The Phyllis And Stanley Theory That Changes Everything On The Office
For nine seasons, "The Office" provided an in-depth look at all of the characters and their various eccentricities at Dunder Mifflin. Audiences got to see Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer) fall in love, as well as Dwight coming into his own as the regional manager. However, despite everything that occurred throughout 200 episodes, there was still plenty the show kept viewers in the dark about. At various points, characters hint at something that never receives a full elaboration, allowing a plethora of fan theories to develop.
One of the most popular to materialize involves Toby (Paul Lieberstein) being the true Scranton Strangler, as evidenced by the doubts he develops after he helps convict a man for those crimes. Viewers could also interpret Toby's departure for Costa Rica as evidence he wanted to get away from the city where he became a wanted man.
Toby having a secret life isn't the only theory that's emerged since "The Office" came to an end. Some viewers have noticed several clues that suggest Phyllis (Phyllis Smith) and Stanley (Leslie David Baker) were more than just friends at one point during their time as coworkers.
One Redditor suggests Phyllis and Stanley had an affair
Phyllis and Stanley have worked at Dunder Mifflin for a long time, so they obviously have a special connection no one else at the business enjoys. Stanley's married (up until he announced his divorce in the finale), while Phyllis marries Bob Vance (Bobby Ray Shafer) in the middle of the show's run. However, Redditor u/Joeyh595 started a thread that suggests the two could've had a sexual relationship before the events of the filmed series.
One piece of evidence to support this is in Season 2's "Sexual Harassment." Toby reminds the staff that they must disclose any romantic relationships people have with coworkers. Phyllis then asks if that includes one-night stands, suggesting she had a tryst with someone working close by. The show never reveals who that partner might be, but it could very well be Stanley. Outside of that, they both have a history of adultery. Stanley famously cheated on his wife several times throughout "The Office," and on Season 6's "The Chump," Michael Scott (Steve Carell) points out, "Why is it okay for Phyllis to cheat ... on her diet?" The abrupt turn of phrase suggests Phyllis cheated on Bob Vance at some point.
In the series finale, Stanley gives Phyllis a wooden bird he made and mentions how he misses working with her since he moved to Florida. It's a rare bit of emotional sentiment from Stanley, who wasn't exactly known for that kind of thing. Granted, they could be terrific friends, but something tells us there's more there. If "The Office" reunion ever happens, maybe the two will finally pronounce their love for one another.