Ep 24. Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager
- TV-14
- May 12, 2011
- 22 min
-
8.5 (5,358)
Dwight K. Schrute, long-time salesman and resident eccentric of Dunder Mifflin's Scranton branch, gets his chance to shine in this episode of The Office. With the departure of Michael Scott, the office is in need of a new manager and Dwight is determined to prove that he's the man for the job.
As the title suggests, Dwight is appointed as the "acting" manager, which means he's only the boss until the higher-ups decide on a permanent replacement. But for Dwight, this is an opportunity to finally show his colleagues that he's more than just a loyal and hardworking paper salesman.
Of course, things don't go smoothly for Dwight, as his abrasive and unconventional style clashes with the rest of the office. He makes some questionable decisions, such as instituting a rigid dress code and attempting to implement a Schrute-centric sales strategy. Meanwhile, Jim, Pam, and the rest of the crew are trying to adjust to life without Michael, and many of them are skeptical of Dwight's managerial abilities.
The episode has plenty of the offbeat humor that fans of The Office have come to love. Dwight's awkward attempts at leadership and his over-the-top proclamations provide some of the most comedic moments, but the rest of the cast gets their chance to shine as well. There are also a few touching moments, particularly when Pam expresses her desire for the new manager to understand and appreciate the unique dynamic of the Scranton branch.
Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder of just how important Michael was to the show. Even as the series continued for two more seasons with new characters and storylines, his absence was always felt. Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager may not be the most memorable episode of The Office, but it's an important chapter in the show's history and a fascinating look at what might have been if Dwight had taken the reins of Dunder Mifflin.