Like many people, I’m upset with how the election turned out. I’m angry, disappointed and heartbroken. So, I did what many people do when they’re upset: I binged on Netflix.
My go-to show is (and always will be) the Office. After watching until 3 o’clock in the morning, I realized I felt a little better. Nothing else had changed, I just needed the distraction. So, regardless of what’s plaguing you, whether it be the fact we have a sexist carrot for a president, your job sucks, you’re taking way too many credits, or you just don’t want to face reality right now, this is for you.The 15 best things to ever happen on the Office: (in no particular order because I love all of them).
1) When Jim and Pam convince Dwight that Jim was Asian season 9, episode 3: "Andy's Ancestry"
PRIME JIM PRANK. This is when the show kind of went downhill after Michael left and it definitely reminded everyone why they watch the show.
2) Scott's Tots season 6, episode 12: "Scott's Tots"
So, this episode is undoubtedly cringe-y but like the Scott's Tots rap and Michael pulling the laptop battery chargers out redeems the entire episode.
3) Threat Level Midnight season 7, episode 17: "Threat Level Midnight"
The thought of Michael Scott creating his own movie is entertaining enough but to see it carried out was beautiful.
4) The infamous fire drill season 5, episode 14: "Stress Relief: Part One"
As soon as you saw this list you had to know this was going to place. Dwight's fire drill and the chaos that ensued made for the most action-packed cold open the show had ever seen.
5) Ryan started the fire season 2, episode 4: "The Fire"
Since we're talking about fire, this one had to be brought up. Who knew Ryan's burnt pita would drive Michael to realize just how much Dwight means to him.
6) Stanley doesn't notice anything?! season 7, episode 6: "Costume Contest"
This is in a contest with the fire drill for best cold open. I hope that one day I can be as complacent and successful as Stanley.
7) When Gabe dressed up as Lady Gaga season 7, episode 6: "Costume Contest"
Okay so, "Costume Contest" is undoubtedly my favorite episode of the Office and it definitely deserves two spots on this list. Gabe's uncomfortably lanky body and awkward demeanor made this costume perfect.
8) The entire Michael Scott Paper Company incident season 5
This gem of a company got us the golden quote seen above, Also, Cafe Disco. And the throwing of cheese puffs. The whole Michael Scott Paper Company was also enlightening because Michael achieved his dreams and showed us anything is possible.
9) Toby's exit interview with Michael season 4, episodes 18/19: "Goodbye Toby"
Who do you think you are? How dare you?
10) When Dwight tried to get into Cornell to piss Andy off season 5, episode 6: "Employee Transfer"
The Dwight/Andy feud after Angela's infidelity was pretty uncomfortably tense but when Dwight starts interviewing Andy back it was worth suffering through it.
11) Everyone starts listing movie plots in grief counseling season 3, episode 4: "Grief Counseling"
When Michael's old boss dies, he wants to help the office deal with their feelings and, like most things, it turned into a joke against him.
12) Andy punches the wall season 3, episode 14: "The Return"
Tweedly deedly dee, tweedly dee dee! I can't figure out what's funnier: the fact that Andy recorded a 4-part harmony for his ringtone or that he actually punched a hole in the wall.
13) "Dwight, you ignorant slut." season 3, episode 19: "Safety Training"
Michael takes mental health safety incredibly serious. Which is why he faked jumping off a roof.
14) Astird season 5, episode 4: "Baby Shower"
Dwight birthing a watermelon also put this episode on the map but the fact that they get a bowl of personalized M&Ms that say "Astird" topped everything else.
15) The Office Lip Dub season 7, episode 1: "Nepotism"
Everyone's personalities shine in this opener, making it a prime moment. It also began the episode where Evan Peters cameos. Enough said.
Hopefully, this list was enough to remind you that there is still good in the world in the form of Michael Scott. It won't fix everything but it can be a nice temporary distraction.