Jim Stays Classy
Episode
New Boss (Season 5, Episode 18)
Pranker
Jim Halpert
Target
Dwight Schrute
Description
Dwight and Pam are in the midst of preparing Michael for his 15th anniversary celebration. Dwight thinks the festivities should start with a 15-minute round of applause, followed by a 15-minute moment of silence. Jim, hiding in the corner with a tuxedo and slicked-back hair wonders if it is classy enough. Jim thinks that on such a classy day that a classy man like Michael should be rewarded with a classy event. Michael agrees with all of Jim’s suggestions, because he is wearing a tux. Jim explains that Dwight sent out a memo explaining the dress code, and the tuxedo is a way to show how seriously he is taking it.
Reaction
Dwight is wise to Jim’s ideas, so he suggests having a string quartet play classy-cal music. Jim winces his disapproval, leading Michael to do the same and shoot down Dwight’s idea. Michael wants the opening of a car dealership, but Jim suggests Mr. Peanut. Dwight is quick to point out that Mr. Peanut is just a regular peanut (he just happens to have a cane, monocle and a top hat). Dwight takes it to the next level by suggesting a Michael-shaped ice sculpture covered in chocolate covered in strawberries. Jim points out that Dwight is trying too hard (classy is a state of mind, after all). Jim suggests the exact same ice sculpture idea and Michael jumps on it immediately, leading Dwight to slam the door of the conference room as he leaves. Pam, Michael and Jim agree…not classy.
Originality
6 – Jim had to know the tuxedo itself would set Dwight off. It was magnified even more by the fact that Michael took everything Jim said that much more seriously since he was wearing a tux. Jim should have gone the Mr. Peanut route and gone with a monocle, cane and top hat, then this would have been higher.
Length Taken
8 – Though it wasn’t extended as long as could have, extra points for getting Jim in trouble with new boss Charles Miner because he was still wearing the tux.
Special Awards
Right off the Bat Award - Jim gets 80% of his pranks done before 10:00 am.
Didn’t Think That One Through Award – Too bad Jim didn’t bring a change of clothes. That’s quite the first impression to make on the new boss.
