The Office's Michael Scott will forever live in infamy. The character, played by Steve Carell, is well known for having an almost child-like ignorance of the world around him. He is vulgar, immature, and a general nuisance to his co-workers. Nevertheless, the audiences love him for it.
Michael made fans love to hate him throughout his seven-season run on the show, and this was due to several reasons. However, underneath his constant need to be accepted, he has a heart of gold that wants nothing more than the best for his workers, whom he genuinely views as his family. Michael has shown this softer side multiple times in the show, and each time, audiences are reminded how good of a man Michael Scott truly is.
Paintball With Dwight (7.21)
One of Michael's most loyal friends is the always colorful Dwight Schrute. Dwight has wanted to do some of his favorite hobbies with Michael for years, although Michael was usually less than enthusiastic. When Michael was planning on leaving the branch a day early without telling anyone, he spent the day trying to make last-minute memories with his employees.
He lures Dwight behind the building, where a paintball course is waiting for him. Dwight has always respected Michael more than the other employees, so an act like this proves the feeling is mutual.
Jim And Michael Say Goodbye (7.21)
The episode "Goodbye, Michael" is home to a number of tearjerking moments. Michael's final episode is one that sends off one of the most beloved characters in recent television, and it does it exactly as it should. Keeping in character, Michael doesn't want to formally give his goodbyes so he decides to leave a day early without telling anyone.
Jim figures out his plan however and confronts Michael in his office. What follows is an emotional moment between two friends, who know they may not see each other again. Jim and Michael have always had an interesting relationship, to say the least. Jim has always had a soft spot for his boss, and seeing him leave is difficult for them both. At the end of the day, these two really were friends like Michael always claimed.
Entertains Dwight At The Bar (2.17)
It has been mentioned on more than one occasion that Dwight is the top salesman in the office. It makes perfect sense when he is chosen to be awarded as such during a conference. Dwight is nervous about a speech he is to make, and the always boastful Michael tries to give him some no so stellar advice.
After Dwight wows the crowd, he finds Michael waiting for him at the hotel bar. Michael entertains Dwight by telling him joke after joke, making sure his friend is put at ease after his speech.
Makes Sure Pam And Ryan Keep Their Jobs (5.25)
When Michael leaves Dunder Mifflin to form his own paper company, he takes receptionist Pam along with him. He also recruits disgraced former corporate employee, Ryan Howard, to join him and actually manages to make Dunder Mifflin lose customers.
David Wallace attempts to buy out Michael to gain the clients back, but Michael refuses unless his demands are met. Michael requests not only that Pam is hired on as a salesperson, but Ryan is also hired back. David reluctantly agrees, and Michael gains even more admiration, namely from Pam, despite his many flaws.
Giving Jim Advice On Pam (2.11)
From the first episode, fans could tell the way Jim felt about Pam. Jim was never able to confess his feelings due to Pam being engaged at the time. When Michael organizes a booze cruise, Pam and Roy publicly set a date for their wedding, devastating Jim in the process.
Jim stands outside to gather his thoughts when Michael joins him shortly after. Michael talks to Jim and shows an understanding, actually mature side that he had yet to show at this point in the series. Michael tells Jim to never give up if he truly cares for her, and Jim takes this to heart. Michael yet again shows he cares for his employees and was to see nothing but their happiness.
Fatherly Talk With Erin (7.08)
As many fans know, Michael and Erin shared a special bond. Where many of the characters disregarded Michael's comments, Erin latched on to Michael as an almost fatherly figure. A prime example of this was in season 7 when Michael realizes he had accidentally offended her after he realized she wanted his blessing to date Gabe.
To make it up to her, he retcons by talking to her as a father would, and he continues to give advice on various things until he leaves the series. These interactions are key in showing the hidden maturity of Michael Scott.
Proposing To Holly (7.19)
The various relationships Michael has had over the course of his run have been mostly disastrous, to say the least. From Jan to Pam's mother, Michael has tried and failed on multiple occasions to be in a happy, steady relationship. It isn't until HR rep Holly enters the picture that he seems to have finally found the one. This too quickly fails when Holly is forced to transfer to another branch.
Unlike the women of his past, however, Michael can't seem to get Holly out of his mind and, going on the advice he gave Jim, never gives up. Holly eventually moves back to Scranton and eventually takes Michael back. Michael uses his employees to set up a candle-lit hallway where he is waiting to propose. This is the happiest fans had seen Michael and felt he truly deserved it.
Going To Support Pam (3.16)
The relationship between Michael and Pam has been rocky. Through their ups and downs, there is still mutual respect for each other. Pam has a dream to be an artist. She manages to get some of her drawings in a local art show and invites everyone in the office. Her ex-fiance Roy shows up but leaves shortly after. Oscar comes but is less than supportive.
Pam seems to be visibly upset until Michael comes at the last minute. He not only complements the art and buys some, but he even expresses how proud of her she is. This is one of the fan's favorite moments for good reason. Michael's heart really shines here and shows how much he respects Pam.
Showing Up At Dwight's Wedding (9.23)
The finale of The Office was bittersweet for fans. It was hard to say goodbye to their favorite characters, although finally seeing the wedding between Dwight and Angela was something fans had wanted for years. Near the end of the episode, Dwight and Jim are getting ready, when Jim reveals arguably his greatest prank. Unbeknownst to Dwight, Jim had contacted Michael to be Dwight's best man.
This was the first time Michael had been on the show in over two years, and seeing him brought up many emotions. Seeing Michael support his friend one last time was the finale the show deserved and will be remembered as one of Michael's greatest moments.