The Office Episode 9.20 Paper Airplane

The office is immersed in an all-out battle of the paper airplanes. The employees kicked off the tournament in the warehouse yesterday, and after a long day of paper airplane throwing (and an injury to Toby's eye when he accidentally walked in front of Pam's airplane), the field has been narrowed to eight competitors for today's quarterfinals.

Fresh out of couple's therapy, Pam and Jim are entertaining themselves by using therapy-inspired acknowledgement and communication skills. Meanwhile, Andy heads out for his first acting gig, playing a scientist in an instructional science lab safety video. Darryl agrees to help Andy with his lines and immediately regrets the decision.

Nellie announces to everyone that the paper airplane contest comes with a $2,000 prize for the winner, which significantly raises the stakes. Angela has her heart set on the cash prize, especially now that she's separated from the Senator and desperately in need of extra money. She'll face some stiff competition from Erin, who is overly competitive as a result of her orphanage upbringing.

During the competition, Angela notices that Dwight is rooting for her to win. Perhaps she will have another chance to win his heart. On the set of his chemistry lab safety video shoot, Andy is taking the gig too seriously and frustrating his handlers. Darryl, who is on set with Andy, decides to help his friend through the shoot.

In the warehouse, the employees eliminate themselves from the contest with poor paper airplane throwing. Eventually the competition is narrowed to four semifinalists: Erin, Dwight, Angela and Toby. Back in the chemistry lab, Andy's director tells him that he needs to demonstrate the eyewash device in the lab. Andy, however, is extremely nervous about getting water in his eyes. Darryl gives Andy a pep talk to get him through the gig.

As the paper airplane contest heats up, things begin to get ugly. Dwight eliminates Erin, who doesn't take the loss well. Upstairs, Jim and Pam seem to be making progress until Jim is interrupted by a work phone call that irritates Pam. The conversation quickly devolves to an argument, and it becomes clear that masking their true emotions with generic courtesy will not save their struggling relationship.

On set, Andy musters the courage to use the eyewash device on camera. His performance is overly dramatic, but it'll work and he's proud of himself. Back in the warehouse, Angela and Dwight face off in the paper airplane finals. Dwight attempts to throw the competition to let Angela win, but Angela sees the gesture as a sign of weakness and throws the competition herself, allowing Dwight to win the $2,000 prize.

In the midst of Jim and Pam's tense situation, Jim leaves for a meeting in Philadelphia. Pam realizes that Jim forgot his umbrella, so she runs it to the parking lot to catch Jim before he leaves. After the exchange, Jim and Pam share a warm, loving embrace that confirms they're still in love, even if they can't verbalize it right now. There's still hope for the Halperts.