Ep 21. Conflict Resolution

In The Office season 2 episode 21, titled "Conflict Resolution," viewers are in for a treat as they see the employees of Dunder Mifflin navigate a system put in place to resolve workplace conflicts. The episode starts with Michael Scott, the regional manager, handing out cards to the employees to list any issues they might have with their colleagues. These cards are then anonymously filled out and given back to Michael, who decides to address each conflict on a case-by-case basis.

The episode introduces viewers to a range of conflicts between the employees, from minor grievances to major issues. One of the most significant conflicts is between Dwight and Jim, who have been at odds throughout the entire season. Jim has been pranking Dwight consistently, leading to some hilarious moments throughout the show. In this episode, Dwight has listed all of his grievances with Jim on the conflict resolution card.

Throughout the episode, Michael takes the time to address each conflict, often to hilarious results. He calls each employee to his office and, armed with a list of the complaints, tries to mediate a resolution. In some cases, the complaints are minor and have an easy solution, such as someone taking credit for another's idea. In other cases, the issues are more complicated and involve deeply-felt emotions, such as a division of labor that one employee perceives as unfair or disrespectful comments.

What makes this episode particularly exceptional is the humor that the show is known for. While the conflicts in the show are real, they are often exaggerated to provide some comic relief. The conflicts that the employees have with each other are often petty and trivial, which makes it easy to laugh at the issues with no harm done. The show demonstrates that, in many cases, issues are blown out of proportion when viewed through a magnifying glass.

The ending of the episode brings everything full circle, as Jim pranks Dwight one last time. However, when Dwight goes to complain to Michael, he finds that Michael has intentionally created the prank to demonstrate that some issues can be resolved without conflict. The episode ends with Jim and Dwight playfully fighting while the rest of the employees look on, and the credits roll on another great episode of The Office.

Overall, "Conflict Resolution" is an entertaining episode that provides insight into the workplace dynamics between employees. It teaches us how to handle and resolve conflicts in the office on the individual level as well as tips enterprise owners can use to handle business conflicts across the organization. By showing how minor issues can become more significant problems when left unaddressed, the show becomes not only a commentary on the workplace but on human relations in general. The episode adds another layer to the already fantastic comedic show, proving once again why The Office is a classic.