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« Kate's Office Blog
Episode 9: The Convict
Hi, it's me, Kate Flannery from The Office [Thursdays at 8:30 pm/ET, on NBC]. This week's episode was a lot of fun to shoot. I must admit, in the past few weeks I was hesitant to mention some of my scenes because they didn't make it on the air. But NBC.com has been showing so many of my deleted scenes that I now feel comfortable bringing them up, as long as you keep in mind that you may have to watch them later on the Web (or on the Season 3 DVD extras). OK? That being said, "The Convict" was written by our show's British creators, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. This is the first time they have written specifically for the American version of the show. Pretty cool. Now, usually when we shoot an episode, the writers are on the set all week when we shoot. Ricky and Stephen were not. They haven't been to the set very often. I love it when they come, but when I've seen Ricky there, it seems to me like he is looking at all of us with a sense of, "I can't believe that this exists because of me." That is just my interpretation, but he seems so humble, and kind of reverent. This is a very rare quality, indeed. Although, what do I know? For all I know he could be, like, Dr. Frankenstein, hoping to ditch the beast!
Which brings me back to "The Convict." Michael finds out that one of the employees at Dunder-Mifflin was in prison. This is a really funny episode. I can't say too much about what happens, but it is a great dilemma for Michael Scott and the new big fat Scranton branch. I had fun shooting these scenes. We had fake snow and fake slush. It was a pretty cool transformation. Hannah, played by Ursula Burton, brings her baby to work, so we had two sets of twin babies all week. They were very sweet. I had a fun scene with Rainn [Wilson], Angela [Kinsey] and Wayne Wilderson (Martin) in a car in the fake snow. Rainn is such a genius. He is such a strong part of what makes the American version of The Office great. He is fearless. Honestly. One of the most generous actors I have ever worked with. I know some actors throw out that fake showbiz Rat Pack-y compliment thing — and I realize that I was just performing in Vegas two weeks ago — but I for one really mean it, man. He is one happening cat!
Speaking of Vegas, I was there doing the comedy festival that was part of the Comic Relief weekend. I was there with my comedy lounge act, The Lampshades. (This week there is an online story about The Office, The Lampshades and me on "Pop Candy" at USAToday.com.) The very funny Brian Baumgartner (Kevin) stopped by to check out my show there. (Am I doing that Rat Pack compliment thing again?) May I say, he couldn't sit there for very long in the audience without fans of The Office coming up to him. A MySpacer had spotted him at the blackjack table at Mandalay Bay (that's a little scary, MySpacers). I took a ton of pictures with excited people, even at the Comic Relief after-party. Me, the redhead in the corner who plays Meredith! No, I was not drunk. (Well, not that drunk.) I ran into my funny friend, lucky Louis CK, and my talented and fascinating new acquaintance, Bruce Vilanch (we were both in the Valley of the Dolls documentary on the new DVD). I had a nice chat with the charming and hilarious Craig Ferguson (we met years ago when we did the movie Life Without Dick). I still can't get over how much people love and appreciate The Office. We had a blast. The Lampshades went on after a guy who calls himself "the mini Elvis." Get the picture? And may I say, he is one beautiful, hardworking entertainer, man.
Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. If you are Christmas shopping, don't forget to TiVo or tape the show. The Office is still on Thursdays at 8:30 pm.
I know a lot of Office fans are worried that things have changed at Dunder-Mifflin. Please don't worry, we are all in very good hands. And I mean that, man. Ring-a-ding-ding!
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Nov 29, 2006 4:10 PM
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Kate
Thanks for the post! I'm really looking forward to this new episode...two weeks is way too long to wait!
I heard the Pop Candy podcast, and thought it was great. You've prompted me to check out The Lampshades (great name, by the way).
Thanks again!
Dave
http://thescrantonbranch.com
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Nov 29, 2006 6:11 PM
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It's not that we don't trust that the show's in good hands, it's just that...well, sometimes we can't help but worry, because we are winding up having dreams in which we're trying to make a very upset Pam Beesly feel better, repeatedly reassuring her that, "No! I know Jim still has feelings for you! Don't give up! You have to put yourself out there like he put himself out there for you! It's going to be okay, Pam! I know he still feels the same way!" It's just because we love the show so much!
And, yes, we myspacers are a little scary. I hope most of the time, it's in the nice way! It's just because we love the show so much!
We are a fervent bunch.
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Nov 29, 2006 7:04 PM
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Great blog! Can't wait to watch my TiVo tomorrow night!!
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Nov 29, 2006 10:27 PM
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I cant wait to see the convict, I think Ricky Gervais is absolutely hilarious.
Sounds like you had fun in Vegas! I really hope we myspacers don't scare you too much. We just try to show our love and support for the show.
Thanks again for taking the time to blog!
Claudia 
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Nov 29, 2006 10:31 PM
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Great Blog. Can't wait until tomorrow's episode. All the other parents at my kids practice stand against the wall on Thursday nights because they know that I will be running in at 7:22, snatching up my kids 8 minutes before practice ends, and peeling out of the parking lot because the Office comes on at 7:30 here. The kids would be embarrassed but they have this weird sort of acceptance for the deal...plus, they love the show as well.
Can't wait to see the Lampshades in January!!!
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Nov 29, 2006 10:35 PM
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Can't wait for tomorrow's show! It sounds like it's gonna be a great one! Thanks for posting this blog.
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Nov 29, 2006 10:35 PM
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Kate-
Great blog this week. It must be a thrill having Stephen and Ricky on the set with you guys. You said that Ricky sits there with a sense of pride (or a la Frankenstein), but what's it like for you guys having them there? It must be great fun for you all though, eh?
I'm excited to see a new episode tomorrow (the one week hiatus felt much longer than it is), and I'm sure your scenes will be included, and will be as great as ever.
Keep up the great work Kate!
- Kyle in Vancouver
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Nov 29, 2006 10:36 PM
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Love the show!! Can't wait to see the new episode!
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Nov 29, 2006 10:38 PM
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We can't have you kicked out of the blog union! =) I always enjoy your insights, Kate. Thanks for being so generous with your fans.
The Lampshades RULE! =)
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Nov 29, 2006 10:41 PM
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You rock. I just love your complexion. It's like Angel Food Cake. Bring the Lampshades to NY some time, would ya?
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Nov 29, 2006 10:53 PM
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If I was Ricky Gervais, I'd be like: "These yanks always trying to steal our bloody ideas..."
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Nov 29, 2006 10:56 PM
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Thanks Kate for the inside scoop. Gotta let us know if the Lampshades ever come to the East coast.
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Nov 29, 2006 11:02 PM
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Thanks for another post, Kate!
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Nov 29, 2006 11:07 PM
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I love all the inside info you give us Kate... and one of these days Ima make a special trip down to see you when you do the Lampshades in LA
Thanks for the laughs
Julie
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Nov 29, 2006 11:08 PM
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