The Existential Value of Scott's Tots

Originally posted on a college class blog, Philosophies for Life

Michael Scott cringing at his own failure to follow through with his promise

"Scott's Tots", season 6 episode 12 of popular sitcom The Office is considered by many (along with season 4 episode 13, "Dinner Party") to be the most cringeworthy and difficult to watch episode of the show or even in all of television. It brings up feelings of empathy and shame in the viewer, especially the younger audience of the show that is near college-age.

Synopsis: "Hey Mr. Scott, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do? Make our dreams come true!"

In the episode, Michael Scott, a main character of the show, discovers that it has been 10 years since he ridiculously promised a group of 3rd graders to pay for their college tuition when they graduated, and he must go to a reception at the school in his honor, put on by the now-12th grade students about to graduate. Unfortunately, Michael isn't as rich as he thought he'd be 10 years ago, and he must tell the kids that he cannot pay for their tuition. When he gets to the school, they put on a whole song and dance for him along with testimonies of how well their lives have gone and how they've always had this goal in mind and their dreams are close to coming true.

Then Michael tells them the truth. This is met with anger and yelling. He tries to make up for it..... by offering the kids laptop batteries. This did not help at all. Even the fact that the batteries were lithium.

"Hold on! They're lithium!"

The Existential Value of Scott's Tots

"There were a lot of times over the years where I was pressured to get into the drug game. But I always thought back to my guardian angel, and the gift that you gave me. So I just want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to go to college, educate myself, and become the next President Obama."-One of Scott's Tots

Though it's obviously horrible how Michael Scott broke a really big promise here, it is also evident that it wasn't completely worthless. Existentialism teaches that the sum of what you are is what you make of yourself.  Despite Michael's broken promise, the kids knew the promise of a college education, so they made something of themselves. One student refused getting into drugs because he knew that because there was a promise of a free college, he had a hope and made something of himself. Despite the fact that the promise didn't end up being fulfilled.

"The principal told me that 90% of Scott's Tots are on track to graduate, and that's 35% higher than the rest of the school. So I think if you hadn't made that promise, a lot of them would've dropped out. Which is something to think about, I think."-Erin Hannon, Michael's receptionist/assistant

Despite Michael's promise being fulfilled in the form of useless laptop batteries, Scott's Tots actually did make something of themselves. While Michael thought he "destroyed 15 young lives", he actually made a positive difference, at least in the existential sense. Though Scott's Tots were all deprived of their promised tuition, they all ended up graduating at a much higher rate than the rest of the school. They made something of their lives, despite the broken promise, and gave themselves actual value in life.