Part of why The Office is one of the best comedies ever made is because of how strong it was in its early seasons. But the other part is that this momentum was somehow maintained for the remainder of the show’s duration.
Even in season seven, The Office managed to produce some of the show’s highest-rated episodes. Granted, there are some outliers, but that’s what IMDB is for. The database’s users have rated the episodes of season seven and each of them fits perfectly into this list ranking them. Fair warning for your emotions, this is the season that features Steve Carell’sdeparture from the show.
“Christening” - 7.4
“Christening” features the storylines of Cece’s christening and Michael and Andy’s brief dalliance with moving overseas to commit to charity work.
It is not the best of season seven, but it does feature some funny lines, like when Jim throws out the moniker, “Sconesy Cider,” for an unknown rude woman at the ceremony.
“Todd Packer” - 7.5
Before Michael Scott left Scranton, there were a ton of character threads that had to be resolved. Chief among them was the issue of Todd Packer.
Recognizing Todd as the vile man that he was, rather than his best friend, was a crucial piece of growth for Michael’s character.
“The Seminar” - 7.6
Andy was never one of the office’s best salesmen, which is why he hosted a seminar to reel in some local big-business fish.
It is an amusing episode that results in a domino effect of comedic errors, but it’s also a fantastic episode where Andy comes into his own.
“The Inner Circle” - 7.7
The episodes that followed Michael’s departure were a bit tough to watch. The show would eventually learn how to tell stories without Carell, but there were still growing pains.
They are most evident in this episode, ratcheting up the absurdity of Deangelo Vickers to the point where Will Ferrell is - spoiler alert - no longer a part of the show.
“WUPHF.com” - 7.7
Like letting go of his friendship with Todd Packer, Michael also had to let go of his idolatry of Ryan Howard, the former temp/boss of Michael.
Ryan is someone who takes advantage of other people and the recognition that his WUPHF website is not worth supporting is a valuable moment for Michael.
“The Sting” - 7.8
“The Sting” is an exact model of what the film, The Sting, attempted to get at with layers upon layers of clever schemes.
Granted, Michael is not as savvy as Robert Redford, but he does manage to land Danny Cordray as a new traveling salesman for Dunder Mifflin. Timothy Olyphant is excellent in the role, too.
“Viewing Party” - 7.8
Pam and Erin had vastly different relationships with Michael. Erin’s aching need for a father figure is evident in this episode as she connects with Michael during a Glee viewing party.
This episode also features the hysterics that result from Andy accidentally eating powdered seahorse.
“Training Day” - 7.8
“Training Day” is the episode that kicks Michael’s departure into high gear by introducing Will Ferrell as Deangelo Vickers.
It is reassuring to see a familiar, funny face alongside Steve Carell’s Michael. It made the transition a bit smoother than it might have been otherwise.
“Sex Ed” - 7.9
“Sex Ed” was another “final Michael season” tribute episode for the stellar character who manged Dunder Mifflin’s office.
From Holly to Helene to Jan to Carol, all of Michael’s past lovers make an appearance in the episode and it is beyond fun to check in on each of them.
“China” - 8.2
The title of the episode comes from a debate that Michael has with Oscar about the state of the world as it relates to China.
However, the best element of “China” comes from the Dwight-Pam rivalry in the office building that shows the sweet friendship between the pair is still palpable beneath their strict veneers.
“Costume Contest” - 8.2
The Halloween episode of season seven is “Costume Contest,” and it is a doozy. Costumes like MacGruber, Popeye, and Justin Bieber are worn around the office.
This also marks the second appearance of Danny Cordray, who is unfairly hounded by Jim and Pam’s nagging curiosity about why he never called Pam back after a date years ago.
“Counseling” - 8.2
For a little bit, many fans thought “Counseling” would introduce how Michael would leave the office. How could he endure one-on-one therapy sessions with his nemesis, Toby?
The episode also sees Pam rise through the ranks from pseudo-salesman to office manager, a role she’d occupy until the series finale.
“Andy’s Play” - 8.2
“Andy’s Play” largely takes place away from the office, as Andy is cast in a production of Sweeney Todd.
However, it is an underrated episode in terms of comedy. “Andy’s Play” is hysterical and it holds up exceptionally well upon rewatching.
“Ultimatum” - 8.3
The reconciliation between Michael and Holly was a crucial part of the endgame for Michael Scott’s character. The momentum on that plot really begins with “Ultimatum.”
Holly’s commitment to A.J. is put to the test in this episode, just as the office’s New Year resolutions are challenged.
“PDA” - 8.4
“PDA” is an episode that revealed how Michael and Holly are fully committed to being with one another in the long term.
But this episode rates highly because of the hilarious moments that come from Jim and Pam coming to work drunk after Valentine’s brunch.
“Nepotism” - 8.4
“Nepotism” is the season seven premiere episode that helps reshuffle the deck a bit for the characters of The Office.
Not only is Dwight the new building manager in Scranton, but Michael’s nephew, Luke, is also introduced (albeit for one episode) before meeting an extreme conclusion.
“The Search” - 8.5
“The Search” is the episode that finally reveals that Michael and Holly are going to begin dating again.
This is achieved by sending Holly and Dwight on a wild goose chase for a lost, roaming Michael. When they finally find him, the moment is perfect.
“Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager)” - 8.7
As funny as Deangelo could be as a manager, it was hysterical to see Dwight behind the desk, too.
Granted, it is short-lived, but it’s worth it just to see Dwight fire a gun in the office and almost kill Andy in the process. It went as poorly as everyone expected.
“Search Committee” - 8.8
“Search Committee” is the season seven finale of The Office that brings in a ton of guest appearances interviewing for the manager’s job, including Jim Carrey and Ray Romano.
It ends on a cliffhanger, which can be infuriating, but Jim’s ever-growing exasperation in the episode is still delightful.
“Classy Christmas” - 9.0
“Classy Christmas” is Michael’s final Christmas episode and, of course, he almost ruins things all over again when he pours coffee on Holly’s Woody doll.
Of course, it is always lovely to see Holly show back up, even if she is treated unfairly by the Scranton workers.
