of The Office is how realistic it can be to your own job.
Second, I felt like this episode was more about plot development and less about really funny scenes. I’m ok with that, as I suppose it’s necesary. It just takes away from the strength of the show a little. I’ll be excited to see more storylines come in because some of them are running a little long in the tooth. (Can Kelly and Ryan just break it off already?)
Lastly, I sure do feel bad for Michael. He tried to build up that party all day and it was a total bust. He did keep a positive attitude for most of it though. Maybe it was the “fun jeans” he was wearing. Steve Carell is just incredible at that role. Is it to early to promote him for an Emmy next year?
Overall, nice episode. They always seem to end it on a high note to keep a good taste in your mouth. (I hope it’s urine.)
What did you think of the episode?
This site updates often with fun Office news. If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to updates by email. Also, check out the forum. Thanks for visiting!
September 28th, 2006 21:43
i kinda got the same impression…i didn’t feel like it was as funny as the premiere (altho the people posting on NBC’s message boards absoFRUITLY loved it)…i like it when its in the actual office as well…the episode did have great moments, and i love how they have audience participation (all of us yelling THATS WHAT SHE SAID..at what probably was the best TWSS set-up, next to Jim’s) and then everyone thinking CALL PAM!!
well, i’m looking forward to what everyone else thinks, but this show is still headed in the right direction and I have full faith in the writers and actors
September 28th, 2006 22:02
So much going on. When Jan made that comment to Michael about having to always stay on top of him he had that “Thats what she said!” smile on his face. And Angela checking in as Jane Doe. Was she the girl on Dwights bed when Jim was starting to open Dwights door? It appeared that Jim was starting to open the door slightly when he heard a female voice & thought Dwight had a hooker. I couldn’t make out what the female voice was saying. It didn’t sound like Angela though. And Pam’s date was a dweeb. Did anyone catch when he started to stare down at her unbuttoned top & she sensed it & started to button back up? I also started to feel sorry for Toby when he chickened out about asking Pam out. I hope she comes to her senses & realizes she loves Jim before Toby finally gets up his courage. I’m worried that when Jim finally decides he wants to transfer back to Scranton it may already be too late and Pam & Toby might possibly be an item. Say it won’t be so! And whats with Creed introducing himself to Meredith? Maybe all those drugs from the 60’s are finally kicking in. And I guess Oscar is on his 3 month vacation with his so called roommate Gil.
September 28th, 2006 22:49
I agree about this episode being more about plot development, but that’s okay. We have to have plot development or things would languish.
I still loved the episode. I thought it was funny to see Josh get his first camera glance when Michael says “general specifics”.
September 28th, 2006 23:53
Did anyone catch what Michael’s new ringtone is? It was so short it’s hard to tell, but I could swear that’s “Double Vision” by Foreigner. A reference to Michael thinking he has two somewhat similar looking girlfriends perhaps?
September 29th, 2006 00:07
Did anyone else like the part how Angela followed Dwight to the convention and was “waiting” for him in his hotel room? But Jim accidentally walks in instead—”Oh my God, he hired a hooker! A hooker! Who can I tell this too? Who can I talk to?”
Sigh. Please bring back JAM ASAP.
September 29th, 2006 03:08
This episode started to lay the foundation for a merger between the branches. I don’t think a Jim and Pam reuinion is too far off.
September 29th, 2006 04:30
I loved the part where Jim walked into Dwight’s room. That was priceless. Also, Angela’s covert key pickup was pretty funny.
Also, this shows that Michael is - for all his faults - an effective salesman, as he struck that deal with Hammermill.
And as an interesting tidbit, I was watching “Quantum Leap” when I was home sick Wednesday and guess who was a co-star in two majorly important epiodes? None other than Melora Hardin - we know her better as Jan.
September 29th, 2006 04:30
I thought that this episdoe was going to be the best, but it was just good. I thought that this episode had some great one-liners.
Like…
Stanley: “You are gonna have to put out.”
Kevin: “I would so hit that”
Angela: “Don’t Monkey Me”
and perhaps the best…
Creed: “Andrea is the office bitch. I am Creed, nice to meet you.”
By the Way, did anyone get the scene when Angela was in front of the camera and said “why are there flies in here?” Did I totally miss that joke? Please explain.
September 29th, 2006 04:53
Fellow readers - am I alone in being worried about Brian? He apparently hopes that good taste in his mouth is urine.
Creed’s exchange with Meredith had me cracking up - although I had to rewind 4 times in order to catch it all.
I felt bad for Toby. He’s a nice guy - no confidence at all, though. I know everyone will disagree, but I’d be totally fine with him and Pam hooking up.
I can’t beleive Dwight hired a hooker.
September 29th, 2006 04:55
Wow, I thought this episode was great. One of my top 3 favorites.
Michael and Dwight mocking Pam with “umm” in the beginning, how awkward I felt when Toby was attempting to ask Pam out, how pitiful Michael was when Jim walked into the “party”, Jan telling Michael to step away.
I love when they are on location and Michael gets to interact with the outside world.
September 29th, 2006 05:41
Hi Everyone,
I still don’t really understand why Creed was introducing himself to Meredith. Can anybody explain this? Thanks!
September 29th, 2006 05:46
Jay,
Because he cares so little about who he works with that he just realized she was there. Remember, he “knows” about Northern Lights Canibus.
September 29th, 2006 05:52
ahhh…yeah, that makes some sense…that was kind of what I was thinking, but it just caught me off-guard when he introduced himself…thanks!!
September 29th, 2006 06:19
Randy, thanks for the concern. I really hope that everyone who reads this post stayed for that last scene from teh show. =)
Dave O, I didn’t get that fly joke either (if it was supposed to be a joke. Maybe It’s an inside joke. I’d love to be a part of an inside joke someday.
Nita, I forgot about the “Um” mocking. THat was really funny.
PS, Now we know that Dwight calls Angels “Monkey” and Angela calls Dwight “D”
September 29th, 2006 06:30
I thought his ringtone was that horrible Black Eyed Peas song, “My Humps”.
September 29th, 2006 06:41
I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, it had some great lines and situations. On the other, I felt so sorry for Michael throughout the whole episode. Quite a downer for me, really. Good thing Jim was there to help him out. It seems one of them comes through at the end for the other in quite a few episodes.
And of course, even though Jan thinks he’s Michael is just there to party instead of going to meetings, Michael seals a big deal with a supplier. Once again, we get to see how he became boss. And he did it so effortleslesly.
September 29th, 2006 06:57
I’m glad (well, not GLAD) to hear that some of you also had reservations about this episode. Everywhere I went, everyone loved it and it was their favorite episode of all time, and I thought maybe I was crazy for not loving this one. Of course there were great moments, but overall it fell a bit flat for me. I think you hit the nail on the head - it was too much about setting plot points and tying up loose ends and too little about being smart and funny. I don’t need funny all the time because the show’s more heartfelt moments are some of its best. However, even the “heart” in this show felt a little too surface because everything was so scattered. I do agree that plot development has to happen to keep the show moving forward, but I think I’d trade off slower-moving plots for the benefit of keeping each episode more focused. I have every faith that next week will be back to normal, though. Just an off-week for me.
September 29th, 2006 07:03
Brian…
Well played, Office Master.
September 29th, 2006 07:06
Wasn’t the cute little girl Michael made friends with Toby’s daughter? I was under the impression he was married…. but the camera clearly showed his (bare) ring finger.
September 29th, 2006 07:27
I loved the “um” singing on the way out. The TWSS set up was priceless as well. I agree with everyone else that said The Office is funnier when it is mainly in the office. I felt so bad for Michael in this episode. One of my friends said “When will he realize he’s a loser” But have no fear, I cam swiftly to Michael’s defense. He’s not a loser, he just has no friends and family outside of his work. ok, maybe a little loser..but dang it he’s my loser!!!! I loved also when Jim got Dwight’s key and he said “Old habits die hard” and did anyone else catch the distinct “pa” before he said somebody. “i gotta call p….somebody!” i was saying, call pam call pam!!!!
September 29th, 2006 07:55
What was the exact saying when Michael and Dwight did the “Scranton Dance?” I was howling! lol
September 29th, 2006 07:56
Oh also, and I’m sure Scranton Insider will point this out… there is no train from Scranton to Philly!
September 29th, 2006 08:31
I just watched the episode again…Phyllis agreeing with Oscar’s ‘put-out’ comment made me laugh again. She gets so few lines…
Also, Michael’s rant on people who need 10-12 friends in order to say ‘look at me…I’m popular’ and then saying that he only needed 3 or 2. Classic.
With the expanded cast I’m already looking forward to a lot of bonus material when the season 3 DVD comes out!
September 29th, 2006 08:37
Beautiful show.
Michael needs to interact with outside people. Int he office they Know he makes mistakes and cover for him, or apologize after they make him upset. Outside people have no mercy and just beat him down. But he still has that Scranton smile.
Will Josh do the Saturday night fever dance with Pam or a new girl when they merge?
Angela was the Hooker. Jim should of taken a longer look. Angela/Monkey/Hooker Said “Hi Big ‘D’” when Jim opened the door.
Nit Picky
I don’t remember the Original office following the cast out on dates, they just talked about them later. Only Work functions were filmed. It is a documentary, not a TV show.
September 29th, 2006 08:51
Were Michael and Dwight riding an Amtrak train to Philadelphia? When did this wonderful new service begin? Maybe they were on a bus, but I thought I heard train noises in the background. The “Scranton Insider” needs to get the show back “on track.”
September 29th, 2006 08:57
Brian…But if Kelly and Ryan break up we don’t get to see her force feed him fries anymore. haha.
“He loves ketchup!”
September 29th, 2006 08:59
I thought this was a good episode. From the beginning it kind of made me sad, with the whole Jim being in Stamford thing. I kind of got the impression during the “inside joke” scene that he was getting a little snotty.
But as soon as Jim showed up for the party, that’s when I loved the episode. When Jim said, “I didn’t leave because of you. You’re a great boss.” That’s when the episode totally turned around for me.
I personally thought one of the funny parts was when Michael was standing next to the giant Black Berry and he started pushing it’s buttons and the black berry started pushing him away. Priceless.
September 29th, 2006 09:41
I think The Convention has become one of my favorite episodes yet. It had just the right amount of comedy and just the right amount of dramedy. The Jim/Michael scene was one of the best yet.
And I’m pretty sure the fly thing was improvised. I don’t think there was a huge reason behind it.
September 29th, 2006 10:18
This was a weird episode for me too. It wasn’t my favorite… but I still liked it. Maybe because everythings so mixed up… with the new branch, it not being in the office, a different JAM relationship etc.
Toby was so realistic in his ask-out attempt. And how many times did your heart go out to Michael this time!!
This is the first time I actually taped an episode cause I thought I was going to miss it, so I’ll probably watch it again this afternoon.
I was thinking that the fly thing was improvised.. and that there wasn’t anything else behind it too.
September 29th, 2006 11:20
I loved this episode! My favorite part was definitely when jim walked into dwight’s hotel room. He got out of there so fast! I also loved Dwight and Michael making fun of Pam!
TO Eb: Toby is divorced. Remember Michael saying “He’s divorced, so he’s not really apart of his family either.”
September 29th, 2006 20:22
Product Placement Overload
Verizon
MS Office
Blackberry
Office Depot
That bothered me…but I loved this ep.
Did anyone notice Toby tapping the desk like Jim? Sad. I want them to go on one date at least. Jim needs to start dating some one new so Pam can get jealous like Rachel for Tim.
September 30th, 2006 04:16
i love toby’s attempt at waving hi to pam … it rings true for most people!
September 30th, 2006 17:30
Yes, there was a lot of product placement, which was a little annoying, but hey, we all need $, I guess.
Oh and the Scranton thing was…”Ain’t no party like a Scranton party ’cause a Scranton party don’t stop”.
This episode was okay. It had some pretty funny parts, especially Creed’s drug-induced forgetfullness. They could have done better, but overall, it was good.
I feel like the branch merger is going to happen soon, if it even does, because of Josh’s comment to Michael, where he said he would find a place for Michael if the Stamford branch overtook the Scranton branch.
September 30th, 2006 18:32
Did anyone else notice that the headphones michael was wearing on the train were the same ones as the gaydar?
October 2nd, 2006 12:02
Jim told Michael in the hotel room that he laid it all on the line, twice, did he mean, outside in the parking lot and then again when he went in for the kiss? or is there another time we don’t know about?
October 2nd, 2006 13:04
Sara, when I heard Jim say that, I thought it was the parking lot and the kiss.
October 3rd, 2006 11:10
Creed was the funniest part of this episode. Remember last year when the office gossip was raging about how Jim liked Pam? When Creed heard he asked “which one’s Pam?”. In this one he referred to Angela as Andrea and introduced himself to Meredith as if she were new. He is HIGH-larious.