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Michael Scott- the chaotic genius and cringeworthy king of The Office- is the kind of boss who can break your heart and your patience in the same breath. One moment, he’s dropping surprisingly profound life lessons wrapped in awkward jokes; the next, he’s setting off disaster after disaster, leaving everyone around him both baffled and oddly charmed.
From his highest highs to his most facepalm-worthy fails, the regional manager is a walking rollercoaster of emotion and madness. Here we are going to relive four of his best and worst moments- because with Michael Scott, it’s never just business as usual.
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Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinions. Reader's discretion is advised.
Worst- promising free tuition to the Scott's Tots
Undoubtedly, one of the worst things Michael Scott has done on The Office is falsely promise several students that he would pay for their college. He made the promise ten years ago, and later confessed that he had believed he would be a millionaire by then (which he wasn't).
Since he can't afford it, he instead shows up with a bunch of laptop batteries at the school, where the children put up an elaborate presentation for him with music, dance, speeches, and wearing t-shirts with his name. It's definitely the worst thing he has done on the show, and in ways more than one, highlights his poor personality.
Best- showing up for Pam during her art show
Although Michael does get on Pam's nerve multiple times throughout her time at Dundler Mifflin, he has also been there for her in times of need and one of the most important scenes that highlight his affection for Pam is when he is the only one from the office who visits her art show and praises her aspirations of wanting to become an artist, even buying a painting from her.
His showing up at the show is an indicator of more than one thing; his affection for Pam, of course, but also his support for her dreams that were usually sidelined by others in the office. It's a small scene that shows his love for his employees and how, at the end of every nagging, annoying day he makes everyone go through, he does show up for everyone.
Worst- making Dwight the scapegoat for the Golden Ticket debacle
One of the worst qualities in Michael Scott is his lack of accountability. Throughout the show we see multiple instances of him throwing others under the bus to protect himself, and one of these instances is when he introduces a brand new marketing idea of a Golden Ticket, and when it fails, he blames Dwight Schrute for it and asks him to take the fall- a move that earns the contempt of everyone at the office.
Not just that. Later on, when it turns out that the idea was actually a good one and got the company some major profits, he swoops in to claim credit again, making the situation even more complicated.
Best- forgiving Dwight for his betrayal
Michael's relationship with Dwight is pretty complicated. One moment, the latter is the most loyal minion Michael could ever have; the next, Dwight's bigger dreams of ruling the office always consume him. This was seen when Dwight tries to overtake Michael's job and reports to Jan Levinson about his incompetence, unaware that they are close.
However, our beloved boss decides to forgive him for the betrayal, showing a better conscience, and asks him to hug it out instead of firing him. It shows Michael's kindness and how he values his employees far more than anything else.
Worst- trying to sabotage Jim's career
When CFO David Wallace decides to have a one-on-one conversation with Jim Halpert about his career at the company, Michael is full of insecurities as he tries his best to eavesdrop on the conversation to hear what they're talking about. Once he learns that Wallace is inclined towards promoting Jim to Regional Manager, Michael tells him that Jim is incompetent and shows him Jim's file of complaints (carefully curated by Toby Flenderson, being absolutely biased), which leads to Wallace dropping Jim from consideration.
However, he later learns that Jim had actually suggested that Michael get promoted as well as he realizes that he not only sabotaged Jim's career but his own as well. This results in a hilarious but unsuccessful arrangement where both of them become co-managers of the office.
Best- distracting the office during troubled times
When Dunder Mifflin becomes the center of uncertainty due to poor financial results, the company becomes doubtful of the employees' futures and whether it will continue to keep them. As a co-manager, Jim insists that they all get back to work, even though everyone is distressed, but in true Michael Scott fashion, he suggests that they all play a game of Belles, Bourbon, and Bullets- a murder mystery game to distract the employees as they huddle together in the office's conference room.
Jim is hesitant at first, but later realizes that Michael's idea was better as it eased everyone and put their minds somewhere else for a while, instead of stressing about the future of their job. He ends up joining the game and encouraging Michael to play another round instead of breaking the bad news to them that the company is indeed doing very poorly.
Worst- breaking up with Pam's mother on her birthday
Michael goes against Pam's wishes to date her mom, Helene, after her wedding to Jim Halpert, and just when Pam starts to warm up to the relationship, Michael dumps her.
On a birthday dinner for Helene where Jim, Pam and Michael show up to celebrate her; Michael is affectionate at first, having made a scrapbook for her and decorating the table with elaborate balloons but when Pam mentions that her mom is in her early 50s, Michael immediately backs down and within moments dumps her for being too old and not being able to have children and not being fit enough to accompany him to adventures. It's a scene that reflects on Michael Scott's deep-rooted immaturity and his struggle to reconcile fantasy with reality, and is definitely one of the worst things he has done on The Office.
Best- encouraging Jim not to give up on Pam
When Michael learns about Jim's feelings for Pam, he encourages her not to give up on her. Michael Scott is the first person Halpert trusts his secret with (although wrongly), and instead of judging him, like everyone else in the office did, for crushing on a woman who was engaged, Michael encourages him to pursue her and supports his feelings for Pam.
Although, of course, this later backfires as Michael Scott's infamous big mouth gets in the way and he spills the secret out to everyone in the office. It still is worth mentioning because he endlessly supports his employees and their ambitions and desires, no matter how silly. Even if his execution is flawed, his heart is almost always in the right place.
The Office is available to stream on Netflix.
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