“The Client” [Throwback Thursday #1]

It’s the first edition of Throwback Thursday!
Throughout the summer, we’ll be flashing back and revisiting old episodes, with brand-new analysis, links, contests, & more.

First up?

“The Client,” Season 2, Episode 7

What a HUGE episode for this show! I didn’t realize it until I sat down to write this post, but WOW. So many things happen!

Quick Recap
The cold open is Michael and his beloved, dry-cleaned jeans. We hear about the staff’s worst first dates, including a background check (Oscar) and abandonment at a local hockey game (Pam), as Michael and Jan try to win a major account. The eponymous ‘client’ of the title is played to perfection by Tim Meadows, and the business meeting is conducted at Chili’s–the new golf course. Back at the office, Pam finds the now-infamous screenplay, ‘Threat Level: Midnight’ and the entire office crew performs a read-through. This marks a major point in two Office relationships: Jim and Pam share a rooftop dinner, and Michael and Jan share a kiss. Also, we get to see Dwight in his underwear (which apparently were changed at the last minute at Rainn Wilson’s request, according to BJ Novak).

Comments
A tremendous episode for JAM and Jichael. Remember, the episode before “The Client” was “The Fight,” which also has a lot of JAM tension. In this episode, Jim continues to test the limits of the relationship, commenting on the hockey game incident and calling their time together (by the way, was that the most intimate, heartbreaking swaying you’ve ever seen or what?) ‘a date.’ Again, Pam is put off. While she enjoyed herself just as much as Jim did, calling it ‘a date’ makes it too real for her. Michael is having his own issues with Jan, who is not feeling the love. The awkward phone calls set the stage for the rest of their crazy relationship. At the end of the episode, the look between Jim and Michael is positively priceless. According to Paul Lieberstein, it was the first idea for the episode, and the rest of the episode was written so it would lead up to that moment. This episode also introduces us to Dwigt, Agent Michael Scarn, and Michael’s killer drawings (actually done by producer Greg Daniels).

“The Client” Deleted Scenes

In the commentary, we learn that Jim’s best/worst first date was with Pam, just as you probably suspected. So sad! I wish this had made it into the episode. I also love the Pam-staring-at-her-desk and the Phyllis/Stanley deleted scenes. Remember, a kick and a chop are two different things!

Further Reading
1. The Client Wikipedia entry (especially the Trivia section)
2. BJ Novak’s blog of The Client for TV Guide.com (same BJ Novak link as above)
3. Northern Attack on “The Client”
4. Commentary, Season 2 DVD, Disc 2 (highly recommended)
5. Transcript by Nikki at Scriptanic

Homework
1. Vote for next week’s Throwback Thursday episode (forum)
2. Write a Haiku about “The Client”. (forum)
3. What’s your take on this episode, the deleted scenes, trivia, or anything else? Post your thoughts in the comments below!

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