The beloved mockumentary series The Office concluded in 2013 with a two-part finale that gave closure to the employees of Dunder Mifflin. Set one year after the documentary aired, the episode centered on Dwight and Angela’s wedding, serving as a reunion for the entire Scranton branch. The finale successfully wrapped up nearly a decade of storylines, showing where our favorite characters ended up and how their lives changed after the cameras stopped rolling.
Where Jim and Pam Ended Up
After facing relationship struggles because of Jim’s new sports marketing company, Jim and Pam Halpert found their happy ending. Pam secretly sold their house to show her support for Jim’s dream. With their home sold, they decided to leave Scranton and move to Austin, Texas, where Jim’s company, now called Athleap, was headquartered.
Instead of accepting their resignation, Dwight fired them. This was an act of friendship, as being fired meant Jim and Pam would receive severance pay to help them start their new life. Before leaving the office for the last time, Pam took her original watercolor painting of the office building, a piece that symbolized her entire journey from receptionist to a confident woman pursuing a new future.
Dwight and Angela’s Big Wedding
The main event of the finale was the long-awaited marriage of Dwight Schrute and Angela Martin. Their relationship was full of ups and downs, but they finally reconciled after Angela revealed that her son, Phillip, was actually Dwight’s biological son. The wedding was a traditional Schrute ceremony, complete with a kidnapping of the bride by Dwight’s cousin, Mose.
In a deeply emotional moment, Jim arranged for a surprise best man. Dwight was stunned when Michael Scott appeared. Michael’s iconic “That’s what she said” joke marked his return, and he stood by Dwight’s side as he married Angela. Dwight had also achieved his career goal, having been promoted to Regional Manager of the Scranton branch.
Michael Scott’s Return and Life Update
Steve Carell returned as Michael Scott for the finale, making a brief but meaningful appearance. Michael was shown to be happier than ever, having finally found the family he always wanted. He was married to Holly and they had children together. He was so proud of his kids that he needed two cell phones just to store all their photos.
During a talking-head segment, Michael expressed his joy at seeing his former employees, saying, > “I feel like all my kids grew up and then they married each other. It’s every parent’s dream.” His return was quiet and understated, showing a content and fulfilled man who no longer needed the spotlight.
Andy’s Redemption and New Path
Andy Bernard had a rocky final season, culminating in a viral video of him having a meltdown during an audition for a singing competition show. He was mocked as “Baby Waa Waa” online, even being parodied on Saturday Night Live.
However, this unexpected fame led to a positive outcome. Andy landed a job in the admissions office at Cornell University, his alma mater. His story showed that even after public embarrassment, it’s possible to bounce back and find a fulfilling path. In a reflective moment, Andy shared, > “I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.”
Where the Supporting Characters Landed
The finale provided updates on the entire Dunder Mifflin family, showing how their lives changed after the documentary.
- Erin: Had an emotional reunion with her birth parents at the documentary panel. Her mother was played by Joan Cusack, and her father was played by Ed Begley Jr. This gave Erin the family she had been searching for her entire life.
- Kevin: Was fired by Dwight for poor job performance but used the opportunity to open his own bar, where he seemed much happier.
- Stanley: Retired and moved to Florida, where he enjoyed a peaceful life woodworking and solving puzzles.
- Phyllis: Remained at the office but missed her old desk partner, Stanley.
- Oscar: Began a campaign for State Senate, inspired to enter politics after his affair with a senator.
- Darryl: Found great success working for Athleap in Austin, eventually becoming the V.P. of Athlete Relations.
- Kelly and Ryan: In a classic move for their chaotic relationship, they reconnected at the wedding. Kelly left her fiancé, Ravi, and they ran away together, leaving Ryan’s baby in the care of Nellie.
- Nellie: Moved to Poland and ended up adopting Ryan’s baby after he and Kelly abandoned him.
- Toby: Moved to New York City to pursue his dream of writing the “great American novel” and lived with six roommates.
- Creed Bratton: His criminal past caught up with him. After faking his death, he was arrested by the police. Before being taken away, he sang a farewell song to his coworkers.
- Meredith: Revealed she had earned her college degree and was proud of her son, who worked as a stripper at Angela’s bachelorette party.
The series ended with the characters giving their final thoughts to the documentary crew, each expressing gratitude for their time at Dunder Mifflin and the unique family they had formed.
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