A deep dive into “The Office” finale through the “Office Ladies” podcast

Breaking down “The Office” finale

The “Office Ladies” podcast, hosted by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, takes fans on an in-depth journey through “The Office” series finale. In the episode titled “Finale, Part 2,” posted on October 30, Fischer and Kinsey meticulously dissect every moment of the iconic Emmy-winning NBC comedy’s conclusion, which aired on May 16, 2013. Their detailed commentary reveals a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes secrets, adding layers of depth and nostalgia to an already cherished series.

The surprise return of Michael Scott

One of the episode highlights is the surprising return of Steve Carell as Michael Scott. This twist was so well-guarded that showrunner Greg Daniels kept it a secret from NBC executives until the day before the episode aired. The secrecy ensured that Carell’s return remained a delightful shock for viewers, maintaining the integrity of the finale’s emotional impact.

In Michael’s initial farewell episode, “Goodbye, Michael,” which aired towards the end of Season 7, he moves to Colorado to start a new life with Holly [https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/goodbye-michael-season-7], portrayed by Amy Ryan. His unexpected appearance in the series finale, set during Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Angela’s (Kinsey) wedding, posed the question of what Michael had been doing since leaving Dunder Mifflin. Jim (John Krasinski) orchestrates his visit to make Dwight’s special day even more memorable, leading to classic Michael Scott moments that fans cherished.

Behind-the-scenes revelations

Fischer and Kinsey unveil a wealth of behind-the-scenes stories during their rewatch. One favorite segment involves Michael showing Pam (Fischer) photos of his children, implying his joyous family life post-Dunder Mifflin. Pam’s voiceover reveals that Michael was so thrilled to have a family plan that he got two phones.

However, a particularly poignant detail didn’t make it to the screen. Fischer and Kinsey shared that the original script included the names of Michael and Holly’s children, which would have been revealed through a talking-head interview with Holly. Due to scheduling conflicts, Amy Ryan could not appear in the finale. Holly’s scripted interview described her holding their two children, humorously dubbed “Irish twins.” This scene would have added another layer of sentimentality to the series’ end.

Naming Michael’s children

An engaging fan question from Toronto during the podcast asked if Michael had reversed his third vasectomy, suggesting he did, given the children’s existence. The unfilmed script even included Holly mentioning their sons’ names: Chebonshur and Lowshebin, names Michael coined based on his feelings upon first seeing them. This quirky, heartfelt touch is a testament to Michael Scott’s endearing and often unconventional character.

Costly musical journey

During the wedding scene, Bruce Springsteen’s “Rosalita” plays in the background as Michael and Dwight share a dance. The song’s inclusion was personally approved by Springsteen and came with a significant $100,000 price tag. This costly choice underscores the dedication and effort put into creating an unforgettable finale.

The journey of “Office Ladies”

With this extensive rewatch episode, Fischer and Kinsey conclude their comprehensive recaps of all 201 episodes of “The Office,” marking the end of an era. However, their journey is far from over. Having secured a new deal for their podcast, “Office Ladies,” the show will now air twice a week. Wednesday episodes will feature deep dives into character studies, webisode recaps, and interviews with key figures from the series. Notably, casting director Allison Jones will be their first guest. Mondays will see encore editions of original episodes with new material, keeping the rewatch experience fresh for fans.

Personal stories and lasting friendships

The podcast also celebrates the enduring friendship between Fischer and Kinsey. In a heartfelt moment, Fischer shared her breast cancer diagnosis from the previous year and her journey to becoming cancer-free with Kinsey’s steadfast support.

The duo’s rewatch concluded with a special guest appearance by Creed Bratton, who shared a touching story about the finale. Before filming, showrunner Daniels asked Bratton how he envisioned his character, also named Creed Bratton, exiting the show. Bratton suggested using his song “All the Faces,” written in 1970, for a touching send-off. To his surprise, the song was indeed included, playing as the final episode closed. In the “Office Ladies” studio, Bratton performed the song, expressing his affection for Fischer and Kinsey.

Engage with us

“The Office” may have concluded, but the stories and memories continue to resonate with fans worldwide. Stay engaged with our latest updates and share your favorite moments from “The Office” and “Office Ladies” podcast on social media. Relive iconic moments, discover new insights, and celebrate the legacy of a beloved series that continues to bring joy and laughter to fans everywhere.

For more information on “The Office” and to explore related content, visit our latest updates on series finales.

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