Halloween (The Office)

Michael Scott was informed early in October that he must fire somebody by the end of the month. On the last day of the month, Halloween, he still has not fired anyone, not wanting to give up any employees or make any of them hate him. Meanwhile, Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly post Dwight Schrute's résumé on the internet, and when a prospective employer (Cumberland Mills in Maryland) calls, Jim pretends to be Michael and gives Dwight a great reference. When the company calls Dwight to set up an interview, Dwight ruins his chances by arguing with the caller over the importance and relevance of martial arts on his résumé. Pam says that Jim should apply for the Cumberland Mills position. Jim is quietly hurt by the suggestion that Pam would not miss him if he left. After he hears Jim mocking his indecisiveness about the firing, Michael is inspired to ask Jim to roleplay firing someone with him. Afterwards he calls Creed Bratton into his office to fire him. Creed convinces Michael to let Devon White go instead. After Michael fires Devon, Devon angrily rebuffs Michael's attempts to save their friendship, and invites everyone in the office (except Michael, Creed, Dwight and Angela) to join him at a local bar. As Jim leaves, Pam apologizes for pushing him into taking the Cumberland job and assures him that she would "blow her brains out" if he ever left. Jim admits to the camera that Pam is the only thing keeping him there. When the group leaves the office, Devon smashes a pumpkin over Michael's car in revenge. ==Production==

(pictured).|200px|thumb|right "Halloween" is the third episode written by the series developer, executive producer, and show runner Greg Daniels. The episode was directed by Paul Feig, his second credit after "Office Olympics". This episode is the only episode to date to have a quote to play over the Deedle-Dee Productions title card in the closing credits. Daniels came up with the idea of an episode centered on an employee getting fired, but wanted to focus on the perspective of a boss having to deal with the dilemma of letting an employee go. Since Daniels could not fire a series regular due to their contracts, and did not want to fire a supporting character due to the work that went into establishing them, he narrowed down the decision to either Creed or Devon, who at the time were both background characters. Scenes with both characters being fired were filmed so that Daniels could decide which one to fire after filming was completed, based on the performances, but Pam actress Jenna Fischer believes what ultimately led Daniels to make a decision was his discovery that the actor Devon Abner had an upcoming theatre contract that conflicted with the series' production. seen in the background of "The Fire", and is seen in a deleted scene during "Diversity Day". Devon is later seen in a deleted scene on "Valentine's Day", when Michael passes by a homeless Devon in New York. Devon then chases Michael, presumably still angry over the events of "Halloween". Guest stars in this episode included Devon Abner, Hugh Dane, George Gaus, Annabelle Kopack, Ava Nisbet and Alec Zbornak. Lisa Malone was uncredited in her speaking role as Jan's assistant, Sherry. ==Cultural references==

Due to the presence of Halloween, many of the employees costumes reflect movie and literary characters. Kelly is dressed as Dorothy Gale, but Michael makes an insensitive remark about Bend It Like Beckham. Dwight is dressed as a Sith, one of the characters in the Star Wars universe capable of using the "dark side of the Force". Phyllis, however, confuses him for "some sort of monk". Creed is dressed like a vampire and Devon is dressed like a hobo. Pam, Phyllis, and Angela are all dressed up as cats. Oscar is dressed in drag, and Michael asks him if he is "flying his true colors", to which Oscar reacts defensively. ==Reception==

"Halloween" was originally broadcast on NBC in the United States on October 18, 2005. The episode was viewed by 8 million viewers and received a 4.1 rating/10% share among adults between the ages of 18 and 49. Erik Adams of The A.V. Club awarded the episode a "B+". He felt that the plot revolving around downsizing was "fitting", because the episode takes place on "Halloween", and that this plot returned Michael to the role of villain. The episode received mostly positive reviews from television critics. Michael Sciannamea of TV Squad gave the episode a relatively positive review and noted that he "could certainly relate to [the] episode." Sciannamea also said that "great moment" in the episode was when "Michael tells Creed, who is dressed as a vampire, that he can spread his wings and fly to wherever he wants." "Miss Alli" of Television Without Pity rated "Halloween" a B+. Entertainment Weekly named Michael Scott's line, "I just hope that you and I can remain friends," one of "TV's funniest lines" for the week ending October 24, 2005. ==References==