<P> The series--presented as if it were a real documentary--depicts the everyday lives of office employees in the Scranton, Pennsylvania, branch of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company . In the episode, which takes place almost a year after the previous episode "A.A.R.M.", present and past employees of Dunder Mifflin gather for the wedding of Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) and Angela Martin (Angela Kinsey), during which Michael Scott (Steve Carell) returns to serve as Dwight's best man . In addition, Pam Halpert (Jenna Fischer) and Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) finally decide to pursue Jim's dream of working in sports marketing . Finally, everyone comes together for a final round of interviews and goodbyes . </P> <P> The initial idea for the finale, involving the Q&A, was thought of by Daniels during production of the third season . The episode features the return of many recurring characters, as well as Carell, whose return was kept secret for many months . Many members of the show's crew--such as episode writer Daniels--made cameos in the episode as various background characters . Jennie Tan, the founder of the largest Office fansite OfficeTally appears in the episode as a fictional version of herself asking the members of the office questions . </P> <P> The episode was viewed by an estimated 5.69 million viewers and received 3.0 rating among adults between the ages of 18 and 49, making it the highest - rated episode of the series since the eighth season installment, "Pool Party". "Finale" received critical acclaim from critics and fans, with many critics complimenting the writers for wrapping up the storylines for most of the characters . Critics also praised Carell's cameo, with many arguing that it was perfectly executed . This episode received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards, and won for Outstanding Single - Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series . </P> <P> One year since the documentary has aired, the crew has returned to gain more footage for the DVD bonus features . Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) and Angela Martin (Angela Kinsey) are about to get married . Andy Bernard (Ed Helms), after being humiliated with his talent show audition tape going viral on the internet, has found a job at his alma mater Cornell University in the Admissions Office . Darryl Philbin (Craig Robinson) has helped expand Athlead, now named Athleap, opening a branch in Austin, Texas . Stanley Hudson (Leslie David Baker) is enjoying retirement in Florida and Phyllis Vance (Phyllis Smith) tries to get Stanley's replacement Malcolm (Malcolm Barrett) fat on chocolates to make him look like Stanley . After being fired by Dwight, Kevin Malone (Brian Baumgartner) bought a bar and Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein) started a career as an author in New York City . Nellie Bertram (Catherine Tate) has moved to Poland . Creed Bratton (Creed Bratton) had faked his death but was then revealed to be a wanted fugitive, so Dwight replaced him with former employee Devon White (Devon Abner). Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nunez) is preparing to run for a State Senate seat and is now Phillip's godfather . Andy, Darryl, Stanley, Toby, and Nellie return to Scranton for the wedding as well as a panel for the documentary . </P>

What happens to jim and pam in series finale