Tuesday August 30, 2005
9:30 PM 0.5 THE OFFICE
THE ALLIANCE

ONLY THE STRONG WILL SURVIVE -- Amid the rumors of downsizing, Michael (Steve Carell) tries to raise employee morale with a birthday party, despite the fact that the closest birthday is a month away. As the birthday card for Meredith (Kate Flannery) makes the rounds in the office, Michael struggles to pen the funniest birthday message. Meanwhile, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) asks Jim (John Krasinski) to form a "Survivor"-type alliance so they can protect themselves during the upcoming downsizing. Elsewhere, Oscar (Oscar Nunez) collects pledges for his nephew's cerebral palsy charity walk. Michael tops everyone's donation by offering twenty-five dollars - not realizing the donation is per mile - and tries to back track on his generous offer. Jenna Fischer and B.J. Novak also star.