As identified by u/DarknessIsFleeting, Michael Scott developed from his disagreeable beginnings in Season 1 to a extra likable, albeit nonetheless flawed boss in Season 2 as a result of the writers needed a change in inventive course. Steve Carell defended Michael’s controversial conduct in his early appearances as ignorant, not illiberal, however even then, it was refreshing to see him grow to be extra self-aware over time. Nonetheless, that did not cease “The Workplace” from showcasing his love for improvisation and character impersonations, together with the aforementioned “Date Mike” in Season 6, Episode 21, “Glad Hour.”
The speculation that Michael is actually “Date Mike” in Season 1 minus the Kangol cap is a well-liked one. The highest remark (with over 170 upvotes) by Redditor u/Treazon begins off with, “That is truly a strong in universe clarification for one thing everyone knows was a deliberate selection by the writers.” u/Man_of_Average identified that the conduct goes past these two situations, saying, “It is when he is not making an attempt to placed on a efficiency that he comes throughout rather more congenial. And I feel because the present goes on it is him studying to not be ‘cool’ and to as an alternative be his real self.”
u/MattTheSmithers summed up the sentiment by declaring, “This can be a nice principle. I want extra fan theories have been like this.” We agree. It is a strong in-universe clarification for one of many present’s oddest anomalies.