Motivation

"Motivation"
holding image
Episode no.	Episode 10
Original airdate	21 October 2002 (BBC 2)
Written by	Ricky Gervais Stephen Merchant
Directed by	Ricky Gervais Stephen Merchant
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Motivation is the fourth episode of the second series of The Office.

Plot

Tim and Rachel are now officially dating which makes both Dawn and Gareth jealous. Dawn agrees to help David Brent with his motivational speech. The computer technician that Tim hates is in the office to set up firewalls on Tim and Gareth’s computers. Neil confronts Brent about the fact that one of the Swindon employees didn’t receive a paycheck. Brent gives a very awkward speech at the corporate training seminar then leaves Dawn to carry his things as he tries to persuade the consultants to go to a pub with him.

Quotes

• Dawn: That’s an earring.
  David: Whatever, get over it.
  Dawn: How long have you had that?
  David: Too long, baby.
  Dawn: It’s bleeding.
  David: It really stings.
• Gareth: Look at his cartoon face and his hair he looks like a Fisher Price man.
• David: Just throw some insults at me and I’ll show you how to roll with the punches.
  Gareth: Swindon lot don’t seem to respect you.
  David: Why would they say that? They don’t know me, they’re not gonna know that. And it’s not true. Do summat else.
  Gareth: Ok, a lot of people are laughing at the heels on your shoes.
  David: I’m not gonna be wearing the shoes, am I?
• David: (to Keith) Why don’t we call him fatty fatty toad boy if we’re- you know at least start on him then move on… Mr. Toad, I can’t…
• David: She’s got a boyfriend, and I’m paying her. What sort of date would that be? I think you know.
• David: And if you have lost both legs and both arms, go, “At least I’m not dead.” I’d rather be dead in that situation, to be honest.

Trivia

• A conversation about Bruce Lee faking his own death was discussed by Ricky and Steve on an Xfm show on 23 February 2002.

Cultural References

• Brent mentions the 1989 film Dead Poets Society about an all boy’s preparatory school set in 1959. In particular he references a scene where the boys stand on their desks as a sign of solidarity for their English teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams.
• Brent ends his motivational speech by leaving the room to the song “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner.

External links

• BBC episode guide: "Motivation"