Office Pranks

Jim Stays Classy

2010-04-07T10:30:00.003-06:00

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.

Welcome April Fool's Day Searchers

2010-04-01T09:03:00.001-06:00

I appreciate you stopping by. The blog is a little behind, but all the great pranks have been accounted for. Take a look at the bar on the right to search for pranks by pranker, target or by season. Feel free to leave comments, just mind the rules.

Thanks, and enjoy.

The Red Wire

2009-10-02T21:20:00.001-06:00

Episode
Prince Family Paper (Season 5, Episode 12)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Dwight begins to sort out some papers on his desk when he notices a red wire coming out of the back of his computer. Believing it wasn’t there before, Dwight asks Jim. Jim notes that computers have wires, though Dwight notices there isn’t one from Jim’s computer. Dwight continues his prodding and Jim, seemingly annoyed, goes on with his work. Dwight then sees where the wire is coming from and goes to town.

Reaction
After getting around his own desk, then Phyllis’ and Andy’s, he follows it down the hall and outside into the parking lot. Jim explains that he got 500 feet of red wire at the flea market (out by Dunmore High School). It was only $20 for the whole spool. What a deal! Jim turns and looks out the window at Dwight climbing a telephone pole, continuing to follow the wire. Jim reassures us of Dwight’s safety. Jim made it up there, Dwight will be just fine.

Originality
6 - Nicely done, but somewhat middle of the road. Jim happened to stumble upon that spool and went from there. Took a lot of duct tape to get that done as well.

Length Taken
4 - There could have been a fake bomb attached to the end. Come on Jim, that’s a missed opportunity.

Special Awards
Right off the Bat Award - Again, Jim wasting no time.
The Envelope, Please…Award - Jim putting on an acting tour-de-force in convincing Dwight he had nothing to do with it and it is a normal thing. Give that man an Emmy!
Smart Shopper Award - This is not the first time Jim has used a thrift store to prank Dwight. Remember this classic?

Jim Wraps Dwight's Desk

2009-10-01T18:26:00.003-06:00

Episode
Moroccan Christmas (Season 5, Episode 10)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Dwight enters another day at the office to see his entire desk and belongings at his desk gift wrapped in festive paper.

Reaction
Dwight wants to know how Jim did this (he has a black belt in gift wrapping). Dwight is quick to mention they don’t give out black belts for that. Dwight thinks he can tear through it in about five minutes, while Jim thinks it will take longer. After all, if he can skin a mule deer in 10 minutes, this should be no problem. Dwight simultaneously drops his briefcase on his desk and sits on his chair, only to see his briefcase tear through the non-existent desk and his chair to crumble beneath his weight.

Originality
9 - It’s pretty good by itself as a prank just to gift-wrap his desk. But to, on top of that, make it appear that his desk is there and crush beneath the simple weight jumps it up a level.

Length Taken
8 - It’s very simple, but can you imagine the work that had to go into getting that one ready? Jim must have stayed up at the office last night finding some old cardboard boxes and a broken chair. Not to mention, how much paper was needed to get all that done? Bravo Jim, bravo.

Special Awards
Right off the Bat Award - Don’t waste any time there Jim. Dwight walks in, notices, says about three sentences, falls through, and prank over.
Short but Sweet Award - Maybe one of the shortest pranks in Jim’s history. It clocked in at less than 40 seconds.

Jim's Brothers Criticize Pam's Career

2009-10-01T15:28:00.005-06:00

Episode
Employee Transfer (Season 5, Episode 5)

Pranker
Jim Halpert’s Brothers and Pam Beesley

Target
Jim Halpert

Description
Jim and Pam are having lunch in New York with Jim’s brothers Tom and Pete. Pam asked Tom and Pete to come early so they can play a prank on Jim. Pam’s idea is to tell Jim that, before ceramics class, she took off her engagement ring and when she changed back out of her smock, it wasn’t in her pocket anymore and lost it. Jim’s brothers have a better idea. The remember that they did a prank to Jim in high school to his girlfriend at the time. They would wait for Jim to get there and begin to “dog” Pam for being an artist and not making any money. They go on stating that her having a hobby instead of a job. Pam notices they came up with that idea really fast. Pam arrives again later to trick Jim into thinking everything is fine. Into the lunch date, Jim’s brothers begin by asking how much money an artist makes, stating there isn’t much money in the arts. Jim defends Pam, but his brothers continue, saying that Pam should pay the check by drawing a picture on a napkin. Jim calls his brothers out, but they and Pam chalk it up to fun. Later, one of Jim’s brothers shows a picture of Jim’s niece, who plays the trumpet. The other brother can’t help but note that she probably doesn’t want to be a career musician. How many trumpeters can you name (Miles Davis, Chet something, Dizzie Gillespie)? He goes on to say there are jobs and there are hobbies.

Reaction
Jim continues to defend Pam’s honor. Pam might feel that prank isn’t necessarily a prank and also begins to defend herself. Right when everything looks like it’s about to blow up, Tom and Pete burst out laughing. They admit to the prank and to the fact that Pam was the mastermind. “Got you,” she replies. Pam later admits she wanted to go towards the ring direction and even shows how she put makeup for the ring around her naked finger. Jim admits that anything would be better than what happened. Jim then gets a text message from his brother, “Pam cool, welcome to the family.” Pam says they should prank Tom about being bald for Thanksgiving.

Originality
3 -Well, despite the general mean spirit behind the prank, they freely admit that they have done this before. Dock a few points since it’s been done before.

Length Taken
8 - Wow. This is the most uncomfortable I’ve been during a prank since Karen laid the wood to Jim after the office attacked the Utica branch. Why couldn’t they have gone with Pam’s idea? That would have been so much better.

Special Awards
Lost Potential Award - Pam’s prank could have been something worth while but Jim’s brothers were ready for their own first. Maybe Jim freaks out when he thinks Pam has lost her ring. That could have exposed Jim as overly emotional. Sigh, we’ll never know.
Worth it in the End Award - At least Jim’s brothers like Pam. If they didn’t like her, who knows where we would be with this one.

Jim Tracks Dwight's Time

2009-09-23T15:45:00.004-06:00

Episode
Business Ethics (Season 5, Episode 2)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Holly is in charge of a business ethics meeting when the subject of “time theft” comes up. She explains this is a situation where sitting around and doing nothing is on par with stealing in business. When Oscar admits he sometimes takes a long lunch (or siesta as Michael puts it), Dwight calls on his firing. Jim calls out Dwight, asking if he’s ever stolen company time. Dwight replies he hasn’t (though Michael calls him a thief of joy). Next time they are at their desks, Jim has a stopwatch and tracks how long Dwight takes to yawn. When Dwight confronts and begins to mock Jim, he notices the watch continuing to tick away the seconds. Once he returns to work, Jim logs a 17 second personal conversation.

Reaction
Dwight tries to focus to start, but Jim eggs him on. While sitting at his desk, Dwight overhears Jim start a conversation with Andy about Battlestar Galactica. When Jim mentions that it is just so-so, Dwight turns to confront, but Jim is there with the stopwatch to keep him at bay. He mentions all the cool monsters like Klingons and Wookies (causing Dwight to silently turn again) and tells Andy that is basically a shot-for-shot remake of the original series. He continues on, all while Dwight is boiling inside, about the story being about this guy named Dumbledore Calrissian who needs to return the ring back to Mordor. Even Andy mentions that that doesn’t sound right. This pushes Dwight into a working frenzy. Jim’s notes detail that he sneezed while keeping his eyes open and then he peed in an open soda bottle under the desk while filling out expense reports. Later, Jim notes a 19-minute, 48-second personal break that Dwight took. When asked, Dwight is unfazed and accepts the theft, all while Angela straightens her shirt in the background.

Originality
6 -Dwight’s pride in his work ethic is his downfall, but Jim has to be praised for his perfect job of driving Dwight crazy without having to hear anything in response. Dock him a point for the hypocrisy.

Length Taken
7 - This could have definitely gone farther. Jim started keeping track of small times and then went on to see if things could get escalated to a high level with his Andy conversation. He eventually sent Dwight into working overdrive, but that eventually made him go do his relaxing thing downstairs. Jim just wanted a little admission from Dwight that he was stealing company time and isn’t completely ethical.

Special Awards
Take it Like a Champ Award - Dwight gets this one because he never takes pranks well, even when they end. But, Jim was trying to make a point, and Dwight understood. Unfortunately, we know why Dwight isn’t completely ethical (enter creepy sex-grin here).
Blind Assist Award - To Andy, for knowing so little about Battlestar Galactica that the whole scene worked in Jim’s favor

Kevin is Special

2009-09-22T21:55:00.008-06:00

Episode
Goodbye Toby (Season 4, Episode 13) & Weight Loss (Season 5, Episode 1)

Pranker
Dwight Schrute

Target
Holly Flax (and Kevin Malone by proxy)

Description
Good ole’ Toby Flenderson is on his way out of Dunder Mifflin. Michael is ecstatic but is also apprehensive of his replacement Holly; thinking she will be much of the same. Michael and Dwight look on and agree that some good old-fashioned hazing is in the books for the new HR rep. Though Michael is too blindsided by love at first see of his ears to remember to haze, Dwight wastes no time. In the midst of introducing Holly to the accounting department, he mentions that Kevin is there on a special work program, because he is “special.”

Reaction
Holly introduces herself to Kevin and asks what he does. He replies that he does the numbers and then offers her an M&M. Holly declines, but that doesn’t stop Kevin from explaining why he keeps them on his part of the desk. Later, Kevin can’t decide what he wants from the vending machine between pretzels and chips. Holly helpfully and gently helps him decide that he can get anything on the top row. Kevin believes he is going to bang Holly, because she is cute, helpful and really seems into him. During the party, after Phyllis asks Kevin to go to the store, Holly notes that Kevin drives his own car, also mentioning she has one too. Before leaving, Holly says how proud she is of him. He smiles suggestively at the camera. At the end of the night, when Michael misses the hints of Holly asking him to go eat, Kevin goes in his stead (to eat pie). At least she buckles him in the car. By the time the big weight loss competition get’s going, Kevin almost does the math faster than everyone else in stating that when Pam got off the scale it dropped 226 lbs. He was off by a little, but Holly was there to congratulate (after all, math is hard). Unfortunately, this all comes to a head when Angela starts berating Kevin for a clerical error he made. When Holly comes to Kevin’s defense, the truth about his mental condition comes out and, needless to say, Holly is a little embarrassed and walks away to seclusion.

Originality
7 -Despite the nature of this one, Dwight must have analyzed and rationalized the scenario. He figured out that Kevin’s mannerisms are somewhat “special” and also knew that a gentle soul like Holly would handle it so delicately that it would continue to play out. What a great job by Dwight…that is, if it just wasn’t so damn wrong. Not to mention, Dwight never has to fess up to anything.

Length Taken
10 - Poor Kevin. What is worse, him having everyone thinking he is special-needs, or the fact that he mistakes this as attraction and a sure-fire sign of banging.

"Special" Awards
I‘d be Crying if I Wasn‘t Laughing Award - Easily the most depressing prank ever pulled
Going the Distance Award - This might be the longest developing/lasting prank since Jim put quarters in Dwight’s phone. How long could have this gone on?
You’re Not Helping Award - Come on, Phyllis. He knows he has to take off his shoes, don’t reinforce things.

Jim Pairs Dwight's Phone

2009-09-22T21:53:00.002-06:00

Episode
Goodbye Toby (Season 4, Episode 13)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Dwight’s cell phone rings to start the day, but when he picks it up, the phone doesn’t respond. Jim, on the other had, clicks on his Bluetooth headset and answers a sales call as Dwight. Jim explains that Dwight left his cell phone on his desk, so naturally, Jim paired it.

Reaction
Dwight’s begins to see it rationally and tells Jim he’ll just let it go to voicemail. But, before that happens, Jim picks up the call with Pam on the other line. She says he sounds sexy (he’s been working out) and this sends Dwight into a frenzy to make sure things are evaluated correctly. Pam plays her part of acting confused with Dwight yelling at her and “Dwight” on the phone perplexing her small, receptionist mind. She states her confusion, leading to Dwight’s rage. He demands Jim’s earpiece, but Jim won’t budge (it’s unsanitary). After a failed attempt at forced coherence, Dwight reprograms his cell phone to go to his office phone. Jim is way ahead of him and gets a call from Dwight’s mother on his office line (good news…he’s married; tell Father). Dwight gives up and begins to slam his cell phone against his desk while it continues to ring.

Originality
6 - Nothing bad, but nothing too special. Dwight makes the mistake of leaving his one outlet that Jim can’t touch out in the open and Jim jumps at the opportunity. I, for one, am surprised Dwight has a Bluetooth capable phone. He has the $10 outfit and the calculator watch…I’m surprised he doesn’t have a beeper and one of those thick 1980s-phones.

Length Taken
9 - Obviously this is going to drive Dwight crazy on the first try, but he keeps accepting it and moving on to an alternative. And at every corner, Jim is there to figure it out. Phone rings, Dwight picks up, Jim answers. Phone rings, Dwight refuses to pick up, Jim still answers. Dwight transfers to his work line, Jim still picks up. Phone rings, Dwight begins to destroy. That’s covering your bases.

Special Awards
Amish Kryptonite Award - How to get a humble beet farmer on edge? You mess with the limited technology he has. Well done Tuna, well done.
Doin’ it in Style Award - Everyone who ever wears a Bluetooth headset looks like a douche bag, but Jim looked pretty normal. Long hair probably helps.
The Helpful Assist Award - Way to go Pam! No one does it better. She’ll keep setting them up, and Jim will keep knocking them down.

Michael "Cements" his Face

2009-09-21T19:34:00.004-06:00

Episode
Did I Stutter? (Season 4, Episode 12)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Michael Scott

Description
Michael comes in the office needing ideas. After Pam informs him that he needs to elaborate, Michael informs everyone of his lifelong dream of wet cement drying outside and his desire to leave his mark. Kevin suggests his initials of MGS, but Michael interjects that he doesn’t want Mark Greg Sputnik to take credit. Phyllis is bursting with enthusiasm, but between Michael’s pressure and her own memory, nothing is suggested. Andy suggests a picture, but is quickly shot down. Swooping in to save the day, Kelly remembers seeing Will Smith in cement (he looked sooooo good, after all) and after a translation by Pam, Michael falls in love with the idea of putting his hands in the everlasting ground. Jim sees his chance and says that if Michael was a real star he would put his face in it.

Reaction
Michael loves it more. Oscar doesn’t think it’s safe, but that boyish enthusiasm can’t be contained and off Michael goes, with a just-as-giddy Dwight and Kevin in tow. Outside, Jim is giving what sounds like a eulogy, but is just ramming home what his brain-child has given forth. Dwight provides a straw for breathing and Vaseline for…well, I don’t know. Dwight seems like he is smothering him in the cement, but Michael comes up with plenty of cement on his face and a place to show his kids where his daddy left a face-hole.

Originality
4 - Not too much to do with this. Michael wants to mark cement. Kelly suggests hands, Jim suggests face. Michael obliges. He could have gone with a full-body cementing.

Length Taken
6 - Jim’s lofty speech (We’re not here to immortalize a man…) tries his best, but this is pretty standard stuff in Scranton these days. Where were the cheers for a cement angel? I was a little disappointed.

Special Awards
Knowing Your Enemy Award - You knew when Michael ran in that this was going to end badly. Jim bought his time and got the job done
The Simplicity Award - That was just too easy. It took one small push and that was that

Back with a Vengence

2009-09-21T19:32:00.002-06:00

We're finally back after a long off season.

I'll be updating all the rest of the Season 4 Pranks as well as all of Season 5. Season 6 kicked off with an episode that had no pranks, so we'll get to those as they come at us.

Thanks for sticking around.

Michael is set up with Wendy

2008-04-17T21:56:00.007-06:00

Episode
The Chair Model (Season 4, Episode 10)

Pranker
Kevin Malone

Target
Michael Scott

Description
Michael's break-up with Jan has left him desperate for a woman (don't worry, desperate situations yield the quickest results). His eyes wander to whatever smoking hot woman comes about, and that fantasy formulates with the desk chair model in this month's supply catalog. This leads him to go to his friends in the office, to come up with a friend of theirs to fix him up with, using the model as a template. He tries first with Kevin, who is looking more for himself than Michael. Then, he tries his luck with Oscar, who obviously has trusting women friends who have no worry about Oscar getting handsy. Phyllis interrupts and suggests her friend Sandy, who is not up to the Scott-rowboat-capsizing standard. Michael's dating search goes into a "formal" mode, and forces everyone to give a name of an eligible woman with the threat of being fired. Therefore, everyone goes to town on the cards. Phyllis still insists on setting up Michael with Sandy, while Stanley doesn't know anyone he hates that much to put on the card. Jim has an idea, but it's Pam's mom. She doesn't approve. Michael collects the cards and goes to the first name. Wendy, a hot and juicy redhead.

Reaction
Michael's optimistic until he realizes that he has called Wendy's restaurant. The lady on the phone obviously isn't Wendy, but he requests to speak to her. She explains it's a Wendy's restaurant, and Michael figures it out. That still doesn't stop him from ordering a Frosty and a baked potato. It was already ready, so it will be set aside until he gets there.

Originality
9 - Go Kevin! Not only does Mr. Malone save the day as far as the parking situation, but he pulls his first solo prank. His first attempt at getting at Michael was unsuccessful after assists from Pam and Ryan, but he pulls off this one flawlessly. He gets an extra point for the saucy redhead wording and a bonus point for taking no credit and staying silent about it.

Length Taken
9 - If Kevin would have called Wendy's to inform them of the situation and got someone over there in on it, that would have pushed things over the top. But, as it stands, a strong pranks all around.

Special Awards
The Fly on Your Own Award - Kevin goes all in for his first unassisted prank and slams it home.
The Simplicity Award - How much effort did that take, really? Write down Wendy...check. Make saucy redhead comment...check. Look up phone number for Wendy's...check. Hand to Michael Scott...check.
The Humble Pie Award - If not for Michael saying to "Wendy" that he is Kevin's friend, would we have ever known?

Welcome to Office Pranks

2008-04-02T11:08:00.002-06:00

Welcome. Office Pranks is a site devoted to all the pranks pulled on the Emmy-winning NBC show "The Office."

Office Pranks has seen the highest traffic in its short history in the past few days because of all the people searching for April Fool's pranks. For some ideas, just click some links on the right side of the page for the pranks from all the seasons. You can also check out the pranks pulled by pranker or by target.

Leave comments on ones you like or don't like.

New episodes of "The Office" begin a week from Thursday, so check back soon to see if anymore are on the way. Also, add Office Pranks as a friend on MySpace. Click the link on the right to go to my homepage. Hope to hear from you soon.

Is it true? Can I come out from hiding now?

2008-02-09T23:28:00.000-06:00

Word is that the WGA has reached a tentative deal which would end the writer's strike. If this is true, then, according to sources, The Office could squeeze in five or six more episodes before the season is over. Let's all cross our fingers.

WGA news here.

UPDATE: Office director Greg Daniels says there will be six shows before the season ends. Yay!

I much prefer balls over strikes...

2007-12-15T03:34:00.000-06:00

Well, I held out hope as long as I could, but the site will be going on hiatus until this dang Writer's Guild of America strike is going on.

The site will still be active and the entire archive will be visible, but no new posts will be made for some time.

Thanks for your continued support of OfficePranks.net and let's hope for a quick resolution so our favorite show can get back on the air.

Utica Must Burn

2007-11-01T19:48:00.000-06:00

Episode
Branch Wars (Season 4, Episode 6)

Pranker
Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute (and kind of Jim Halpert)

Target
Karen Filippelli

Description
Michael isn’t about to sit idly by and watch his favorite minority salesman be taken away from him by Karen. After deceivingly luring Jim with Dwight and him to Utica, they get to work; complete with warehouse uniforms and mustaches.

Dwight and Michael try to steal their industrial copier, but predictably drop it down the stairs (hurting Michael’s hip in the process). While this is happening, Jim tries his best to duck out of the way of Karen’s view, but to no avail. Michael’s final message to ask Jim not to tell Karen was all that it took.

Reaction
Needless to say, Karen is upset. Dwight isn’t about to take things sitting down and does what every logical person would do in that situation…he threatens to burn down the branch if Karen continues to poach salesmen. Michael actually becomes the voice of reason when he goes to the explanation of wanting to fight for his employees. Everything seems as it should until Michael threatens Karen with burning down the branch if Stanley is harmed. It all seemed to be going so well until Karen lays into Jim for bringing up Pam in conversation. And just when all seemed lost, Stanley decides to stay in Scranton. All is right with the world.

Originality
6 – This would only be about a two if not for the interesting ways Dwight and Michael think up in order to subdue the guards and take down Utica. Molotov cocktails? Gas covered rubber? Chalk in the eye? How does Dwight come up with this stuff.

Length Taken
10 – Wwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy too far.

Special Awards
The Michael Scott-Memorial Whoops Award – This might be the first ever prank that leads to a scolding. Not to mention the award to follow afterword.
The Awwwwwwk-ward Award – Congratulations, Karen. This is the first time I’ve ever wanted to turn away from Jim doing anything. I was hoping he’d die just so it’d all end.

DunMiff/sys vs. Dwight

2007-10-15T16:17:00.000-06:00

Episode

Launch Party (Season 4, Episode 3)

Pranker
Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Michael and Dwight obviously have their issues with the new technology sweeping in their little paper company that could (gift baskets work so much better). When Michael announces to the office about the launch, the five o’clock shadowed Dwight jumps at the chance to impress his departed love by announcing that he will sell more paper in a day than the new Dunder-Mifflin website. Andy is more than willing to help things out by announcing a new sale by Dwight with the resounding sound of a bear horn. Jim will not stand for this as he asks Pam to help with a prank. Though apprehensive at first, the sound of the horn convinces the lowly receptionist. Getting on instant messenger, Pam logs on as DunMiff/sys and sends the message, “Who am I?” while Dwight is on a call.

Reaction
After some slight investigation, Jim and Pam tell Dwight that the system is self-aware, is programmed to be his enemy and must destroy him in selling paper. Despite his suspicions of Jim’s involvement, Jim walks away from reception and the joke is sold. Not that Dwight is scared (the computer should be scared of him). Jim mentions that Dwight looks worried, and the system agrees. This raises Dwight’s paranoia to the point of binary cursing. Despite their best efforts to worry Dwight further, he is now more determined. Maybe a little shaken by Darryl, Dwight goes off the deep end and uses the leads he stole from Staples. Though Jim has to leave to go to “the party,” Jim makes sure she knows about the leads. This shakes Dwight momentarily, but he still gets the sale. After his victorious paper battle against the website, Angela still rejects him. Pam, realizing his sorrow, let’s Dwight know that he is the superior being over the system.

Originality
9 – Unless you count Pavlov’s Altoids, this is the first time Jim and Pam have used the internet to prank Dwight. You also have to account for the fact that Jim and Pam knew that Dwight had a WarGames mentality about the whole thing.

Length Taken
7 – Pam didn’t really take it as far as it could have gone, but she gets an extra point for stopping it when it got to the point when Dwight was about to cry.

Special Awards
Don’t Be Cruel Award - Pam is too sweet to hurt Dwight that much more after it had gone so far.
Knowing your Enemy Award - Who else but Dwight would fall for this?

New Prank Coming Soon...

2007-10-15T08:37:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy week, but as soon as I can get to it, the first new prank of the new season that was featured in Launch Party will be up. It's entitled DunMiff/sys vs. Dwight. Stay tuned...

And The Winner Is...

2007-09-30T13:38:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to "Jim as Dwight" as the Ultimate Office Prank through Season 3.

...And Then There Were Two

2007-09-21T21:36:00.001-06:00

The Ultimate Office Pranks Elimination Showdown is at the finals. Two pranks remain in "Fun with Andy's Phone" and "Jim as Dwight."

Fans have until Thursday at 9:00 pm Eastern with the premiere of Season 4 to vote for the Best Prank through the first three seasons. So get your votes in soon.

Pam Sketches the Flasher

2007-09-18T14:05:00.000-06:00

Note: I was re-watching the episodes recently and I can't believe I missed this one. My bad.

Episode
Women's Appreciation (Season 3, Episode 21)

Pranker
Pam Beesly

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Hearing the news that Phyllis got flashed in the parking lot, Dwight springs into action and runs outside to check it out. Thank goodness he has the sharpened broom stick from the bat capture (thanks Creed!) to poke through the bushes...just in case a nude man is hiding. Dwight begins taking the job a little too seriously when he proposes to Michael that he show pictures of various phalli to show to Phyllis. In the midst of creating an emergency anti-flashing task force, he asks Pam to draw a sketch of the flasher so Dwight can get to work. When Dwight starts taking things a little too far, Pam takes measures into her own hands. She draws the picture of the man who did the flashing...but that person looks somewhat familiar.

Reaction
In Dwight's own words, "I plan on plastering this pervert's face everywhere. You can run, but you cannot hide." Dwight recruits Andy to help him put up the posters and all it takes for Andy is one look. I find it amazing that Andy knows immediately what is going on but still refuses to give up on the joke. Jim goes into the kitchen and sees the poster. Giving credit without seeming to gush, he says, "That is pretty cool." Later, Andy even tries to stretch the prank as far as it will go as he volunteers to hang it up around his neighborhood and surrounding schools. What could be assumed as a couple of days later, Jim calls with information on the flasher. With the information in hand, Dwight flies to the women's bathroom above the sink. He notices a small painted on mustache fits well with his face. The joke is up with a resounding, "PAM!"

Originality
8 - It's not so much that Pam decided to go with Dwight as a the flasher, but the fact that she apparently got nowhere with Phyllis, but decided to go with it anyway. Extra point for the Jim props. If the king likes how you do it, you're doing it well.

Length Taken
7 - I would go higher, but come on...how could Dwight miss this? Even Andy knew it right away.

Special Awards
Who Knew Accomplice Award - Andy might have been a giant pain and wildly annoying earlier, but he gets plenty of brownie points for this one.
Tragedy into Humor - Despite Phyllis' pain, Pam sure knows how to turn something bad into something great.

Round One is Complete...The Semifinals are upon us!

2007-09-14T11:06:00.000-06:00

Pool C has its winners in the Ultimate Office Pranks Elimination Showdown. Dwight's stuff in the Vending Machine had the most votes in the preliminary round with 18 votes. Also, for the second straight week, we have a tie for second with Dwight as Jim and Dwight's Desk in the Bathroom. Since we had two second-place ties in Pool B and C, there will be no wild cards. That means that the eight semifinalist have been selected. They are (in no particular order):

Dwight as Jim

Jim Sets Andy up with Pam

Pam Keeps Jim Quiet

Dwight Stuff in the Vending Machine

Fun With Andy's Phone

Jim as Dwight

Dwight gets Faxes from Future Dwight

Dwight's Desk in the Bathroom

The time to vote for the semifinalist is now (on the right of the page). The top two vote getters will move on to the finals for the final poll to determine which Office Prank is the all-time best (through season three, at least). Poll closes on Thursday at 9:00 pm Eastern, so get your vote in now.

Three Pranks Move On...Vote Now for Pool C

2007-09-07T18:48:00.001-06:00

One more week to go in the first round of the Ultimate Office Pranks Elimination showdown. We have a clear-cut winner from Pool B while two others move on since there was a tie for second. Because of the tie, there will be only one wild card winner to move on to the semi-finals. This weeks winners were Pam Keeps Jim Quiet, Fun with Andy's Phone, and Jim as Dwight.

This week's winners

Voting has now begun for Pool C for the final third of the first round. Voting will end on Thursday at 9:00 pm Eastern time, at which time I will post the first third of my personal All-Time Favorite Office Pranks. So, get your votes in and check back to see what prank will emerge victorious.

The Public has spoken! Two pranks move on.

2007-08-31T10:07:00.000-06:00

Voting for Round 1 Pool A in the Ultimate Office Prank Elimination Showdown is over. The victors for this week that will move on to the semi-finals are "Dwight gets faxes from Future Dwight" and "Jim sets Andy up with Pam".

The winners from Pool A

You can currently vote for your favorites in pool B. The top two move on...and remember that two wild cards will move on to the semi-finals as well. Happy voting.

Voting has begun!!! Vote for your favorite Office Prank

2007-08-23T00:31:00.000-06:00

The time has come to vote for your All-Time favorite Office Prank. The first round will last three weeks with 14 pranks to choose from each week.

This week, it's Pool A to choose from so take your pick from the pranks on the right. The top two vote getters will move on to the semi-finals. Remember, even if your favorite prank doesn't make the top two, the top vote getters not in the top two for their week will move on as well.

Get your vote in and tell your friends. Voting ends Thursday, August 30th at 9:00 pm Eastern time. Check back to see what pranks moved on and to vote on the next batch.

Poll Frenzy

2007-08-21T00:46:00.000-06:00

OfficePranks.net has been about as slow as any site could be this summer, but with just over a month left in The Office offseason, it's time for some polls. We're going to be having a definitive elimination style all-time best pranks list.

These polls will run for five weeks in three different segments...

Each of the first three weeks polls will have approximately 14 pranks to vote from. The top two vote getters will go to the next round, while two additional pranks with the most votes who were not in the top two for their week will advance as well. Tie-breakers will be by me.

In week four, the six poll winners and two wild cards will be voted on again for one week.

The fifth week will have a final match-up of the top two vote getters from week four to see what is the best all-time prank. The poll will close on Thursday, September 25th at 9:00 Eastern when The Office returns for Season four. I will post my personal all-time list at the same time.

Voting starts this Thursday, so check back and vote.

Office Pranks Fantasy Football

2007-07-26T21:04:00.000-06:00

Fan of The Office? Fan of Fantasy Football? Then join Office Pranks in the Office Football Olympics fantasy football league. Comment below to join...please include your name, email, and fantasy team name. For league settings click here.

Join up, there are only 19 spots. Office related prizes are eligible.

The Weekly Check-Up

2007-04-29T15:47:00.000-06:00

This will be a weekly post for all things to check up on with the site. It will remind you of things that have been as well as things to come. I'll throw in a couple Office-related links for your enjoyment.

TheTwoCents hosted another Office Conference Room where I reviewed last week's episode "Product Recall," along with a host of others including Mose from TheOfficeChat and Adam from OfficeQuotes.
We hit a milestone. Yay!
The first, but definitely not the last, list is up. It features my favorite pranks from Season 3. Also has all the details on the fan's poll results on the same question.
Vote for OfficePranks.net!! I would love to be able to crack the first page, but I can't do it without your help. It's free and it doesn't take longer than 5-10 minutes.
Pranks galore! It's been eight weeks since the last prank on The Office, but "Product Recall" gave us two classics. Check out Jim as Dwight and Dwight as Jim.
Visit OfficePranks.net on MySpace. I have lots of friends, but I love some more. I post lots of blogs, and if you subscribe to them, you'll be up-to-date with all the OfficePranks news.

Dwight as Jim

2007-04-26T21:23:00.000-06:00

Episode
Product Recall (Season 3, Episode 20)

Pranker
Dwight Schrute

Target
Jim Halpert

Description
After Jim stole the opening as he dressed and acted like Dwight, Mr. Schrute couldn’t help but strike back. He comes in the office in a nice suit and his hair messily made without any glasses. After making small talk with Pam, he begins to look at the camera a lot and can’t help but mention how good Karen looks.

Reaction
“Look at that!” Jim is more stunned than anything else. Pam and Karen play along to begin with, probably just at the absurdity at it all. Dwight seems to do nothing but relax 99% of the muscles in his body, smirk, flatten his hair and look at the camera. He propositions Karen for sex, but gets shot down. Jim gives his approval while he looks at the camera and says, “I’m Jim Halpert, blah-da-blah-blah, comment, uh.”

Originality
3 – Jim did it just days before, so it can’t be too big.

Length Taken
8 – Jim spent a grand total of $11 on the Dwight outfit. I’m going to venture a guess and say Dwight spent at least $150 on his Jim uniform. He even had the knapsack. What was better, the wildly inappropriate remarks to Karen or the constant staring at the camera?

Special Award
Find your own Prank Award – That’s just lazy Dwight…just plain lazy.

Jim as Dwight

2007-04-26T21:07:00.000-06:00

Episode
Product Recall (Season 3, Episode 20)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
It’s been a while since Jim pulled a pre-meditated prank on the unsuspecting Dwight. All it takes to get Jim’s mind working is a $4 pair of glasses at a drug store. With an additional $7, he got himself a Dijon mustard-colored shirt, a salvation army tie, poop-brown suit and a calculator watch. A lazy part of the hair and voila, instant Dwight. He walks in quietly, sits down and starts proclaiming “Question. Which bear is best?”

Reaction
Dwight somehow fails to catch on immediately. He answers the question until Jim continues with his best Schrute impression. Dwight finally realizes what’s up and is flattered. That is, until Jim pulls out a bobblehead doll. He quickly mentions that identity theft is no joke. After all, thousands of families suffer every year. Jim does the best Dwight impression yet as he screams, “Michael!” Dwight is quick to follow suit. Looks like Toby will have another file to add to the corporate complaints from Dwight.

Originality
8 – How many kids will be going as Dwight for Halloween? I miss my youth. Jim gets an extra point for building an entire idea around seeing and buying a $4 pair of glasses. He is and will forever be, the king.

Length Taken
9 – He went to the trouble of getting a calculator watch! If he would have done something to Angela, that would have been one for the ages.

Special Award
Falling into Your Lap Award – All Jim needed was some glasses. It was God telling him, “Go Jim. Go forth and be the best Dwight you can be.” Jim didn’t go out of his way to get the glasses, it was presented and he ran with it. Double kudos to Halpert.

Vote for OfficePranks.net in the Blogger's Choice Awards

2007-04-26T16:39:00.000-06:00

You might see that in the upper right hand corner of the site is a little icon that looks a little something like this

As it says, I was nominated for Best Entertainment Blog but I need your help to get votes. What you need to do, go to the Blogger's Choice Awards website and sign up. It's free and it takes about three minutes.

After that, sign in, find OfficePranks.net or just click the above link and vote.

Thanks for all your support

Top Ten Pranks from Season 3 (Personal List)

2007-04-26T09:30:00.000-06:00

“Traveling Salesman,” “The Negotiation” and “Safety Training.” Those are the only three episodes from Season 3 that have not had a prank. With four episodes still remaining (with only one being a 30-minutes and the rest being supersized), this season already has more pranks than Season 2 or Season 1. In fact, this season’s pranks have almost doubled the original 21 pranks throughout the series to an impressive 41. Next week’s prank of Jim dressing like Dwight will give this season the same amount as the previous two seasons combined. And you know there will be more than just one in four episodes.

This season has also featured four episodes with multiple pranks: “Gay Witch Hunt,” (Calculator in Jello; Jim Sends the Office a Gaydar) “The Merger,” (Pam Times Dwight’s “Mile”; Jim Stares at Dwight’s Forehead), “A Benihana Christmas,” (Dwight’s CIA Letters; Dwight Explains how to Butcher a Goose) and “Ben Franklin” (Jim Hires Ben Franklin; “That is not the real Ben Franklin. I am 99% sure.”).

But which was the best? This was the question that I posed to the visitors of this blog almost three weeks ago and they have let their voices indeed be heard with 155 votes. It really was a two-horse race all the way from the beginning. Here are the top vote getters:

1. Dwight gets Faxes from Future Dwight - 23.87%
2. Fun with Andy's Phone - 21.29 %
3. Jim sends the Office a Gaydar - 9.03%
4. The Vampire Bite - 8.39%
T5. Pavlov's Altoids - 7.74%
T5. Dwight's CIA Letters - 7.74%
7. Pam, Ryan and Kevin Share their Grief - 3.87%
T8. Jim Sets Andy up with Pam - 3.23%
T8. Pam Times Dwight's Mile - 3.23%
10. That is not the real Ben Franklin. I am 99% sure. - 2.58%

The readers and I weren’t too far off. The top ten vote getters for readers matched all of my top ten. The order was switched around, but none the less. Without further adieu, here’s the list.

10. Jim Hires Ben Franklin
Of the 20 pranks from the season, five have specifically moved the plot line of the episode. Without these pranks, the episode wouldn’t have a story. This one is the one of the highest on that list. Without Jim’s initiative to not only save the company from sure-fire litigation, but to add some humor to the ladies of the office (who desperately need it) this episode would be much different. I personally would have liked it better and ranked it higher if Jim got Spongebob Squarepants instead.

9. Jim Sends the Office a Gaydar
A surprising reader favorite. This is the first completely original prank of the season for Jim and he got it started on the right foot. I like to think that immediately after receiving the package, Dwight goes around proclaiming that he has excellent gaydar. But then again, he never thought he would have a gay friend, much less himself. What is worse, Dwight as a homosexual, or him imagining Angela as one?

8. Pam, Ryan and Kevin Share their Grief
Without Jim around, the office had been a quiet, prank-less place. Thank God for Pam. All it took for her to come around was the death of Michael’s former boss. Extra kudos to Dwight for the resorbed twin comment…that was the catalyst that got Pam’s mind a-brewin’. Ryan even took the time to take the stick out of his butt to join in the fun. Kevin, taking a little longer to catch on, helps things along, but a poorly planned “Weekend at Bernies” reference tips Michael off. You can even see Ryan’s face as he realizes the fun is over.

7. Pam Times Dwight’s “Mile”
This is one prank that might have been overlooked more than any other. This one is a benchmark for the Dunder-Mifflin office. What is it that sets this one apart? Everyone’s favorite human resources manager, Toby Flenderson. Dwight would never have wanted to run a mile in the first place had Toby not come in and flirted with Pam. More props for Pam in being a good sport and actually going with Dwight.

6. The Vampire Bite
Transfer this situation to any real workplace in America and this one flops 99 times out of 100. But that one time it works, it’s pure gold. What is it that makes it work in this case, (besides a bat) an incredibly gullible and mystic-natured co-worker. Could have been higher if Karen would have put some presence in her acting. The previous Oscar-worthy work of Pam has spoiled me.

5. Jim sets Andy up with Pam
I was worried on the pranks front when Jim made the transition back to Scranton. This is his first one with some thought since his return. This also is one of the few pranks with multiple targets. Not only does he sink Andy with his horrible advice, Pam has to suffer through the attempt. This was probably bumped up a spot just because Jim was found out and continued on anyway.

4. Dwight’s CIA Letters
Besides the obvious brilliance associated with it, what sets this one apart from the others? The anticipation. When Pam first proposed the idea to Jim, he turned it down. Everyone could imagine what could happen if Jim had jumped on board. This one gave everyone a chance to think like Halpert. When he finally turned around and did it, he delivered like he rarely has before.

3. Pavlov’s Altoids
If this were a list based solely on originality, this one would be number one without a doubt. Never has the Pavlov’s Dog Theory been put to such use. Not to mention, this is the only instance during Phyllis’ Wedding that we get to see a glimpse of the office in any form.

2. Dwight gets Faxes from Future Dwight
The number one vote getter in fan opinion. It’s simple, to the point and gets the max effect for Jim but he is not around to see it.

And number one…

Fun with Andy’s Phone

Why is it that this one takes the number one spot over all the others? This is one of the only pranks of the season that would have hurt the episode if it was left out. Andy is/was evil. He needed to be destroyed and Jim and Pam were the ones for the job. This prank also lends so much to the rest of the season. Andy/Drew is now nice to everyone, Karen is always jealous of Pam and Michael is no longer seduced by Andy’s friendship. This still might make number one based solely on the flawless and silent execution from Jim and Pam. Brilliant, just plain brilliant.

Check back later tonight or tomorrow for the latest prank.

An Office Pranks Milestone!!!

2007-04-22T12:34:00.000-06:00

Today has marked the 5000th hit for Office Pranks.

Thanks for everyone who has visited. Couldn't have done it without you.

I Give my Two Cents

2007-04-12T08:27:00.000-06:00

If you didn't already know from Sarah or Reem, our friends from The Office Chat, there is a new blog called The Two Cents.

It features commentary and interviews on various television subjects and does frequently focus on The Office. Every Friday, following a new episode, the blog does a discussion "Conference Room" of the previous episode. This features various people from different Office-based blogs and websites on the episode.

Last week, Sarah was one of the panelists and I believe Reem will be doing the commentary this week. I was also featured as one of the panelists and I will be again this week. So, head on over to The Two Cents on Friday and check it out.

For last week's conference room, click here.

Make sure to check back here to see updates on the latest pranks and be sure to get your vote in for the Best Prank of Season 3 poll. Voting ends next Thursday, so get your vote in.

UPDATE: For the conference room of "Safety Training," click here.

Best Pranks of Season 3 Poll

2007-04-03T12:47:00.000-06:00

Here are the final results fot the Best Prank of Season 3 Poll.

1. Dwight gets Faxes from Future Dwight - 23.87%
2. Fun with Andy's Phone - 21.29 %
3. Jim sends the Office a Gaydar - 9.03%
4. The Vampire Bite - 8.39%
T5. Pavlov's Altoids - 7.74%
T5. Dwight's CIA Letters - 7.74%
7. Pam, Ryan and Kevin Share their Grief - 3.87%
T8. Jim Sets Andy up with Pam - 3.23%
T8. Pam Times Dwight's Mile - 3.23%
10. That is not the real Ben Franklin. I am 99% sure. - 2.58%

Other pranks - 9.06%
155 Total Votes

Thanks to everyone who voted.

My personal Top Ten should be up by Friday night at the latest.

Office Pranks Online Store and Myspace

2007-03-30T13:32:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone.

I know it's been a while since there's been a new episode of "The Office," but that changes on Thursday with a special 40 minute episode. Hopefully there will be some pranks in that one to update you all with.

But, while you wait, please check out the Office Pranks Online Store. You can find shirts, hats, hoodies, clocks, mugs, even thongs and boxers...all emblazened with the Office Pranks logo. If I get enough sales (or any for that matter), I can expand the store and have all sorts of different and new things for you to buy.

So check it out. While your at it, head on over to the official Myspace page of Office Pranks and add me as a friend. The only thing I have to see for you to be my friend is a love for "The Office" in the television section.

Thanks for all the support and check back soon for all the latest pranks.

Karen Dips her Pen in the Company Ink

2007-02-28T09:10:00.001-06:00

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

2007-02-28T09:09:00.002-06:00

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

2007-02-28T09:09:00.001-06:00

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."

2007-02-28T09:08:00.000-06:00

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

2007-02-28T09:06:00.002-06:00

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

2007-02-28T09:06:00.001-06:00

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

2007-02-28T09:05:00.000-06:00

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

2007-02-28T09:04:00.002-06:00

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

2007-02-28T09:04:00.001-06:00

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

2007-02-28T09:03:00.000-06:00

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

2007-02-28T09:02:00.000-06:00

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"

2007-02-28T09:01:00.001-06:00

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

2007-02-28T08:44:00.001-06:00

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

2007-02-26T23:18:00.000-06:00

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

2007-02-26T23:17:00.000-06:00

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

2007-02-26T22:57:00.000-06:00

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

2007-02-26T22:32:00.000-06:00

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

2007-02-26T22:17:00.000-06:00

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

2007-02-26T09:15:00.002-06:00

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

2007-02-26T09:15:00.001-06:00

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

2007-02-26T09:14:00.003-06:00

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

2007-02-26T09:14:00.001-06:00

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.

Dwight's Badge

2007-02-26T09:13:00.000-06:00

Episode
Conflict Resolution (Season 2, Episode 21)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
It’s the day to make identification badges as Dunder-Mifflin Scranton. Jim is not about to let Dwight’s ID badge go without anything being normal. At first, he suggests that Dwight and he get the picture together. Why you ask? So they could meet in the parking lot and walk in together every morning, of course. Dwight does not accept. But knowing Mr. Halpert, he will somehow throw a wrench into Dwight’s plans. He does just that in laminating his ID to three times the size of the actual badge. Not to mention, according to his ID, Dwight is a security threat and his middle name is fart instead of Kurt.

Reaction
Dwight has had enough. He charges over to Toby to file another formal complaint against Jim but is directed to Michael instead. Insisting on justice, Dwight demands that either Michael fire Jim or he, himself will quit. Michael tries to make light of the subject and change Dwight’s mind, but he will not be swayed. Dwight points out to Jim of an open job in Stanford and tells him to take it. He begins to chant for the transfer until Michael gathers the two foes to the conference room to work it out.

Originality
7 – Fun with lamination and middle names. Knowing the only thing that would truly irk Dwight to the appropriate level, Jim places the security threat tag on him. Maybe Dwight’s spud gun antics warrant the label.

Length Taken
4 – Not very. All Jim did was to make his badge big and type in few words. Gets some points for the “security threat” tag, though.

Special Award
Unseen Accomplice Award – To the picture ID guy. Despite his high price ($20 a pop) for Michael’s hijinks, Jim must have paid well to get these things on Dwight’s badge.

Pam keeps Jim Quiet

2007-02-26T09:12:00.000-06:00

Episode
Drug Testing (Season 2, Episode 20)

Pranker
Pam Beesly

Target
Jim Halpert

Description
Jim is great at impressions. When he gets caught doing Stanley, by Stanley, it doesn’t mean he can’t immediately imitate him after he leaves. Unfortunately for Jim, karma works even for him and Pam comes in and says the same phrase. Calling Jim on jinx, Pam makes sure he stays silent until the rules of jinx (buying her a coke) are complete. As they make their way to the vending machine, Jim tries to buy the soda, but it is sold out. Jim wants to speak, but Pam is giddy with excitement at the thought of Jim silent for a day and goes back to her desk. Dwight’s exclamation about urine testing is inviting Jim to say something, but in the words of Pam, “The rules of jinx are unflinching.” Later, Jim is stuck in the break room with the long-winded Kelly. As she talks up a firestorm with Jim depressingly taking it all in, Pam comes in and reminds the two of an impending conference, but not before she tells them to continue the engaging banter. Jim shoots a look of respectful hate. Later, in said conference, Pam volunteers Jim to tell of his tragic past with drugs. Not about to let Pam win the day, Jim stands up, staggers and fake cries. The conference room is convinced and Pam is dumbfounded. After the conference, Pam mocks Jim in the break room.

Reaction
Jim conveys almost as much with his face as he does with his words. As Pam asks if Jim if there is anything he needs to say, Jim hangs his head and laments in actually wanting to speak words that have yet to find his mouth. Knowing what we know now, Jim could have spilled everything he did on Casino Night and been completely justified. How Jim doesn’t reach across the table, grab Pam and kiss her is beyond me. Pam notices Jim’s apprehension and stops the taunting. Later, to bring Jim out of his jinx, Pam hands him a coke that he can buy for her. Jim sums everything up in the words, “What a terrible day not to be able to talk.”

Originality
6 – Jinx has been around for eons. Not to mention, this is most definitely the most original use of it. From Jim’s conversation with Kelly and the Jim’s drug confession, Pam did everything she could to entice Jim out of his silent hole. The only thing keeping Jim from opening his mouth was the fact that Pam would never let him hear the end of it.

Length Taken
8 – Friends give other friends slack all the time. Pam is not that kind of friend. Pam’s words ring true again, “The rules of jinx are unflinching.” She will not let Jim off the hook without her getting her deserved coke out of the deal. It’s not necessarily that she wants to harm Jim, but she definitely doesn’t mind getting on his nerves for the day. In the end, she couldn’t stand Jim not talking and offered a truce. Too much had happened during the day.

Special Award
Backfire Award – Pam takes too much pleasure in her conversations with Jim. It might be the only thing that keeps her going through the day to know that her friend will always shed some well needed humorous light on the subject. When Jim goes mute, it’s too much for her to handle and she puts a stop to it.
Knowing Your Enemy Award – While not an enemy; Pam is aware that Jim will submit to the schoolgirl antics of the classic jinx. Jim has far too much integrity to let a little thing like speech get in the way of quelling a prank.

Dwight's Speech

2007-02-26T08:49:00.000-06:00

Episode
Dwight’s Speech (Season 2, Episode 17)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Dwight is Dunder-Mifflin’s salesman of the year and he can’t help but rub it in Jim’s face. Jim gets some payback when Dwight learns that he will have to give a speech in front of a crowd. Dwight freaks when he doesn’t know how and what he should be saying. After going to Michael with his problems, he gets nowhere. The pivotal point is Dwight’s insult to Jim, saying that he won’t go on his planned trip. Jim, hating the fact that Dwight is probably right, is more than willing to help him out with his problem. His advice is to wave his arms and pound his fists as much as possible. To help him out more, Jim takes some talking points out of a speech delivered by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.

Reaction
Dwight freezes when the moment arises, but when Michael gets on stage and begins to tank, he steps up and does his duty. He pulls out his notes, breathes heavily, beats his fists on the stand and delivers a confusing opening line. Not only is his speech effective, the audience responds well to his hand motions. Continuing his tirade, he even fits in a maniacal laugh. Dwight continues with the same strategy, and ends up slaying the entire room.

Originality
9 – Dwight has never given a big speech before and Jim is aware. With Dwight’s delusions of his own authority, what better way to appeal to his likes than to act like a dictator? I half expected the scene to unfold with Dwight shouting German and giving the Hitler salute. He might have been all for it, after all, Dwight’s grandfather killed 20 men in World War II and spent two years in an Allied prison camp.

Length Taken
7 – The suggestion of beating and waving hands would have been great enough, but Jim kicked it up a notch by giving Dwight talking points straight from the source. Too bad for Jim they worked out as well as they did. Imagine if the opposite had happened to Dwight and the entire room hated the speech. Not only would Michael have been secretly happy, but Dwight could be branded as a traitor, plagiarizer and may have quit the company out of shame. If Jim could have achieved that, this grade would certainly be bumped up to a ten.

Special Award
Help by Hurting Award – If Jim would have known the eventual outcome of Dwight’s Speech, I doubt he would have given the tips that he did. Jim wanted nothing but pain and embarrassment, instead the salesmen of Dunder-Mifflin will always remember when Dwight shouted and beat on the stand.

Michael and Dwight "Send Up" Accounting

2007-02-26T08:48:00.000-06:00

Episode
The Carpet (Season 2, Episode 14)

Prankers
Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute

Target
Oscar Nunez, Kevin Malone and Angela Martin

Description
After someone leaves a “present” in Michael’s office, he assumes Jim’s position and sits next to Dwight. Remembering back to days in the office with Packer, Michael asks Dwight to “send up” accounting. Not knowing what is happening, Dwight blindly agrees. Michael and Dwight saunter over to the back of the office and begin screaming and throwing everything they see. They wreck just about everything, save for Dwight not daring to touch anything of Angela’s. They depart triumphant, screaming “sales rules!” proudly.

Reaction
Oscar and Kevin are left to clean up the chaos while Angela just has to rearrange her pencils and pens. Not too happy with Michael’s “send up,” Oscar explains (and laughs out) his feelings on what happened to his boss’ carpet.

Originality
3 – This might be the first time Michael has done it, but it definitely isn’t the first time he’s seen it done. If the cameras were around for Michael as a salesman, something tells me Packer would do this daily.

Length Taken
6 – A little too far. Michael goes crazy and throws any paper he sees as high as it will fly. Dwight, in contrast, scoots a pile of a desk and scatters pencils. That thing that most people have that tells us when things are a bad idea…Michael doesn’t have that.

Special Award
Bad Idea Award – Michael might not realize, but there are at least three people who wish they had left the “present” in his office.

Packer leaves a "Present" for Michael

2007-02-26T08:46:00.001-06:00

Episode
The Carpet (Season 2, Episode 14)

Pranker
Todd Packer

Target
Michael Scott

Description
Michael gets into the office, ready for a hard-day’s labor. But, he gets an unwelcome scent as he enters his office and is immediately taken a back. It seems at first that Michael might just be overreacting, but as Pam goes to investigate, it is realized that it is treacherous. Originally identified as a dead bird, members of the office go in and correctly place blame on human feces (Creed just thinks it soup). The cleaning lady cleans up the mess, but the smell still remains. Jim, Ryan, Oscar, P am and Creed don’t accept responsibility, opening Michael up to believe someone in the office did it. He also mentions Packer and his antics back when they were both salesmen (hint, hint). He has not reasoning why someone would do such a thing, so he turns to the only possible solution…an act of terrorism. He then turns to the belief that everyone did it together and gives a timeout to the whole office. Michael even turns to his old boss, Ed Truck, for advice on what to do. Ed relates and gives advice that Michael doesn’t want to here. At the end of the day, a call from Packer puts clarity on the situation.

Reaction
Michael, who was no longer willing to give kidneys to his employees, laughs it out. After finding out the true culprit, he attributes the joke to his advanced sense of humor.

Originality
3 – Michael’s conversation with Ed Truck pointed out that it happened to him as well. I have zero doubt in my mind that Packer was the perpetrator in that crime as well.

Length Taken
4 – Takes less than five minutes depending on what you just ate. Something tells me Packer is a dump and pump kind of guy.

Special Award
“You Don’t Work With Us” Award – Packer used to work for Dunder-Mifflin, but he was probably fired (too many DUIs).
Indirect Effect Award – The prank was obviously intended for Michael, but the impact certainly left a lasting impression on the rest of the office. Kevin probably has nightmares about being locked in that room.

Dwight Steers the Booze Cruise

2007-02-26T08:44:00.000-06:00

Episode
Booze Cruise (Season 2, Episode 8)

Pranker
Captain Jack

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
On board the booze cruise, Captain Jack invites someone to hold the stick for the limbo competition. Despite Meredith’s desire, Dwight sweeps her by and offers up his manly-physique to do the duty. With some quick thinking, Captain Jack pulls a fast one and asks Dwight to steer the ship. Schrutes are born navigators, so Dwight is more than excited. Taken to the front of the boat, the captain informs Dwight to keep them on a steady course and keep a sharp eye. Dwight begins singing sailor songs and even dismisses advances from Angela.

Reaction
He never knows until the last scene of Michael informing him that it’s a fake. I’m not sure he actual believes him since he has no reaction. Who does Dwight delegate to more? Is it his fearless leader and best friend Michael, or is it the leader of a boat and the captain of a patrol boat during war time in Captain Jack?

Originality
5 – How do you distract a kid during an adult activity? You give them responsibility that doesn’t hurt anyone if they screw up. Captain Jack sees that Dwight is like a child and that he has no business being on a boat full of drunks. This would be the same situation if he had found a 10-year old hiding in a crawl space.

Length Taken
6 – The length taken was the captain’s silence. Being the person in the leadership role that he is, Captain Jack notices what kind of person Dwight is and that he would be thrilled and honored to “steer” the boat. The thought of what Captain Jack could have done to make it go further gets me excited.

Special Award
Fake Responsibility Award – Nothing gets Dwight motivated quicker than the belief that he is in charge. If Dwight were really on the controls of the boat, I think we would see the first booze cruise death in recorded history.
“You Don’t Work With Us” Award – To Captain Jack, for being the first ever prankster to not work in the office.

Dwight's Stuff in the Vending Machine

2007-02-24T23:55:00.000-06:00

Episode
Booze Cruise (Season 2, Episode 11)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Jim is ready to pounce by the time Dwight gets into the office. He has cleverly gone into cahoots with Steve, the vending machine guy. As Dwight goes up to the machine, he sees his stapler, volunteer sheriff’s coffee mug, bobble-head, nameplate, picture of his aunt and uncle, rubber-band ball and pencil cup in the midst of chips and candy.

Reaction
Dwight obviously blames Jim. As Mr. Halpert sidesteps responsibility, Pam comes in and longs for a $1.00 pencil cup. After entering her quarters, the receptionist gets her prize. Dwight faces facts and searches for his wallet to buy back his possessions. As Dwight search turns up nothing, Jim points out his wallet in the J1 space. Not to leave him empty handed, Jim tosses Dwight a bag of nickels. With Schrute-esqe tenacity, Dwight quickly shovels five-cent pieces in the machine.

Originality
10 – A landmark prank for Jim. How does he think of this stuff? It always pays to be the most likeable guy in the office; anyone can help you in torture of your enemies.

Length Taken
9 – How long do you think that entire process took? Jim might have been up at the office all night trying to fit all of that stuff in there. The thing that was most impressive to me was how Dwight obviously came into the office and went straight to the vending machine. Also, where did he get all those nickels?

Special Award
Unseen Accomplice Award – To the vending machine guy. Being a friend of Jim’s always has its perks. This guy probably leads a boring, repetitive life and here come Halpert to add some spice.
Insult to Injury Award – The bag of nickels. Jim not only caused the problem, he’s going to help solve it. It makes me wonder how many things Dwight got out first before he ran out of nickels.

"Dwight thinks it's Friday...so keep that going."

2007-02-20T19:37:00.000-06:00

Episode
Performance Review (Season 2, Episode 8)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
After Dwight tries, and fails, to get Jim to give himself a bad performance review, Dwight attempts to zone him out and mentions how he won’t have to see him tomorrow or Sunday. Apparently, the Schrute’s aren’t known for their time keeping. With Jim in firm grasp of this knowledge, he gets to work. After recruiting Pam as a cohort, Jim drops a message to a friend and mentions getting together on the 15th, which Dwight points out as Saturday. Pam comes over and can’t help but join in the fun. Commenting about “last night’s” episode of The Apprentice and how shocking it was. Too bad for Dwight, he was getting drunk with his laser tag team. Dwight didn’t help anything when he went into Michael for his performance review and made mention of how he had never been late. Ever…

Reaction
…until Friday. Dwight didn’t realize he needed to be at work, until about 12:20 pm. Dwight runs in half-dressed and half-shaven. The only thing that I wonder about is what set off to Dwight that it actually was Friday instead of just staying at the beet farm all day.

Originality
3 – Dwight brought this upon himself. Jim certainly came up with a few different ways to make sure Dwight thought it was Friday, but overall it was fairly dull.

Length Taken
6 – Looking back, Jim did a mere two things to make sure Dwight thought it was Friday. First, he called his friend to meet up with him tomorrow; as in Saturday. The other was Pam coming in and mentioning The Apprentice.

Special Award
Partner in Crime Award – Pam gets her another one of these. Pam almost carried the whole prank on her shoulders with The Apprentice joke.
Foot in the Mouth Award – All Dwight had to do was live out Jim’s hijinks until the day was over and he probably would have figured it out. But, Dwight can’t let little things go, prompting his first ever recorded late day.

The Fight

2007-02-20T19:28:00.000-06:00

Episode
The Fight (Season 2, Episode 6)

Pranker
Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert

Target
Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute

Description
Dwight is taking karate…with kids. He takes it seriously, but Jim can’t help but not do the same. When Jim asks Dwight who he could or couldn’t beat up, Michael enters the equation. Michael doubts Dwight’s abilities, and later puts Dwight into an unprovoked sleeper hold. After Michael offers for Dwight to punch Michael in the stomach, he almost passes out form the pain. After Dwight explains the story of his Nazi grandfather and his obese father, Jim and Pam have all the ammunition they need. Jim asks Pam (for a bag of chips) to ask Michael to fight Dwight at his dojo. After a little provocation, Michael takes the bait.

Reaction
“The Albany branch is working right through lunch to prevent downsizing. But Michael, he decided to extend our lunch by an hour so that we could all go down to the dojo and watch him fight Dwight.” Jim’s words ring true. Refereed by Dwight’s sansei, the salesman gets the first blow, but Michael counters with a recess-style beat down, winning the honor of which friend could beat up the other. This somehow leads to Dwight being promoted to Assistant Regional Manager, though it is just a title.

Originality
4 – These two definitely aren’t the first ones to get two people to start a fight. They might be the first two to get two people who have no business fighting in the first place together.

Length Taken
5 – Not as much as thought. Jim and Pam know that Michael, besides valuing friendship, values his own dignity. Office-wide embarrassment would be all it would take to lure the monster out of its cage. It just needed a little poke.

Special Award
Two Birds with One Stone Award – Never before has a prank been put to use for the purpose of pranking two subjects with the same gag.
Forget Work Award – Not the first time this has happened and certainly not the last. Jim’s words speak louder still as the office faces the threat of downsizing, Michael finds confrontation more important. I have a theory that Jim just wanted to get away from the office, if not for only a day.

Dwight’s Desk in the Bathroom

2007-02-19T21:59:00.000-06:00

Episode
The Fight (Season 2, Episode 6)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Jim likes to go for the throat sometimes. These elaborate pranks that Dwight still has no idea ever existed are getting tiresome. Something drastic must be done. Before Dwight gets into the office, Jim moves his desk, phone and everything on his desk into the men’s bathroom. His phone is even plugged in and ringing. Jim still likes to play coy, in trying to blame Dwight for losing his desk.

Reaction
Dwight, upset as always, is just about to go tattle to Michael when Jim relents and begins a game of hot or cold with Dwight’s desk. As to the temperature of Jim’s directions, Dwight finds his way to the bathroom. He walks in and is somewhat stunned, but then sits down, answers his phone and gets to work. Though it is Jim on the other line, Dwight does the co-worker job asked of him. This arrangement could be beneficial, as Dwight reminds Kevin to wash his hands before leaving.

Originality
7 – We learn from a later episode that this is not the first time that Jim has screwed with Dwight’s desk, but putting it in the bathroom with everything still functional is still impressive.

Length Taken
9 – Not so much in the form of how long the prank is kept up for, but for the meticulous arrangement of Dwight’s desk, everything being plugged in and everything functional. It makes me wonder how early Jim had to get to the office in order to get everything in order.

Special Award
Knowing Your Enemy Award – Jim knows exactly what Dwight will react to and what he will put up with. Putting the desk in the bathroom was not just a choice, it was planned and the realization that Dwight would be willing to stay there with his desk had to be foreseen. Kudos to Jim, once again.

Dwight's Resume

2007-02-19T21:54:00.000-06:00

Episode
Halloween (Season 2, Episode 5)

Pranker
Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Dwight has always been on the last nerve of both halves of Jam. But when Halloween comes around, and Dwight takes Jim’s three-hole punch joke too seriously, the straw is broken. Pam and Jim team up to put Dwight’s exaggerated (sort of) resume online at Monster.com, Google and Craig’s List. Their main focus is to get Dwight a job out of state, preferably Alaska…or India. A list of his special skills include a dog-like obedience to authority (a.k.a. the ultimate team player) and sticking to his guns (a.k.a. he likes to play with guns). When a potential employer calls the office to check his reference, Pam is quick to intercept with Jim playing the role of Michael. After a very, Scott-esqe reference, Dwight has himself a phone interview.

Reaction
Dwight is flattered, to the point of believing that the resume must have been posted by a satisfied customer. Just to make sure, Dwight sends in supplemental information, which includes the essential martial arts training. This leads to a back-and-forth with the representative from Cumberland-Mills about whether or not martial arts are necessary in a resume (Dwight knows about a billion Asians who would beg to differ). Seeing the missed opportunity from Dwight, Pam tells Jim to go for the job instead, leading to negative body language and an all around bad experience about it.

Originality
7 – The interesting lengths to which the prank is taken do give it higher numbers. Putting a fake resume on these websites though is nothing new so that hurts, but the skewing of words, not to mention the speed at which the resume was answered at.

Length Taken
5 – Not much is put into this one save for the impromptu Michael Scott imitation by Jim.

Special Award
The Backfire Award – Pam gets this one. Her comments about Jim taking the job were taken in a negative light, and with good reason. Jim has been nothing but a loyal friend to her and the self-proclaimed only reason worth staying at Dunder-Mifflin Scranton. Implying that he should take the job says that not only does she think Jim should leave, but that he is not applying himself like he should. Even though it might be the truth, Pam isn’t exactly receptionist of the year.

"That's What She Said!"

2007-02-19T07:59:00.000-06:00

Episode
Sexual Harassment (Season 2, Episode 2)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Michael Scott

Description
Michael has forced Jan and the lawyer from Corporate to come down to Scranton because of his lewd forwarding of emails. After a quick meeting with the bosses, Michael announces to the office that he will no longer be doing sexually harassing things. Jim wastes little time in asking if this included “That’s what she said” jokes. Michael says yes and Jim goes to work. He begins, “Wow. That is really hard. You really think you can go all day long? Well, you always left me satisfied and smiling. So…” And that’s all it takes

Reaction
The presence of Todd F. Packer is just to much for Michael, resulting in a resounding cry of, “That’s what she said!” Everyone loves it, except for Jan. Jim even gets a fist pump for the effort, realizing that he is, indeed, brilliant.

Michael doesn’t want his words to go unnoticed, so he gives the crowd a kiss as he is being dragged back into the office by Ms. Levinson-Gould.

Originality
5 – It’s only this low because of the reactionary message. Jim, always a quick thinker, saw the situation and said three sentences. Didn’t take much but the effect was made. It’s sole purpose was most likely to get Michael in trouble and it worked brilliantly.

Length Taken
2 – Could have done so much more, but effective if for the quick, momentary laugh.

Special Award
Foot-in-the-Mouth Award – No one does foot-in-the-mouth better than Michael Scott and Jim knows this. Jim pulls a prank that not only is effective, but leaves him out of trouble.

Dwight Asks Out Katy

2007-02-16T11:04:00.000-06:00

Episode
The Hot Girl (Season 1, Episode 6)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
When Katy, a hot girl who sells purses, comes into the office, Jim is nothing but encouraging to Dwight to ask her out. Dwight mentions Michael’s intentions, but Jim points out that Michael is Dwight’s “work boss” not his “relationship boss.” Egging on even further, Jim says they have a lot in common…like being in sales. Dwight doesn’t help his cause by suggesting he talk about the origins of Schrute. Jim sees his opportunity and mentions that Dwight should buy a purse if stalled in the conversation. Dwight is apprehensive, but Jim convinces him with a mention of GQ.

Reaction
Dwight launches in with Jim and Pam providing commentary. Dwight makes the immediate impression by slamming the purse for a stress test and even stepping into one.

After buying a fantastic little number, Dwight thinks he’s in like flint. After lobbying with Michael over the right to Katie’s affections, he goes in for the kill. As Katie is showing purses to Angela, of all people, Dwight asks to speak with her and to go out with him. As she says no, he asks to which question. Katie says no on both counts. Hanging his head, Dwight departs.

Originality
8 – Nothing like a hot girl to entice a nerd out of his shell. Extra point for Jim sweeping in and grabbing a date after Dwight fails.

Length Taken
3 – After the initial push, all Jim had to do was to give thumbs up and off Dwight went. This is the prime example of minimum input with maximum output.

Special Award
Hot Girl-Nerd Award – Nothing puts more pressure on a nerd than to steer him in the direction of someone who has no business being with him/her.
Semi-Evil Award – Even though it is Dwight, you have to feel bad for the guy with the force and abruptness in which he is shot down.

The Alliance

2007-02-16T10:40:00.000-06:00

Episode
The Alliance (Season 1, Episode 4)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Dwight is not easily shaken, but all this talk about downsizing really has him worried. Since all the water cooler talk is passing him by (he brings his own water), Dwight suggests to Jim to form an alliance. Jim is nothing but excited. By his own admission, he sits for hours thinking of ways to get back at him, and now this golden opportunity falls in his lap. Despite Dwight’s insistence on secrecy, Jim wastes no time in telling Pam. Of course, Jim pleads ignorance and even convinces Dwight to ignore all interaction between Pam and himself. Jim, in plain sight of Dwight, goes and says absolutely nothing to Kevin and Toby during their lunch break, but tells Dwight tales of their conniving and attempts to get Angela kicked off. Jim still manages to get Dwight even more paranoid about other possible alliances. The big sting comes when Pam fakes a conversation with Jim about Michael getting her to dictate meetings and spy on other co-workers. Dwight falls for the bait; hook, line and sinker. Paranoid almost can’t describe Dwight at this point. As Michael calls him into his office to discuss Meredith’s birthday, Dwight immediately mentions that she could be fired and not missed. The coup de grace comes when Jim relays information that an alliance is meeting in the warehouse during the birthday celebrations. Dwight offers to be put into a box so he can hear all information. Jim, playing the subtlety card, questions the move. Jim happily tapes down the box with Dwight inside. The only thing left is for Pam to come in and plant fake info for Dwight to eat up. She almost couldn’t contain herself and runs off. Dwight bursts out of the box like a newborn. Jim even convinces Dwight to go to the Stamford branch and spy and bleach his hair blonde. Unfortunately, Roy comes and spoils the fun.

Reaction
When the prank finally lands on Dwight, he plays the lame duck. He still hasn’t realized that Jim was serious in his confession to Roy. I wouldn’t think so since Dwight’s amazing hair shows.

Originality
8 – This is the score, not so much for adapting to the idea, but for all the brilliant ideas during the course of the prank. From Pam’s dictating meetings, to the bleached hair, Jim is the king.

Length Taken
9 – Not breaking through the first 20 minutes of the episode, Jim leads Dwight on the entire time and his never the worse for wear. Even after his brilliant and daring escape from the box, Jim only gives up the info after the confrontation with Roy. This would have been a 10 if he had stayed the course throughout the talk with Roy. I can’t blame him though…Jim would snap like a twig if he was hit by Roy.

Special Awards
Sidekick Award – Pam plays her part to a tee. According to Jim, it was all her idea. She’s great…not that he likes her or anything.
From the Hip Award – More Halpert adaptation. Jim gets the best present he could from Dwight when he openly invites a huge prank. I’m almost renaming this award to the Jim Halpert Memorial Award. No one does it like him.

Dwight Locked in his "Workspace"

2007-02-16T09:43:00.000-06:00

Episode
Health Care (Season 1, Episode 3)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
After “grilling” Jim about the fake diseases listed in the health care sheets, Jim takes subtle action. He calmly and quietly stands up, takes Dwight’s keys, shuts the door and locks Dwight inside. He then goes to his desk and continues the day’s work.

Reaction
A Schrute will not take this lying down. He calls Jim from the workspace and demands to be let out, even threatening to fire him. Jim quickly points out that he has no power to do so. In swoops Pam with a call on the other line to Jim to stop him from listening to Dwight. Not to be outdone, Dwight calls Jan from the conference room to get permission to fire Jim. Never giving a reason, Dwight is cut down in his tracks and even put in his place to stop acting as a manager. Even Michael (coming back from his ice cream sandwich run) doesn’t even care about Dwight locked in the room. The fact certainly doesn’t stop Jim from throwing an ice-cream sandwich right in the face of Dwight next to the glass. Finally, short of the day being over, Jim relents and opens the door.

Originality
4 – Locking someone in a room without the capability of release is an old staple, but not very inventive. Kudos to Jim for the quick thinking to analyze and utilize the situation at hand.

Length Taken
6 – This is only for the sole reason of length of time and guts. Jim had to know that Dwight would try to call Corporate, but he also had to know Corporate wouldn’t care. Dwight probably wasn’t locked in the room for more than an hour.

Special Awards
From the Hip Award – Jim using his environment to his advantage and quickly and quietly locks Dwight in the “workspace.”

Making Up Diseases

2007-02-16T09:28:00.000-06:00

Episode
Health Care (Season 1, Episode 3)

Prankers
Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
As Michael’s laziness shows through, he puts Dwight in charge of picking a new health care plan for the office workers. After cutting benefits to the point of having a $1,200 deductible, he wants a list of ailments from all the employees so he can pick the correct plan. Jim and Pam won’t take this lying down. Jim’s form includes Mad Cow Disease and the Ebola Virus, while Pam puts down the deadliest form of spontaneous dental hydroplosion (when your teeth melt and drip down the back of the throat).

Reaction
Dwight doesn’t think it’s funny. He even repeats other ailments which neither have claimed, but obviously wrote. These include leprosy, flesh-eating bacteria, hot dog fingers and a government-created killer nanorobot infection (which Pam would later take credit for). Dwight takes to interviewing everyone individually and suspends all health care coverage in the meantime. The interview is just more ammunition for Jim. As Dwight asks about the Count Choculitis, he wants to know if Jim wrote it because he, himself loves Count Chocula. This even gives Jim the chance at another quick prank.

Originality
8 – Making up diseases isn’t that original, but the names of the ailments are the real shining glory here. Not only does Pam think of the brilliant melting teeth, Jim thinks up a name for it in record time.

Length Taken
6 – If “24” has taught us anything, is that you can’t crack under the pressure of interrogation. I’m not sure Jack Bauer could break Jim. With his super-cool responses and his lack of sway by Dwight’s threats, all credit goes to the young salesman here. It would be higher if Dwight was more intimidating.

Special Awards
Partner in Crime Award – Instead of Jim starting things out, he has the original idea and wants Pam in on it as well. But, Pam has already gotten started on her own. This is the first time in the series the two have worked independently but for the same goal. That’s teamwork!
Creativity Award - Government-created killer nanorobot infections wins in a runaway.

Mug in Jello

2007-02-16T09:06:00.001-06:00

Episode
The Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Michael Scott

Description
Just as he did with Dwight, Jim swipes Michael's "World's Best Boss" coffee mug and puts it into a jello mold.

Outcome
Unknown due to the end of the episode.

Originality
4 - After the previous 7 for the original stapler in jello, Jim does a follow up with the boss. This time, Michael's "World's Best Boss" coffee mug (which, unfortunately, can't get destroyed by jello) gets the treatment. Since it's all about originality, definitely gets knocked down...especially since he did the jello to Dwight a couple times before.

Length Taken
3 - Again, not all that difficult. Michael leaves just a little bit early, enabling Jim to do the duty.

Special Award
Repeat Offender - Easy one for Jim since this is easily the fourth or fifth time he's done this.
Classic Award - Nothing like something in a jello mold to revert to classic pranks from "The Office."

Pam Becomes a Victim of Downsizing

2007-02-15T21:45:00.000-06:00

Episode
The Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)

Pranker
Michael Scott

Target
Pam Beesley

Description
After describing his boss-as-a-friend mantra to Ryan, Michael wants to put the idea into action with Pam as the unfortunate prey. After dropping off a fax, Michael calls Pam in and proceeds to tell her that her job is the first victim of downsizing, without the least amount of possible subtlety. Michael says the reason is for stealing post-it notes at 50 cents a pad. Michael does an awful job of staying straight and even goes way over the line in telling her she doesn’t get severance.

Reaction
After refuting the allegations, Pam begins to cry. Michael finally gives up the truth and begins to laugh. He also mentions to the lovely Miss Beesly that Ryan was in on it as well (who hangs his head and shakes out a no). Michael’s excuse is to boost morale on Ryan’s side of things, but I’m not sure it worked. After a little bit of ridicule, Pam strikes back, but Michael misses it. The awkwardness is almost palpable.

Originality
9 – What balls Michael has. If you’re going to fake fire someone, you have to do it to someone who isn’t going to break down and cry. The only reason it isn’t a 10 is the lack of involvement with Ryan as an accomplice.

Length Taken
9 – Way too far. Would have been a 10 if Michael would have let Pam pack up her stuff and leave before letting her in on the gag.

Special Awards
Sidekick Award – Ryan joins in the fun, despite never saying a word or being involved in any real way. The funniest thing about the situation is he looks so eager to pull the prank right until the moment when he realizes what Michael is really doing.
Bad Choice Award – Michael wins this one in record time. One of the best parts is that he doesn’t realize he’s crossed the line until the punch-line is over and Pam reacts. The even greater part is his line earlier in the day when referring to the stapler in jello. “The key to a good practical joke is to know when to start and to know when to stop.” That’s what we call foreshadowing.

Stapler in Jello

2007-02-15T12:52:00.000-06:00

Episode
The Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Starting off the series with a nice joke, Jim makes a jello mold in which he puts Dwight's stapler.

Outcome
Dwight, not to fond of the break in the code of conduct he lives by as a volunteer fire fighter, calls for Michael to fire Jim. Michael thinks the prank is funny and tells Dwight to eat the stapler out of the mold. After a small bout of seriousness, he begins to mock Dwight along with Jim and Ryan. Unfortunately for Michael, all he could come up with is saying, "pudding."

Originality
7 - Two things here. First, it probably messes up Dwight's stapler to the point of no longer being able to use it, which is a plus. But, Dwight's comment that Jim put his stapler in jello "again" brings down the points.

Length Taken
4 - This isn't necessarily difficult to do, but it would require Jim to get to the office earlier so that he can place the jello in Dwight's desk. Could have potential if something in the jello could explode.

Special Award
Jackie Robinson Award - Notable for being the first prank Jim pulls on Dwight in the series, though certainly not the last.
Classic Award - No matter what happens throughout the rest of the series, this one will be the...staple.