Motivation

"Motivation"
Corporate Training
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

Dawn is surprised unexpectedly as she walks in on Tim and Rachel kissing. They are now officially dating which makes both Dawn and Gareth jealous. Dawn agrees to help David Brent with his motivational speech after he offers her ₤100. The computer technician, Simon that Tim hates comes into the office to set up firewalls on Tim and Gareth’s computers. Simon brags to Gareth about his racing abilities and shares a conspiracy theory about Bruce Lee faking his own death so he could work undercover for the Hong Kong police. Tim questions whether it is a good idea to have China’s most famous person working undercover while Rachel sits on his desk observing the interaction. Simon responds by asking Tim if he’s moved on from Dawn, which upsets Tim. Neil confronts David, once again, this time about the fact that one of the Swindon employees didn’t receive a paycheck. Neil’s forceful talks with David are becoming a common trend. David gives a cringeworthy 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

• Dead Poets Society - a 1989 film about an all boy’s preparatory school set in 1959. David Brent 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.
• Tina Turner – an American singer, dancer, and entertainer. Brent ends his motivational speech by leaving the room to her song “Simply the Best.”

Gallery

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  Surprise encounter.

• 

  Poor Dawn.

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  It's bleeding.

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  Tim's best friend.

• For more images go to: Gallery:TheOffice_Motivation

External links

• BBC episode guide: "Motivation"