Here at Pop Culture Spin we refuse to accept that Halloween is only one day. We’re going to be celebrating Halloween all month, by highlighting one of our favorite Halloween episodes every day. Today’s we’re looking at “Halloween” from the second season of The Office.
Basic Info
Directed by: Paul Feig
Written by: Greg Daniels
Episode Number: Season 2, Episode 5
Where to Watch It: Netflix
Why It’s Great
In this episode, Michael needs to fire someone by the end of the day. The interesting thing about early episodes of The Office is how quiet and small the stories are. Michael worries about how he’ll fire someone, he manages to pick Devon (only because Creed pushes him) and then he goes home and tries not to think about it as he celebrates Halloween.
The fact that someone will be fired looms over everyone, making things tense on a day when there was supposed to be a party. When the accountants get the absurd instruction from Michael to find enough money in the budget for someone’s salary and benefits, they stumble onto the realization that the accounting department could easily be down-sized from three people to two, but keep this discovery to themselves.
Why It’s Full of Halloween Spirit
When Pam asks Michael why he put off firing someone until Halloween, he responds that it’s very scary stuff. This episode incorporates the fun parts of Halloween (dressing up, candy, parties) but they’re in the background as it focuses mostly on adult drudgery and stress.
When you grow up, Halloween keeps happening. And, as reiterated in Michael’s speech at the end, it keeps being fun. But, it’s not enough to escape reality. In a great metaphorical moment, all the Halloween episodes that the office workers put up are quietly taken down by a janitor.
Costume Count
Phyllis is a cat
Pam is a cat
Angela is a cat
Michael is Two-Headed Michael
Dwight is a Sith Lord
Jim is 3-whole punch Jim
Kevin is a superhero
Oscar is a woman
Mindy is Dorothy Gale
Creed is Dracula
Devon is a hobo
