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(Watch the episode if you don't believe me. His name is spelled "Dwight Shrute" on the cue card.)
(I added a few award winners from the Superfan episodes on Peacock. I also removed a part in “amusing details” that said Meredith and Micheal slept together because of something he said. The author’s assumption is weird and a huge stretch of the imagination.)
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{{Office_episode
 
{{Office_episode
 
|Title =Michael's Last Dundies
 
|Title =Michael's Last Dundies
|Image =[[File:The-office-michaels-last-dundies_article_story_main.jpeg|250px]]
+
|Image =The-office-michaels-last-dundies_article_story_main.jpeg
 
|Season =[[Season 7|7]]
 
|Season =[[Season 7|7]]
 
|Episode =21
 
|Episode =21
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|Writer(s) =[[Wikipedia:Mindy Kaling|Mindy Kaling]]
 
|Writer(s) =[[Wikipedia:Mindy Kaling|Mindy Kaling]]
 
|Director =[[Mindy Kaling]]
 
|Director =[[Mindy Kaling]]
  +
|Length = 22
 
|Prev =[[Training Day]]
 
|Prev =[[Training Day]]
 
|Next =[[Goodbye, Michael]]}}
 
|Next =[[Goodbye, Michael]]}}
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==Synopsis==
 
==Synopsis==
The episode opens with [[Michael]] and Deangelo personally delivering [[Dundie]]s nomination plaques to the employees of [[Dunder Mifflin]]. At the office, Michael announces to the employees that Deangelo will be his co-host at the Dundies. The idea of performance is worrisome to Deangelo though, but Michael makes him take the job. Michael brings some of the staff together in the conference room to try and help Deangelo get prepared for the show, but Deangelo has problems riffing (even Ryan's pointers don't help him).
+
The episode opens with [[Michael Scott|Michael]] and Deangelo personally delivering [[Dundie]]s nomination plaques to the employees of [[Dunder Mifflin Paper Company|Dunder Mifflin]]. At the office, Michael announces to the employees that Deangelo will be his co-host at the Dundies. The idea of performance is worrisome to Deangelo though, but Michael makes him take the job. Michael brings some of the staff together in the conference room to try and help Deangelo get prepared for the show, but Deangelo has problems riffing (even Ryan's pointers don't help him).
   
[[Andy]] tries to help him, saying he should just think of performing like conducting a meeting, but Michael objects to that, saying Deangelo should perceive it as the performance of his life. Michael tries a number of different things to help Deangelo, such as sitting on his stomach, ordering him to tell him something traumatic that happened in his childhood, and making him listen to a Walkman with the music turned up all the way so he can't hear himself talk, but none are effective.
+
[[Andy Bernard|Andy]] tries to help him, saying he should just think of performing like conducting a meeting, but Michael objects to that, saying Deangelo should perceive it as the performance of his life. Michael tries a number of different things to help Deangelo, such as sitting on his stomach, ordering him to tell him something traumatic that happened in his childhood, and making him listen to a Walkman with the music turned up all the way so he can't hear himself talk, but none are effective.
   
Meanwhile, [[Jim]] and [[Pam]], coming from elsewhere, see [[Erin]] sitting in her car eating a sandwich. Afraid of being spotted, she brings them into the car to explain she's taken to eating lunch in her car to get some time away from [[Gabe]], who she's starting to despise. Pam coaches Erin, saying if she doesn't love Gabe she should break things off with him, as to not lead him on any further. This amuses Jim, given Pam's history with [[Roy]], and he leaves to avoid the temptation to comment on the irony of her advice. In a talking head interview, Jim claims the situation simply didn't interest him.
+
Meanwhile, [[Jim Halpert|Jim]] and [[Pam Beesly|Pam]], coming from elsewhere, see [[Erin Hannon|Erin]] sitting in her car eating a sandwich. Afraid of being spotted, she brings them into the car to explain she's taken to eating lunch in her car to get some time away from [[Gabe Lewis|Gabe]], who she's starting to despise. Pam coaches Erin, saying if she doesn't love Gabe she should break things off with him, as to not lead him on any further. This amuses Jim, given Pam's history with [[Roy]], and he leaves to avoid the temptation to comment on the irony of her advice. In a talking head interview, Jim claims the situation simply didn't interest him.
   
A few hours after work, the employees arrive at Louie Volpe's (the restaurant the Dundies are being hosted at), and are treated to an opening video where Deangelo is searching for Michael to be his co-host, in which Michael plays various employees around the office. First, he's Jo Bennett. Then, he's Angela, which gets laughs, particularly from Oscar. Next, he's Jim, who he plays as sort of a stoner type character. He then finishes up as Phyllis, who he plays as being an old, enfeebled woman. Only when Deangelo "looks into his heart", does Michael appear before him in a bathroom mirror.
+
A few hours after work, the employees arrive at Louie Volpe's (the restaurant the Dundies are being hosted at) and are treated to an opening video where Deangelo is searching for Michael to be his co-host, in which Michael plays various employees around the office. First, he's Jo Bennett. Then, he's Angela, which gets laughs, particularly from Oscar. Next, he's Jim, who he plays as sort of a stoner type character. He then finishes up as Phyllis, who he plays as being an old, enfeebled woman. Only when Deangelo "looks into his heart", does Michael appear before him in a bathroom mirror.
   
 
After the movie, Dwight introduces Michael and Deangelo. However, moments after being introduced, Deangelo disappears into the bathroom to vomit. Eventually, Michael is able to psych him up, and the show begins. Even though he hosts it poorly, Deangelo manages to pull the ceremony off. Jim wins the "Best Dad" award, and in a humorous twist, not only does Pam not win "Best Mom", but Meredith does. Dwight wins the "Promising Assistant Manager" Dundie, but as he is still mad at Michael, he tosses his award in the trash.
 
After the movie, Dwight introduces Michael and Deangelo. However, moments after being introduced, Deangelo disappears into the bathroom to vomit. Eventually, Michael is able to psych him up, and the show begins. Even though he hosts it poorly, Deangelo manages to pull the ceremony off. Jim wins the "Best Dad" award, and in a humorous twist, not only does Pam not win "Best Mom", but Meredith does. Dwight wins the "Promising Assistant Manager" Dundie, but as he is still mad at Michael, he tosses his award in the trash.
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==Amusing details==
 
==Amusing details==
 
*This is the second Dundies related episode.
 
*This is the second Dundies related episode.
  +
*Jim's Dundie nomination has "James" written on it instead of Jim, but Pam's Dundie nomination has "Pam" written on it instead of Pamela.
*In season 2, Jim doesn't care much for the Dundies, but in this episode he seems sincerely proud to win his "Best Dad" award.
+
*In season 2, Jim doesn't care much for the Dundies, but in this episode, he seems sincerely proud to win his "Best Dad" award.
*Deangelo is terrible at performing, the one thing Michael thrives at.
+
*[[Deangelo Vickers|DeAngelo]] is terrible at performing, the one thing Michael thrives at.
 
*Right when Michael says that he always gives the "Hottest in the Office" award to a man, the camera focuses in on The Senator. This could be foreshadowing for when The Senator is revealed to be gay.
 
*Right when Michael says that he always gives the "Hottest in the Office" award to a man, the camera focuses in on The Senator. This could be foreshadowing for when The Senator is revealed to be gay.
*Ryan is visibly upset that Michael did not present the “Hottest in the Office” award to him this year, despite his complete disgust and discomfort at receiving the same award for the first time in season 2.
+
*[[Ryan Howard|Ryan]] is visibly upset that Michael did not present the “Hottest in the Office” award to him this year, despite his complete disgust and discomfort at receiving the same award for the first time in season 2.
 
*At the Dundies Award Ceremony, [[Dwight Schrute]]'s name is spelled incorrectly on one of DeAngelo's cue cards.
*Steve Carell did not know that the cast would sing "9,986,000 Minutes", as it was kept a secret from him. Therefore, his reaction to the song is real and not scripted.
 
  +
*Toby is seated in the conference room to pay tribute to Michael despite the poor treatment he suffered under Michael.
*At the Dundies Award Ceremony, Dwight Schrute's name is spelled incorrectly on one of Deangelo's cue cards.
 
  +
*This is the fourth episode where characters dress up as one another. This happened previously in "[[Product Recall]]", "[[Costume Contest]]" and "[[Classy Christmas]]".
  +
  +
==Behind the scenes==
  +
*The exterior of the fictitious Louis Volpie restaurant was filmed at [http://www.baronesfamousitalian.com/ Barone's Famous Italian Restaurant] in Valley Glen. The dining room was a set and was not filmed on location.<ref name="iamnotastalker">Blake, Lindsay. [http://www.iamnotastalker.com/2011/06/14/barones-famous-italian-restaurant-from-the-office/ Barone’s Famous Italian Restaurant from ''The Office''], ''I am not a stalker'' blog, June 14, 2011.</ref>
  +
*While Steve Carell knew from the script there was a song planned, he was excluded from rehearsals and heard "9,986,000 Minutes" for the first time when the scene was shot. His reaction to the song is real and not scripted.<ref name="ew10th2">Lawrence, Derek. [https://ew.com/tv/2019/10/08/the-office-oral-history-jim-pam-wedding/ Happy 10th anniversary, Jim and Pam! An oral history of ''The Office'' wedding], Entertainment Weekly, October 8, 2019.</ref><ref name="ol155">Fischer, Jenna and Kinsey, Angela [https://officeladies.com/episodes/2023/08/02/episode-155-michaels-last-dundies/ Episode 155 | Michael's Last Dundies], Office Ladies podcast, February 8, 2023.</ref>
   
 
==Cultural references==
 
==Cultural references==
*Meredith's house reminds Deangelo of the aftermath of [[wikipedia:Hurricane Katrina|Hurricane Katrina]].
+
*Meredith's house reminds Deangelo of the aftermath of {{W|Hurricane Katrina}}.
*Meredith takes a'' [[wikipedia:Walk of shame|walk of shame]]'', most likely returning home after a one night stand.
+
*Meredith takes a'' {{W|walk of shame}}'', most likely returning home after a one-night stand.
*''Larry King Live'' was replaced by ''[[wikipedia:Piers Morgan Tonight|Piers Morgan Tonight]]'', a talk show hosted by the British television personality and journalist [[wikipedia:Piers Morgan|Piers Morgan]]. Michael thinks that [[wikipedia:Larry King|Larry King]] is dead and Morgan took over his show.
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*''Larry King Live'' was replaced by ''{{W|Piers Morgan Tonight}}'', a talk show hosted by the British television personality and journalist {{W|Piers Morgan}}. Michael thinks that {{W|Larry King}} is dead and Morgan took over his show.
*''[[wikipedia:Black tie|Black tie optional]]'' is a form of dress code.
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*''{{W|Black tie|Black tie optional}}'' is a form of dress code.
  +
*Michael randomly shouts "Nice! Regis and Kelly!" after a successful joke with Ryan. ''{{W|Live with Regis and Kelly}}'' was a long-running morning TV show featuring {{W|Regis Philbin}} and {{W|Kelly Ripa}} who had a father/daughter-style chemistry on the show. Interestingly, Regis Philbin stepped down from the show in 2011 and was eventually replaced by {{W|Ryan Seacrest}}, so the name of the show became ''{{W|Live with Kelly and Ryan}}''.
*Michael randomly shouts "Nice! ''[[wikipedia:Live with Kelly and Ryan|Regis and Kelly]]''!" after a successful joke with Ryan.
 
*Deangelo's uncomfortable question about Jim's whereabouts on September 11 is a reference to [[Wikipedia:September 11 attacks|9/11]].
+
*Deangelo's uncomfortable question about Jim's whereabouts on September 11 is a reference to {{W|September 11 attacks|9/11}}.
*There are several references to the film ''[[wikipedia:The King's Speech|The King's Speech]]'', notably during the scene in which Deangelo gives his speech at the Dundies while listening to his Walkman played at a high volume.
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*There are several references to the film ''{{W|The King's Speech}}'', notably when Deangelo gives his speech at the Dundies while listening to his Walkman played at a high volume, so he cannot hear his own voice.
*''The DMV'' stands for [[wikipedia:Department of Motor Vehicles|Department of Motor Vehicles]], famous for long lines.
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*''The DMV'' stands for {{W|Department of Motor Vehicles}}, famous for long lines.
*Kevin brings his crayons to make the place feel more like a kid-friendly restaurant for himself, i.e. [[wikipedia:Ihop|IHOP]]. The usage of crayons may be a reference to Macaroni Grill, which allows patrons to draw on their tablecloths.
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*Kevin brings his crayons to make the place feel more like a kid-friendly restaurant for himself, i.e. {{W|Ihop|IHOP}}. The usage of crayons may be a reference to Macaroni Grill, which allows patrons to draw on their tablecloths.
*[[wikipedia:Pippi Longstocking|Pippi Longstocking]] is an adventurous red-headed girl from Swedish children's books.
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*{{W|Pippi Longstocking}} is an adventurous red-headed girl from Swedish children's books.
*[[Wikipedia:Ron Weasley|Ron Weasley]] is the red-headed best friend of [[Wikipedia:Harry Potter|Harry Potter]].
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*{{W|Ron Weasley}} is the red-headed best friend of {{W|Harry Potter}}.
*[[wikipedia:Ron Howard|Ron Howard]] is also known for his movies, TV shows, and ginger beard.
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*{{W|Ron Howard}} is also known for his movies, TV shows, and ginger beard.
*Michael also mentions [[wikipedia:Ronald McDonald|"Ronald McDonald's]] wife" as an example of a red-head.
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*Michael also mentions {{W|Ronald McDonald|"Ronald McDonald's}} wife" as an example of a red-head.
*''[[Wikipedia:Die Hard|Die Hard]]'' is a movie featuring Bruce Willis as a New York City detective caught in the middle of a hostage situation while visiting his estranged wife in Los Angelas on Christmas Eve.
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*''{{W|Die Hard}}'' is a movie featuring Bruce Willis as a New York City detective caught in the middle of a hostage situation while visiting his estranged wife in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve.
*The [[Wikipedia:Jedi|Jedi]] are characters in the [[Wikipedia:Star Wars|''Star Wars'' saga]] who are famed for their ability to tap into the energy field that connects all things known as the Force, and as such, they were charged with maintaining the balance between the light and dark sides of the Force and keeping the peace in the Galactic Republic. A Padawan is a Jedi in training, usually an adolescent.
+
*Dwight's line "''Always the Padawan, never the Jedi,''" is a reference to both Star Wars, and another saying: "''Always the bridesmaid, never the bride''". The {{W|Jedi}} are characters in the {{W|Star Wars|''Star Wars'' saga}} who are famed for their ability to tap into the energy field that connects all things known as the Force, and as such, they were charged with maintaining the balance between the light and dark sides of the Force and keeping the peace in the Galactic Republic. A Padawan is a Jedi in training, usually an adolescent.
*[[Wikipedia:Billy Crystal|Billy Crystal]] and [[Wikipedia:Neil Patrick Harris|Neil Patrick Harris]] have hosted several award shows but were unavailable for the Dundies.
+
*{{W|Billy Crystal}} and {{W|Neil Patrick Harris}} have hosted several award shows but were unavailable for the Dundies.
*Michael thought that the awards would end up like ''[[Wikipedia:The Godfather Part III|The Godfather Part III]]'', but it turned out "confusing" like [[Wikipedia:The Godfather|The Godfather]]. It's notable that Michael's favorite film of the trilogy is the least critically acclaimed one.
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*Michael thought that the awards would end up like ''{{W|The Godfather Part III}}'', but it turned out "confusing" like ''{{W|The Godfather}}''. The ''{{W|The Godfather (film series)|Godfather}}'' film series chronicles the life of Michael Corleone as he rises to the top of a crime family. Michael was under the mistaken impression that it was a comedy, saying that it had "maybe three big laughs." It's notable that Michael's favorite film of the trilogy is the least critically acclaimed one, but understandable given his misinterpretation.
*The final song that the office sings to Michael is a parody of "Seasons of Love" from the [[wikipedia:Broadway theatre|Broadway]] musical ''[[wikipedia:Rent (musical)|Rent]]''.
+
*The final song that the office sings to Michael is a parody of "Seasons of Love" from the {{W|Broadway theatre|Broadway}} musical ''{{W|Rent (musical)|Rent}}''.
*Michael describes the Dundies as "like the [[wikipedia:Golden Globes Awards|Golden Globes]] but less mean" referring to [[wikipedia:Ricky Gervais|Ricky Gervais]]' hosting of the 2011 Golden Globe Awards; which left critics questioning if he had gone "too far". Gervais stated on his blog that the line was inserted as a [[wikipedia:Metahumor|metajoke]] was intended as "a little in-joke".
+
*Michael describes the Dundies as "like the {{W|Golden Globes Awards|Golden Globes}} but less mean" referring to {{W|Ricky Gervais}}' hosting of the 2011 Golden Globe Awards; which left critics questioning if he had gone "too far". Gervais stated on his blog that the line was inserted as a {{W|Metahumor|metajoke}} was intended as "a little in-joke".
   
 
==Connections to previous episodes==
 
==Connections to previous episodes==
*Michael throws eggs at Toby's house, in [[Initiation]], Ryan and Dwight threw eggs at the building where Ryan had the failed sales call.
+
*Michael throws eggs at Toby's house. In "[[Initiation]]", Ryan and Dwight throw eggs at the building where Ryan fails a sales call.
*"They're like breadsticks on steroids" resembles Michael's vague quote from [[Valentine's Day]]: "Scranton is great, but New York is like Scranton on acid. No, on speed. Nah. On steroids."
+
*"They're like breadsticks on steroids" resembles Michael's vague quote from "[[Valentine's Day]]": "Scranton is great, but New York is like Scranton on acid. No, on speed. Nah. On steroids."
*Dwight plays his green recorder, seen in episodes like [[Michael's Birthday]], [[Grief Counseling]], and [[Money]].
+
*Dwight plays his recorder, seen in episodes like "[[Michael's Birthday]]", "[[Take Your Daughter To Work Day]]", "[[Grief Counseling]]", and "[[Money]]".
*Several of the lines in the song sung by the office employees in the conference room reference previous events, such as Oscar's line "I forgive you for kissing me!" (from [[Gay Witch Hunt]]), and Meredith's line "You hit me with your car!" (from [[Fun Run]]). It also references Ryan's struggle with drugs and Michael's involvement in his recovery.
+
*Several of the lines in the song sung by the office employees in the conference room reference previous events, such as Oscar's line "I forgive you for kissing me!" (from "[[Gay Witch Hunt]]"), and Meredith's line "You hit me with your car!" (from "[[Fun Run]]"). It also references Ryan's struggle with drugs and Michael's involvement in his recovery ("[[Night Out]]").
*Deangelo mentions having to testify against both his parents when they got divorced as a child. Toby told Michael a similar story in [[The Deposition]]. Michael's reaction seems to imply that he noticed the connection.
+
*Deangelo mentions having to testify against both his parents when they got divorced as a child. Toby told Michael a similar story in "[[The Deposition]]". Michael's reaction seems to imply that he noticed the connection.
* Dwight questions why Deangelo is even wearing a seatbelt, because he’s in the backseat. In [[Traveling Salesmen]] Dwight sits in the back of Jim’s car because it’s the safest place, as the driver always protects his side first.
+
*Dwight questions why Deangelo is even wearing a seatbelt because he's in the backseat. In "[[Traveling Salesmen]]", Dwight sits in the back of Jim's car because it's the safest place, as the driver always protects his side first.
  +
  +
==Dundie winners==
  +
*Best Dad - [[Jim Halpert|Jim]]
  +
*Best Mom - [[Meredith Palmer|Meredith]]
  +
*Hottest in the Office - [[Danny Cordray]]
  +
*The Diabetes Award- [[Stanley Hudson|Stanley]]
  +
*Promising Assistant Manager - [[Dwight Schrute|Dwight]], who promptly throws it into the trash
  +
*Cutest Redhead in the Office Award - [[Erin Hannon|Erin]], which prompts Meredith to throw her Dundie away
  +
*Best Dundies Host - [[Deangelo Vickers]]
  +
*Doobie Doobie Pothead Stoner of the Year Award - [[Andy Bernard|Andy]]
  +
*Extreme Repulsiveness Award - [[Toby Flenderson|Toby]]
  +
*The Kind of a Bitch Award - [[Angela Martin|Angela]]
  +
*World's Best Boss - [[Michael Scott|Michael]], it was given to Michael by the employees, although it was only revealed in the later episode ([[Goodbye, Michael]])
  +
*Redefining Beauty Award - [[Phyllis Lapin|Phyllis]]
  +
*Ichabod Crane - [[Gabe Lewis|Gabe]]
   
 
==Parody lyrics==
 
==Parody lyrics==
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;''All:''
 
;''All:''
 
:Remember to call
 
:Remember to call
  +
  +
==Quotes==
  +
{{see|Michael's Last Dundies Quotes}}
   
 
==Cast==
 
==Cast==
===Main Cast===
+
===Main cast===
 
*[[Steve Carell]] as [[Michael Scott]]
 
*[[Steve Carell]] as [[Michael Scott]]
 
*[[Rainn Wilson]] as [[Dwight Schrute]]
 
*[[Rainn Wilson]] as [[Dwight Schrute]]
 
*[[John Krasinski]] as [[Jim Halpert]]
 
*[[John Krasinski]] as [[Jim Halpert]]
*[[Jenna Fischer]] as [[Pam Halpert]]
+
*[[Jenna Fischer]] as [[Pam Beesly|Pam Halpert]]
 
*[[B.J. Novak]] as [[Ryan Howard]]
 
*[[B.J. Novak]] as [[Ryan Howard]]
 
*[[Ed Helms]] as [[Andy Bernard]]
 
*[[Ed Helms]] as [[Andy Bernard]]
   
===Supporting Cast===
+
===Supporting cast===
 
*[[Leslie David Baker]] as [[Stanley Hudson]]
 
*[[Leslie David Baker]] as [[Stanley Hudson]]
 
*[[Brian Baumgartner]] as [[Kevin Malone]]
 
*[[Brian Baumgartner]] as [[Kevin Malone]]
*[[Creed Bratton (actor)]] as [[Creed Bratton]]
+
*[[Creed Bratton (actor)|Creed Bratton]] as [[Creed Bratton]]
 
*[[Kate Flannery]] as [[Meredith Palmer]]
 
*[[Kate Flannery]] as [[Meredith Palmer]]
 
*[[Mindy Kaling]] as [[Kelly Kapoor]]
 
*[[Mindy Kaling]] as [[Kelly Kapoor]]
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*[[Zach Woods]] as [[Gabe Lewis]]
 
*[[Zach Woods]] as [[Gabe Lewis]]
   
===Special Guest Star===
+
===Special guest star===
 
*[[Will Ferrell]] as [[Deangelo Vickers]]
 
*[[Will Ferrell]] as [[Deangelo Vickers]]
   
===Guest Cast===
+
===Guest cast===
*[[Jack Coleman]] as State Senator [[Robert Lipton]]
+
*[[Jack Coleman]] as [[Robert Lipton]]
 
*[[Timothy Olyphant]] as [[Danny Cordray]] (Deleted Scene)
 
*[[Timothy Olyphant]] as [[Danny Cordray]] (Deleted Scene)
  +
  +
==References==
  +
<references/>
   
 
{{Season7}}
 
{{Season7}}
[[Category:Episodes]]
+
[[Category:Season 7 episodes]]
[[Category:Season 7]]
 
[[Category:Season 7 Episodes]]
 

Latest revision as of 22:18, 26 January 2024

"Michael's Last Dundies" is the twenty-first episode of the seventh season of the American television comedy series The Office and is the show's 147th episode overall. It was written and directed by Mindy Kaling. It originally aired on April 21, 2011. It was viewed by 6.85 million people.

Synopsis

The episode opens with Michael and Deangelo personally delivering Dundies nomination plaques to the employees of Dunder Mifflin. At the office, Michael announces to the employees that Deangelo will be his co-host at the Dundies. The idea of performance is worrisome to Deangelo though, but Michael makes him take the job. Michael brings some of the staff together in the conference room to try and help Deangelo get prepared for the show, but Deangelo has problems riffing (even Ryan's pointers don't help him).

Andy tries to help him, saying he should just think of performing like conducting a meeting, but Michael objects to that, saying Deangelo should perceive it as the performance of his life. Michael tries a number of different things to help Deangelo, such as sitting on his stomach, ordering him to tell him something traumatic that happened in his childhood, and making him listen to a Walkman with the music turned up all the way so he can't hear himself talk, but none are effective.

Meanwhile, Jim and Pam, coming from elsewhere, see Erin sitting in her car eating a sandwich. Afraid of being spotted, she brings them into the car to explain she's taken to eating lunch in her car to get some time away from Gabe, who she's starting to despise. Pam coaches Erin, saying if she doesn't love Gabe she should break things off with him, as to not lead him on any further. This amuses Jim, given Pam's history with Roy, and he leaves to avoid the temptation to comment on the irony of her advice. In a talking head interview, Jim claims the situation simply didn't interest him.

A few hours after work, the employees arrive at Louie Volpe's (the restaurant the Dundies are being hosted at) and are treated to an opening video where Deangelo is searching for Michael to be his co-host, in which Michael plays various employees around the office. First, he's Jo Bennett. Then, he's Angela, which gets laughs, particularly from Oscar. Next, he's Jim, who he plays as sort of a stoner type character. He then finishes up as Phyllis, who he plays as being an old, enfeebled woman. Only when Deangelo "looks into his heart", does Michael appear before him in a bathroom mirror.

After the movie, Dwight introduces Michael and Deangelo. However, moments after being introduced, Deangelo disappears into the bathroom to vomit. Eventually, Michael is able to psych him up, and the show begins. Even though he hosts it poorly, Deangelo manages to pull the ceremony off. Jim wins the "Best Dad" award, and in a humorous twist, not only does Pam not win "Best Mom", but Meredith does. Dwight wins the "Promising Assistant Manager" Dundie, but as he is still mad at Michael, he tosses his award in the trash.

The evening takes an even more awkward turn when Erin wins the "Cutest Redhead" award, and she gives a speech in which she breaks up with Gabe, who takes the stage to defend himself and express his emotional pain. Michael then awards Deangelo with the "Best Dundies Host" award. The staff urges him to make a speech, and Deangelo, still nervous, puts on his Walkman and turns it on full blast and talks extremely loud, resulting in all of the office workers getting kicked out of the restaurant.

Michael is upset that his last Dundies ended like this, but the staff manages to convince Michael to keep the Dundies going, and to host the rest of it at the office, which Michael gives in to. Dwight rides with Michael and Deangelo, and he insults the Dundies. Michael pulls over the car, and he and Dwight get into a fight, which leads to Dwight exiting the car and leaving down the highway. Back at the office, Michael and Deangelo continue to host the Dundies in the conference room. After Michael awards Andy with the "Doobie Doobie Pothead Stoner of the Year" Award (since Andy tried marijuana in college), he is taken by surprise when Andy leads the employees (except Dwight and Gabe, who are not present) in serenading the soon-to-depart Michael with a version (backed up on the keyboard by Darryl) of "Seasons of Love" with altered lyrics. Michael is touched, and in a talking-head interview held in his office, says leaving the office is going to hurt like a "mother f**ker".

A flashback occurs where Toby gets the "Extreme Repulsiveness" Award. Toby mentions that he was part of the verdict in the Scranton Strangler case and is having doubts about the outcome.

Deleted scenes

  • When Michael announced the "Hottest in the Office" goes to Danny Cordray, Michael said "Danny could not be here tonight to accept his award, so he is live via satellite. Oh, Danny! Are you there?"

Amusing details

  • This is the second Dundies related episode.
  • Jim's Dundie nomination has "James" written on it instead of Jim, but Pam's Dundie nomination has "Pam" written on it instead of Pamela.
  • In season 2, Jim doesn't care much for the Dundies, but in this episode, he seems sincerely proud to win his "Best Dad" award.
  • DeAngelo is terrible at performing, the one thing Michael thrives at.
  • Right when Michael says that he always gives the "Hottest in the Office" award to a man, the camera focuses in on The Senator. This could be foreshadowing for when The Senator is revealed to be gay.
  • Ryan is visibly upset that Michael did not present the “Hottest in the Office” award to him this year, despite his complete disgust and discomfort at receiving the same award for the first time in season 2.
  • At the Dundies Award Ceremony, Dwight Schrute's name is spelled incorrectly on one of DeAngelo's cue cards.
  • Toby is seated in the conference room to pay tribute to Michael despite the poor treatment he suffered under Michael.
  • This is the fourth episode where characters dress up as one another. This happened previously in "Product Recall", "Costume Contest" and "Classy Christmas".

Behind the scenes

  • The exterior of the fictitious Louis Volpie restaurant was filmed at Barone's Famous Italian Restaurant in Valley Glen. The dining room was a set and was not filmed on location.[1]
  • While Steve Carell knew from the script there was a song planned, he was excluded from rehearsals and heard "9,986,000 Minutes" for the first time when the scene was shot. His reaction to the song is real and not scripted.[2][3]

Cultural references

  • Meredith's house reminds Deangelo of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
  • Meredith takes a walk of shame, most likely returning home after a one-night stand.
  • Larry King Live was replaced by Piers Morgan Tonight, a talk show hosted by the British television personality and journalist Piers Morgan. Michael thinks that Larry King is dead and Morgan took over his show.
  • Black tie optional is a form of dress code.
  • Michael randomly shouts "Nice! Regis and Kelly!" after a successful joke with Ryan. Live with Regis and Kelly was a long-running morning TV show featuring Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa who had a father/daughter-style chemistry on the show. Interestingly, Regis Philbin stepped down from the show in 2011 and was eventually replaced by Ryan Seacrest, so the name of the show became Live with Kelly and Ryan.
  • Deangelo's uncomfortable question about Jim's whereabouts on September 11 is a reference to 9/11.
  • There are several references to the film The King's Speech, notably when Deangelo gives his speech at the Dundies while listening to his Walkman played at a high volume, so he cannot hear his own voice.
  • The DMV stands for Department of Motor Vehicles, famous for long lines.
  • Kevin brings his crayons to make the place feel more like a kid-friendly restaurant for himself, i.e. IHOP. The usage of crayons may be a reference to Macaroni Grill, which allows patrons to draw on their tablecloths.
  • Pippi Longstocking is an adventurous red-headed girl from Swedish children's books.
  • Ron Weasley is the red-headed best friend of Harry Potter.
  • Ron Howard is also known for his movies, TV shows, and ginger beard.
  • Michael also mentions "Ronald McDonald's wife" as an example of a red-head.
  • Die Hard is a movie featuring Bruce Willis as a New York City detective caught in the middle of a hostage situation while visiting his estranged wife in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve.
  • Dwight's line "Always the Padawan, never the Jedi," is a reference to both Star Wars, and another saying: "Always the bridesmaid, never the bride". The Jedi are characters in the Star Wars saga who are famed for their ability to tap into the energy field that connects all things known as the Force, and as such, they were charged with maintaining the balance between the light and dark sides of the Force and keeping the peace in the Galactic Republic. A Padawan is a Jedi in training, usually an adolescent.
  • Billy Crystal and Neil Patrick Harris have hosted several award shows but were unavailable for the Dundies.
  • Michael thought that the awards would end up like The Godfather Part III, but it turned out "confusing" like The Godfather. The Godfather film series chronicles the life of Michael Corleone as he rises to the top of a crime family. Michael was under the mistaken impression that it was a comedy, saying that it had "maybe three big laughs." It's notable that Michael's favorite film of the trilogy is the least critically acclaimed one, but understandable given his misinterpretation.
  • The final song that the office sings to Michael is a parody of "Seasons of Love" from the Broadway musical Rent.
  • Michael describes the Dundies as "like the Golden Globes but less mean" referring to Ricky Gervais' hosting of the 2011 Golden Globe Awards; which left critics questioning if he had gone "too far". Gervais stated on his blog that the line was inserted as a metajoke was intended as "a little in-joke".

Connections to previous episodes

  • Michael throws eggs at Toby's house. In "Initiation", Ryan and Dwight throw eggs at the building where Ryan fails a sales call.
  • "They're like breadsticks on steroids" resembles Michael's vague quote from "Valentine's Day": "Scranton is great, but New York is like Scranton on acid. No, on speed. Nah. On steroids."
  • Dwight plays his recorder, seen in episodes like "Michael's Birthday", "Take Your Daughter To Work Day", "Grief Counseling", and "Money".
  • Several of the lines in the song sung by the office employees in the conference room reference previous events, such as Oscar's line "I forgive you for kissing me!" (from "Gay Witch Hunt"), and Meredith's line "You hit me with your car!" (from "Fun Run"). It also references Ryan's struggle with drugs and Michael's involvement in his recovery ("Night Out").
  • Deangelo mentions having to testify against both his parents when they got divorced as a child. Toby told Michael a similar story in "The Deposition". Michael's reaction seems to imply that he noticed the connection.
  • Dwight questions why Deangelo is even wearing a seatbelt because he's in the backseat. In "Traveling Salesmen", Dwight sits in the back of Jim's car because it's the safest place, as the driver always protects his side first.

Dundie winners

  • Best Dad - Jim
  • Best Mom - Meredith
  • Hottest in the Office - Danny Cordray
  • The Diabetes Award- Stanley
  • Promising Assistant Manager - Dwight, who promptly throws it into the trash
  • Cutest Redhead in the Office Award - Erin, which prompts Meredith to throw her Dundie away
  • Best Dundies Host - Deangelo Vickers
  • Doobie Doobie Pothead Stoner of the Year Award - Andy
  • Extreme Repulsiveness Award - Toby
  • The Kind of a Bitch Award - Angela
  • World's Best Boss - Michael, it was given to Michael by the employees, although it was only revealed in the later episode (Goodbye, Michael)
  • Redefining Beauty Award - Phyllis
  • Ichabod Crane - Gabe

Parody lyrics

The lyrics to the parody the employees sing to Michael in the conference room are as follows:

Andy:
Nine million nine hundred and eighty-six thousand minutes,
we actually sat down and did the math.
All:
Nine million nine hundred and eighty-six thousand minutes,
that's how many minutes that you've worked here.
Pam:
In costumes
Jim:
And impressions
Toby:
In meetings
Kelly and Erin:
In cups of coffee
Kevin:
Our birthdays
Stanley:
More meetings
Angela and Phyllis:
And e-mail forwards you made us read
All:
Nine million nine hundred eighty-six thousand minutes,
that's like watching Die Hard eighty thousand times.
Meredith:
You hit me with your car
Ryan:
You helped me get off drugs
Creed:
I watch you when you sleep
Oscar:
I forgive you for kissing me
All:
Remember to call
Darryl:
(You got to remember to call)
All:
Remember to call
Andy:
(Love is a gift from up above)
All:
Remember to call
Kelly and Erin:
(Text or call or e-mail, or call)
Deangelo:
Measure, measure your life in love
All:
Remember to call
Deangelo:
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
All:
Remember to call
Deangelo:
(Yeah, yeah, you got to remember to call)
All:
Remember to call

Quotes

See: Michael's Last Dundies Quotes

Cast

Main cast

Supporting cast

Special guest star

Guest cast

References

  1. Blake, Lindsay. Barone’s Famous Italian Restaurant from The Office, I am not a stalker blog, June 14, 2011.
  2. Lawrence, Derek. Happy 10th anniversary, Jim and Pam! An oral history of The Office wedding, Entertainment Weekly, October 8, 2019.
  3. Fischer, Jenna and Kinsey, Angela Episode 155 | Michael's Last Dundies, Office Ladies podcast, February 8, 2023.