Karen Dips her Pen in the Company Ink

Episode
Cocktails (Season 3, Episode 17)

Pranker
Karen Filippelli

Target
Jim Halpert

Description
With an invitation to the house of the CFO, Jim brings along Karen as his date to his first company gathering since his promotion. In the midst of all the “fun,” Karen points out a guy at the party to Jim who she used to date. Later, after talking with a couple, she makes mention that she saw the man while they were separated. Karen adjusts the tie of another former boyfriend while Jim looks on. After being invited to shoot hoops with CFO David Wallace, Karen makes sure to tell Jim not to say anything about their relationship; for he might still have feelings for her.

Reaction
The first guy, Jim doesn’t make much of anything of, but the second guy, Jim is more quizzical than anything else. The third guy, Jim looks more astounded than mad, but as she remarks to him about her past with David, Jim is finally broken and asks if she has dated everyone at the party. Karen finally breaks and admits that she wasn’t serious. She says she didn’t date any of them and that Jim is actually her first. Jim is amazed, and Karen breaks again and admits that it’s just too easy.
Originality
8 – There has been plenty of speculation on what Karen’s intention was here. Some say she was testing Jim’s jealousy. Some say she wanted to see if Jim would get fed up and break up with her. Personally, I see this as a test to see if Jim cared enough about Karen to bring up her past right away or until it got to ridiculous proportions. If that was her intention, she succeeded in getting almost no reaction after each guy. Jim was unfazed…perhaps pining for another?

Length Taken
8 – I think Karen really did date the first guy, but she saw the lack of Jim’s reaction and wanted to see how far she could go. She pointed out four additional guys, just at the party, that she has dated before Jim speaks up. Extra point for the extra little mini-prank right at the end, just to rub salt on the wound.

Special Award
Double Dose Award – This is the second (and third) time Karen has pranked Jim since they have worked together. Karen gets the rare double prank in one swoop on the one man who pranks everyone else.
Taste of Your Own Medicine – The king of all pranks gets some of the business from Karen, twice in one night. It’s so easy, it’s not even fun.

The Vampire Bite

Episode
Business School (Season 3, Episode 16)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
When a bat is found in the office, Jim takes advantage of Dwight’s reaction. Jim marks in plain sight of Dwight that his neck hurts, teeth are getting pointy, has a bad reaction to garlic bread, sees a blinding light off Angela’s crucifix, and remarks of the amount of sun in the office (to the point of covering his face with his jacket).

Reaction
Lacking, but effective. Dwight was a little too busy to deal with the bat to deal with Jim, but the point was made. His wish of luck let Jim know that the prank was taken with sincerity.

Originality
8 – Would be higher if not for the only way you can go as it concerns bats. Supernatural creatures always interest Dwight, so more quick thinking from Jim bodes well.

Length Taken
7 – After coming from the hip, the creative juices have to be flowing quickly. Jim impresses in his quick reactions and allies in battle.

Special Award
From the Hip Award – Jim is one of the few people who know just how to deal with Dwight with no prior thinking of how the prank could go down. He sees a bat, sees Dwight’s reaction and makes sure that the main aspects of becoming a vampire are right in Dwight’s eyesight.
Sidekick Award – Involving Karen in with the plan. Karen was only there to lend support, but too much over-acting would have given it away to the always suspicious Dwight. Karen is no Pam in the drama department, but she’ll do.

Pavlov's Altoids

Episode
Phyllis’ Wedding (Season 3, Episode 16)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Based on the Pavlov’s Dog Theory, Jim offers Dwight a seemingly innocent altoid every time his computer reboots and makes the patented bell sound. Jim continues this for (seemingly, although we never truly know) weeks and waits for the perfect time to strike. Just prior to Phyllis’ big day, Jim executes.

Reaction
It couldn’t have been better. As the bell rang, Jim had no altoid to give, but that didn’t stop Dwight from sticking out his hand, waiting for one to come his way. Jim innocently asks what Dwight is sticking his hand out and Dwight embarrassingly relents. To show to true nature of Jim’s dastardly plan, Dwight remarks of how bad a taste his mouth has, which could easily be fixed with…I dunno, an altoid?

Originality
10 – Pavlov’s Dog Theory can’t be put to any better use. Great use of technology and a current form of food to blend the two together. Jim should be published in some magazine.

Length Taken
10 – This could have been going on for weeks. Neigh, months. Imagine the patience that must be shown to not only give Dwight an altoid every time he reboots his computer, but to not crack under the pressure when the punch line is finally delivered.

Special Award
Patience is a Virtue Award – Weeks, maybe months. Jim is king.

"That is not the real Ben Franklin. I am 99% sure."

Episode
Ben Franklin (Season 3, Episode 14)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
After Jim had his fun with the women of Dunder-Mifflin, he can’t help but get Dwight with a similar gag. Apparently, Jim has told Dwight that the Ben Franklin impersonator is the real Ben Franklin. Dwight goes to check it out.

Reaction
Dwight tempts the actor with chocolate, but he wonders how he got it (only native to the Amazon, it is yet to be imported to the US). Dwight quizzes the impersonator with questions about the King of Austria (Joseph II), the King of Prussia (Fredrich von Wilhelm III) and the King of England (the tyrant King George, of course), which he answers correctly. Despite the correct answers, Dwight is 99% sure that is not the real Ben Franklin. Dwight poses a final question of his nearsightedness/farsightedness. Franklin proudly proclaims that he’s both, that’s why he invented the bifocals. Still not able to tell, Dwight screams to the heavens.

Originality
7 – Jim sees Dwight like a little child. How would a child know that someone who looks like, talks like and knows everything about a person isn’t really them? Telling anyone else that the Franklin impersonator is real, if not immediately knowing he was already dead, could just look up the information. But Dwight is not about to look up what he can find out for himself.

Length Taken
3 – To the best of our knowledge, all Jim did was tell Dwight he was real. It’s possible he went to greater lengths and explained in detail, but we just don’t know.

Special Award
Just Too Easy Award – Jim makes a comment to Dwight that Ben Franklin was real…and they’re off. This might be the easiest prank that Jim has had to pull.

Jim Hires Ben Franklin

Episode
Ben Franklin (Season 3, Episode 14)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
The Office Women

Description
With Phyllis’ wedding on the horizon, the appearance of Todd Packer gives Michael the idea of getting strippers. Knowing that he can’t give a stripper to just the men (sexual harassment after all), Packer suggests the separate-but-equal provision of getting strippers for both sexes. Michael asks Jim to hire the strippers, but refuses, leaving Dwight to do the duty. While Dwight finds a female, it’s up to Jim to get the male. Jim calls Michael to tell him the only males available are Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin or Spongebob Sqarepants. You see, Michael referred Jim to a male strip club called Banana Slings, but instead, Jim called the Scholastic Speakers of Pennsylvania. Next thing you know, Ben Franklin is getting into the elevator with Ryan and Michael.

Reaction
Michael introduces the ladies to Ben Franklin as the scholastic speaker comes in and begins to do his act. While wanting to speak on his life and the era of the founding fathers, Michael can’t help but make grunting noises and stripping music. Franklin begins to do a speech on discovering electricity, but Karen and Pam begin to ask him of his wife and Parisian girlfriends. Franklin continues to speak on, but he eventually falls into the ladies’ hands and ties a cherry stem using only his tongue. After Pam asks him the boxers/brief/pantaloons question, he remarks on her sauciness and winks. Continuing to flirt, Franklin notices the electricity between himself and Pam. She can’t help but point out that Ben Franklin had syphilis, but the actor says he, himself doesn’t.

Originality
8 – It isn’t so much that Jim hired someone who wasn’t an actual stripper, but to what he got instead of a stripper. What other alternatives could Jim have gone to that wouldn’t have been as creative as the Scholastic Speakers of Pennsylvania? I don’t think there is a more creative alternative. This would have been a sure fire ten if Jim would have gotten Spongebob instead of Ben Franklin.

Length Taken
7 – Jim never let Michael know that Ben Franklin wasn’t a stripper. The women obviously caught on when the speaker continued to talk about the founding fathers. On paper, if Jim would have proposed this to Pam and not gone through with it, it would have been higher, but since this was Jim’s plan from the beginning, it’s lower. Automatic ten if Ben Franklin took off any of his clothes.

Special Award
Bad Idea Gone Good Award – Michael’s idea to hire strippers was set for disaster from the get-go. But, put into the hands of Jim, he turns what could have been an absolute nightmare into some weird dream where you wake up and try to figure out what just happened. Part of me believes that Jim didn’t hire Ben Franklin for the purpose of pranking the women, but more for making sure the company wouldn’t be in trouble.

Fun with Andy's Phone

Episode
The Return (Season 3, Episode 13)

Pranker
Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly

Target
Andy Bernard

Description
Who knew that once one villain was killed, another more powerful villain who is more evil than the last would rise up in its place…eventually leading to the point where you want the old villain back. Andy is the perfect example. With Dwight gone, he has the advantage on the annoying-the-rest-of-the-office-for-no-reason market. He starts off by testing out his new ringtone, a four-part version of Rockin’ Robin (which took him for-ever), to Jim and lets it ring until Jim might strangle him. A quick pep talk leads to a singing of Benny and the Jets but instead singing Andy and the Tuna. His talents even lead to annoying Michael, who put up with Dwight for seven years. Realizing that the annoyance won’t stop until something is done, Jim goes over to recruit Karen for a prank, but is unable to deliver due to taking over Dwight’s sales load. After trying and failing to recruit Ryan (ask him 10 years ago), Jim goes to Pam who gladly accepts. After clumsily spilling his pens, Jim uses slight of hand to pick up Andy’s phone and takes it over to reception for the lovely Miss Beesly to hold on to. Without speaking, but synching up perfectly, Jim and Pam go over towards the breakroom and make the switch of the phone. As Pam blocks from the watercooler, Jim stands on the breakroom table, removes a tile and throws Andy’s phone above his desk. The only thing left to do is dial.

Reaction
Jim joyously beats along to the tune as Andy searches for his phone; which Pam is calling. The next time, Jim calls as Andy begins to get frustrated. Sensing something is up, Andy begins to get angrier and searches around his desk, even looking in Phyllis’ desk. Continuing to hear the ringtone, Andy searches under the couch pillows and under reception. As Michael is just about to leave with Andy following, Jim saves him by calling his phone for a final time. Andy begins to scream and seems to blow some sort of blood vessel. Looking for an outlet for his anger, he punches a hole in the wall. “That was an overreaction…”

Originality
9 – The high number isn’t so much for the prank itself, but for the flawless and silent choreography and planning from Jim and Pam. As Jim stands from his desk, he doesn’t even look over; he just walks and knows that Pam is close behind. After the phone is placed, Pam makes the call without prompting.

Length Taken
10 – Jim and Pam went far enough to make Andy punch a hole through a half-inch of dry wall. They might have broke his brain.

Special Award
Instant Classic Award – Everything comes together exactly like it should in this one and is a prank for the ages. The preceding events, the silent choreography, the delivery, the reaction and even the impending result; all were perfect.

Dwight's Tape Recorder

Episode
Back from Vacation (Season 3, Episode 11)

Pranker
Jim Halpert, Phyllis Lapin and Karen Filippelli

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
With Michael on vacation, he leaves it to Dwight to record and transcribe meetings that he misses. Jim, always one for adaptation begins to scream into the recorder the fact that Dwight has taken off his pants, has a plastic knife to Stanley’s neck and is wearing a baby’s bonnet. Phyllis, in her rookie prank, joins in the fun and tells Dwight to get Michael an autograph from Jim Carrey (who just walked in the room). Karen goes right for the jugular and asks if Dwight has a Muppet Babies tattoo on his stomach. Jim reiterates the fact and states that it is indeed, Animal from the Muppet Babies. Andy tries to keep things going, but just brings a sense of awkwardness to the conference room as he says he is cutting off Phyllis’ head with a chainsaw.

Reaction
Dwight is panic stricken, thinking that Michael will believe whatever Jim says over himself. He refutes everything said right after it is said, save for Andy’s answer…which rightfully has no reaction.

Originality
6 – Extra points for the Muppet Babies reference, but the loss of a point for forcing me to picture Dwight without pants, wearing a baby’s bonnet and holding a plastic knife to Stanley’s neck. I shiver with fear of the thought.

Length Taken
7 – It has been a long tradition of messing with Dwight by Jim, but when Karen and Phyllis join the fun, it brings it to a different level. If Andy could have come up with something creative and funny, this would have been one for the ages.

Special Award
Rookie Award – To Phyllis and Andy. Phyllis is a simpleton. She isn’t very high maintenance and she keeps to herself. Most of Jim’s jokes go over her head or she doesn’t try to understand, but this one is right up her alley. Though not too original, she gets the job done. On the other hand, Andy misses the prank all together and goes over everyone’s head. Despite the rest of the conference room stopping the fun, Andy continues, thinking of the hilarity.

Dwight Explains how to Butcher a Goose

Episode
A Benihana Christmas (Season 3, Episode 10)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Andy knows the perfect way to cheer up Michael after breaking up with his girlfriend, taking him to Benihana, or Asian Hooters. Taking his entourage (minus an excuse-stealing Ryan), they arrive and have only three seats together to sit four people. Michael and Andy sit on the end while Jim steals the third seat, causing Dwight to move two seats over, next to a dining couple. As Andy and Michael engage in conversations, Dwight is dying to be included. As Dwight talks with the camera about his duties to his boss, an unwelcome fortune cookie strikes him in the cheek. He looks over to find the culprit as Jim innocently sips his drink. As Cindy the waitress comes over and chats with Andy, he tells her to close her eyes and imagine her dream house. As Dwight pleads for Jim to tell him what is going on, Jim tells him she’s asleep. When she opens her eyes, Jim tells Dwight that she is awake and trying to describe how to correctly butcher a goose, but she’s having trouble coming up with it.

Reaction
“Cindy! Cindy, Cindy. Hold its neck back, insert the knife beneath the jaw, and bring it all the way around. There’s going to be a good amount of blood, but don’t let that bother you. Have a bucket there for the blood, the innards and the feathers.” Dwight falls right into the trap that Jim set for him. And with a swift stroke, Jim’s prankless days are over.

Originality
7 – Why a waitress at Benihana would want to know how to kill a goose is anybody’s guess. Sometimes I guess I give Dwight too much credit for assuming the logical solution to most situations. Jim knows this and gets Dwight to embarrass himself while also grossing out the others at the table

Length Taken
5 – It doesn’t take much on Jim’s side in order to convince Dwight of the situation. Since Dwight is not in on the conversation, his mind is left to wander into the most illogical situation possible…narcolepsy and goose butchering.

Special Award
The Master Returns Award – No one thought Jim’s days of pranking had come to an end. Even Dwight knew that. Jim’s hiatus from pranks lasted about a week. Welcome back, master.

Dwight's CIA Letters

Episode
A Benihana Christmas (Season 3, Episode 10)

Pranker
Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
With the quality of the teapot and its innards from last Christmas, Pam had to get something equally as great for Jim this year. Calling him over to reception, Pam tells Jim for the past few months, she has been sending Dwight letters from the CIA. As she hands him a file marked “classified,” Jim is astonished. She explains the CIA is considering him for a top secret mission, complete with an application and a list of every secret he’s ever told (after all, who knew Michael would go to magic camp). Pam’s gift to Jim is in his hands to decide what Dwight’s top secret mission will be. Of course, Jim wants to, but he says he shouldn’t because of the promotion and the new start he has. With the new-and-improved Jim off to Benihana with Michael, Andy and Dwight, Jim pulls a different prank on Mr. Schrute and realizes that it doesn’t matter that he has a promotion. Instead, he should have as much fun as possible and continue to terrorize his co-worker. Upon his return to the office, Jim tells Pam about intercepting a transmission and that the CIA needed Dwight at their Langley headquarters for training and an ice cream social with the other agents. Looking to get him a bus ticket for the trip, they realize it’s much too expensive and decide that it’s better to send a helicopter to pick him up.

Reaction
Dwight waits on top of the building for the helicopter to arrive; backpack in toe. He paces and checks his watch until his phone vibrates out a message. Apparently, Dwight has been compromised, must abort the mission and destroy his phone. He looks around and throws his cell as far as it will go. He departs the roof and awaits further instructions.

Originality
10 – I love it when Pam becomes the mastermind of pranks. Her mind is vivid with originality, from government-created killer nanorobot infections, to Pretendinitis, to this. As the brains behind the operation, not only are Pam’s pranks more inventive, they seem to be nicer to the target.

Length Taken
9 (10 upon further review) – This nine will automatically be promoted to a ten if Dwight has any further prank pulled on him involving the CIA. Dwight not only admits personal information about his boss, but throws his phone as far as it will fly.

Special Award
Following Through Award – This one goes to Jim and Pam for not letting Dwight stay up on top of the building all night long. It would be cruel to do such a thing as that, so instead, they send him a text message that causes him to become rabidly suspicious.

Jim sets Andy up with Pam

Episode
The Convict (Season 3, Episode 9)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Andy Bernard and Pam Beesly

Description
Since Jim’s return to Scranton, Pam and he have not been as chummy as they once were. Andy, unaware of the Jam situation, calls on Jim to help him out with his problem of being horny. After turning down questions about Kelly and Angela, Andy suggests Pam and Jim cracks a smile. Later, while coaching Andy about Pam, he suggests Frisbee-based competitions, hunting, Six Flags ads, and Pig Latin, all of which Pam hates. Andy goes up to Pam and frankly lays out all the cards. He does exactly what Jim tells him and Pam is astonished. She turns to see Jim looking very content with himself.

Reaction
“Wow. That was…wow.” Pam is astonished at the level at which Jim has fired the first prank since being back in her direction. Continuing the onslaught, Jim gives Andy a few more pointers. These tips include playing the banjo and singing in a high falsetto voice. As Karen listens in, Jim skirts around the subject of Pam being a prank target. Andy takes Jim’s advice to heart and plays The Rainbow Connection in that sexy falsetto voice as Jim smiles along.

Originality
10 – Not so much for the fact of Jim sicking Andy on Pam, but for the tactics used. Like Jim says, he knows what Pam likes, but equally important, he knows what she hates. From Frisbee-based competitions to banjo playing, Jim has Pam pegged. Also note that Pam recognizes the skills and is in awe.

Length Taken
9 – Oh so close to a ten. The only thing that kept it to nine was the fact that Andy never left the office to pursue Pam. If Jim would have stopped after Andy’s initial attempt, then it would have been lower, but even after Pam realized what was going on, Jim told Andy to try again. Go Halpert!

Special Award
Fighting Good with Evil Award – This is the first time Jim has pulled a prank on Pam and it is a doosey. Pam is nothing but sweet or playful to Jim and he sends the most annoying and despicable person in the office to win her affections. I think deep down, Halpert is pure evil.

Jim Stares at Dwight's Forehead

Episode
The Merger (Season 3, Episode 8)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Jim has to face many different things on his first day back to Scranton. These things include learning how to deal with Michael, his situation with Pam and again being face-to-face with Dwight. Wanting to establish his superiority early on, Dwight tells Jim what’s what. Jim, quick to adapt, begins to stare at Dwight’s forehead instead of looking him in the eyes.

Reaction
Dwight wastes no time in freaking out about what could be wrong. Realizing that nothing is wrong with his head, Dwight starts to get mad and demands that Jim meet his eye line. Jim continues to stare, to the point that Dwight runs into the side of his desk.

Originality
6 – Many have done this before Jim, but not on someone like Dwight. I half expected Dwight to start jumping up and down to make sure Jim looks him in the eye.

Length Taken
5 – Nothing too complicated, but Jim does get some points for refusing to meet Dwight’s eyeline until he bumps into his own desk. Consistency is the key here.

Special Award
Paranoia Award – Dwight’s hairstyle and suit selection notwithstanding, he sees his appearance as a reflection of himself. With Jim coming back into the office, he wants to announce his superiority immediately. But, if something is wrong with his appearance, his plan is flawed and Jim plays to this fear.
Simplicity Award – Despite the amazing array of pranks Jim has pulled on Dwight in the past and will pull in the future, this one is just too simple to go unnoticed. He needs no accomplice, no props and all he does is stare at Dwight’s forehead for about a minute.

Pam "Times" Dwight's "Mile"

Episode
The Merger (Season 3, Episode 8)

Pranker
Pam Beesly

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
One early morning, Toby comes in from a mile run and gives a report to Pam. Dwight, always one for skepticism, interjects. After inquiring on Toby’s mile time (seven minutes), Dwight says he could beat it on a skateboard. Pam sees the opportunity and runs with it. Asking how fast Dwight is, he remarks that he outran a black pepper snake the weekend prior. When it comes to speed, Dwight is somewhere between a snake and a mongoose…and a panther. Pam invites Dwight outside to put his boasts to the test. With Pam timing, Dwight begins to run around the building. Pam has no intention of timing him, for she only has a digital thermometer and not a stopwatch. She remarks on Dwight’s first pass that he has three more laps to go, but later says she needs to get back to work.

Reaction
Not much of one that is known. Dwight is probably still running around the building for the 32nd time until he realizes that Pam is no longer out there. Either that, or Michael has arrived at the office, told him to get inside and stop running.

Originality
8 – High points here because of the lack of pressure from Pam onto Dwight. Toby came in and talked about his run, causing Dwight to pose the challenge. Pam deftly led him outside and got him to believe that running around the building four times is just what Toby did.

Length Taken
7 – If Pam was really devoted to the situation, she would make up some numbers each time Dwight finished a lap. Then, right when he finished, she made up a time that was just below Toby’s. That’s what Jim would have done, so Pam gets deducted a point for lack of dedication.

Special Award
Falling into Your Lap Award – Dwight has only himself to blame when he turns for the final lap to not see Pam waiting with the “timer.” Dwight has dug himself into these holes for himself in almost every prank. This is why I love him.

Dwight gets Faxes from Future Dwight

Episode
Branch Closing (Season 3, Episode 7)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
From what we have seen of Jim, he has a systematic way of doing things. One of the things he does in his early mornings is send Dwight faxes. From himself. From the future. You see, before Jim left Scranton, he gave himself a parting gift of Dwight’s stationary. It’s ironic that the only person Jim stays in contact with in Scranton is Dwight. This particular morning, Jim writes to Present Dwight about someone poisoning the coffee at 8 am and sends away. Cordially, Future Dwight.

Reaction
Dwight reads the fax and does a quick scan of the room. He sees Stanley coming out of the break room with a cup of coffee in his hand. In a mad dash, Dwight sprints across and slaps the cup out of Stanley’s hand, spilling it everywhere. Dumbfounded Stanley shoots Dwight a puzzled look, and Dwight shoots back, “You’ll thank me later.”

Originality
10 – Sending Dwight faxes from himself from the future has to be the most original idea Jim has come up with. I don’t know how he thinks this up, but this must be why Jim was such an underachiever at Scranton. If I would have stolen Dwight’s stationary, I would have thought ways to get him in trouble, but instead, he plays on Dwight’s supernatural fears.

Length Taken
10 – No doubt that this isn’t the first time this has happened. In what part of Jim’s past has he let something go after one time? If this was just the latest warning from Future Dwight, what hath past editions wrought?

Special Award
Creativity Award – Jim is king.
Knowing Your Enemy Award – Once again, Jim appeals to the side of Dwight that loves D&D, Harry Potter and The Crow. What else would completely convince Dwight of the coffee being poisoned than a message from himself from the future?

Karen "Takes" Shots

Episode
Diwali (Season 3, Episode 6)

Pranker
Karen Filippelli

Target
Jim Halpert and Andy Bernard

Description
Once a quarter, the Stamford branch has to stay late to do order-form consolidation (which is even less interesting than it sounds). This is Jim’s first time to do such an activity, but Karen and Andy are regulars. Josh remarks to Karen to keep the tab for dinner under $20, which translates into Andy order shots last time out. When things get started, Andy brings out the Yaegermeister and pours the shots. Everyone’s ready to get things going, but as Andy and Jim drop it down the gullet, Karen pours hers into the trash. It is shown twice, but it probably happens more.

Reaction
Jim passes out on his keyboard and misses the text message from Pam. Andy isn’t passed out but he is lying on the floor while singing an a capella version of “Closer to Fine” for a little bit of unknowing payback. The three coworkers eventually get done with their work and head off. Karen goes out first but Andy pulls out his roomy twin sleeper mattress and sleeps at the office while Jim heads out with his bike. He gets about ten feet before falling into the bushes with a nice thud. Karen rolls up and puts Jim and his bike in her car; exactly as she planned it. Jim can’t understand how Karen can hold her liquor so well.

Originality
6 – Karen definitely isn’t the first one to do this. I’ve done this same thing myself with the difference of shooting water instead of vodka. It’s very effective. Not only are the drunkards oblivious, they are amazed at your amazing power of holding liquor.

Length Taken
8 – I have no doubt that Karen came into that night with the knowledge of Andy’s alcohol and the fact that he would include big tuna. Karen knows how Andy is and she doesn’t know Halpert all that well, so I can only assume that she didn’t want to be drunk and vulnerable around them. We know that Jim would never try anything, but Karen doesn’t. Extra points for the very authentic post-drink face.

Special Award
Hidden Agenda Award – As soon as Jim fell into the bushes, everyone was aware that Karen was picking up Jim to take care of him. Karen has made mention of Jim’s likeability before during the Call of Duty game and when he got her the chips. She knew what she was doing; that saucy minx.

Dwight Initiates Ryan

Episode
Initiation (Season 3, Episode 5)

Pranker
Dwight Schrute

Target
Ryan Howard

Description
Ryan is going on his first sales trip and he has the unfortunate luck of being placed with Dwight on said trip. Before taking him to the sales office, Dwight takes the former temp out to his beet farm and gives him a seed to plant. Ryan carefully places it in the ground and covers it, knowing that Dwight doesn’t play with these things. After some back-and-forth banter about “planting seeds” and “bull crap,” Dwight says he needs something in his car and begins to sprint over to it. Ryan unwittingly says ok as Dwight starts his car and peels out of the field.

Reaction
“Of course.” Ryan had every expectation of something out of the ordinary happening and it did. Ryan talks to himself about Dwight as he walks over to the accompanying barn in the field. Ryan knocks and Dwight springs forth, as Dwight comments of Ryan’s success in his second task.

Originality
3 – I’m not sure where leaving a rookie salesman in a manure-covered beet field ranks as most cruel things you could ever do, but the abandoning of a person anywhere is anything but original.

Length Taken
5 – Usually, in this sort of situation, the person being left would have some sort of place or instructions to turn to. In this situation, Ryan is left to fend for himself and hope everything works out for the best. I would like to think that Dwight wouldn’t let Ryan die, but at the same time he would let the temp sweat it out in the field overnight.

Special Award
Forget Subtlety Award – One of Dwight’s attributes is not secrecy and conniving. When he wants to haze the rookie, he doesn’t think up a dynamite excuse and then quietly leave. When Dwight pulls a prank, he does it like a Soviet in World War II…guns blazing, screaming and fighting all the way.

Pam, Ryan and Kevin Share their Grief

Episode
Grief Counseling (Season 3, Episode 4)

Pranker
Pam Beesly, Ryan Howard and Kevin Malone

Target
Michael Scott

Description
Michael has had his former boss, Ed Truck, die. He announces it to the office and Kelly wants to know if he’s ok. Sensing that he can get some attention, he invites anyone who wants, to console him in his office. After Creed lets Michael know about the nature of Ed’s death, he goes to Jan to look for answers. Continuing to sulk, everyone in the office looks to get Michael’s mind off the issue. Therefore, Michael calls a meeting in the conference room to get everyone’s feelings of death out in the open. Michael starts out and describes losing Ed. When Roy tries to get Pam out of the session, Michael (like the loving father of the family he is) waits until Pam gets back. Dwight gets the opportunity to express his feelings about the twin Dwight has “resorbed.” Stanley has the opportunity, but passes. Pam finally takes the reigns and explains about her aunt was the Hillary Swank character from Million Dollar Baby without letting Michael know. Ryan enthusiastically wants next as he describes the death of his cousin Mufasa, better known as The Lion King. Kevin begins to understand what is going on and he describes about how one “weekend” his uncle “Bernie” died.

Reaction
Michael catches on to what is transpiring after Kevin describes Bernie’s death. Michael misses on veiled references to Million Dollar Baby and The Lion King, but whenever someone makes mention of Weekend at Bernie’s, nothing gets past. Michael asks if this is some kind of game (Phyllis mentions the inclusion of a ball) and tries to start over. No one wants to continue and many go back to work. This causes Toby to mention a bird that died running into the company door. Michael freaks and wants a funeral for the bird.

Originality
7 – Pam gets high marks for thinking up a character to a movie that Michael definitely hasn’t seen. Ryan skirts the line of Michael’s tastes with a kids movie from the 90s and Kevin goes too far and mentions a film that is, without a doubt, somewhere at Michael’s condo on DVD. Pam and Ryan do a great job of not breaking when describing the death circumstances. As for Kevin, not so much.

Length Taken
6 – For a minute there, I thought Michael would fall for Kevin’s death reference and say something along the lines of, “Wow. That sounds just like Weekend at Bernie’s,” and the fun could continue. Pam and Ryan keep things going for as long as possible to stall for time, so an extra point for effort.

Special Award
Oh, So Close Award – Kevin’s reference was close to get Michael to believe it all and continue with the counseling. If not for a little giggling and too much emphasis on the words “weekend” and “Bernie,” it could have worked. At one point, you can even see Ryan realizing that Michael is going to figure out what is going on.

Pretendinitis

Episode
The Coup (Season 3, Episode 3)

Pranker
Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Jim isn’t used to the Stamford office yet. No chaos ensues from the manager and they play Call of Duty in order to come together as an office. Jim remarks about not playing any real games in Scranton. Save for when Pam and he would hum the same high-pitch note to get Dwight to make an appointment with an ear doctor. Pam called it Pretendinitis.

Reaction
Unknown. Dwight almost assuredly went to the doctor and hilarity was sure to follow. I could imagine, though never verified, that Jim and Pam would do this on every third Tuesday and see if Dwight noticed a connection.

Originality
8 – Nothing like playing towards a fear of bodily problems. Dwight pictures his own body as a temple to be worshiped. He considers his fists to be lethal weapons and his feet require a license to carry in the state. If one of his most important senses, the ability to hear all sounds of people sneaking up behind him, it would obviously have a reaction. The high pitch humming in the same tone at the same time from two different angles definitely gets the effect.

Length Taken
6 – I’m giving the benefit of the doubt and saying that this wasn’t an isolated incident. Pam and Jim are much to exacting in their ways to do something this inherently evil just once. This goes up to a nine if this has happened a half-dozen times or more.

Special Award
Creativity Award – Jim thinks up the pranks, Pam thinks up the names. Pretendinitis is something else to behold. They should go into some kind of business venture to combine their evil skills for good.

Jim Finds Dwight's Hooker

Episode
The Convention (Season 3, Episode 2)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Jim has been away from Dwight for months and it has been a breath of fresh air. With the absence of lunacy in Jim’s life, the opening of Dwight’s mouth brings it all back. In Jim’s words, “You know, when I saw Dwight, I realized how stupid and petty all those pranks I pulled on him were. And then he spoke.” Jim looks to get Dwight’s room key for more of the past fun. After getting his work out of the way, Jim does get a hold of Dwight’s room key and heads over to start some fun. As he opens the door, he sees a naked pair of legs belonging to a certain prissy accountant. Jim is in shock.

Reaction
“Oh my God, Dwight got a hooker. Oh my God, I gotta call…I gotta call somebody. I don’t even know who to call. Dwight got a hooker!” So Jim didn’t exactly pull the prank on Dwight, but the intention was there. I’d like to think that Jim really wanted to confront Dwight about the hooker since he has a girlfriend, but then again…Jim probably likes it when he has something to hold Dwight to.

Originality
N/A – Who knows what Jim would have done with access to Dwight’s clothing and belongings. Maybe he would have put another macro on his computer or put nickels in the phone headset.

Length Taken
N/A – This could have been a doosie of a prank if not for Angela, but damn it if she didn’t put a kink into Jim’s plans.

Special Award
Backfire Award – Something tells me Jim had no intention or expectation of seeing a half-naked or full-naked woman as he entered Dwight’s room. Maybe this is the karma of four years worth of pranks. I just can’t wait for the day when Dwight successfully pulls a prank on Jim.

Jim Sends the Office a Gaydar

Episode
Gay Witch Hunt (Season 3, Episode 1)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute

Description
Oscar’s outing in the office has Michael worried about who else could potentially be of the non-straight persuasion. Dwight makes mention of Jim talking about gaydar when he was still in Scranton. Michael is skeptical but wants to double check with big tuna himself. Bad decision for them. After failing with a prank earlier in the day, Jim takes a second to catch on, but as soon as he does, he can barely contain his excitement. He refers them to Sharper Image and fakes checking online. He says it’s sold out. Undaunted, Dwight wants to check Brookstone. That could have been the end of it, but Jim’s episode with Andy surely warrants an opportunity for redemption. Dwight opens up a package, sent by Jim to the office. Inside is a note from Jim, hoping that it helps and a metal detector with some added labels to make it a full-blown gaydar.

Reaction
Dwight is like a kid at Christmas. Not only is the goal being sought, but the gadget appeals to Dwight’s nature. He immediately checks it out on Oscar, and when he passes his belt, it goes off. Seeing its accuracy, Dwight lazily passes it by his own belt and hears the beep. Dwight begins to doubt himself.

Originality
8 – The term gaydar is nothing new, but Jim puts this to use like no other. Only subjects as gullible as Michael and Dwight believe that a thing such as this exists, much less exists at Shaper Image or Brookstone. The brilliance of a metal detector works as well, for all the men would seemingly test positive while a few, but not all the women would. An extra point for the homo/hetero stickers well-placed by Jim.

Length Taken
7 – The original conversation could have been the end of it, but Jim isn’t about to let a little thing like a sold out gaydar be the end of it. Extra points abound for Jim as he gets one here for putting forth the effort of shipping a metal detector to himself, doctoring it and shipping it over to Scranton.

Special Award
Falling into Your Lap Award – Jim’s prank is completely based on Dwight and Michael’s fears of gays in the office. The term “gaydar” is just a phrase, but Michael and Dwight are much too literal men, therefore Jim steps in as a helpful “guide."

Calculator in Jello

Episode
Gay Witch Hunt (Season 3, Episode 1)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Andy Bernard

Description
Jim is now working in Stamford. It is new territory for the salesman…new city, new job and new coworkers to prank. It doesn’t take long for Jim to find a Stamford version of Dwight, in the form of Andy. During the day, Andy opens up his desk drawer to find his calculator neatly placed in lime jello. Jim cracks a smile only for the camera to see.

Reaction
Andy wants an explanation and asks the office who the culprit is. When Jim stays silent, Andy becomes more serious and sincerely asks for an answer. Standing up this time, Andy again pleas for the criminal to step up to the crime and take responsibility. We get a glimpse into what Andy’s mind is really like when he again asks, but freaks out, screams and kicks a trash can. Jim looks at the camera and begs not to tell the truth.

Originality
3 – This is the third time in the course of our viewing that Jim has pulled it. It was originally done with the stapler in jello and then with Michael's coffee mug. Just because it is unoriginal doesn’t make it unfunny. Jim does earn an extra point for going to lime jello as opposed to the original lemon flavor. I find that lime sits better with my stomach while lemon gives me heartburn.

Length Taken
5 – This is only this high for the sole purpose of how Jim was able to swipe the calculator, put it in jello and return it so deftly.

Special Award
Classic Award – Ah, office supplies in jello. I would like some statistics on the relationship in the sale of jello and staplers, calculators and coffee mugs.
Backfire Award – Whenever Jim pulled a prank on Dwight, it was always with the knowledge that Dwight would freak, overreact and eventually accept what has happened. Jim does not have this same information about Andy. There was never any thought to Dwight freaking, but now Jim has to take into consideration whether or not Andy is going to kill someone. The Stamford branch could turn into a post office.

Jim's Telekinesis

Episode
Casino Night (Season 2, Episode 22)

Pranker
Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
An innocent comment from Pam about being a roulette expert invites Dwight to criticize; knowing that roulette is a game of chance. Jim pops up and says that he can take chance out of the equation by mind control. Dwight is skeptical but Jim reverts back to his childhood to give examples of rolling marbles and shaking things. Dwight’s skeptical nature invites Jim to move the coat rack by reception. Dwight calls for the whole office to watch as Jim shows off his skill. Jim focuses on the coat rack, points and it begins to shake lightly. Dwight and the rest of the office is stunned, until it is seen that Pam was moving it will an umbrella. I have a feeling this was a giant setup and Pam and Jim had this going the whole time.

Reaction
“Oh, my God.” Nothing is quite like being able to astonish Dwight. Later, he would check the coat rack for a trick, but he can’t find one. He would also try his own powers out on his bobble head.

Originality
9 – Dwight’s dream trip is to New Zealand to walk the path to Mordor and hike Mount Doom. His favorite books include the words “Harry” and “Potter.” Mind control is definitely up his alley. Jim and Pam know this and conspire to create a doozy.

Length Taken
9 – It’s never given away that it is a prank, and Dwight is the better for it. And, like I said before, I think it was all set up at Dwight’s expense.

Special Award
Knowing Your Enemy Award – Jim and Pam know what appeals to Dwight’s senses. If they had a lightsaber battle in the hallway, Dwight might have to run off to the farm with Angela. It’s an interesting dynamic that a seemingly adversarial relationship of Jim and Dwight are so well oriented with one another. If they weren’t such polar opposites, they could be friends.
Sidekick Award – A well-placed umbrella helps out Jim and sets the scene for the climax, later that night.

Jim's Prior Hijinks

Episode
Conflict Resolution (Season 2, Episode 21)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Jim and Dwight have worked together for four years. In that time, Jim has flexed his pranking skills to a degree which has rarely been seen. When Michael calls the two foes into the conference room to solve their conflict, the past pranks Jim has pulled on Dwight come to light. Jim replaced all of Dwight’s pencils and pens with crayons. Jim paid everyone in the office $5 to call Dwight, Duane for a day (money well spent according to Halpert). Jim once put a bloody glove in Dwight’s desk to convince him he’s a murderer. Jim told Dwight there was an abandoned child in the girl’s bathroom, which he must inspect. When he did so, Dwight was treated to Meredith doing her duty. Dwight hit himself in the head with his phone. This was done by Jim putting nickels into Dwight’s handset day-by-day. Once Dwight was used to the weight, Jim removed the nickels, causing Dwight to smack himself in the head. Jim fixed Dwight’s computer (using a simple macro) to where every time he typed his name it spelled diapers. And finally, Jim used an entire day to move Dwight’s desk an inch closer to the copier every time he went to the bathroom, eventually being two feet closer.

Reaction
Each one of these pranks was formal complaints to human resources. That folder looked pretty big, so it can be assumed that these were just a few of the highlights.

Originality
10 – He would have gotten a ten just with the nickels in the headset.

Length Taken
10 – Jim is king. All hail Jim.

Special Award
Tip of the Iceburg Award – Jim has pulled some doosies, but these are in a whole other league. Not to mention, four years of pranks with Jim averaging a prank a week is over 200 pranks. What I would give to have Toby’s job, just so I could see all the variations.
Originality Award – I still laugh at the thought of Dwight smacking himself in the head with his phone.