Prince Family Paper

Season 5 Episode 12 Summary

The Office, Season 5, Episode 12, “Prince Family Paper,” pairs a secret sales trip with a heated office debate. The cold open features Jim’s red-wire prank, which sends Dwight hunting for a fake computer problem. Jim’s 500-foot wire leads outside, where Dwight climbs a phone pole to trace it.

David Wallace asks Michael to gather facts about Prince Family Paper, a small rival near Scranton. Michael poses as Michael Scarn, a lawyer seeking paper, while Dwight pretends to seek a sales job. Before heading inside, they spar over pancakes, practice a lip-licking escape signal, and act like sharks.

The shop belongs to a kind family: a Vietnam vet, his wife, and their son. Michael learns they serve about 80 clients, then bungles a math lesson with their young granddaughter. Dwight offers to replace the owner’s son, while Michael takes a photo to capture names on display.

Back at Dunder Mifflin, the staff splits over one question: Is Hilary Swank hot? Jim tries to sway Kevin with a dream date, but Kevin insists, “Respect the game.” Oscar studies facial traits, Kelly bursts into tears, and Stanley makes a strong case for saying yes.

The owner freely hands Michael a list of top clients, trusting him to check their service. Michael and Dwight rush out, but Michael drives over a parking divider and damages his car. The family fixes the car and brings coffee, leaving Michael ashamed of their plan.

Back at work, Michael fears David will use the list to crush the family’s small firm. Dwight urges him to put business first, but Michael grabs the list and tries to flee. Dwight chases him down and takes it, as Michael admits, “I’m not a shark.”

Michael gives David the details and earns praise, though he feels torn over betraying such kind people. His rambling take on bittersweet chocolate caps the guilt, before his vote settles the Swank debate. To share a quote from “Prince Family Paper,” click the camera button beside it to make an image for social media.