Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Brent approaches his departure from Wernham Hogg as though it will lead to something better. He hands out business cards and welcomes Helena from the trade magazine Inside Paper, trying to shape both her questions and the article she will write. Dawn hands in her notice to travel to America with Lee, but Brent initially assumes she is resigning in protest at his redundancy. She has to explain that his dismissal is unrelated to her decision.
Neil offers Tim the temporary manager's job. Tim refuses and recommends Gareth, whose conscientious approach makes him a plausible replacement despite their arguments. Gareth gets the appointment and immediately starts telling Tim how things will change. Brent's alternative career also collapses during the magazine interview. Ray and Jude from Cooper and Webb tell him they will not use him as a speaker again, leaving him to absorb the rejection in front of Helena.
Tim ends his relationship with Rachel and learns that Dawn and Lee intend to spend about six months in Florida. During an interview, he stops defending his earlier invitation to Dawn and goes to speak to her privately. He removes his microphone, and their conversation cannot be heard; afterwards, he reports that she said no. Brent also drops his confident pose when Neil and Jennifer present his redundancy terms. He begs them to reconsider and promises to work harder, but they tell him the decision is already in motion.