Episode One (The Office, Series Two)

UK Office episode
name = Episode One


ep_num = 7
date = September 30, 2002
series = 2

Episode One is the first episode of the second series of "The Office". It was originally broadcast on 30 September, 2002.

ynopsis

The episode takes place two weeks after "the final episode of series one"

The Slough branch has remained open, and the new Swindon employees who were transfered there are due in. Brent also meets his new boss, Neil, and begins to hate him instantly. David is preparing to mark the occasion with one of his stand-up routines. It turns out to be one of the most hideously uncomfortable experiences ever endured by anyone, as Brent struggles for laughs and gets no response from any of his employees. Worse yet for Brent, Neil is both naturally funny and likable, and makes a joke at David's expense.

Tim, meanwhile, has been persuaded to stay with a promotion and a pay increase. Dawn is upset because Tim starts taking his job more seriously, and he uncharacteristically asks her to get back to the reception desk during the welcoming festivities. Gareth is upset because Tim actually has authority over him now, a fact which Tim doesn't hesitate to bring up when Gareth resorts to his numerous annoying tendencies.

Meanwhile, in a desperate bid for laughs at the meet-and-greet for Swindon employees, David makes a racist joke that isn't too popular with the women of the Swindon branch. In disbelief over his ability to have offended new employees on the first day, Jennifer (who has been promoted above Neil) calls a meeting and reprimands David in front of Neil. The episode ends with Dawn's boyfriend Lee becoming upset with Tim for what he sees as flirting, but in fact is just another of the jokes the two routinely share. Lee pushes Tim back into a wall, but doesn't take it further, leaving with Dawn. Tim tries to brush off the incident, sits down, and laughs nervously into the camera as the new season's debut ends on a rather tense note.

Cast

* David Brent - Ricky Gervais
* Tim - Martin Freeman
* Gareth - Mackenzie Crook
* Dawn - Lucy Davis
* Neil - Patrick Baladi
* Rachel - Stacey Roca

With

* Jennifer - Stirling Gallacher
* Lee - Joel Beckett
* Brenda - Julie Fernandez
* Trudy - Rachel Isaac
* Keith - Ewen Macintosh
* Oliver - Howard Saddler

Music

The following songs are featured in this episode.

*"Mah Nà Mah Nà" - Piero Umiliani