The Secret (The Office)

Office episode
name = The Secret


Jim's lunchbreak gift in "The Secret"
ep_num = 19
prod_code = 02014
date = January 19, 2006
writer = Lee Eisenberg &
Gene Stupnitsky
director = Dennie Gordon
season = 2

"The Secret" is the 13th episode of the second season of "The Office" (U.S. version). It was written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky and directed by Dennie Gordon. It first aired on January 19, 2006.

ynopsis

Out of fear that Michael will tell the others he has feelings for Pam, Jim allows Michael to believe that they are best friends, which leads to an awkward lunch at Hooters paid for with a corporate credit card. Michael ultimately reveals Jim's secret to everyone, forcing Jim to confess his crush to Pam herself, although he tells her that he got over it three years ago. However, Michael makes a comment to Pam that leads her to doubt that the crush is actually over. Meanwhile, Dwight "investigates" Oscar's absence from work, and stumbles across (but fails to recognize) evidence of Oscar's homosexuality.

Deleted scenes

The Season Two DVD contains a number of deleted scenes from this episode. Notable cut scenes include:
*Michael plays with his new putting toy.
*Dwight expounds on dust bunnies.
*Michael surveys his worker bees.
*Ryan finds an unfinished TV Guide crossword puzzle in Michael's office.
*Michael describes his college fraternity experience.
*Michael buys Jim a Hooters t-shirt.

Notes

*As of this episode, the rest of the office employee cast were credited as regulars.
*Oscar Nuñez was surprised when he heard that his character was going to be homosexual, explaining: "Greg Daniels came up and said, 'Is it all right if we make your character gay?' I said, 'Well...the script's already done—so yes.'" [Wolk, Josh. "The Drudge Report: A Visit With 7 More 'Office' Mates." "Entertainment Weekly" 24 February 2006: Page 25.]
*According to the DVD commentary: Jenna Fischer began crying after the scene where Jim tells Pam that he no longer has a crush on her. John Krasinski pointed this out to Angela Kinsey, who calmed Fischer down enough that they could continue filming.
*This was one of six episodes submitted to Emmy voters for Best Comedy consideration, which the series went on to win. The other five were "The Dundies", "Booze Cruise", "Christmas Party", "The Injury", and "Valentine's Day".
*Michael sings part of a verse from The Go Go's song "Our Lips Are Sealed", although he incorrectly states that it was sung by rival girl group The Bangles.
*Jim's reaction to the Hooters waitresses' birthday wishes is genuine—John Krasinski was not informed of the plan. [Krasinski, John (Actor). 2006. "The Secret" [Commentary track] , "The Office" Season Two (U.S./NBC Version) [DVD] , Los Angeles, CA: Universal.]

References

External links

* [http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/episodes/season2/214/ "The Secret"] at NBC.com
* [http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting={FA683BEF-039F-4D2F-B26E-7AD03A184DA8} Jenna Fischer's Blog on "The Secret"] at [http://www.tvguide.com/ TVGuide.com]
* [http://www.northernattack.com/archives/the-secret/ "The Secret"] at NorthernAttack.com