Gay Witch Hunt

1st episode of the 3rd season of The Office

"Gay Witch Hunt"

The Office episode
Episode no.| Season 3
Episode 1
Directed by| Ken Kwapis
Written by| Greg Daniels
Cinematography by| Randall Einhorn
Editing by| David Rogers
Production code| 301
Original air date| September 21, 2006 (2006-09-21)
Running time| 22 minutes
Guest appearances

* Creed Bratton as Creed Bratton
* Charles Esten as Josh Porter
* Ed Helms as Andy Bernard
* Rashida Jones as Karen Filippelli

Episode chronology
| ← Previous
"Casino Night"  | Next →
"The Convention"

|

The Office (American season 3)
List of episodes

"Gay Witch Hunt" is the third-season premiere of the American comedy television series The Office and the show's twenty-ninth episode overall. Written by executive producer and show runner Greg Daniels and directed by Ken Kwapis, the episode first aired in the United States on September 21, 2006, on NBC.

The series depicts the everyday lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. In the episode, Michael Scott (Steve Carell) discovers that Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nunez) is gay. Michael tries to show Oscar that he is accepting of his sexual orientation, but only ends up insulting him. After kissing Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer), Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) transfers to Stamford. In addition, Pam calls off her engagement with Roy Anderson (David Denman).

An estimated 9.1 million viewers watched the episode, a 23 percent increase from the previous season premiere "The Dundies". "Gay Witch Hunt" received positive reviews from television critics.

## Plot

[edit]

Jim Halpert is revealed to have transferred to Dunder Mifflin's Stamford, Connecticut office from Scranton, with Ryan Howard taking over his old job.

After calling Oscar Martinez "faggy", Michael Scott is reprimanded by Toby Flenderson, who reveals to Michael that Oscar is in fact gay. While attempting to apologize, Michael inadvertently outs Oscar to the entire office. Jan Levinson berates Michael for his behavior, after Michael's seminar on homosexuality is a disaster. When Oscar threatens to quit, Michael attempts to reconcile with Oscar, first by hugging him, and then kissing him on the lips. Oscar is given three months paid vacation and use of a company car in exchange for not suing Dunder Mifflin.

In a flashback to the moments after their kiss, Pam Beesly confirms to Jim her intention to marry her fiancé, Roy Anderson. However, in the present, Pam reveals to the documentary crew that just days before the wedding, she got cold feet and called it off, moving into her own apartment and beginning to take art classes. Pam's rejection sent Roy into a downward spiral, hitting rock bottom with a drunk driving arrest. In an interview with the camera crew, Roy vows to win Pam back.

At Stamford, Jim meets smug co-worker Andy Bernard, who brags about his wild college days at Cornell University. Sales representative Karen Filippelli expresses uncertainty about Jim's interactions with the documentary crew, particularly his facial expressions. Jim pranks Andy by encasing his desk calculator in gelatin, but is surprised when Andy reacts with fury.

In a closing credits scene, Dwight receives a handheld metal detector as a gift from Jim, who has convinced Dwight it is a "gaydar" device. Dwight uses the device on Oscar, whose belt buckle sets it off, convincing Dwight that Jim was telling the truth; Dwight's own belt buckle also sets off the metal detector, perturbing him and amusing Pam.

## Production

[edit]

"Gay Witch Hunt" was the eighth episode of the series directed by Ken Kwapis. Kwapis had previously directed "Pilot", "Diversity Day", "Sexual Harassment", "The Fire", "The Fight", "Booze Cruise", and "Casino Night". "Gay Witch Hunt" was written by executive producer and show runner Greg Daniels.[1]

The kiss between Michael and Oscar in the conference room was scripted to be on the cheek, but according to Paul Lieberstein, "One take, [Michael actor] Steve [Carell] just won't let Oscar [Nunez] turn away. He got closer and closer and it just got creepy." The other cast members were laughing during the kiss but because the camera stays focused on Carell and Nunez, the scene was still usable.[2] Nunez has said that the scene was shot a couple times without Carell kissing him at all.[3]

At Paleyfest in early 2007, Steve Carell later recalled that he enjoyed the episode "because it spoke to the fact that Michael is not a homophobe; he just doesn't understand the world. They are two very different things. It's not that he's intrinsically racist or homophobic or sexist, he just doesn't have a frame of reference. He's not capable of understanding. And once he does glean some understanding he misinterprets it into something altogether. But I think at least the way I feel about the character is he's a decent heart, a decent person and he's just trying his best."[4]

The third season DVD contains a number of deleted scenes from this episode, including Karen pulling a prank on Jim by programming the "9" button on his office phone to speed dial a Hong Kong number and then rebuffing his attempt to establish camaraderie, Andy demonstrating his vertical leap to Jim, Michael suggesting Pam use a body pillow as a surrogate for Roy, Jim explaining why he prefers Josh as a boss, and Michael updating the documentary crew on his relationship with Carol.[5]

## Reception

[edit]

"Gay Witch Hunt" first aired on NBC on September 21, 2006. The Nielsen ratings for "Gay Witch Hunt" indicated that it was watched by approximately 9.1 million viewers, a 23 percent increase from the second season premiere "The Dundies".[6] During its timeslot, "Gay Witch Hunt" ranked second among men ages 18–49 and 24–54, and first among men ages 18–34.[7]

"Gay Witch Hunt" generally received praise from critics. TV Guide's Matt Roush admitted that he "loved Oscar's self-deprecating reaction to his newfound notoriety".[8] Roush said that when watching Michael "you can't help but forgive the idiot, while wondering how in the world he manages to keep his job," and that the kiss between Michael and Oscar was "horrifically funny".[8] Brian Zoromski of IGN rated the episode with a 9 out of 10, an indication of an "amazing" episode. He observed that the episode's best scenes "show the impact of Jim and Pam being in different offices," and thought Andy's reactions made the audience appreciate Dwight more.[9]

Steve West of Cinemablend stated that "the balance between laughing at Michael’s ineptitude and the discomfit of Oscar was handled so deftly that it’s a wonder the show became successful when similarly great writing in Arrested Development did nothing to garner viewers."[10] For his work on this episode, Greg Daniels won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series.[11] Ken Kwapis also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series for his work on this episode as well, but lost to Ugly Betty's Richard Shepard for his work on the pilot episode.[12]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Gay Witch Hunt". TV.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2013. Retrieved June 24, 2008.
2. ^ Goldman, Eric (March 5, 2007). "Paley Fest: The Office". Zap2it. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
3. ^ Horwitch, Lauren (December 21, 2006). "Method to 'The Office' Madness". Backstage. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
4. ^ Ford Sullivan, Brian (March 5, 2007). "Live at the Paley Festival: NBC's "The Office"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
5. ^ Deleted scenes for "Gay Witch Hunt" (DVD). Universal Studios Home Entertainment. 2007. The Office: Season Three Disc 1
6. ^ Westbury, Anna (May 17, 2012). "Infographic: The Lifespan of The Office". Paste Magazine. Wolfgang's Vault. Archived from the original on May 19, 2012. Retrieved May 19, 2012.
7. ^ Tan, Jeannie (September 26, 2006). "The Office Nielsen Ratings". OfficeTally.com. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
8. ^ a b Roush, Matt (September 22, 2006) "A Gay Old Office Time". TV Guide. Retrieved June 25, 2008 Archived May 8, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
9. ^ Zoromski, Brian (September 22, 2006). "The Office: Gay Witch Hunt Review". IGN. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
10. ^ West, Steve (September 22, 2006) "TV Recap: The Office Season Premiere". Cinemablend. Retrieved June 25, 2008
11. ^ "Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series 2007". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
12. ^ "The Office". Emmys.com. Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved December 20, 2012.

## External links

[edit]

* "Gay Witch Hunt" at NBC.com[dead link]
* "Gay Witch Hunt" at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

The Office (American TV series) episodes

Season 1|

* "Pilot"
* "Diversity Day"
* "Health Care"
* "The Alliance"
* "Basketball"
* "Hot Girl"

Season 2|

* "The Dundies"
* "Sexual Harassment"
* "Office Olympics"
* "The Fire"
* "Halloween"
* "The Fight"
* "The Client"
* "Performance Review"
* "Email Surveillance"
* "Christmas Party"
* "Booze Cruise"
* "The Injury"
* "The Secret"
* "The Carpet"
* "Boys and Girls"
* "Valentine's Day"
* "Dwight's Speech"
* "Take Your Daughter to Work Day"
* "Michael's Birthday"
* "Drug Testing"
* "Conflict Resolution"
* "Casino Night"

Season 3|

* "Gay Witch Hunt"
* "The Convention"
* "The Coup"
* "Grief Counseling"
* "Initiation"
* "Diwali"
* "Branch Closing"
* "The Merger"
* "The Convict"
* "A Benihana Christmas"
* "Back from Vacation"
* "Traveling Salesmen"
* "The Return"
* "Ben Franklin"
* "Phyllis' Wedding"
* "Business School"
* "Cocktails"
* "The Negotiation"
* "Safety Training"
* "Product Recall"
* "Women's Appreciation"
* "Beach Games"
* "The Job"

Season 4|

* "Fun Run"
* "Dunder Mifflin Infinity"
* "Launch Party"
* "Money"
* "Local Ad"
* "Branch Wars"
* "Survivor Man"
* "The Deposition"
* "Dinner Party"
* "Chair Model"
* "Night Out"
* "Did I Stutter?"
* "Job Fair"
* "Goodbye, Toby"

Season 5|

* "Weight Loss"
* "Employee Transfer"
* "Moroccan Christmas"
* "The Duel"
* "Prince Family Paper"
* "Stress Relief"
* "Lecture Circuit"
* "Blood Drive"
* "Golden Ticket"
* "New Boss"
* "Two Weeks"
* "Dream Team"
* "Michael Scott Paper Company"
* "Heavy Competition"
* "Broke"
* "Casual Friday"
* "Cafe Disco"
* "Company Picnic"

Season 6|

* "Gossip"
* "The Meeting"
* "The Promotion"
* "Niagara"
* "Mafia"
* "The Lover"
* "Koi Pond"
* "Double Date"
* "Murder"
* "Shareholder Meeting"
* "Scott's Tots"
* "Secret Santa"
* "The Banker"
* "Sabre"
* "The Manager and the Salesman"
* "The Delivery"
* "St. Patrick's Day"
* "New Leads"
* "Happy Hour"
* "Secretary's Day"
* "Body Language"
* "The Cover-Up"
* "The Chump"
* "Whistleblower"

Season 7|

* "Nepotism"
* "Counseling"
* "Andy's Play"
* "Sex Ed"
* "The Sting"
* "Costume Contest"
* "Christening"
* "Viewing Party"
* "WUPHF.com"
* "China"
* "Classy Christmas"
* "Ultimatum"
* "The Seminar"
* "The Search"
* "PDA"
* "Threat Level Midnight"
* "Todd Packer"
* "Garage Sale"
* "Training Day"
* "Michael's Last Dundies"
* "Goodbye, Michael"
* "The Inner Circle"
* "Dwight K. Schrute, (Acting) Manager"
* "Search Committee"

Season 8|

* "The List"
* "The Incentive"
* "Lotto"
* "Garden Party"
* "Spooked"
* "Doomsday"
* "Pam's Replacement"
* "Gettysburg"
* "Mrs. California"
* "Christmas Wishes"
* "Trivia"
* "Pool Party"
* "Jury Duty"
* "Special Project"
* "Tallahassee"
* "After Hours"
* "Test the Store"
* "Last Day in Florida"
* "Get the Girl"
* "Welcome Party"
* "Angry Andy"
* "Fundraiser"
* "Turf War"
* "Free Family Portrait Studio"

Season 9|

* "New Guys"
* "Roy's Wedding"
* "Andy's Ancestry"
* "Work Bus"
* "Here Comes Treble"
* "The Boat"
* "The Whale"
* "The Target"
* "Dwight Christmas"
* "Lice"
* "Suit Warehouse"
* "Customer Loyalty"
* "Junior Salesman"
* "Vandalism"
* "Couples Discount"
* "Moving On"
* "The Farm"
* "Promos"
* "Stairmageddon"
* "Paper Airplane"
* "Livin' the Dream"
* "A.A.R.M."
* "Finale"

* v
* t
* e

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

1950s|

* James Allardice & Jack Douglas & Hal Kanter & Harry Winkler for The George Gobel Show (1955)
* Arnold M. Auerbach & Barry Blitzer & Vincent Bogert & Nat Hiken & Coleman Jacoby & Harvey Orkin & Arnold Rosen & Terry Ryan & Tony Webster for The Phil Silvers Show (1956)
* No Award (1957)
* Billy Friedberg & Nat Hiken & Coleman Jacoby & Arnold Rosen & A.J. Russell & Terry Ryan & Phil Sharp & Tony Webster & Sydney Zelinka for The Phil Silvers Show (1958)
* George Balzer & Hal Goldman & Al Gordon & Sam Perrin for The Jack Benny Show (1959)

1960s|

* George Balzer & Hal Goldman & Al Gordon & Sam Perrin for The Jack Benny Show (1960)
* Dave O'Brien & Martin Ragaway & Sherwood Schwartz & Al Schwartz & Red Skelton for The Red Skelton Show (1961)
* Carl Reiner for The Dick Van Dyke Show (1962)
* Carl Reiner for The Dick Van Dyke Show (1963)
* No Award (1964)
* No Award (1965)
* Sam Denoff & Bill Persky for "Coast to Coast Big Mouth" (1966)
* Buck Henry & Leonard B. Stern for "Ship of Spies: Parts 1 and 2" (1967)
* Allan Burns & Chris Hayward for "The Coming Out Party" (1968)
* No Award (1969)

1970s|

* No Award (1970)
* James L. Brooks & Allan Burns for "Support Your Local Mother" (1971)
* Burt Styler for "Edith's Problem" (1972)
* Lee Kalcheim & Michael Ross & Bernie West for "The Bunkers and the Swingers" (1973)
* Treva Silverman for "The Lou and Edie Story" (1974)
* Stan Daniels & Ed. Weinberger for "Will Mary Richards Go to Jail?" (1975)
* David Lloyd for "Chuckles Bites the Dust" (1976)
* James L. Brooks & Allan Burns & Stan Daniels & Bob Ellison & David Lloyd & Ed. Weinberger for "The Last Show" (1977)
* Harve Brosten & Barry Harman & Bob Schiller & Bob Weiskopf for "Cousin Liz" (1978)
* No Award (1979)

1980s|

* R.J. Colleary for "The Photographer" (1980)
* Michael J. Leeson for "Tony's Sister and Jim" (1981)
* Ken Estin for "Elegant Iggy" (1982)
* Glen Charles and Les Charles for "Give Me a Ring Sometime" (1983)
* David Angell for "Old Flames" (1984)
* Ed. Weinberger & Michael J. Leeson for "Pilot" (The Cosby Show) (1985)
* Barry Fanaro & Mort Nathan for "A Little Romance" (1986)
* Gary David Goldberg & Alan Uger for "A, My Name is Alex" (1987)
* Hugh Wilson for "The Bridge" (1988)
* Diane English for "Pilot" (Murphy Brown) (1989)

1990s|

* Bob Brush for "Good-bye" (1990)
* Gary Dontzig & Steven Peterman for "Jingle Hell, Jingle Hell, Jingle All the Way" (1991)
* Elaine Pope & Larry Charles for "The Fix-Up" (1992)
* Larry David for "The Contest" (1993)
* David Angell & Peter Casey & David Lee for "The Good Son" (1994)
* Chuck Ranberg & Anne Flett-Giordano for "An Affair to Forget" (1995)
* Joe Keenan & Christopher Lloyd & Rob Greenberg & Jack Burditt & Chuck Ranberg & Anne Flett-Giordano & Linda Morris & Vic Rauseo for "Moon Dance" (1996)
* Ellen DeGeneres & Mark Driscoll & Dava Savel & Tracy Newman & Jonathan Stark for "The Puppy Episode" (1997)
* Peter Tolan & Garry Shandling for "Flip" (1998)
* Jay Kogen for "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz" (1999)

2000s|

* Linwood Boomer for "Pilot" (Malcolm in the Middle) (2000)
* Alex Reid for "Bowling" (2001)
* Larry Wilmore for "Pilot" (The Bernie Mac Show) (2002)
* Tucker Cawley for "Baggage" (2003)
* Mitchell Hurwitz for "Pilot" (Arrested Development) (2004)
* Mitchell Hurwitz & Jim Vallely for "Righteous Brothers" (2005)
* Greg Garcia for "Pilot" (My Name Is Earl) (2006)
* Greg Daniels for "Gay Witch Hunt" (2007)
* Tina Fey for "Cooter" (2008)
* Matt Hubbard for "Reunion" (2009)

2010s|

* Steven Levitan & Christopher Lloyd for "Pilot" (Modern Family) (2010)
* Steven Levitan & Jeffrey Richman for "Caught in the Act" (2011)
* Louis C.K. for "Pregnant" (2012)
* Tina Fey & Tracey Wigfield for "Last Lunch" (2013)
* Louis C.K. for "So Did the Fat Lady" (2014)
* Simon Blackwell & Armando Iannucci & Tony Roche for "Election Night" (2015)
* Aziz Ansari & Alan Yang for "Parents" (2016)
* Aziz Ansari & Lena Waithe for "Thanksgiving" (2017)
* Amy Sherman-Palladino for "Pilot" (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) (2018)
* Phoebe Waller-Bridge for "Episode 1" (2019)

2020s|

* Dan Levy for "Happy Ending" (2020)
* Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky for "There Is No Line" (2021)
* Quinta Brunson for "Pilot" (Abbott Elementary) (2022)
* Christopher Storer for "System" (2023)
* Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky for "Bulletproof" (2024)

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