Years later, The Office still holds up as one of the smartest, funniest shows of our modern age. The show’s writers crafted each episode with a huge amount of care and thought, something that becomes abundantly clear once you see the easter egg some die-hard fans spotted in a Season 7 episode.
In one of the show’s most classically cringy episodes, Jim and Pam join Michael and then-girlfriend Jan Levinson at their home for a dinner party. The whole evening is a nightmare of awkward interactions and uncomfortable insight into Michael’s and Jan’s struggling relationship, but one highlight was Michael showing off his little gift to himself: a PLASMA SCREEN TV!
Later, in a fit of rage, Jan would throw one of Michael’s beloved Dundees at the TV, breaking them both in the process. The incident was a death knell for the relationship—Michael would leave the house that night, never to return.
Dis week's mood: Jan Levinson whipping a Dundie at Michael's plasma tv
— sexual healer (@horseluhver973) May 30, 2017
The broken plasma screen gains even more significance, however, after fans spotted it in another episode: the season 7 favorite, “Garage Sale.” The discovery was posted to the subreddit r/DunderMifflin:
Michael is selling his plasma screen at the garage sale from DunderMifflin
To be fair, it’s not the first time fans have noticed the cool continuity details, but the often overlooked item at Michael’s booth marks an important turning point for his character. Symbolically, many suspect his sale of the infamous plasma screen and neon sign represent Michael moving past his baggage with other women like Jan so he can propose to Holly later in the episode.
S07E19 02:29 (Garage Sale) One of the items Michael is trying to sell off is the plasma TV that Jan broke in the Dinner Party episode from DunderMifflin
Fans went nuts when they saw the easter egg:
No way!!!! Now i have to watch the whole series again ohh well
— 1+2+3=SYXXX??? (@venado82) October 24, 2018
@carschindler omg how did this go unnoticed????
— Sydney Kurnit (@sydneykurnit) October 25, 2018
@itme_Will pic.twitter.com/63WNLpMN9s
— Chip Maxey (@chipper4450) October 24, 2018
Never realized it!
— YoHennyCespedes ?? (@LuDaGoon) October 25, 2018
Many were surprised they had missed it even after repeated viewings!
This is the absolute greatest thing I’ve ever seen.
— Krist Kath (@Krist_Kath) October 24, 2018
@joshiejosh32 never noticed this hahahhahahah
— Coach Steve (@ItsaMeJakeP) October 24, 2018
Of course, seeing the easter egg brought back many Office memories.
I love the bloopers of Jim and Michael with that tv. When they are at Jans house for dinner
— Garrett Ryan (@garrettryan16) October 25, 2018
I’ve watched the series a number of times and never noticed this. I would buy it!
— Chuck Meservey (@c_g_m_jr) October 25, 2018
Such a Michael Scott move??????
— anjela_ (@graffiti_freak_) October 25, 2018
Let this be your official annual reminder to rewatch the entire series right now!
Exactly why I love The Office there’s always something new that you don’t catch the first time ? no matter how many items you watch it
— Andres C. (@CAndres_96) October 25, 2018
