'The Office’: How Michael Scott and Toby Flenderson's unexpected feud created some of modern comedy's best moment
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Thanks to its eccentric characters and ridiculously funny comedy, the workplace mockumentary show 'The Office' is still gaining popularity in mainstream culture more than ten years later.
Greg Daniels' sitcom had numerous iconic plotlines, like Michael Scott's (Steve Carell) feud with Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein).
The widespread belief is that Toby was disliked by Michael due to his role as a human resources representative. Michael believed he was a party-pooper, whose loyalities only lie with coroprate and not with a member of the Scranton branch.
However, there was an incident that initiated the feud, revealed by the man himself Paul Lieberstein who played the character of Toby in the show.
Paul Lieberstein exposes the basis for Michael Scott's loathing of Toby Flenderson in 'The Office'
Notably, Paul Lieberstein who played the character of Toby in the show, also served as one of the series' writers.
In a 2020 interview with Today, he revealed the true beginnings of the Michael and Toby dispute, which in reality sprang from a brief irritation Steve Carell had for Lieberstein.
When Toby visits Michael's office in a Season 4 episode to sign a birthday card, Lieberstein explains, saying, "I just came in the middle of it, wrote on the card, and left, but it took a while to write, and Steve told me afterward he just felt, during that time that I wrote, so much hate just swelled up inside of him. That is where it was born."
The discovery is quite a striking one since it extends beyond the screen to real-life enmity.
Why does Michael Scott despise Toby Flenderson in 'The Office'?
The reason for this can be attributed to their opposing oil and water personas often lead to conflict between them. Michael thrives on attention and humor, often crossing the boundary of professionalism, while Toby represents order and obedience to the rules.
This causes ongoing conflict as Michael views Toby as a party-pooper, stifling his attempts at fun and entertainment. Toby, on the other hand, sees Michael as an immature threat who may bring him or the firm into legal trouble.
Michael's dislike for Toby extends beyond basic irritation, as he expresses it in every manner conceivable, from passive-aggressive remarks to intricate pranks. This constant criticism turns into a running gig that makes the audience laugh while also feeling sympathy for Toby's situation.
However, that doesn't mean the two never shared a touching moment. In the 'Goodbye, Toby' episode from Season 4, Michael throws Toby a lavish farewell party, says a remarkably serious and meaningful goodbye, and even gives Toby a watch after learning of Toby's plan to leave the company.
But as soon as Toby has a change of heart, Michael returns to spewing disparaging remarks about him.
How to stream 'The Office'
You need to be subscribed to Peacock in order to see the comedy gold. Depending on your budget, you may select between the streaming site's two subscription options.
The Peacock Premium plan costs $5.99 a month or $59.99 a year and contains ads.
The second choice is Peacock Premium Plus, which is ad-free and costs $11.99 a month or $119.99 annually.
'The Office' trailer