| "Initiation" | |
|---|---|
| The Office episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 5 |
| Directed by | Randall Einhorn |
| Written by | B. J. Novak |
| Featured music |
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| Cinematography by | Matt Sohn |
| Editing by | David Rogers |
| Production code | 305 |
| Original air date | October 19, 2006 |
| Running time | 22 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"Initiation" is the fifth episode of the third season of the American version of The Office and the show's 33rd overall. In the episode, Ryan Howard (B. J. Novak) is taken by Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) on what he believes is a sales call, but instead is brought to Dwight's beet farm for an "initiation." Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) is supposed to keep track of Michael Scott's (Steve Carell) productivity, but Michael spends his day waiting in line for a pretzel. Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) steals Karen Filippelli's (Rashida Jones) chair and foils her attempts to get it back.
Written by B. J. Novak and directed by Randall Einhorn, the episode first aired in the United States on October 19, 2006, on NBC. Upon its debut, "Initiation" was seen by an estimated 8.46 million viewers according to Nielsen Media Research. It was positively received by television critics.