The Office Christmas Specials

Overview

The Office Christmas Specials are two 45-minute episodes which conclude the series. They were first shown in the United Kingdom on December 26th and 27th 2003.

Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Part One

A different documentary team returns to Wernham Hogg to revisit the stories of the staff, and to see how their lives have changed since the series aired. After his redundancy, David has become a travelling salesman, although he tries to avoid titling himself as such. He released his own single using the money from his redundancy package, and now makes extra income from embarassing nightclub appearances alongside very minor celebrities on the circuit. Dawn and Lee are now in Florida, living with Lee’s sister rent-free, while bouncing from job to job to support themselves. Back in Slough, Gareth has become general manager, though still does not receive the respect his authoritative position deserves. Tim remains at his desk, but now with an obnoxious, pregnant colleague whom he appears to despise. Although no longer connected to the company, David Brent still makes regular visits to see his old employees, much to the disdain of Neil, and even Gareth due to its breach of company policy. It is apparent that David yearns to be back in his old job. Back in Florida, the programme makers offer to fly Dawn and Lee back to England for the office Christmas Party. Dawn pretends to be reserved about this information, although it is clear that she is excited about the prospect of a reuinion with her old friends.

Part Two

David searches online for dates for the Christmas party, with help from Gareth. The dates, however, are far from successful: on the first date David makes small talk about breasts (much to the woman’s disdain), the second date never happens due to her insulting the boss from “The Office” (she is unaware that it is in fact David calling), and the third date is with a woman David finds boring and unattractive; a fact he is not shy about sharing. The fourth and final date is more successful. Dawn returns with Lee and catches up with her old colleagues. Tim and Dawn get back into old habits by winding up Gareth, while David crosses the line with Neil by bringing his dog into the office; Neil offers him a stern warning. Dawn explains to Tim how her dreams of being an illustrator are over, resulting in a snide comment from Lee. David and Carol, albeit awkwardly at first, get to know each other and begin developing bonds. Lee pesters Dawn about leaving, but she is reluctant, using the impending secret Santa present giving as an excuse to stay. Lee is dismissive of this and gets ready to go. After retrieving her secret Santa gift they both leave. Dawn and Lee are in a taxi; Lee is asleep while Dawn looks tenderly upon her gift: an oil painting set from Tim, alongside the sketch of himself Dawn had done earlier in the day, adorned with the words "never give up”. David and Carol part ways at the end of the evening. The mood between them is good, and a second meeting is implied. When returning to the party, David is subject to a harsh joke about his date. He tells Chris Finch to “fuck off”, leaving him and Neil at a loss for words. Unexpectedly Dawn returns; she has left Lee and tenderly embraces Tim, much to Gareth’s dismay. David and the old office team pose for photographs as he finally triumphs at making them laugh.