Erin Hannon didn't make a huge splash when she first arrived on The Office. She was just the receptionist filling in for Pam and her ditzy charm hadn't quite developed yet. But by the end, she was pretty much what the show was all about. And it only took a few seasons for her to get there. One messy break-up after another and the best of Erin Hannon came through.
Still, she doesn't often get credit for the comedy she brought to the show, many such instances flew under the radar. So this list is dedicated to all those moments she was subtly hilarious, either behind the scenes or as the scene.
Refusing Pam's Candy
When Pam and Jim come back from their honeymoon in Puerto Rico, they come bearing gifts. For Michael, a parrot with rum and for the office, a big tub of coco leche to be put out at reception.
Only Erin simply refuses to put the candy out until Michael approves it. Pam, formerly a receptionist herself, assures Erin that it will be okay. But Erin remains staunchly opposed to putting out any candy that has not been approved by Michael. On the one hand, it's kind of neurotic, but it makes for some good chortles.
Paper Airplane
Perhaps the loudest of the subtle moments, Erin's lesser character trait of being hyper-competitive comes front and center during the episode in which the office participates in a paper airplane contest.
While the Dwight and Esther and Angela drama takes center stage and Nellie is struggling to keep up with the competition, Erin is losing her mind over not winning the competition. Highlights include acting like a pig to taunt Clark and kicking an empty box full of packing peanuts.
Does Anyone Have A First Aid Kit?
When everyone goes on an office-wide challenge to stay silent for as long as possible, it's Kevin Malone that breaks it when he unwraps a Baby Ruth. All of the employees decide to get it all out of their system and say everything they wanted to say during the silent streak.
It's a cacophony of sounds, but in the middle of it, Erin stands up from behind reception with a bleeding gash running down her hand and asks if anyone has a first aid kit. 1. What could she possibly have done? 2. It would have been fine to interrupt the quiet for that. 3. No one helps her.
Moves Oscar Like A Curtain
Oscar owns one particular scene where he has come up with a "life hack" to "ab blast" every time an internet ad comes on. He steps up his ankle saddles in the door to the annex and does about four crunches before having to ask for help.
No one answers the call. But when Phyllis appears behind him with two mugs of coffee asking for help, Erin steps up, holds Oscar aside like a curtain, and lets Phyllis pass. Team player.
Holly
Everybody loves Holly Flax. Namely, Michael Scott himself, who gives up his one huge love—Dunder Mifflin—to go to Colorado for Holly. Everyone is thrilled for Michael and Holly, but in case no one noticed, from the moment they first met, Erin has been so incredibly underwhelmed by Holly.
She just doesn't get why everyone likes her. For as nice as Erin is to literally everyone, it comes across as even more comical since she has this indescribable disdain for such a pleasant person.
The Pens Happened, Pam
A lot happens in season 9, episode 11. Dwight and Clark go to make a sale at a suit warehouse, Pam and Darrell go to Philly so Darrell can interview for—and land—a job and meanwhile, everyone else in the office enjoys a new espresso machine, courtesy of Jan.
Erin's mental turmoil may get lost in the shuffle. Pam left her in charge of a simple pen shipment, which Erin first unpacks, then repacks, unsure if she is overstepping her role and, as Kevin puts it, gunning for Pam's job. Finally, when Pam returns to an office with the carpet ripped up and no one else around, she runs into Erin and asks what happened. "The pens happened, Pam," she says.
I Bet It's Katie Couric
As the documentary trailers start airing in the final season, one trailer promises to reveal the secret life of a public figure. Immediately, the speculation runs wild, with people wondering who the public figure being referred to is.
If you ask Erin, she has a very good idea who it is. "I bet it's Katie Couric. I've been saying this for years," she says. It's almost on the level of a Robert California comment because of how specific it is and how much thought she's given it. She's been saying it for years?
Is Indian?
Another gem coming out of the final season of the Office. When Andy is in the throes of his acting career, David Wallace comes to Scranton to chastise the wayward manager for his wanton spending of office funds, as well as his lack of focus on Dunder Mifflin.
When Wallace first walks on, he asks Erin "is Andy in?" To which Erin says nothing, but simply stares at David Wallace blankly before realizing what David said. "I thought you said 'is Indian'?" she says, before rambling until Andy appears and saying "I'm a good receptionist."
Screaming With Kelly
The Doomsday Device is such a good episode for a lot of reasons. Dwight shows how much he cares about the office, Robert California is in top form, it's just a good watch no matter the scope. But there is one instance where Erin is in top form, even if it lasts for just a moment.
Kelly steps up to beg Dwight to shut the Doomsday Machine down, screaming, "Shut it down! Shut it down!" Not wanting to be outdone, Erin steps up next to Kelly and screams too. Not words, just screaming.
Take It Up With The Chief Of Police
The most underrated quote from the Office. On Secretary's Day, a day that does not go well for Erin Hannon, she does provide this little gem of hilarity that doesn't appear on enough "top quotes" boards.
After Erin throws a fit about Andy's prior engagement to Angela, Angela approaches Erin and says, "You embarrassed me earlier." Erin's response? "Take it up with the chief of police."