Christmas Special Part 2
Overview
The Office Christmas Specials are two 45-minute episodes which conclude the series. They were first shown in the United Kingdom on December 26th and 27th 2003.
Plot
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
David searches online for dates for the christmas party, with help from Gareth. The dates, however, are farfrom successful: on the first date David makes small talk about breasts (much to the woman’s disdain), the second date never happens due to her insulting the boss from “The Office” (she is unaware that it is in fact David calling), and the third date is with a woman David finds boring and unattractive; a fact he is not shy about sharing. The fourth and final date is more successful. Dawn returns with Lee and catches up with her old colleagues. Tim and Dawn get back into old habits by winding up Gareth, while David crosses the line with Neil by bringing his dog into the office; Neil offers him a stern warning. Dawn explains to Tim how her dreams of being an illustrator are over, resulting in a snide comment from Lee. David and Carol, albeit awkwardly at first, get to know each other and begin developing bonds. Lee pesters Dawn about leaving, but she is reluctant, using the impending secret Santa present giving as an excuse to stay. Lee is dismissive of this and gets ready to go. After retrieving her secret Santa gift they both leave. Dawn and Lee are in a taxi; Lee is asleep while Dawn looks tenderly upon her gift: an oil painting set from Tim, alongside the sketch of himself Dawn had done earlier in the day, adorned with the words "never give up”. David and Carol part ways at the end of the evening. The mood between them is good, and a second meeting is implied. When returning to the party, David is subject to a harsh joke about his date. He tells Chris Finch to “fuck off”, leaving him and Neil at a loss for words. Unexpectedly Dawn returns; she has left Lee and tenderly embraces Tim, much to Gareth’s dismay. David and the old office team pose for photographs as he finally triumphs at making them laugh.
Cast/Characters
Main Cast
Ricky Gervais as David Brent
Martin Freeman as Tim Canterbury
Mackenzie Crook as Gareth Keenan
Lucy Davis as Dawn Tinsley
Recurring Cast
Patrick Baladi as Neil Godwin
Ralph Ineson as Chris Finch
Awards and Acclaim
- Nominated for the British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy
- Nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Made for Television Movie
- Nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
Trivia
The part of Gordon the Janitor is played by Ron Merchant, Steve's Father
The voice of David's second date is provided by Julia Davis, best known for the dark BBC3 Comedy Nighty Night