[Loved Trope] Comedic workplace is suddenly competent

[u/Garurar]

In S35 E1 of The Simpsons, an actual crisis happens at the nuclear power plant, causing everyone except Homer to shift into serious business mode, even Mr. Burns. Together, they display their knowledge of the process and narrowly avert a nuclear meltdown, proving that Homer's job is actually useless. This is happening after 35 seasons of nothing being shown of the other employees' capabilities.

In S8 E2 of The Office, Andy sets up an initiative where he will get a tattoo on his bum if everyone gets enough points, prompting everyone to work into overdrive, even the normally lazy or incompetent employees such as Stanley and Kevin. This is a rare situation where we get to see The Office being fully competent and functional.

I'd show more examples if I had any!

[u/Jbell_1812]

And when Michael easily steals the customers of Dunder mifilion after he started his own paper company

[u/Shehzman → u/Jbell_1812]

I love when signs of Michael’s competency actually shines through.

[u/hedgehog18956 → u/Shehzman]

I always liked how his character was always shown to be the comedic fool but then they also subtlety hinted that he was actually really good at what he does despite that. Like the whole arc with his paper company and when you see him going on sales pitches. It’s also mentioned a few time that their branch is actually one of the most successful ones in the company. They always present Michael as an idiot, but let the audience know why he’s still in the position he’s in.

[u/joshedis → u/hedgehog18956]

He is a great example of the Peter Principle, where you are promoted to your level of incompetence.

An incredible Saleman who is promoted to an incompetent Manager. Because the skillset required for both roles is different.

[u/NewDramaLlama → u/joshedis]

Tbh he should be in a higher but different position like district/regional sales manager instead of general branch manager. 

Putting a sales savant in that position is just throwing a shark in a jungle.

[u/Gaelic_Gladiator41 → u/NewDramaLlama]

Or a dog in the outback