When you think of The Office, your mind usually goes to Michael Scott’s inappropriate jokes, Jim and Pam’s relationship, and maybe even the downfall in the later seasons. However, there is another equally important element in the show that just cannot go unnoticed – Jim Halpert and Dwight Schrute’s relationship.
Their love-hate relationship is kinda like that of siblings, where while you cannot stand each other, you still love each other. Throughout the seasons, we see Jim relentlessly pranking Dwight in some of the most absurd and hilarious ways possible and the poor assistant TO the Regional Manager always falling for them. However, one prank stands out from the rest and it wasn’t even a part of the actual show!
The Office’s Best Prank Wasn’t Even in the Show
From putting Dwight’s stapler in Jell-O to throwing him off with a well-planned identity swap, Jim was able to live his days at Dunder Mifflin to the fullest. Every The Office fan has one prank that’s their favorite. It could be something as simple as putting nickels in Dwight’s handset or something as elaborate as teaming up with Pam to communicate in Morse code, sending him into paranoia. Either way, they are always classic.
During the opening ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, a promo was released for the show which had one of the best pranks by Jim, if not the best.
John Krasinski’s character walks up to Dwight, played by Rainn Wilson, and asks him how to “trademark a new Olympic sport.” When probed further by Dwight who promised to keep it a secret, Jim reveals that the game is called Slap Face.
Obviously, it was just a creative way for Jim to hit his co-worker without getting in trouble. By saying made-up phrases like “One, nothing” and “Make it, take it,” not only does Jim get away with slapping Dwight but he also dodges any counterattacks. He also strokes the guy’s ego by praising his supposed skills in the game which prompts him to gloat about being a “natural athlete.”
The prank goes up a level when they come together to hit Ed Helms’ Andy and then high-five each other at the end.
Fans React to the Hilarious Prank
Many fans have confused this clip to be a deleted scene from the hit show. However, as we mentioned above, it was a promotional video shown at the 2008 Summer Olympics to highlight the return of The Office.
Check out the prank below:
The comments were obviously filled with fans laughing to their hearts’ fulfillment. However, one user rightly pointed out that had this prank been incorporated into the show, things would not have been the same with the young audience.
The fake game would have gained popularity in schools where kids could just walk up to others and hit them in the name of the game. Like Jim, they might have forfeited the “points” but would have walked away with the satisfaction of hitting another kid. Maybe it’s a good thing they kept it out of the show.
Here’s what some fans said:
@dunn.daddy – They deleted it cause they knew it would take off in schools.
@squelchingbelch – this is just the plot of fight club.
@ca1eb_bo1es – Them both slapping Andy is top tier.
@caseinpointsounds – ‘Nonono make it take it’ such a good line idk why.
@mrfredmor_65 – Still better than break dancing!!!
Maybe Krasinski could finally enlist the game by the next Olympics?
The clip can be found on The Office season 5 DVD, disc five.
The Office is available to watch on Peacock Premium.
