Jim Stays Classy

Episode
New Boss (Season 5, Episode 18)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

Description
Dwight and Pam are in the midst of preparing Michael for his 15th anniversary celebration. Dwight thinks the festivities should start with a 15-minute round of applause, followed by a 15-minute moment of silence. Jim, hiding in the corner with a tuxedo and slicked-back hair wonders if it is classy enough. Jim thinks that on such a classy day that a classy man like Michael should be rewarded with a classy event. Michael agrees with all of Jim’s suggestions, because he is wearing a tux. Jim explains that Dwight sent out a memo explaining the dress code, and the tuxedo is a way to show how seriously he is taking it.

Reaction
Dwight is wise to Jim’s ideas, so he suggests having a string quartet play classy-cal music. Jim winces his disapproval, leading Michael to do the same and shoot down Dwight’s idea. Michael wants the opening of a car dealership, but Jim suggests Mr. Peanut. Dwight is quick to point out that Mr. Peanut is just a regular peanut (he just happens to have a cane, monocle and a top hat). Dwight takes it to the next level by suggesting a Michael-shaped ice sculpture covered in chocolate covered in strawberries. Jim points out that Dwight is trying too hard (classy is a state of mind, after all). Jim suggests the exact same ice sculpture idea and Michael jumps on it immediately, leading Dwight to slam the door of the conference room as he leaves. Pam, Michael and Jim agree…not classy.


Originality
6 – Jim had to know the tuxedo itself would set Dwight off. It was magnified even more by the fact that Michael took everything Jim said that much more seriously since he was wearing a tux. Jim should have gone the Mr. Peanut route and gone with a monocle, cane and top hat, then this would have been higher.

Length Taken
8 – Though it wasn’t extended as long as could have, extra points for getting Jim in trouble with new boss Charles Miner because he was still wearing the tux.

Special Awards
Right off the Bat Award - Jim gets 80% of his pranks done before 10:00 am.
Didn’t Think That One Through Award – Too bad Jim didn’t bring a change of clothes. That’s quite the first impression to make on the new boss.

The Red Wire

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

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 Tracks Dwight's Time

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

Jim Pairs Dwight's Phone

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

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

Utica Must Burn

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

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?

Jim as Dwight

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.

The Vampire Bite

Episode
Business School (Season 3, Episode 16)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

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

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

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

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

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

Pavlov's Altoids

Episode
Phyllis’ Wedding (Season 3, Episode 16)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

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

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

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

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

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

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

Episode
Ben Franklin (Season 3, Episode 14)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

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

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

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

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

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

Jim Hires Ben Franklin

Episode
Ben Franklin (Season 3, Episode 14)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
The Office Women

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

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

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

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

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

Fun with Andy's Phone

Episode
The Return (Season 3, Episode 13)

Pranker
Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly

Target
Andy Bernard

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

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

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

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

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

Dwight's Tape Recorder

Episode
Back from Vacation (Season 3, Episode 11)

Pranker
Jim Halpert, Phyllis Lapin and Karen Filippelli

Target
Dwight Schrute

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

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

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

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

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

Dwight Explains how to Butcher a Goose

Episode
A Benihana Christmas (Season 3, Episode 10)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

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

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

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

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

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

Dwight's CIA Letters

Episode
A Benihana Christmas (Season 3, Episode 10)

Pranker
Pam Beesly and Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

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

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

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

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

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

Jim sets Andy up with Pam

Episode
The Convict (Season 3, Episode 9)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Andy Bernard and Pam Beesly

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

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

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

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

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

Jim Stares at Dwight's Forehead

Episode
The Merger (Season 3, Episode 8)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

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

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

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

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

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

Dwight gets Faxes from Future Dwight

Episode
Branch Closing (Season 3, Episode 7)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Dwight Schrute

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

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

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

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

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