Goodbye Michael Field Guide

[@kimsomniac2144]

This episode gets me every damned time. The scene.with Jim and Michael "not" saying goodbye, is beautiful. Michael and Pam at the airport is a special moment that is happy sad, again beautiful. Michael panicking like a child before the first day of school is wonderfully realistic. Change is so horribly scary. Then he calls Holly, and she soothes him... My heart, I so happy for him.

[@clintonweir7609]

"Why not Jim?" Because he didn't want it. "Why not Darryl?" He didn't want it either, though we don't really learn that until after Andy ascends. Frankly, he's probably too competent for the manager job on this show, and hence he couldn't fail out of the job like Andy does, thus making way for... "Why not Dwight?" Because Dwight is the endgame. Once he gets the job the show is over.

[@lostcauselancer333]

Goodbye, Michael, it’s been nice. Hope you find your paradise.

[@KingRioT1]

🕺🏽🎉

[@the-phanatic-99]

seeya! seeya!! seeeeeeeyaaaaaaa!

[@nutsinabutt7095]

Michael’s goin’ awaaaaaay!

[@kevinnistor1954]

​@@nutsinabutt7095 feeeeeeel no pain

[@Mid-Finity]

Michael! Michael! Michael’s goin away!

[@ZipZap43]

Dwight’s uh oh to jim is what I think started their road to best friendship

[@shanemackay493]

"I'm not Superman, but... if I was shot in the head I'm pretty sure everything would be fine" is such a great line

[@Fluffypro]

You’ve reached Michael’s full climax! That’s what she said. Congrats on finishing with Michael. She said that too.

[@ismailkoya66]

😂😂😂

[@lauriehand1021]

The Goodbye Steve Carell was needed. Cause I have to cry every time I watch it

[@jennyk9748]

It doesn't matter that I've watched it about 10 times- Jim and Michael get me every time! And Dwight, reading his recommendation letter. This was THE perfect episode!

[@bullrunner5646]

Thank you Chris. Great job on the pinnacle episode (IMO). I am looking forward to your impressions/opinions/deeper meanings going forward. Some tough roads ahead (season eight). Can’t wait!!!

[@This_Guy-]

This is the amazing episode in entire sitcome history

[@AmberPearcy]

Goodbye Michael🥲 Happy New Year! 🎉

[@elanzankman4399]

Am I the only person who loves that B-plot with Andy and DeAngelo? That shit was hilarious.

[@jackieestes5703]

I like the B plot,too!

[@OrestisKoutsoupias]

Mulverine once again breaking The Office down to a science... this is a true holiday treat. Thanks, Santa!

[@Cdr2002]

I think DeAngelo would’ve worked if he was introduced after Michael’s departure and not during it. Use his temporary presence as a mission statement of “we’re not replacing Michael with a ripoff Michael” before introducing the unknown element of Robert California

[@curtisscherer590]

I don't think DeAngelo was ever intended to work. They write him as competent and nice while Michael's leaving, but immediately derail him once Mike's gone. I think they all knew he was going to have a short lived arc

[@Cdr2002]

@@curtisscherer590 I actually completely agree with you, and I think that mini arc was meant very much intentionally to represent the idea of “can you imagine how weird it would be if we just tried to get another Michael?”. Im not sure I even agree that much with my past self about how I think that idea could’ve been executed better, but yes, I totally agree that DeAngelo was meant to be a disruptive presence that doesn’t work to then be shuffled off

[@curtisscherer590]

I love will Ferrell. I wonder if they ever tossed around the idea of him moving to corporate, or another branch, instead of making him a complete psycho. That way we could bring him back from time to time

[@Cdr2002]

@@curtisscherer590 I see what you mean yeah he could’ve been one of those oddball other branch managers

[@IMadeMyYoutubeNameAge17]

Zach Woods is tremendous, I loved Gabe so much

[@maniacmatt7340]

I loved that character growth happened at the end of the series. Some better than others, but it made me enjoy it more.

[@rubberlover666]

Totally agree with the assessment that Jim and Michael's goodbye was an unearned character moment (as was Michael and Pam's since the Michael Scott paper Co. was even further in the past than the co-manager stuff) but a wonderful moment to celebrate the actors. Ed Helms made the most logical sense as the replacement given that he was the second most popular actor on the show at the time, but, like you said, they had a LOT of goodwill they needed to establish for the character in a short amount of time which never really panned out before Helms had to bow out of huge swaths of the next seasons to film more Hangover movies. Turning him back into the insufferable jerk he was when we first met him by season 9 is something I'm looking forward to you explaining to us. Happy new year and thanks for the videos!

[@jerilane4420]

Oh I think Pam's was well earned and she was the perfect character to send him off as Michael was watching the clock hoping she would be there before he had to leave. Who would be your choice if not Pam??

[@aidanmahoney9865]

@jerilane4420 Dwight. He wasn’t at the farewell and the hostility between Dwight and Michael was still there. Plus, who better to send off Michael than his devoted lackey who grew up, much like Michael himself.

[@rubberlover666]

@@jerilane4420 Erin

[@Tsudkyk]

This episode was bitter sweet and a wonderful goodbye to Michael. My heart lit up when Michael played paintball with Dwight, he did it for Dwight and didn’t make it about himself. I really love how Michael transitions from season 1 episode 1 to the character we see in this episode. He isn’t a completely changed man, he is a man who has emotionally matured and we see evidence of this through the relationships he developed over the seasons. When Michael took of his mic and handed it over to the camera crew, it really solidified the fact that he was really gone.

[@geoffreygill5849]

582 likes for this level of dedication and editing is criminal

[@GeorgeyTheApe]

I like the fact that although Michael would appear again the scenes were so limited that they didn't ruin these episodes.

[@curtisscherer590]

He only ever reappears in the series finale for about 5 seconds

[@GeorgeyTheApe]

@@curtisscherer590 THAT. IS. WHY. I. SAID. THE. SCENES. WERE. SO. LIMITED.

[@curtisscherer590]

@@GeorgeyTheApe lol

[@jerilane4420]

I think you are dead on with your assessment of this episode. I hadnt thought of the ascension of Andy as the replacement for Michael. But yes it is very obvious he was being groomed. It is a shame as Andy's character was a trainwreck as I could never figure out what the writers wanted to do with him and he became unbearable. Also didnt know that Will F and James S were temporary and not replacing Steve. Will was such an odd choice at such a crucial few episodes as he almost ruined the song tribute to Michael and this episode. I think what makes the Office so great is the subtle-ness of the big scenes. You are correct with Jim and Michael scene as it was a John and Steve goodbye for sure but still very emotional and works knowing what we know. In my humble opinion the magic of this episode is Pam/Michael relationship and the full out tension I felt thinking they would not have THEIR goodbye. To me Pam and Michael are the second best love story in this show and the beating heart next to Pam and Jim of course. Their relationship is so important and I think viewers often miss what incredible respect and yes love they have for the other. It didnt come easy as we know but it is pure real and while platonic very deep. I really think the show has the best bookend scenes ever with Michael racing across town to attend Pam's art show and then Pam racing through security shoes in hand to say goodbye to Michael. Again so moving and real and perfect. The culmination of seven seasons in this scene with these two from the very first mins of episode one is really emotional and was very appropriate. While Jim and Dwight have a connection to Michael over the course of the series Pam is the one and only one to be the last name on the list to say goodbye. There was nothing that could be said in words between these two that could convey what they shared through the seven years. That's why this final goodbye is perfect.

[@jerilane4420]

Do you have an email or way to discuss the Office one on one without making comments in this section as have lots to weigh in on as have just finished the whole series two weeks ago and have many thoughts Id like to share just because you are a fan of the show and not interested in a public forum and the comments

[@mrpopsful]

Kevin definately should have been consulted on the cake

[@Lisa59]

The parts about Michael saying goodbye to his office family was extremely well done, culminating in the airport scene with Pam. However, I could've totally done without the scenes with Will Ferrell. The dog scene in the middle and the cake scene at the end are awful and stupid. I'm not sure why they were written in.

[@stuppittyhed]

LOL

[@mst3kanita]

I forgot about that doll he gave oscar, I remember that night I laughed until I nearly cried at that scene. But what made me cry was Ping. I still wish they had chosen Ray Romano over Spader, hot take.

[@DasZombieProductions]

Happy new year!!!

[@BCH48]

Ngl it hit me in the feels just watching this video 😂

[@drewwilliamson6443]

Only one other time i have heard the word impish. This video and an episode you covered last season

[@ShawnimeGreenstal]

Some how I manage was also name drop in the "Date Mike" Episode.

[@brandenhill71]

It was a great episode. For the more significant characters (Jim, Pam, Dwight), it did feel like ‘Goodbye, Steve’. My biggest issue with this episode is not the episode itself but what came after, as you mentioned. The Robert California/Andy Bernard, manager season of the office was the worst. Ed Helms is likable enough in a support role but just doesn’t have enough dimensions to him to pull off a lead role, IMO. The Robert California addition was just horrible. No one asked for a “weird”, “uncomfortable”, Office. And not weird and uncomfortable in a fun, “Michael Scott” kind of way. It was just gloomy. I think they should have made Dwight the new manager and focused on how he had to learn to adjust his leadership style in order to be effective. I think there were a thousand funny potential stories in there. Instead, we just got a brief view of it in the final episodes.

[@rrickydanby]

I’m not ready 😢

[@mattm.2591]

I am so grateful that those deleted scenes didn't make it in. (The dog scene should have been deleted too.)

[@stuppittyhed]

Im surprised you didnt call this a filler episode honestly

[@psalmsByGod.]

amazing video once again

[@rodbelding9523]

I actually loved Gabe. He was the perfect amount of awkward.

[@polar_baer]

Here is a possible episode I imagined for the series: "The Scott Life" The episode opens with a montage of Michael Scott's life in Colorado, living with his wife Holly and working at his new job at a small family-owned company. He is shown hiking in the mountains, enjoying the scenery, and generally having the time of his life. Back in Scranton, the Dunder Mifflin employees are still trying to adjust to life without Michael. Dwight is now the interim regional manager, and Jim and Pam have since had their second child. A package arrives at the office addressed to Michael, and the employees gather around to open it. Inside, they find a video message from Michael, recorded on his new camcorder. In the video, Michael expresses how happy he is in Colorado and how much he misses his old friends at Dunder Mifflin. The video then cuts to Michael's new job, where he is shown working closely with his new boss, a kind and understanding woman who appreciates his unique talents. Michael is shown thriving in his new job, but he misses his old friends and colleagues. The video message causes a wave of nostalgia for the employees, and they all begin reminiscing about their time with Michael and the good times they shared. Meanwhile, Michael and Holly are shown preparing for a trip to Scranton, where they plan to visit their old friends and catch up on old times. They arrive at the office and are greeted with hugs and cheers. Michael is happy to be back, but he also feels a sense of longing for the life he left behind. The episode ends with Michael, Holly and the Dunder Mifflin employees sitting around the conference room table, catching up and laughing together. Michael expresses how much he loves his new life in Colorado, but he also realizes that there will always be a special place in his heart for his old friends and the memories they shared at Dunder Mifflin. It's a heartwarming episode that shows Michael's growth as a person and how much he values the people in his life. It also serves as a reminder of the impact that one person can have on the lives of others.

[@patc2828]

That good bad ugly joke was pretty good lol

[@ScratchinAway]

@8:30 you mention Phyllis having “darkness” but in reality, shes actually a GIGANTIC bi+

[@andrewluvender2984]

I always wished I could rewrite the goodbye between Michael and Daryl a little bit. Like, just to add to it. Like Michael going into Daryl’s office and talking to him, and telling him how proud he is of him for breaking through the stigmas and stereotypes.m of blue collar workers, especially black ones. And give this like deep speech to Daryl showing a lot of growth and compassion about race. And then giving him a letter of recommendation telling of his outstanding leadership and ideas. And then ending it by saying something like “if you ever need a reference, or a character witness for a custody trial with a baby mama, you know how to reach me” something that was just boarder line offensive to cap off showing that Michael has grown but is still Michael. I feel like their relationship was one of the more interesting ones in the show that I wish had more screen time, because Michael was so ignorant in a way that almost came off as racist. And Darryl was always so patient with him and just knew that Michael didn’t have a lot of culture or exposure in his life

[@artur583]

I personally loved Gabe, he was hilarious. I think he played that character perfectly

[@bdot187um]

Ugh he was insufferable!

[@artur583]

@bdot187um "Shut up about the sun, JUST SHUT UP ABOUT THE SUN!" cracks me up everytime 🤣

[@bdot187um]

@@artur583 what a cuck!😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@YouTubeperson1337]

"fudge it up"

[@kelvinkibuuka3721]

It's all downhill from there.

[@spartanisland9977]

I do hate Gabe but it’s more I love to hate Gabe. I agree he does a great job

[@jacktaylor6155]

I loved Gabe! He was my version of the office creepy guy, ive worked with many times. He was too quiet around these loud personalities and he had a lot to say but kept it inside alost bottled up because when he pulled out the parking lot he started blasting some clear ass heavy metal, mid guitar solo. He hd the best lines too. A wasted character. He should have become boss. Then we would have had 3 more seasons

[@peadrianlastname]

20:23 to be fair if you opened the winchesters trunk but not the secret compartment you'd think it was a nice clean trunk like you get from enterprise with some kids graffiti on the bottom of the door

[@NostalJackMusic]

There’s a ridiculous amount of cutaways in this video that I don’t recognize from several times watching through the series on Netflix… are there different cuts of this episode that include different scenes?

[@colleenlavigne2196]

Yes, the dvd/peacock versions have more scenes than Netflix.

[@This_Guy-]

actually it should have been dwight who meets him at the airport caz i feel dwight and michale when i think about office not michael and pam

[@TheKingSource]

I always thought Jim should be the next manager. Seems to set it up putting him there one episode. Robert California was a complete disaster!

[@VanHalenDrummer]

Will was the worst part of Michael leaving. He was the worst and just a waste of time.

[@ztnelwamondo]

"walk away b####" 😁😁

[@casinoroyalewcheese]

I staright-up HATED Gabe. On my most recent rewatch, I realized he's pretty hilarious.

[@Richard_Nickerson]

18:00 "Lamb blasted"? 😂🤣😂🤣

[@Benjaxiso]

I love the Lizard King so much

[@sockhatabe]

Subtle? It being his last day was pretty telegraphed.

[@ian7064]

Andy and DeAngelo nearly ruined the episode but the scene between Michael and Jim saves the episode imo

[@batmang9014]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 the way he laughs after Oscar's gift

[@skiprockjr.6881]

Alex Stein as an extra in the blue shirt at 23:41

[@isaaccubes]

what about the song?

[@thisjustin6529]

Why is there a basketball hoop next the the bailer?

[@showwin2006]

What do you think The office vs Friends.

[@Abcd-up3us]

The only thing bad about this episode is fucking Deangelo. I really hate that they had him singing in the song they all sang in the conference room. And that cake scene, why? Should’ve just left him out of the episode all together.

[@sufcwill]

i love this show in its entirety but this will always be the finale of the office to me.

[@jesusbeliever9876]

This episode is too emotional Jesus died on the cross for our sins and arose 3 days later and grants eternal life to people who believe in him

[@jackburton6178]

I highly suspect you have lived in or are currently living in Utah Valley (Provo, Orem, American Fork, Lehi, Saratoga Springs, etc.). I could be way off, but I have my suspicions.

[@ozharms]

(Forty) first!

[@nwhmarvel3748]

First

[@nwhmarvel3748]

LESSS GOOOO

[@bjurv6321]

There is a person before you

[@patrickthomas8890]

Andy and Deangelo being so bad at sales is ridiculously cartoonish. Its cheap humor that makes no sense and ruins shows like this

[@LiamBens]

For thé algorithm !

[@abbysmith8483]

"watch out for those St. Louis folks"🫶🏾 #SoStLouis