The Office’s Fire Drill Cold Open Is the Greatest TV Opening of All Time

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In a nod to some truly unforgettable cold openings that graced television screens, none surpass the excitement and hilarity of the “fire drill” cold open from season five, episode 14 of The Office, aptly titled “Stress Relief.” This opening scene is a veritable treasure trove of entertainment, offering up a perfect blend of chaos, an innovative twist for the show, character development, and much more. As autumn approaches and The Paper prepares to debut on Peacock, fans can only cross their fingers in hopes that the spin-off will capture the same level of humor and brilliance demonstrated in cold opens such as “fire drill.

Following his belief that nobody paid attention to his fire safety talk at Dunder-Mifflin, Dwight takes matters into his own hands by orchestrating a fire drill. He blocks the office doors and lights a fire in a trash can. It takes a while for employees to pick up on the excessive smoke filling the room, but when they do, the audience sees the characters’ panic. They push past each other frantically as their boss, Michael, yells out the iconic phrase, “This is it!” Dwight soon realizes that he can’t maintain control over his coworkers who start tossing chairs, climbing onto the ceiling, and causing more chaos.

“Fire Drill” Brought a Change of Pace

What’s particularly impressive about the fire drill cold open in The Office is how it stands out from the rest of the series, which isn’t typically known for physical humor. Instead, the show’s comedy usually stems from the relatable and awkward office interactions. The unexpected chaos that unfolds as Dwight traps the staff and creates havoc is such a departure from the norm that it makes the cold open an instant classic.

Initially, the characters behave in a typical manner during the opening scene that seems ordinary. However, things take an unexpected turn when they discover they’re trapped. The peculiarity of Dwight blocking all exits adds a touch of humor to the situation, but it is soon overshadowed by the over-the-top reactions from the rest of the staff. Michael grabs a chair and hurls it at a sturdy window, while Kevin breaks into a vending machine to grab snacks. Trying to hide in the ceiling, Oscar accidentally falls through the flimsy boards instead.

In contrast to typical cold opens, which can be arbitrary and seem disconnected from the show (like some scenes in Brooklyn Nine-Nine), this particular cold open is integral to the episode and provides insights into the characters. The fire drill scene, for instance, establishes the narrative while exposing the true characteristics of minor characters. Dwight, for one, displays his controlling nature by igniting a fire after others ignored him. Andy, on the other hand, reveals his cluelessness as he misunderstands the situation, shouting “The fire’s shooting at us” when Dwight lights fireworks. Oscar exhibits bravery as he attempts to flee the office and seek help, but is hindered by Angela’s efforts to save her cat. Michael, unfortunately, fails to contribute anything useful, underscoring his continued incompetence as a boss.

The Cold Open Sets Up a Great Episode

“In this riveting episode of our favorite series, one moment truly stands out – the fire drill. Yet, it’s not the only scene that leaves an indelible impression. During the fire drill, a shocking twist unfolds as Stanley suffers a heart attack, and Michael valiantly attempts to revive him. This dramatic event catches the corporation’s attention, leading to a compulsory meeting between Michael and Dwight and their superiors.

Michael’s concern for his team’s well-being is palpable, prompting him to take action. He sets up a CPR training session and a meditation class. Among these heartfelt efforts, the CPR training session becomes particularly iconic, as an eclectic mix of characters groove in sync with “Stayin’ Alive.”
Adding to the episode’s rich tapestry is a smaller subplot where some characters are engrossed in a fake movie featuring Jack Black and Cloris Leachman, their blossoming romance capturing our hearts and minds alike.

If you proceed to the second segment of this episode, you’ll be treated to more of the iconic wit that ‘The Office’ is known for. In an attempt to alleviate his team’s tension, Michael organizes a roast session where staff are permitted to mock him. Many employees seize this chance to air their grievances towards Michael, causing him considerable pain. However, Michael manages to avoid an overly uncomfortable scene by dishing out his own swift-paced roasts the following day, which ultimately bring laughter from the team.

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2025-06-05 01:32