The pilot (March 4, 2005) introduces the employees of Dunder-Mifflin, Inc., a midsize paper company. Michael Scott welcomes the crew and walks them around the office, introducing the employees. Jan Levinson-Gould reveals to Michael that Dunder-Mifflin will be downsized, and the company has to decide between the Scranton and Stamford branches. Jim pranks Dwight by putting his office supplies in Jell-O.
Tropes
- Characterization Marches On: Stanley, of all people, seems to be the most concerned about losing his job and is the one to ask all the questions during a meeting, not to mention this might be the only meeting he spends standing up. This is completely at odds with the apathetic Stanley from the rest of the series, who spends meetings doing crosswords, paying attention to absolutely nothing, and doesn't mind being fired in Season 3 because he could use the severance pay to retire.
- Cultural Translation: The pilot is the UK version with "jelly" changed to "Jell-O" and Camilla Parker-Bowles changed to Hillary Rodham Clinton.
- Early-Bird Cameo: Dwight hums "The Little Drummer Boy," much to Jim's annoyance. In the third season's "Benihana Christmas," Dwight and Angela will perform the song, also to everyone's annoyance.
- Early-Installment Weirdness: A number of nameless employees appear at the meeting. They would be dropped by the next episode.note
- Establishing Character Moment : Many things about the characters are set up in the pilot.
- Gelatinous Encasement: Jim pranks Dwight by putting his stapler in Jello, the third time he's done something like this to him.
- Innocent Bigot: Many of Michael's jokes are racist or sexist, but he's just trying to be funny and get people to like him.
- Kick the Dog: Michael tries to prank Pam by telling her she's fired. She's understandably upset.
- Lady Looks Like a Dude: In this case, sounds like a dude. Michael calls a customer "sir," then finds out she's a woman.
- Pun: The dessert jokes.Jim: I've always been your biggest flan.Ryan: You should have put him in custardy.
- Ship Tease: Pam is clearly somewhat pleased and flattered by the fact that Jim knows her well enough to remember her favorite flavor of yoghurt.
- The Prankster: Jim, and less successfully, Michael.
- Those Wacky Nazis: Michael's impression of Hitler.
- White Collar Worker: Everyone in the office. Exemplified mostly by Michael, Dwight, and Jim in shirtsleeves and ties.
