The series, presented in a mockumentary style, depicts the everyday lives of office employees at the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the fictional Dunder Mufflin Paper Company.
In Scranton, Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) struggles to keep order in Michael's absence, as his coworkers refuse to see him as their co-manager.
[1] Michael Scott is excited when he is invited by CEO Alan Brand to be honored on stage at the Dunder Mifflin shareholder meeting in New York City.
In New York, a frustrated David Wallace reveals to Michael that Dunder Mifflin's corporate leaders have no plan to get the company back on track.
In his defense, Michael points out that he is the only person who seems to be making money for Dunder Mifflin and the only one offering any positive suggestions or plans, going so far as to return the former Congressman's insult.
The cold opening for the episode deals with Dwight and his fictional Earth Day super hero "Recyclops".
During Jim's narrative, he discusses the history of Recyclops, and a montage of Dwight harassing past receptionists was shown.
The receptionists that Dwight harasses include: Pam, who is accompanied by Jim, circa 2006; Ryan; Ronni (Dale Raoul), who was introduced during the fifth season episode "Weight Loss"; and Erin.
Dan Phillips of IGN called the episode "funny from beginning to end", particularly praising the scenes between Michael and the board.
Phillips also enjoyed the subplot between Jim and Ryan, stating that it "carried its fair share of comedic weight".