 Erik Adams of The A.V. Club awarded the episode a " B + " . He felt that the plot revolving around downsizing was " fitting " , because the episode takes place on " Halloween " , and that this plot returned Michael to the role of villain . Adams also felt that " director Paul Feig and credited writer Greg Daniels had a lot of fun dressing the show up for “ Halloween , ” framing Dwight like a shrouded Emperor Palpatine and making John Krasinski step into Steve Carell ’ s shoes for a couple of great punchlines . " 
