The Knack (Dilbert episode)
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The Knack is the name of the tenth episode to air in the Dilbert animated series. The episode revolves around an engineering gift Dilbert was born with, referred to as 'the knack'. The episode originally aired on March 21, 1999.
Overview
The rare condition, 'the knack', is characterized by "extreme intuition about all things mechanical and electrical, and utter social ineptitude." In the opening scene we see Dilbert correctly identify which battery needs replacing in the TV remote. During the flashback this prompts, his mother explains that in a short period of time Dilbert disassembled the TV, a clock and a stereo. "He then used the components to build a ham radio set." When Dilbert takes a sip of coffee from the cup of management, he fears he has lost the knack that has made him such a successful engineer. In an attempt to prove he is still capable of engineering excellence, he pioneers the company's project to build a billboard in space. During the launch of a light sail, Dilbert's incorrect laser co-ordinates throw the beam off-target, taking out a number of satellites, siphoning off electricity and communication and propelling the city back into the Dark Ages.
Plot
During an office meeting, the Pointy-Haired Boss explains he would like the company to advertise in space, by launching a billboard big enough that it can be seen from Earth. During the meeting, Dilbert takes a sip from the Boss' cup of coffee, which he promptly spits, his co-workers explain that due to the management DNA residing in the backwash of the cup, he will be infected and lose his engineering intelligence. Wally explains that soon, Dilbert's "technical skills will evaporate." Dilbert does not seem convinced he has anything to worry about, although when he cannot solve two problems posed to him by other co-workers, remains concerned about his 'knack'.
To alleviate his concern, Dilbert takes over the project to launch a billboard in space.
The launch of the light sail, which is to be sent into space with the help of a laser beam, goes amiss when Dilbert's co-ordinates fail to correctly guide the light sail and instead cause the misalignment of a group of satellites in space. This causes a complete freeze in communication and electricity, sending residents of the city back to the dark ages.
Everyone in the town, as it is now referred to as, appears to enjoy the easier way of life, with Alice becoming free spirit, claiming this a return to simpler times and that with technology gone, they are free to enjoy their true nature. Dilbert responds, "You mean the downfall of civilization?"
Dilbert is convinced he has lost his knack and is determined to get it back. He believes that if the Boss, now a pub jester, takes a sip from his coffee cup, the effect will be reversed. Realizing this will not work, Dilbert goes for a walk, where he meets the Smart Garbageman, wheeling a pile of dirty rags. The garbageman makes a parallel between one clean rag in a pile of dirty rags and the elusive 'knack', in that the harder you look, the better it hides. "When you stop looking for the knack, it will find you." It is at this point that a clean rag from the top of the pile blows down to the ground, metaphorically returning Dilbert's knack to him.
Dilbert is convinced his normal way of life was a better way to live. In front of the townspeople, Dilbert speaks about the two ways of life they have been presented with; the early-times' "authenticity, and the relationship with nature." He explains that although "we live in a cold, mechanistic technocracy, we have to make that work." He says he knows it's not fun, nor novel, it's real. The townspeople respond with an unexpected level of praise, claiming above all, they miss T.V.. Dilbert fires a silo loaded with 20 tonnes of match heads into space, which reorients the satellites and brings technology back into the city. Shortly after the successful realignment, one man's cellphone rings.
In one of the final scenes, Dilbert proclaims to Dogbert, "Everyone loves the simple life, until it gets complicated."