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Recap / The Office USS 5 E 11 Moroccan Christmas

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Phyllis is running the Christmas Party this year on a Moroccan theme. However, Meredith becomes exceptionally drunk and gets her hair set on fire.


  • And Another Thing...: How Phyllis reveals Angela's affair.
  • Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking: Michael's drink, see Greater Need Than Mine below.
  • Corporal Punishment: Double Subverted. In a talking head, Dwight claims his family believes in the "five-fingered approach" to alcoholism intervention, and raises a fist. Then he slowly unravels his fist to reveal that the five fingers actually stand for "awareness, education, control, acceptance, and punching".
  • Depending on the Writer: In this episode, Meredith refuses to admit she is an alcoholic (in a previous episode, she is a member of AA).
  • The Dog Bites Back: And how. Angela tells Phyllis that she's had enough of her party and refuses to do any more. Phyllis slinks away with the same timid expression she used to have while Angela lets off a small smile, thinking she's put her in her place. Then... Phyllis turns around and reveals Angela's affair with Dwight to everyone (except Andy and Michael).
  • Gargle Blaster: Michael has invented a drink that's equal parts scotch, absinthe, rum, gin, vermouth, triple sec, and two packs of Splenda. He calls it the One of Everything.
  • Greater Need Than Mine: Darryl lets Toby buy the last Unicorn Princess Doll off of him, since he knows Toby's relationship with his daughter isn't as strong.
  • Hustler: Dwight has bought dozens of a high-demand princess doll and is now selling them to desperate parents at a mark-up. His first sale goes for two hundred dollars (the doll looks like it costs fifty at most).
  • I Knew It!: Several cast members admit to suspecting Angela and Dwight were having an affair before it was revealed.
  • Lethal Chef: Michael is the liquor equivalent.
  • Man on Fire: Meredith accidentally sets her hair on fire while dancing drunkenly.
  • Not Helping Your Case: During the intervention, Michael asks everyone how Meredith's alcoholism affects them negatively, only for Kevin to reply that it's awesome that Meredith gave him movie tickets when she was too drunk to go.
  • Pet the Dog:
    • In an unusual show of unity, everyone in the office agrees that something needs to be done about Meredith before she hurts herself badly.
  • Staging an Intervention: The A-Plot of the episode. The office decides to stage an intervention with Meredith about her alcoholism. The rational members want to do it after Christmas, but Michael wants to do it right away, with predictable results.
  • Surprisingly Realistic Outcome:
    • Near episode's end, Michael tries physically dragging a screaming Meredith into an alcohol rehab center. And predictably she isn't admitted, since she very obviously doesn't want to be there and it would be illegal to make her stay.
  • Throw the Dog a Bone: Toby wants to buy a doll his daughter desperately wants, and while the only one he can get is black (which his daughter isn't), he still does get it.
  • Wham Episode: Phyllis finally reveals Angela's affair to the office, meaning she can't keep doing it.
  • You Wouldn't Shoot Me: Angela gets fed up and refuses to do Phyllis's bidding, thinking that she won't actually spill the beans because then she'll lose her leverage. She is wrong.

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