“The Merger” is the episode that brings Stamford employees into Scranton after the branch merger.
It is the eighth episode of season three and follows the closure of Dunder Mifflin’s Stamford branch. Jim Halpert, Karen Filippelli, Andy Bernard, Martin Nash, Tony Gardner, and Hannah Smoterich-Barr transfer to the Scranton office, bringing new personalities, rivalries, and logistical problems with them.
The episode is especially important because Jim returns to Scranton while dating Karen, creating immediate tension with Pam Beesly. Andy also begins establishing his place in the office, while Michael Scott tries to make the incoming group feel welcome through awkward team-building efforts. His attempt to unite the employees eventually contributes to Tony Gardner quitting almost immediately.
The episode is often confused with “Branch Closing,” which sets up the business crisis, or “The Convict,” which follows the merger and explores Martin Nash’s prison history. “The Merger” is the episode depicting the actual arrival and integration of the Stamford staff.