8.2/101,929 votes#1 - Merger
Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 9/30/2002
As a result of the Swindon merger, a group of new staff arrive at Slough branch and David wastes no time in familiarising them with his unique style of management. Meanwhile, Tim seems to be taking his promotion very seriously.
Director: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Writer: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
8.1/101,873 votes#2 - Appraisals
Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 10/7/2002
As David conducts the annual staff appraisals he discovers that the group from Swindon are less than impressed with their new boss and a lunchtime trip to the pub does little to improve the situation. The same cannot be said for Tim however, who is getting on particularly well with new girl Rachel.
Director: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Writer: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
8.3/101,888 votes#3 - Party
Season 2 Episode 3 - Aired 10/14/2002
A colleague's birthday provides a welcome distraction for the employees of Wernham Hogg and leads to a series of practical jokes at the expense of David and Gareth. Meanwhile, David's growing frustrations with new boss Neil constantly looking over his shoulder are somewhat alleviated by the arrival of two representatives from a public speaking company who seem keen to recruit him.
Director: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Writer: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
8.3/101,877 votes#4 - Motivation
Season 2 Episode 4 - Aired 10/21/2002
David's preparations for his first motivational training seminar that evening don't get off to the perfect start when he first discovers the staff's new nicknames for him that are doing the rounds and then receives another reprimand from Neil for neglecting his duties. Meanwhile, Tim and Rachel finally go public with their relationship, much to the dismay of Gareth.
Director: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Writer: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
8.7/101,975 votes#5 - Charity
Season 2 Episode 5 - Aired 10/28/2002
It's Comic Relief Day and the staff of Werhnam Hogg all do their bit to raise money including Dawn, whose 'kisses for 1' stand finally provides Tim with the opportunity he's been waiting for. But when David can only produce a draft of his new gameshow concept in place of an important company report, Neil and Jennifer draw the line and inform him that he is being made redundant.
Director: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Writer: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
8.6/101,935 votes#6 - Interview
Season 2 Episode 6 - Aired 11/4/2002
Although slightly peeved that the staff seem to be taking his redundancy in their stride, David's spirits remain high as he plans his future while also being interviewed for an article in 'Inside Paper'. Tim takes drastic action when he learns that Dawn has resigned in order to move to the USA with boyfriend Lee. However, when David is told that his services as a motivational speaker are also no longer required he sinks to his lowest ebb and begs Neil to reconsider the dismissal. But is it too late?
Director: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
Writer: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant
The Best Episodes of The Office Season 2
Every episode of The Office Season 2 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Office Season 2!
Nightmare boss. Tedious colleagues. Pointless tasks. Welcome to Wernham Hogg. Fancy a tea break with David Brent? Classic comedy from the archive.
Genre:Comedy
Network:BBC Two
Season 2 Ratings Summary
"Merger" is the best rated episode of "The Office" season 2. It scored 8.2/10 based on 1929 votes. Directed by Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and written by Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, it aired on 9/30/2002. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Appraisals".