Michael Scott (portrayed by Steve Carell) is the regional manager of the fictional paper distributor Dunder Mifflin’. The US Office star has many facets to his character; part narcissist, part lovable ‘funny man’, always trying to lift his coworkers’ spirits and desperately earn their respect. The undisputed king of cringe has many moments you would describe as ‘outrageous’, so here are (in no order) the top 5 outrageous US Office Michael Scott Moments to give you a taste of what to expect if you were considering checking out the fabled US comedy.
Top 5 Outrageous US Office Michael Scott Moments
Image Source: Seventeen
1, ‘The Convict’ (Season 3, Episode 9)
Having discovered that corporate was engaging in a program that employs ex-convicts, Michael inadvertently reveals the identity of said ex-convict, Martin. He reveals to his team the white-collar nature of his crime and the seemingly luxurious prison experience in comparison to their own office, the workers are in turmoil. In defence of his beloved workspace and company, Michael is quick to respond.
Whenever Michael felt the urge to interrupt his team, who are hard at work and tired of his antics, he would drag everyone into the conference room for one of his elaborate life lessons. The stage was set, the conference room was his theatre and his colleagues were the audience.
In walks ‘Prison Mike’ (see above) to scare them straight. What follows is a showing of hilarity. Michael adopts a ‘tough guy’ swagger and talks of the horrors of prison, which included ‘Dementors’ from Harry Potter and gruel sandwiches.
As you can expect, this did not work.
Image source: Golf Digest
2. ‘Basketball’ (Season 1, Episode 5)
One place that Michael strived for acceptance was in the perceived ‘rough and tough’ of the warehouse. In this episode, Michael challenges the warehouse staff to a game of basketball against his own office crew. Once a wager is placed, they heartily accept.
Filled with enthusiasm and gusto, Michael dons his shiny basketball jersey and makes for the court (warehouse). The game was a jumble of disastrous long-shot attempts by Michael, followed by his wailing voice claiming “What’s wrong with me today!? I normally hit those”. No joke, this is one of the funniest scenes in the entire show, I encourage you to check it out here.
I will not reveal who wins the game, but after witnessing Michael’s dour attempt at the sport, the viewers are the real winners here.
Image source: WhatCulture
3. ‘Booze Cruise’ (Season 2, Episode 11)
Always one for a motivational speech, Michael invites his office workers to a booze cruise (in the Wintertime I will add), to listen to him give one of his infamous talks about business and paper. As you can expect, things do not pan out and Michael does not change anyone’s life as he expected.
From the moment he steps onboard, he ruffles the feathers of the captain. Never shying away from the elaborate dress, Michael arrives wearing a captain’s hat and begins to undermine the real captain’s authority at every opportunity and threatening the safety of the passengers (no spoilers). Michael is hilariously forced into a ‘time out’ while his coworkers enjoy the remainder of their cold but boozy cruise.
Image source: Reddit
4. ‘Dinner Party’ (Season 4, Episode 13)
Stepping away from being outwardly funny and entering the realm of cringe, Michael invites his office to a dinner party, hosted by himself and Jan in his brand-new condo. What transpired was anything but a pleasant dining experience for everyone.
From the moment his coworkers enter Michael’s condo, a plethora of awkward exchanges between him and Jan as their complicated and private relationship issues are spilt over the dinner table like a bitter glass of wine. The other characters can only sit in pain and awkwardness as Michael and Jan wax lyrical about their emotional differences.
There is such a beautiful tension that hangs heavily in the air throughout this episode that naturally comes to a head.
Image source: Reddit
5. ‘The Injury’ (Season 2, Episode 12)
Finishing this list with a final moment of perfectly orchestrated silliness is when Michael injures (or ‘cooked’ I should say) his foot before arriving at work. After calling for help in desperation, Michael arrives at the office on crutches with his foot wrapped in plastic. After revealing he accidentally stepped on a grill that has running next to his bed, he becomes petulant and demands his staff to wait on his every request.
The highlight of this episode is the unseen moment when Michael falls off the toilet and all you can hear is the communication between him and Toby as he calls for Ryan’s help from behind the bathroom door. A pay rise for Ryan is due!
Final Words
There you have my top 5 outrageous US Office Michael Scott moments. Having now watched the show fives times (if not more!), these were the moments that completely sold the show to me on my very first watch through some years ago.
Stay tuned for more content, lists, reviews and overviews! And please check out our other article about the US Office. Thanks for reading!
