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It’s been over a decade since we’ve seen Dunder Mifflin’s spirited boss, Michael Scott (Steve Carell), on our television screens in The Office. Thankfully, Peacock’s recently returned to the universe of the iconic sitcom with The Paper, which finds the same documentary crew this time documenting the mundane lives of employees at the Toledo Truth Teller, led by Domhnall Gleeson‘s Ned Sampson.
In an opening establishing shot of the pilot episode of the freshman series, we see familiar face Bob Vance (Robert Ray Shafer). He’s updating the same documentary crew that followed his wife, Phyllis (Phyllis Smith), all those years ago on the new tenants in the old Dunder Mifflin paper company offices. After nine seasons set within the walls of the Scranton Business Park, it is upsetting seeing new tenants in the paper company’s suite. The Paper doesn’t rely on references to The Office in order to succeed, though it does feature a former Dunder Mifflin employee as one of the main characters: company accountant, Oscar (Oscar Nuñez). And, in a blink-and-you-miss-it moment, Michael Scott appears, too. Sort of.
Michael Scott Left His Permanent Mark in Scranton on ‘The Office’
In Season 4, Episode 16, “Did I Stutter?,” which features one of Stanley’s (Leslie David Baker) best moments, Michael excitingly bursts into the Dunder Mifflin offices. Brimming with anticipation and childlike wonder, he asks his employees’ opinion on their ideas for a slab of wet cement outside. Michael wants to etch his place permanently in Scranton history, and considers this opportunity his “lifelong dream.” In true Michael Scott fashion, he can’t just simply leave the wet cement alone. He has to figure out a way to leave his mark, and he has to do it fast.
Instead of popular handprints like at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood as Kelly (Mindy Kaling) suggests or even quickly sketching his initials as Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) suggests, after a round table of ideas, it’s Jim’s (John Krasinski) plan he finally lands on: squishing his full face in the cement. In what one can only assume would help the concrete not adhere to his face, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) smothers his face with vaseline. With just a straw to help keep him from suffocating, plus a motivational speech from Jim, Michael leaves his permanent mark on the Scranton Business Park.
‘The Paper’s Respectful Nod to Michael Scott Is Perfect
Fast-forward to the pilot episode of The Paper, we see that Michael’s lasting impression is still there. In the very first scene of the new workplace comedy, an establishing shot takes us back to Scranton. Before heading into the building, an exterior shot quickly shows the detail that is so subtle, it’s very easy to miss. Nevertheless, just like Michael intended, he achieved the lasting impact he always dreamed of.
Little did Michael know, his face, forever etched into the concrete, would be the last remnants of the failed paper-turned-printer company. In the scene, with help from Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration, we learn Dunder Mifflin went out of business less than 10 years ago. The company was then bought out by Enervate in Toledo, Ohio back in 2019. Thus, The Paper begins at the struggling Midwestern newspaper, the Toledo Truth Teller. One of the things that makes The Paper such an exciting show is the subtle nods to The Office. This small detail connects the two series and rewards fans who have been following the universe for years.
- Release Date
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September 4, 2025
- Network
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Peacock
- Directors
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David Rogers, Jason Woliner, Jeffrey Blitz, Jennifer Celotta, Ken Kwapis, Matt Sohn, Paul Lieberstein, Yana Gorskaya
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