15 of the Most Memorable Episodes of ‘The Office’

9. Garage Sale

The first narrative sign that star Steve Carell was on his way out came in “Garage Sale” which features perhaps one of the best on-screen proposals in TV history. It’s heartfelt and sweet and it’s made even cuter by the fact that Michael’s candles set off the fire alarm. It’s a great moment for a character that began as hard to love and morphed into a character that’s one of the most treasured in pop culture history.

8. Scott’s Tots

This easily the worst thing Michael has ever done. Ever. Several years before the episode premiered, you see, Michael promised to pay for the tuition of a whole bunch of inner city school kids if only they graduated high school. Guess what? They graduated and now they want their money. The look on Michael’s face when a room of high school kids go from adoration to revulsion in a single heart beat is just priceless.

7. The Dundies

This episode, penned by future star Mindy Kaling, was the first shot of brilliance in the show. The second season premiere saw the gang take over a local Chili’s for a (mandatory) awards ceremony that doesn’t even go right in the planning stages. Add to that Pam’s drunken silliness — a welcome break in Jenna Fischer’s normally stoic demeanor — and you’ve got a recipe for some good old fashioned shame.