“The Convict”
Season 3 Episode 9
Michael finds out that there is an ex-convict that works in Dunder-Mifflin now. It turns out to be Martin Nash. Each of the characters react different. Angela is scared, Dwight is furious, and Stanley doesn’t care.
Martin explained to everyone that he served time because he started doing some insider trading. He also talks to the staff about the classes, tv, and outdoor time that prisoners get. They start to joke that prison is better than Dunder Mifflin and of course Michael is offended. Also, Kevin gets scared because insider trading sounds like what he does every day.
Michael turn into “Prison Mike” teach that prison is not fun. I thought this was an incredible scene. Jim, Pam, and Dwight played along great asking him questions. Also, he tells Ryan that if he was in prison, he would be the “belle of the ball.” Now that was funny stuff.
When Michael doesn’t get the response he is looking for, he locks the staff in the conference room. They eventually call Toby and ask him to come let them out. Toby did this by explaining to Michael that they were just teasing him. It was really fun to see Michael be so child-like and see how relieved he was when he understood what Toby was saying. Toby was a good man to help him even after all Michael had done to him.
All the attention ends up being too much for Martin and he ends up cleaning out his desk and quitting. This really caught me by surprise. It’s obviously a way to trim the cast down a bit and have more face time for everyone, but I just don’t think that it was set up real well. Martin didn’t seem offended at all during the day after being initially embarrassed a bit.
Of course the fun storyline was set up with the call to Jim from Andy. I crack up every time I hear Andy say, “I am so horny,” and then see Jim’s reaction. Andy has Jim tell him about the ladies of the office and whether Andy should make a move. When he mentions Pam, the prank is in motion.
Jim coaches Andy and gives him all bad advice. Andy then precedes to flirt with Pam using her “likes” of frisbee throwing, country music, pig latin, etc. I love to see how confident Andy is with his flirts. As soon as Pam realizes it was Jim that put him up to it, we get a little of the magic from last year.
Jim gives Pam the “Gotcha!” look and Pam is just happy to be a part of it.
We saw a little inside Jim when Karen wanted in on the prank. Jim mentioned earlier in the show that he is dating Karen and it’s going good. But, he was a little hesitant let Karen in on teasing Pam. Jim is obviously a little torn still. All I can say is he better pay it right. I think it’d be smart to let Karen know a bit of the history so she knows here he is coming from. And Jim definitely has to decide if he really is ready for the relationship with Karen or not. If not, don’t hurt Karen or Pam in the mean time.
But enough with the serious stuff. Andy ends the show with an awesome banjo falsetto number. Andy was awesome. You could tell that Pam had a really, really hard time not laughing.
Overall, I thought this was a good episode. But, it wasn’t really about the plot for me. It was more about the scenes. Michael, Jim, Andy and Pam were all awesome and we got to see a bit of their character again.
My laugh out loud moment was when Prison Mike yelled right in the face of Phyllis.
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November 30th, 2006 19:09
Andy: “I’m so horny….”
considering the context and that he was talking to Jim, funniest line of the season!!
November 30th, 2006 19:15
Classic Episode! It feels like things are getting back relatively to normal. It was nice to see an episode take place exclusively in the Scranton Office. I also like how the merged characters are being weeded out mainly b/c they can’t handle Michael. It seems Andy and Karen are permanent characters but I can even envision them being phased out and at one point we would be back to all the original characters. Not that I dislike them, but I feel that we all were unsure what to make of all these changes right at the beginning of the season, but it looks like we are getting to the meat of this season. I’m starting to warm up to Andy but I want to see him and Dwight have their power struggle rather than him being sleazy chasing women. Not really feeling the lady who has the baby. What’s her deal? Also, We’ll see how the Jim/Pam/Karen triangle plays out. It was also funny to see Michael and Toby have the most tender moment they will probably ever have with each other. Sorry for the spotty comments I am just typing random thoughts on how I feel this fresh after a new episode.
That is all,
- Clint
November 30th, 2006 19:17
The last scene with Andy and Pam was GOLD. And we had some Jim/Pam “stuff” tonight. Just a taste brings back such memories!
November 30th, 2006 19:25
I love Prison Mike.
November 30th, 2006 19:26
Dwight’s new nickname should be the “cashman.” Very nice episode. And a weird/tender moment between Toby (aka the convicted rapist) and Michael “Prison Mike” Scott.
November 30th, 2006 21:04
I really didn’t think the Convict storyline was that funny, but the Jim/Andy/Pam thing was pretty hilarious. And definetely some cute Jim expressions today
November 30th, 2006 21:27
I’ve been so used to super-sized episodes and producer’s cut that I was so sad when the episode ended–it felt like 15 minutes!
Please, please, please put up the Pig Latin Raibow Connection audio clip. Kermit+Andy+Banjo=Wow.
November 30th, 2006 22:17
“The worst thing about prison is the dementors”
I have never laughed so hard in my life. I really mean that.
December 1st, 2006 00:46
I can’t believe Martin left!! He was actually cool!!! I loved it when Kevin said “I made Martin explain to me three times what he got arrested for, because it sounds an awful lot like what I do here… every… day.”
December 1st, 2006 03:11
it was probably my least favourite episode so far in 3 seasons. after every scene i felt “well, that was dumb and pointless”. nothing really clicked well … maybe gervais & merchant (who are comedy geniuses) haven’t really grasped the characters yet? i dunno…
December 1st, 2006 06:26
My favorite part was when Dwight had to convince Michael and himself that he was cool. “I am cool…I AM cool.” And then he went from standing up straight to slumping down. It’s the small things…
December 1st, 2006 06:54
I’ve only seen it once, so my impressions may change after repeated viewings. I felt like I’d seen so many previews and heard so much hype, I was disappointed a little bit. Also didn’t like the regular 22 minute format. This show has to be longer!
Let’s see, Jim slowly spinning around in his chair and then cutting his eyes over to Pam was priceless. And how did Jenna not fall off the couch when Andy was playing the banjo (also loved how Andy had his banjo in his car–so Dwightlike).
Can’t remember what Creed said, but remember he was funny. Would have thought he’d have something to say about jail at least, if not prison (I just see an arrest or two in his background, don’t you?)
Prison Mike was pretty funny. Loved the dementors comment. Also loved how his accent altered between street gangster and mob gangster.
Can’t wait to watch it again–think my mother-in-law will want to watch it tonight?
December 1st, 2006 07:06
I feel this show definitely focused on Michael Scott a lot more. It had more of the feel of the season 1 episodes. I was laughing out loud a lot. The episode was sooooo uncomfortable. It was right up there with Diversity Day, and the whole awkwardness of the Oscar/Michael gay moment in the conference room earlier this season. I liked how it showcased Michael in his ignorant glory, but still gave you enough interaction between the other characters too.
Prison Mike was hysterical to me. I sat on the couch with my hand over my face thinking, “Oh my gosh I can’t believe he’s doing this!”
John N- I’m right there with ya on Andy’s horny line. Jim’s response was equally amusing- and his very last facial expression made me melt.
I also loved how Jim says he’s seeing Karen right off the bat. Then you see that she may be cool, but she’s no Pam. Jim diverts her attention to the other women- office pranks are strictly a Pam/Jim thing. No Karen’s allowed
And lastly, I don’t like Hannah either. She’s annoying and I hope she is next to leave. And does anyone know what Stanley mutters when he walks by Pam talking to Hannah’s baby in the beginning? I couldn’t make it out.
DON’T DROP THE SOAP! DON’T DROP THE SOAP!
December 1st, 2006 07:42
This was my favorite episode of the season if only because Jim and Pam were interacting like they used to…I really missed that.
December 1st, 2006 08:14
Yeah, i don’t think season 3 is as awesome as season 2. i really really miss the Jim-Pam interaction. Sorry, Brian, I know you love Karen…but she’s just kind of ruining it for me
December 1st, 2006 08:48
Dude I loved this episode! The ending was just…perfect! Ed Helms better stick around cuz all the Stamford folks are dropping like flies.
I hope there’s an episode down the line where Pam and Jim mess with both Dwight and Andy. But this time, Pam’s the mastermind behind it. This way Pam can show Jim that she hasn’t missed a beat with those pranks while he’s been gone.
December 1st, 2006 08:57
Ok to good episode. My favorite part - Apollo Creed.
December 1st, 2006 09:32
haha, amen Chris!
December 1st, 2006 10:40
I was kind of disappointed with this episode since the creators of the original show wrote it. Maybe I’m not use to their style because I have never seen the UK version before, but it felt like something was missing to me. However, I just read Kathie’s review from Give Me My Remote and she said that no episode of “The Office” can be watched just once. I absolutely agree with that since some of my favorite moments of the show are things I didn’t catch the first time. So I definitely need to watch it again before I make my final judgment on it.
December 1st, 2006 10:45
Toby is so great in this episode…great to see Jim and Pam sharing a prank together and Jim not wanting Karen in on it…
December 1st, 2006 11:52
Stanley mutters “fantastic” as he walks by and sees the baby at work. I liked Martin so am sorry to see him leave. That look on Michael’s face and how it changes when Toby was talking to him was amazing. Michael telling Dwight about Martin was hysterical and the money in his pocket was classic Dwight. I really enjoyed this episode and even got my husband to watch it with me.
December 1st, 2006 12:29
Pam and Jim didn’t even speak in this episode but there was a whole lot of JAM in it.
December 1st, 2006 13:18
Dear Warden,
It has come to my attention that I will be receiving a new cell mate. I MUST protest! Strongly! This is an injustice to the American system of law and this will not be tolerated. My lawyer WILL get involved.
As a convict, I know that I am not above the rules and regulations that govern this prison, but I must strongly object to being “bunked” with a know thief, robber, and kidnapper of the President’s son. This man called “Prison Mike” is a hardened criminal, brought up in “clinks” all over the nation, feed only gruel sandwiches, and forced to watch 10” televisions. How do you expect me to survive a week with this…this…thing? I even hear he prays to Apollo Creed every night. What kind of monster is this?
Please Warden, hear my plea. How is someone like me, convicted only of helping people out at a concert, supposed to deal with the likes of “Prison Mike”? I do NOT want to be his Bitch!!!
Warden, thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. I know that you are a reasonable man and that we can come to some type of understanding.
Sincerely
Prisoner 25271 – Martin Nash
P.S.
Can we please do something about the Dementors?
December 1st, 2006 14:45
I was surprised at how much of the show I had already seen because of all the preview clips NBC put out on the Internet. It felt like only half of the show was new.
December 1st, 2006 19:50
RKM - I totally agree…I loved the episode, but I’m not going to be watching any more previews online because it did take something away from that first viewing.
December 1st, 2006 20:23
omg rk that was amazing holy shit
neways i loved the show(when dont’t i) i just hope jim gets past the whole karen thing as fast as possible
michael had many personailties-
he was a baby he was prison mike he was even himself
the creed paperclip thing was kinda weird funny tho
loved how michael made everyone go outside for outdoor time i was surprised it took 33 minutes for someone to complain about the cold
anywho…i love the show and im probably the biggest the office fan and i feel like im rambling now so i should probably shut up now
wow i was just complementing rk and i got all that out of my system
Alex
December 1st, 2006 22:44
I hate to say it, but the writing seems to be getting a little formulaic. This episode was almost a carbon copy of “Gay Witch Hunt.”
Michael discovers something scandelous about one of his employees.
Michael puts said employee on the spot by making a big announcement about it.
Michael tries to demonstrate how accepting he is by being PC to a fault.
Michael calls everyone into the conference room to further convey his lesson.
Said employee leaves because of the pressure.
I loved the Andy-wooing-Pam plot, but I was really disappointed in the main story.
December 1st, 2006 22:48
Josh, I agree with your observation. Luckily the scenes (Prison Mike, banjo, horny call) were enough to leave me satisfied and smiling.
December 1st, 2006 23:17
As a banjo player and fan of the Daily show….that last scene was amazing.
But…
NOT ENOUGH DWIGHT.
DwightK.