Episode 1 of *The Paper* kicks off with the documentary film crew meeting Bob Vance, the owner of Vance Refrigeration, to delve into the inner workings of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company’s Scranton branch. In a candid moment, Bob discloses to the crew that Dunder Mifflin was acquired by Enervate, a corporate entity hailing from Toledo, Ohio, back in 2019.
Meanwhile, Ken, another character with insider knowledge, chimes in to reveal that Enervate is no ordinary company; it's another paper behemoth that deals in a plethora of paper-based products, ranging from office supplies and toilet paper to local newspapers. Ken then takes the opportunity to introduce the cameraman to a cornerstone of Toledo's media landscape: *The Toledo Truth Teller*, a venerable newspaper that first rolled off the presses in 1951.
Mare, the skilled compositor responsible for weaving together the newspaper's articles, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her workflow. She meticulously explains the intricacies of how things operate at the *Toledo Truth Teller* (TTT) and introduces the cameraperson to Barry, the sports reporter who is, at that very moment, catching some Zs in his chair.
The scene then shifts to Esmeralda Grand, the Managing Editor of TTT, who exudes an air of authority and expertise. Esmeralda elaborates on how TTT has embraced the digital age, now also publishing news online. She then introduces the crew to Nicole, a key player in the online section of TTT. Nicole proceeds to demystify the role of cookies in the realm of online news websites.
Detrick, the charismatic individual tasked with selling ads for TTT, appears to have developed a soft spot for Nicole, his interactions with her tinged with a hint of flirtation. Esmeralda then guides the crew to meet the trio of accountants, as well as Oscar, the head accountant, who promptly throws a tantrum about being filmed without his prior consent.
Seeking a moment of respite, Mare steps outside for a breather and unexpectedly bumps into Ned Sampson, the newly appointed Editor in Chief for the newspaper section of the *Toledo Truth Teller*. Upon their return to the office, chaos ensues as the employees mistake Ned for an intruder and promptly lock him in the copy room. When Ned fails to name a single employee from the company, doubts begin to swirl among the staff, casting a shadow of suspicion over his true identity.
Mare emerges from her break, her face lighting up with revelation as she shares that Ned had been engaged in a lively conversation with the camera crew. Upon hearing this, Nicole relents and releases Ned from his confinement. Mare's mind races with trepidation, fearing the worst—that she might be on the verge of being fired. However, Ned, brimming with gratitude, thanks Mare profusely for rescuing him from the dreary confines of the copy room and extends an invitation for a lunch outing.
Over a meal, the pair engage in heartfelt conversation, forging a deeper bond as Ned regales Mare with tales of his journalistic beginnings. Meanwhile, back on the main floor, Oscar deftly sidesteps any potential interaction with the camera crew, opting for a more inconspicuous existence. The office is abuzz with the quirks of its diverse staff, including the eccentricities of Travis, Adam, Adelola, and a host of other colorful characters.
Mare's thoughts drift to Esmeralda, pondering how she will react to the revelation that Ned is her new superior. Ned, with a confident stride, introduces himself to both Esmeralda and Ken. He then lays out his vision, requesting Ken to recruit fresh talent to bolster the daily operations of TTT. Ken, however, stands firm, citing budgetary limitations, a response that leaves Ned visibly crestfallen.
Adding fuel to the fire, Ned discovers that Esmeralda has been circulating disparaging remarks about him. Frustrated by his inability to reach a resolution with her, he takes matters into his own hands, addressing the entire staff directly. He appeals to their sense of adventure and journalism, urging them to step forward as volunteer journalists for the Toledo Truth Teller newspaper.
Marv, the branch manager, surprisingly lends his support, granting permission for employees to dedicate a portion of their workday to collaborate with Ned. Esmeralda, however, is far from pleased with these developments, her discontent palpable. Mare, recognizing an opportunity to utilize her background as a military journalist, decides to throw her hat into the ring and join Ned's burgeoning team.
The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with Ned's inbox flooding with emails from eager employees volunteering to be part of his innovative endeavor.
