The Return (The Office)

"The Return" is the name of the fourth episode of the third season of the American television comedy series The Office. It originally aired on NBC on October 12, 2006. The episode centers on Michael Scott's reaction to being forced to choose one of the Scranton branch employees to fire. After firing Dwight Schrute, Michael instantly regrets his decision and spends the episode trying to find a way to rehire him. Dwight, meanwhile, is shown experiencing a brief period of unemployment and trying to find new employment at Staples, a competing office supply store.

The episode highlights the themes of consequence, regret, and the often dysfunctional dynamics within the Scranton branch. It is considered a pivotal episode in the series, solidifying Dwight's character and showcasing Michael's complex personality, which often wavers between oblivious buffoonery and genuine caring for his employees. The episode is notable for its comedic portrayal of the awkward situations that arise from office politics and Michael's attempts to rectify his mistakes. It also marks the beginning of Dwight's temporary absence from Dunder Mifflin, creating a storyline that extends into the following episode, "Benihana Christmas."