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"Prince Family Paper"
The Office episode
Episode no.Season 5
Episode 13
Directed byAsaad Kelada
Written byB. J. Novak
Cinematography byMatt Sohn
Editing byDean Holland
Production code512[1]
Original air dateJanuary 22, 2009 (2009-01-22)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"The Duel" 		Next →
"Stress Relief"
The Office (American season 5)
List of episodes

"Prince Family Paper" is the thirteenth episode of the fifth season of the American comedy television series The Office. The show's 85th overall episode, it originally aired on NBC in the United States on January 22, 2009. In the episode, Michael and Dwight go undercover to seek information on a family-owned business competitor, and Michael has a crisis of conscience when they turn out to be very nice people. Meanwhile, the others in the office passionately debate whether actress Hilary Swank can be considered "hot".

The episode was directed by Asaad Kelada and written by B. J. Novak, who also plays Ryan on the show. The script addresses the Darwinistic nature of capitalism in its portrayal of the larger corporation Dunder Mifflin threatening a small mom-and-pop business, as well as societal definitions of beauty in the differing arguments regarding Swank's attractiveness. Dan Bakkedahl makes a guest appearance as the business owner's son.

The episode received generally mixed reviews. According to Nielsen Media Research, "Prince Family Paper" was seen by 8.74 million viewers, a slight increase from the previous week's episode, "The Duel".

Plot

[edit]

Dunder Mifflin CFO David Wallace enlists Michael Scott to report on the success of a small family-owned paper company named Prince Paper, that works in an area where Dunder Mifflin has never acquired clients. Michael brings Dwight Schrute to help gather information. Michael visits posing as a potential customer named "Michael Scarn", while Dwight pretends to request a job. The owner, Roger Prince, gives Michael the company's customer list to use as a reference, and Michael and Dwight leave triumphantly.

However, Michael damages his car while exiting his parking space, which catches the attention of the Prince family. They come out to help fix the car. Michael is moved by their kindness and has a change of heart regarding giving the customer list to David, while Dwight is instead amused. Back at the office, Dwight tries to convince Michael he cannot let his heart get in the way of business. Michael agrees to send the list and his information to Wallace, but then tries to get rid of the list. Dwight chases Michael down and takes the list from him, causing Michael to give in. David calls Michael to congratulate him on getting the list. Michael claims he is feeling a "bittersweet" moment: bitter because he potentially ruined a decent family, but sweet because he satisfied David Wallace.

The rest of the office debates whether Hilary Swank is "hot", feeling they cannot resume work until a majority takes one side or the other. Kevin Malone leads the group voting she is not hot, claiming she looks like a "monster". Jim convinces Kevin to switch sides by having him imagine Hilary kissing him, only for Kevin to switch back, saying the debate is whether she is hot, not whether he would have sex with her. Angela Martin votes "hot" to spite Kevin and his crude remarks. Kelly Kapoor, who believes herself less attractive than Swank, gets emotional when Toby Flenderson defends his "not hot" vote. Pam Beesly argues they should not let the Kevins of the world decide who is hot. Oscar Martinez gives a presentation about the structure of Swank's facial features, concluding she is "attractive... not hot." An uncharacteristically uplifting Stanley Hudson votes hot, saying that pointing out flaws is no way to live life. The sides remain tied until Michael, oblivious of their debate, passes by the pictures on the wall and casually calls her hot.

Production

[edit]
"Prince Family Paper" was written by B. J. Novak, who also plays Ryan on the show.

"Prince Family Paper" was directed by Asaad Kelada and written by B. J. Novak, who also plays Ryan Howard on the show. The episode portrays capitalism as Darwinistic in nature, particularly through its portrayal of the larger corporation Dunder Mifflin threatening the small mom-and-pop business Prince Family Paper, as well as societal definitions of beauty in the differing arguments regarding the hotness of Hilary Swank.[2][3]

Dan Bakkedahl, a comedian best known as a correspondent from the Comedy Central comedy program The Daily Show, made a guest appearance as Robert Prince, Jr., the son of the Prince Paper owner.[4] When Michael infiltrates Prince Family Paper, he identifies himself as Michael Scarn. This is a reference to the second season episode "The Client", in which Pam discovers an action film screenplay starring a character based on himself named Agent Michael Scarn.[5]

Cultural references

[edit]

Reception

[edit]

Ratings

[edit]

In its original American broadcast on January 22, 2009, "Prince Family Paper" was watched by 8.74 million overall viewers,[8] about a five percent increase in viewership over the previous episode, "The Duel".[9] "Prince Family Paper" received a 5.3 rating/14 share among viewers aged between 18 and 34, and a 4.6 rating/11 share among viewers between 18 and 49. It was outperformed by CSI: Crime Scene Investigation on CBS, which was seen by 17.53 million households, and Grey's Anatomy on ABC, which was seen by 14.25 million households, although commentators said The Office still fared well against the tough competition. "Prince Family Paper" earned higher ratings than the Fox series Bones, which moved to Thursday for the first time and drew 7.5 million viewers.[8]

Tonight was about as inconsequential as The Office gets. With the exception of Michael’s moral quandary as to whether or to take advantage of the naivety of a comically friendly rival paper company it was all about gags, some inspired, some relatively arbitrary.

Nathan Rabin, The A.V. Club[4]

Critical reception

[edit]

"Prince Family Paper" received generally mixed reviews. Travis Fickett of IGN called it one of the show's better Michael-and-Dwight centric episodes, and called the chase between them "a classic scene and perfectly executed". Fickett also praised several character moments, like Kelly's breakdown over whether Hilary Swank is hot, but said the Swank subplot was less interesting than the main story.[6] Brian Howard of The Journal News said he appreciated that the script had Michael follow through on betraying the Princes, rather than deciding to spare them, because he felt it was more realistic. Howard said, "They didn’t let Michael off the hook. Instead the writers took a dark and dirty turn toward the truly tragic, in the literal sense of the word." He also praised the Hilary Swank subplot as funny and a realistic conversation topic among officemates, although he admitted it was "relegated to almost buffer status" to the main plot.[5] Alan Sepinwall, television columnist with The Star-Ledger, said Michael's conflicted feelings about betraying the Prince family came up too late and resolved too abruptly to work well, and that the chase between Michael and Dwight was a poorly constructed "misfire". However, he called the subplot about Hilary Swank "genius with a capital G".[10]

TV Squad writer Jay Black praised the main plot, and wrote, "I was delighted that the trip to the Prince Family Paper Company became a test of Michael's morals rather than the usual exercise in his stupidity." Black said Dwight's attempts to get Michael to give up the client list were among the best set of scenes for the season. However, Black said the Hilary Swank subplot suffered in comparison, and felt like a vain attempt to find something for the supporting cast to do.[3] The A.V. Club writer Nathan Rabin was disappointed with "Prince Family Paper", calling it overly dependent on throwaway gags and describing it as "about as inconsequential as The Office gets". Rabin complimented the opening gag with Jim and Dwight, but said it "felt like the kind of gag the show has pulled off dozens, if not hundreds of times, before".[4] Alynda Wheat of Entertainment Weekly said it was not one of the strongest Office episodes and that the script took a particularly mean tone with the Prince Family Paper subplot, but that it also included some enjoyable moments like Jim's prank against Dwight in the opening scene.[7] Will Leitch of New York magazine was very critical of the episode, especially the Hilary Swank subplot (which he said "sounded like a conversation B. J. Novak had with himself at a party and submitted as a backup script") and the fact that the episode had nothing to do with the show's ongoing plotlines.[11]

Hilary Swank's reaction

[edit]

Hilary Swank said of the episode in an interview with Time magazine: "I'm not a big television watcher, but definitely everyone made me aware of it. It's flattering anytime someone mentions you. But I don't think of myself in terms of that."[12] She elaborated later in the interview: "There is so much [emphasis] put on the way we look, which is interesting, going back to the Office question. Are you hot, or are you not? It really does a disservice. There's so much more to life than looking a certain way."[12]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Prince Family Paper

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Prince Family Paper" is the thirteenth episode of the fifth season of the American comedy television series The Office, originally airing on NBC on January 22, 2009. Written by B.J. Novak and directed by Asaad Kelada, the episode centers on Michael Scott (Steve Carell) and Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson), who are tasked by Dunder Mifflin executive David Wallace to go undercover at Prince Family Paper, a small family-owned competitor, to gather intelligence for a potential takeover. Michael's growing sympathy for the Prince family creates a moral conflict, ultimately leading him to sabotage the mission to protect them, highlighting themes of corporate ethics and personal loyalty. Meanwhile, back at the Dunder Mifflin office, the employees engage in a lighthearted debate about whether actress Hilary Swank is attractive, providing comedic relief from the main storyline. The episode explores Michael's internal struggle between his desire to impress authority figures like David Wallace and his innate need to be seen as a "nice guy," a recurring character trait that underscores the series' blend of workplace satire and character-driven humor. Critically, "Prince Family Paper" received a 7.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb from over 6,000 users, praised for its emotional depth in Michael's arc but critiqued by some for uneven pacing in the subplot. The AV Club awarded it a B-, noting its familiar gags and mild amusement value within the season's narrative arc. Overall, the episode exemplifies The Office's ability to juxtapose heartfelt moments with absurd office banter, contributing to the show's enduring popularity in depicting American corporate life.

Episode information

Broadcast details

"Prince Family Paper" premiered on on January 22, 2009, as the thirteenth episode of the fifth season and the eighty-fifth episode overall of the series. The episode was produced under code 5012 and aired in the standard half-hour comedy format with an original runtime of 22 minutes. Following its initial broadcast, the episode became available on the Season 5 DVD set, released on September 8, 2009, which includes all twenty-six episodes of the season across five discs. As of 2025, it remains accessible for streaming on Peacock, the official platform hosting the complete series.

Cast and crew

The "Prince Family Paper" episode features the core ensemble cast of , portraying the employees of Scranton in their typical office dynamics, alongside a select group of guest performers depicting the rival Prince family.

Main Cast

  • Steve Carell as Michael Scott, the regional manager of Scranton, navigating corporate directives.
  • Rainn Wilson as , the ambitious salesman assisting in the episode's investigative subplot.
  • John Krasinski as , the salesman engaging in workplace pranks and observations.
  • Jenna Fischer as , the receptionist handling office reception duties.
  • B. J. Novak as , the temp turned corporate worker contributing to office interactions.
  • Leslie David Baker as Stanley Hudson, the veteran salesman focused on his crossword puzzles.
  • Brian Baumgartner as , the accountant involved in branch conversations.
  • Angela Kinsey as , the senior accountant managing accounting tasks.
  • Oscar Nuñez as Oscar Martinez, the accountant participating in team discussions.
  • Phyllis Smith as Phyllis Vance, the saleswoman attending sales meetings.
  • Creed Bratton as , the quality assurance representative offering quirky input.
  • Kate Flannery as Meredith Palmer, the supplier relations representative in warehouse scenes.
  • Paul Lieberstein as Toby Flenderson, the human resources representative handling HR matters.
  • Mindy Kaling as , the customer service representative engaging in social exchanges.
  • Ed Helms as , the salesman involved in group activities.
  • Craig Robinson as Darryl Philbin, the warehouse foreman overseeing warehouse operations.

Guest Stars

  • Dan Bakkedahl as Roger Prince, Jr., the son and operational representative of the family-owned Prince Paper Company, showcasing the business's competitive edge. Bakkedahl, known for recurring roles in political satires like , brings a polished corporate demeanor to the character.
  • Dan Desmond as Roger Prince, Sr., the patriarch and owner of Prince Paper, embodying the ethos.
  • Sharon Blackwood as Linda Prince, a member of the Prince family supporting the company's operations.
  • Emily Rae Argenti as Rebecca Prince, another family member contributing to the company's portrayal.
  • Andy Buckley as Wallace, the CFO of , appearing in a voice cameo to issue instructions.
The episode was written by , who contributed to multiple scripts throughout the series, and directed by Asaad Kelada, a seasoned television director with prior credits on sitcoms such as and .

Synopsis

Plot summary

In the cold open, Jim pranks Dwight by attaching a 500-foot red wire to the back of Dwight's and running it out of the office to a nearby telephone pole, prompting Dwight to climb the pole in confusion before realizing it's a . David Wallace, Dunder Mifflin's CFO, calls Michael Scott and instructs him to gather intelligence on Prince Family Paper, a small family-owned paper company that is successfully competing for clients in the local area, so that Dunder Mifflin can target and poach their business. Michael and Dwight Schrute drive to Prince Family Paper for an undercover visit, where Michael introduces himself using the alias "Michael Scarn," claiming to be a potential customer from a law firm in need of paper supplies. Dwight poses as a disgruntled Dunder Mifflin salesman looking for a job, aggressively pitching ideas to the owner, Mr. Prince, such as firing his son to make room for new hires. The Princes, a close-knit family including Mr. and Mrs. Prince and their granddaughter Rebecca, warmly welcome them, share details about their operations, and even provide Michael with their client reference list after he feigns interest in their products. When Michael's car bumper is damaged in the parking lot, the Princes kindly offer to fix it, further endearing them to Michael. Back at the Dunder Mifflin office, Stanley Hudson and Phyllis Vance initiate a debate among the employees about whether actress is attractive, sparking divided opinions after they discuss her looks in the context of her Oscar-winning roles. and side with the "yes" camp, with Jim attempting to sway doubters by reframing the question to focus on her appeal in , while Pam expresses mild discomfort with the superficial discussion. leads the "no" side, calling Swank a "" based on , and Oscar Martinez argues against her attractiveness using the biological concept of , preferring symmetrical features. weighs in by comparing Swank to tennis player as a , and Stanley Hudson, initially distracted by a puzzle, delivers a heartfelt speech urging the group to prioritize optimism and unity over trivial arguments. The debate drags on inconclusively throughout the day, highlighting the office's idle dynamics in Michael and Dwight's absence. Amid the discussion, Jim and Pam share lighthearted moments, including Jim's playful husky whisper to convince Kevin and Pam's supportive glances, underscoring their growing relationship comfort. On the drive back, Michael's guilt intensifies over deceiving the kind-hearted Princes, whom he sees as embodying the family-like environment he values at ; he briefly considers returning but is persuaded by Dwight's insistence that corporate survival requires ruthless tactics, likening it to a Lord of the Rings battle. Ultimately, Michael's conscience weighs heavily, leading him to hesitate before phoning Wallace and reluctantly sharing key details from the list, though leaves him conflicted. The Swank debate wraps up when Michael returns and, upon seeing her photo, declares her "hot," tipping the scales but leaving the office's divisions humorously unresolved in spirit.

Character arcs

In the episode "Prince Family Paper," Michael Scott's character arc centers on his internal conflict arising from corporate espionage against a family-owned competitor, exposing his moral ambiguity and conflicted loyalty to Dunder Mifflin. Tasked by David Wallace to gather intelligence on Prince Family Paper, Michael initially relishes the mission and bonds warmly with the Princes, viewing their operation as an idealized workplace. However, this connection triggers guilt, leading him to hesitate before ultimately delivering their client list, a decision that secures Wallace's praise but leaves Michael haunted by the family's impending ruin. This tension highlights Michael's perpetual struggle between seeking validation from authority figures and his innate , reinforcing his ambiguous in a cutthroat industry. Dwight Schrute's involvement further solidifies his arc as an unyieldingly enthusiastic salesman, yet the episode reveals a rare glimpse of vulnerability beneath his zealous facade. Dwight dives into the undercover operation with fervor, boldly infiltrating the company by offering to replace son Roger Jr. and reveling in the thrill of , which aligns with his aggressive salesmanship and unwavering commitment to corporate success. His excitement peaks during the mission's execution, but moments of disgruntlement—such as when Michael dismisses his tactical ideas or when Dwight critiques Dunder Mifflin's inefficiencies—expose a subtle insecurity about his position and dependence on Michael's approval, adding depth to his typically one-dimensional . The episode's ensemble dynamics enrich the character interplay, with mediating the Swank debate to diffuse tensions and providing subtle support, while collectively foreshadowing season 5's escalating corporate pressures leading to the acquisition. Jim steps in as a reluctant , proposing a vote to resolve the divide and pranking Dwight lightly to maintain balance, which cements his role as the office's pragmatic anchor amid trivial conflicts. Pam reinforces this by backing the women's side in the debate and offering quiet encouragement, reflecting her growing confidence in navigating group interactions post her artistic pursuits. These lighter ensemble moments provide from the plot, yet they subtly mirror Mifflin's internal fractures and aggressive tactics against rivals, setting the stage for the season's narrative shift toward financial instability and corporate takeover.

Production

Writing and development

B.J. Novak received sole writing credit for the episode, leveraging his dual role as a series and performer portraying the ambitious temp-turned-corporate climber to infuse elements of workplace ambition and rivalry into the narrative. The script developed dual plotlines to balance tension and levity: the primary storyline centers on Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute's undercover mission to gather intelligence on Prince Family , a small family-run competitor, reflecting broader themes of in the paper supply sector. Complementing this, the secondary plot features the office staff engaging in a frivolous debate over whether actress is attractive, serving as a lighthearted to the main plot's ethical stakes. Novak conceived the Swank subplot during a flight where the in-flight entertainment options were her films P.S. I Love You and , prompting him to explore office banter as a diversionary element. During revisions, the writing team emphasized comedic tension arising from Michael's growing guilt over the —particularly his interactions with the affable Prince family—and the ensuing banter, aiming to highlight the moral ambiguities of cutthroat business practices without overt preachiness. Novak intended the to subtly probe the of through Michael's internal conflict, contrasting Dunder Mifflin's aggressive tactics against the vulnerability of a .

Filming and direction

The episode was directed by Asaad Kelada, a veteran sitcom director known for helming 77 episodes of The Facts of Life and 117 episodes of Who's the Boss?. Kelada's approach emphasized the critical role of casting in achieving comedic success, while prioritizing rhythm, timing, pace, and energy to balance the series' signature style with the episode's heightened comedic elements in the sequences, such as the undercover infiltration and physical gags. Principal filming for the Dunder Mifflin office interiors occurred on the show's established sets at Chandler Valley Center Studios in Van Nuys, Los Angeles. The Prince Family Paper company exteriors and simulated interiors were shot at an empty mini mall near Laurel Canyon and Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood, where production designer Michael Gallenberg constructed the family business set from scratch to evoke a modest, welcoming paper supplier. Additional exterior shots were captured in the Los Angeles area to maintain the illusion of the Scranton, Pennsylvania setting. Filming presented several logistical challenges, including coordinating scenes with guest star as Roger Prince Jr., the owner's son, amid the episode's dual-plot structure. Improvisational moments enhanced the humor, notably in the office's heated debate over whether actress is attractive, which served as the B-plot's core levity; actors like contributed ad-libs, such as altering a scripted "shush" to "shut up, Phyllis" during a related prank setup. Technical hurdles arose in the espionage scenes, such as Dwight's from a telephone pole, which required renting a safe pole in the parking lot and using green screen due to safety risks with actual utility poles, and a controlled over sandbags to simulate bumper damage without endangering the cast or vehicles. Post-production focused on to sustain dynamic pacing, intercutting the A-plot's building tension from the corporate spying with the B-plot's absurd, lighthearted debate for comedic contrast. Sound design played a key role in comedic timing, incorporating crunching effects to amplify the impact of the car and other beats, while digital effects seamlessly integrated Dwight into the pole-climbing sequence.

Cultural impact

Cultural references

In the episode "Prince Family Paper," several cultural references are woven into the and , highlighting themes of competition and dynamics. The Prince family's paper business is portrayed as a quintessential example of post-World War II American entrepreneurship, with founder Roger Prince Sr. explaining that he opened the company after returning from the , evoking the era's small-business ethos built on family labor and modest garage origins. Dwight Schrute's undercover approach draws a parallel to Vietnam War-era espionage, as he adopts a secretive mindset reminiscent of wartime covert operations while scoping out the rival firm. Michael Scott mimics the catchphrase from the 1980s sitcom Diff'rent Strokes when he quips, "What you talkin' 'bout, Wallace?" in response to David Wallace's instructions, injecting nostalgic TV humor into a tense business call. The office subplot centers on a debate over actress Hilary Swank's attractiveness, with employees split 5-5 in a vote; references her Oscar-winning role in the 1999 film , joking about expecting a "" involving her character's gender disguise. further compares Swank to tennis star , describing her as a "female " for her powerful yet unconventional appeal. Brand mentions underscore the episode's family business rivalry, as Michael and Dwight meet at before pivoting to for their stakeout, contrasting casual diner culture with corporate scheming.

Themes and analysis

The episode "Prince Family Paper" critiques the ruthless nature of through Michael's undercover mission to undermine a small, family-owned competitor, illustrating how larger corporations exploit vulnerabilities to eliminate rivals. Michael's initial enthusiasm for the task gives way to profound guilt upon forming a personal connection with the Princes, highlighting the ethical dilemmas inherent in aggressive competition where personal relationships clash with corporate imperatives. This tension underscores the Darwinistic aspects of free-market practices, as Dunder Mifflin's strategy directly leads to the closure of Prince Family Paper later in the . A parallel subplot satirizes societal beauty standards via the office's extended debate on whether actress is "hot," reducing her acclaimed dramatic performances—such as in —to superficial judgments of appearance. The discussion, involving charts, speeches, and emotional outbursts, exposes the absurdity of workplace and the disproportionate scrutiny placed on women's looks, contrasting Swank's serious roles with trivialized perceptions of attractiveness. Swank herself later reflected on such cultural emphasis, noting it does a "disservice" by prioritizing appearance over substance. The controversy surrounding this segment has been criticized for reinforcing harmful norms without sufficient satirical bite. The narrative contrasts the warmth and loyalty of the Prince family—depicted as a close-knit unit with a veteran patriarch, his son (the owner), the owner's supportive wife, their daughter, and granddaughter—with the dysfunction and self-serving dynamics at , emphasizing themes of familial bonds versus corporate allegiance. Michael's betrayal, despite his momentary empathy, prioritizes company loyalty, revealing the emotional toll of subordinating personal to professional demands. This amplifies the episode's exploration of how corporate environments erode genuine human connections. Through its format, the episode employs interviews to heighten the of workplace absurdity, particularly in the Swank debate, where characters entrench in pointless arguments mirroring real-life trivialities. These segments underscore the isolation and exaggeration of personal opinions in a documented setting, amplifying the humor and discomfort of mundane professional interactions. Michael's , revealing his over the Princes, further satirize the facade of corporate detachment. The storyline foreshadows Michael's later establishment of the in the same season, as David Wallace's praise of him as a "titan of industry" during the mission hints at his entrepreneurial potential amid growing dissatisfaction with Dunder Mifflin's cutthroat tactics. This setup plants seeds for Michael's rebellion against the very system he aids here, transforming his guilt into future independence.

Reception

Viewership and ratings

"Prince Family Paper," the twelfth episode of the fifth season of The Office, drew 8.74 million viewers during its original airing on NBC on January 22, 2009. According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode achieved a 4.6 rating among adults aged 18-49. These figures represented a solid performance in key demographics, though total viewership fell slightly below the season's typical range of 9-10 million viewers per episode. In the years following its broadcast, the episode has experienced renewed interest through streaming platforms. As of 2025, The Office continues to trend strongly on Peacock, with consistent rankings in the platform's top 10 most in-demand series, fueled by ongoing rewatches and a resurgence tied to the September 2025 premiere of the indirect spinoff The Paper. The Paper, which premiered on September 4, 2025, to an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has drawn comparisons to "Prince Family Paper" for its exploration of corporate dynamics in the paper industry, contributing to increased streams of the original episode. This sustained popularity has contributed to increased streams of individual episodes like "Prince Family Paper," highlighting the series' enduring appeal among modern audiences.

Critical reviews

Critics praised the episode's plot for showcasing the strong chemistry between Michael Scott and , highlighting their awkward undercover antics and humorous interactions as a highlight of the installment. IGN reviewer Travis Fickett awarded it an 8 out of 10, commending the "awkward moments, ludicrous situations, and great character work" in the main storyline, particularly Michael's and Dwight's over-the-top impersonation. Similarly, The A.V. Club's Nathan Rabin gave it a B-, noting "great Dwightisms" and the episode's exploration of Michael's desire to impress authority figures while maintaining his likable persona, which added layers of humor to the corporate sabotage narrative. However, the subplot involving office debates over Hilary Swank's attractiveness drew significant criticism for feeling like unnecessary filler that detracted from the stronger A-plot. Reviewers described it as "silly" and "cheap," with calling it a "familiar" distraction that failed to elevate workplace commentary beyond the superficial. In more recent assessments, ScreenRant included it among the show's most uncomfortable installments due to the prolonged, divisive banter. The overall critical consensus positioned "Prince Family Paper" as a solid but unremarkable entry in season 5, with an user rating of 7.8 out of 10 reflecting mixed audience and critic sentiments on its blend of corporate and filler content. In 2025 retrospectives, the episode has been revisited for its prescient business , particularly the predatory tactics against a family-run competitor, which resonate amid the streaming era's consolidation of media empires. This relevance was amplified by the premiere of the spinoff series The Paper, which draws directly from the episode's premise of undercutting small paper businesses, with Yahoo Entertainment noting how Michael and Dwight's spying mission provides "perfect A-plot setup" for exploring modern corporate dynamics.

Celebrity reactions

Hilary Swank addressed the episode's debate over her attractiveness in a 2023 interview at the , describing it as doing "a real disservice" and stating, "No one would ever ask a man that," while emphasizing it reduces women to superficial judgments. , who wrote the episode, revealed that the idea for the Swank debate stemmed from his experience on a flight where the in-flight movies were two of her films, P.S. I Love You and , prompting him to envision office characters debating her appeal as a humorous . In the 2021 Office Ladies podcast, hosted by cast members and , the pair reflected on the episode's filming, highlighting a lighthearted involving smoked almonds and praising the overall comedic energy of the Swank discussion, which they described as a fun, divisive moment among the cast.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1248735/
  2. https://www.avclub.com/the-office-prince-family-paper-1798205538
  3. https://theoffice.fandom.com/wiki/Prince_Family_Paper
  4. https://theoffice.fandom.com/wiki/Season_5_DVD
  5. https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/the-office/season-5
  6. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_office/s05/e13
  7. https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/prince-family-paper/umc.cmc.6k2zv0b3qwii51j8xavc10hlb?showId=umc.cmc.455js879szmdywutf3qjewagm
  8. https://theoffice.fandom.com/wiki/Planted_a_500_foot_red_wire
  9. https://officeladies.com/transcript-ep-89-prince-family-paper
  10. https://www.channelguidemag.com/tv-news/2009/01/23/the-office-prince-family-paper-recap/
  11. https://cultural-learnings.com/2009/01/25/the-office-prince-family-paper/
  12. https://collider.com/the-office-prince-family-paper-hilary-swank/
  13. http://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2009/01/office-prince-family-paper-hot-or-not.html
  14. https://indyweek.com/culture/stage/b-j-novak-s-deep-thoughts/
  15. https://www.slashfilm.com/1819319/the-office-filming-locations-explained/
  16. https://subslikescript.com/series/The_Office-386676/season-5/episode-12-Prince_Family_Paper
  17. https://www.nickiswift.com/1072091/life-and-career-facts-about-hilary-swank/
  18. https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/most-controversial-the-office-episodes-nbc-peacock/
  19. https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2011/10/14/the-gervais-principle-v-heads-i-win-tails-you-lose/
  20. https://theoffice.fandom.com/wiki/The_Office_Nielsen_Ratings
  21. https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/celebrating-20-years-office
  22. https://www.parrotanalytics.com/insights/the-paper-office-adaptation-streaming-success-on-peacock/
  23. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_paper_2025
  24. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/23/the-office-prince-family-paper-review
  25. https://screenrant.com/the-office-episodes-painful-to-watch-list/
  26. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/paper-set-deliver-office-spinoff-174221599.html
  27. https://www.thethings.com/hilary-swank-rude-interviewer-the-office/
  28. https://officeladies.com/episodes/2021/1/09/episode-89-prince-family-paper
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