Initiation (19 Oct. 2006)

Dwight takes former temp Ryan to his beet farm to initiate Ryan to his new job at Dunder Mifflin.

Director:

Randall Einhorn

Writers:

Greg Daniels (developer), B.J. Novak,

Stars:

Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Steve Carell	...	Michael Scott
Rainn Wilson	...	Dwight Schrute
John Krasinski	...	Jim Halpert
Jenna Fischer	...	Pam Beesly
B.J. Novak	...	Ryan Howard
Melora Hardin	...	Jan Levinson
Leslie David Baker	...	Stanley Hudson
Brian Baumgartner	...	Kevin Malone
Kate Flannery	...	Meredith Palmer
Mindy Kaling	...	Kelly Kapoor
Angela Kinsey	...	Angela Martin
Paul Lieberstein	...	Toby Flenderson
Phyllis Smith	...	Phyllis Lapin
Creed Bratton	...	Creed Bratton
Ed Helms	...	Andy Bernard

Storyline

Dwight takes new full-timer Ryan (B.J. Novak, who also wrote the episode) out on his first sales call, but he puts the novice through a series of demanding tests and challenges, not to mention an unnecessary excursion to the Schrute family beet farm. Meanwhile, Michael is ordered by corporate to log his work activity; and Jim tries to adapt to life at the Stamford branch.

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 October 2006 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Deedle-Dee Productions, Reveille Productions, NBC Universal Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

22 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Ryan catches up to Dwight outside the Schrute Farm's barn, Dwight gives him a salute with an extended flourish. That salute is the "Rimmer Salute" from Red Dwarf.

---

Quotes

Michael Scott: Productivity is important, but how can I be productive if I has this one little thing in my brain that I cannot get out. And that one little thing is a soft pretzel. So, I'm just gonna have my soft pretzel, I'll get to work and I'm gonna be super-productive. Look out for me!

---

Connections

References Deal or No Deal (2005)

---

Soundtracks

"Lovefool"
Written by Nina Persson and Peter Svensson
Performed by John Krasinski and Ed Helms

User Reviews

gets better on repeated viewings...

This episode was not one of my favorites until I watched it a couple times after initial airing. I really appreciate, now, though.

The odd thing about Jim and Pam's relationship is that it has been most touching when they were far away. At one point Pam is speaking on the phone with Jim. She asks him was time it is there; Jim points out that they're in the same time zone. They realize how great the divide has felt since Jim left.

The pretzel storyline is well-executed. Many people really do look forward to a few things each year, reminding themselves again and again of little pleasures. I'm familiar with such a feeling.

Dwight has grown a bit more cartoonish over the years, but in this episode I see Dwight as I think he was meant to be--the odd, eccentric, yet intelligent follower of Michael's foolishness. Michael is shown as the almost amazingly inefficient boss who somehow lands great clients. I enjoy that contradiction.

All in all, a very well-rounded episode.