The Negotiation

"The Negotiation"
The Office episode
After using pepper spray to protect Jim from Roy, Dwight tells Pam to call security.
Episode no.	Season 3 Episode 19
Directed by	Jeffrey Blitz
Written by	Michael Schur
Production code	319
Original air date	April 5, 2007
Episode chronology
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List of The Office (U.S.) episodes

"The Negotiation" (also referred to as "Labor Negotiation") is the nineteenth episode of the third season of the U.S. version of The Office, aired on April 5, 2007 on NBC. It is the second "super-sized" episode of the third season. It was written by Michael Schur and directed by Jeffrey Blitz.

In this episode, Roy tries to attack Jim for kissing Pam on Casino Night, only to be pepper-sprayed by Dwight. Jim repeatedly tries to thank Dwight for his actions, but each attempt is rejected. Meanwhile, with Roy fired, Darryl asks for a raise and is astounded when he learns that this raise would cause him to be paid more than Michael. Angela asks around the office to hear the story of how Dwight, her secret boyfriend, attacked Roy.

Synopsis

Roy enters the office and attacks Jim for kissing Pam, but Dwight subdues him with pepper spray. Roy is fired, and Jim, feeling guilty about all of the pranks over the years, tries to show his appreciation to Dwight for saving him, but each gesture is coolly rejected.

Meanwhile, Darryl asks Michael for a 10% raise due to the extra workload resulting from Roy's absence. When he discovers that the raise would make him higher-paid than Michael, Darryl goads Michael into going to Corporate to negotiate his own raise. Jan initially tries to keep their romantic relationship out of the negotiations but ultimately gives Michael the maximum 12% raise that was authorized despite his continued inability to negotiate properly. Kevin asks Karen how she feels about Jim being attacked over someone else, and she responds coolly.

Pam apologizes to Jim that Roy attacked him but her assurance that her relationship with Roy is over for good is met with polite skepticism. Roy picks up his last paycheck, apologizes to Jim for threatening him during their previous encounter, and asks Pam to join him for coffee. Their meeting at a local diner is awkward and ends with their relationship (and even friendship) appearing to be over. Roy does not understand his long-time fiancée, especially her choice to not pursue Jim.

Angela interviews people from the office repeatedly to hear the tale of Dwight's heroics. Believing themselves to be alone at the end of the day, the two kiss passionately. Jim sees them and decides that keeping their relationship secret will be his gift to Dwight to make things "even."

Andy returns from anger management, and Dwight, unprovoked, subdues him with pepper spray. Toby confiscates the rest of Dwight's arsenal.

Alternate versions

NBC re-aired the episode on August 16, 2007 in its normal 30-minute time slot. The following scenes were cut or shortened from the original "super-sized" version:

• Cut: Jim telling the camera about the display case gift.
• Cut: Jim's conversation with Karen in the kitchen.
• Cut: Creed's bizarre description of the attack.
• Shortened: Oscar describes the fight between Dwight and Roy to Angela.
• Shortened: Several scenes regarding Michael's negotiation with Darryl.
• Shortened: The ride to New York City is cut after Michael imitates Chris Tucker.
• Shortened: The final scene ends after Dwight sprays Andy.

Reception

E! News highly praised the episode for the opening scene where Dwight pepper-sprayed Roy to protect Jim, and felt that Rainn Wilson deserved the Emmy Award for his performance.

External links

• "The Negotiation" at NBC.com
• "The Negotiation" at the Internet Movie Database
• "The Negotiation" at TV.com