Jim tricks Dwight into thinking the building is unsafe to get Pam pie, Nellie seeks Andy's recommendation for adoption, funny and embarrassing moments on the work bus, dangerous stunt goes wrong, scenes and moments analyzed
The concept of the work bus highlights the challenges of working in tight quarters and how it affects both work and personal relationships.
The iconic Shibuya roll call scene was inspired by Spike Lee's 'Get on the Bus' and brought a great sense of camaraderie among the cast members.
Notable incidents like Pam getting covered in coffee, Andy's animosity towards Nellie, and Darryl and Clark being left behind highlight the comedic and dramatic aspects of the episode.
Deep dives
The Office Ladies Revisit 'Work Bus'
In this episode, Jim tries to make up for keeping a secret from Pam by guilt-gifting her a week off of work. However, things go awry when Jim's attempts to make the week special for Pam only result in her getting covered in coffee. Meanwhile, Andy is mean to Nellie when she asks for a character reference for an adoption application. As tension builds on the cramped work bus, mishaps and conflicts arise, revealing the challenges of working in such tight quarters.
The Origin and Execution of the Work Bus
The concept of the work bus was inspired by a real-life story of a Microsoft office in China that introduced a similar bus with work desks. However, the Office version of the work bus is filled with desks, chairs, lamps, water coolers, printers, and more. The cramped space leads to escalating tensions and uncomfortable situations for the Dunder Mifflin employees as they struggle with their work and personal relationships.
Shibuya Roll Call and Behind-the-Scenes Fun
The episode features the iconic Shibuya roll call scene, where the characters sing and introduce themselves. This scene, inspired by Spike Lee's 'Get on the Bus,' has multiple alternative versions and deleted scenes. The cast had a blast shooting these scenes, and Ellie Kemper even shared a funny anecdote of wetting her pants from laughing too hard. The energy on set contributed to the hilarity and camaraderie among the cast members.
Notable Moments and Character Interactions
Throughout the episode, notable moments include Pam getting covered in coffee, Andy being mean to Nellie, and Darryl and Clark being left behind from the work bus. These incidents reveal the challenges and conflicts faced by the characters, whether it's Jim's guilt gifting, Andy's animosity towards Nellie, or the frustrations of working in a cramped space. These moments contribute to the comedic and dramatic aspects of the episode.
The Work Bus Mishap
During filming, a stunt driver's swerve caused the cast and loose items on the bus to go flying, resulting in minor injuries.
The Pie Incident and Fresh Air Fiasco
After surviving the bus mishap, the cast enjoyed delicious pies, unknowingly breathing in exhaust fumes from a portable air conditioning unit that was connected to the bus's exhaust pipe.
This week we’re breaking down “Work Bus”. When Jim convinces Dwight the building is unsafe to work in, Dwight rents a bus for the office to work from. Jim seizes the opportunity to use the bus to get Pam some delicious pie and Erin helps Nellie with her adoption process. Ellie Kemper sends in an audio clip about peeing her pants while shooting “Work Bus” and Brent Forrester sends in clips about his memories writing and shooting this episode too. Jenna deep dives fail videos, Angela reads some “Roll Call” alts, and the ladies talk about the two incidents that made the cast deem this episode “Death Bus”. So avoid hitchhiking while playing hooky from work and enjoy this epic episode!
