The Office (US) & the Aftermath of Steve Carell's Departure

[ISiddiqui]

http://www.grantland.com/blog/hollywood-prospectus/post/_/id/39214/the-office-can-it-be-fixed

The departure of Michael Scott — and Carell’s goofy, glue-like charisma along with him — has exposed foundational rot of the sort not usually seen outside of Schrute Farms.

While Steve Carell's Michael Scott could sometimes be so utterly ridiculous that it was painful, his charisma really did seem to hold the show together. I guess its like Peyton Manning and the Colts - only when he's gone do you see how much he was needed. I know that it would be hard to replace Michael Scott, but did ANYONE realize just how horrible it would turn out without him?

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Office: Can It Be Fixed? - Hollywood Prospectus Blog (http://www.grantland.com/blog/hollywood-prospectus/post/_/id/39214/the-office-can-it-be-fixed)



While Steve Carell's Michael Scott could sometimes be so utterly ridiculous that it was painful, his charisma really did seem to hold the show together. I guess its like Peyton Manning and the Colts - only when he's gone do you see how much he was needed. I know that it would be hard to replace Michael Scott, but did ANYONE realize just how horrible it would turn out without him?

I am not a fan of Andy Greenwald. I have read a number of his TV reviews and we just don't see eye-to-eye on many things. Our tastes are very different.

That said, I have only watched the first 2 or so post-Michael Scott episodes of The Office. I have all of the rest sitting on my DVR, but haven't had the desire to watch them.

[RainMaker]

I honestly don't think the show has been that bad since he left. Not a fan of Robert California, but it still has its moments.

[Danny]

I still enjoy the show. It's not what the same quality as its prime, but just as good as the last season or so with Carell.

[ISiddiqui]

I think aside from a few moments, here and there, it's been mostly dreck.

[DeToxRox]

I'd say episode to episode the Office now is much more consistent than it has been the past two seasons. They have been doing more with the minor characters this season which has been great (Kevin is easily the best thing about this season), and they haven't overused Spader at this point.

The problem for me is the same one it's been for a while now and that is Jim and Pam are just played out. If the Office continues on I would love to see it happen with those two gone, but I know that is probably not an option.

[larrymcg421]

The remaining episodes last season after Michael's departure were terrible. Will Ferrell just did not work at all. However, I think they've done a mostly good job with this new season. There have been a few terrible episodes, but overall I think it's been a pretty solid season.

I think Ed Helms makes for a terrific replacement, similar to Michael Scott but more sympathetic and not as crazy. Robert California's brand of craziness is pretty fun to watch, too. I think these two play off each other very well. I loved the episode where he told Andy not to hire his wife, but then kept making it impossible for him to follow through on that.

[ISiddiqui]

One of the things is why is Robert at Scranton so much? It seems very strange considering he's the CEO and the headquarters are in Florida, right?

[larrymcg421]

One of the things is why is Robert at Scranton so much? It seems very strange considering he's the CEO and the headquarters are in Florida, right?

Jo may have been in Florida because that's where she wanted to be, for weather and maybe tax purposes. However, Dunder-Mifflin before it was bought was a regional NE company and Scranton was their top selling branch. Who knows about the rest of Sabre industries, but to me it makes sense why he'd pay particular interest to Scranton and try to keep it strong.

[PackerFanatic]

He does actually make mention of that in last night's episode too (why he is in Scranton so much).

It hasn't been their strongest season, but I think making Andy the manager and Robert the CEO was their best choice. Andy fits that role really well. There have been some good funny moments this season and they have done a pretty good job of using the strong supporting cast (especially in last night's episode - I always love me some good Kevin moments). I hope they don't try and drag this series on for too many more seasons though...it has MAYBE one past this one, if that. Don't let it outlive its welcome :)

[ISiddiqui]

Jo may have been in Florida because that's where she wanted to be, for weather and maybe tax purposes. However, Dunder-Mifflin before it was bought was a regional NE company and Scranton was their top selling branch. Who knows about the rest of Sabre industries, but to me it makes sense why he'd pay particular interest to Scranton and try to keep it strong.

Haven't seen the last ep yet for explination, but Sabre's HQ is in Tallahassee. And obviously, Sabre was making more money, which is why it was able to buy out Dunder Mifflin.

[Mota]

I'm enjoying this season more than the past 2 or so seasons. I loved Michael Scott and the weird stuff he brought, but it was played out after so many episodes. Having Andy as the manager is a big change and they've been able to create some good moments from it.

[JPhillips]

I'd say episode to episode the Office now is much more consistent than it has been the past two seasons. They have been doing more with the minor characters this season which has been great (Kevin is easily the best thing about this season), and they haven't overused Spader at this point.

The problem for me is the same one it's been for a while now and that is Jim and Pam are just played out. If the Office continues on I would love to see it happen with those two gone, but I know that is probably not an option.

(WARNING DRAMA LIT POST AHEAD)

Structurally this is the problem with a lot of sitcoms. Comedy is generally built around a young couple that can't be together for various reasons. In a film the eventual unification of the young couple marks the end of the story. In a sitcom the unification of the lovers often leaves the writers with no plot arc to pursue. Think about how many sitcoms fell apart once the lovers got together. The only real solution is to find a new pair to focus on, but in The Office you can't break up Jim/Pam and it's nearly impossible to find another couple.

[GrantDawg]

Haven't seen the last ep yet for explination, but Sabre's HQ is in Tallahassee. And obviously, Sabre was making more money, which is why it was able to buy out Dunder Mifflin.


They were a stronger company than DM, but Scranton was the only profitable part of DM, and may be Sabre's most profitable branch. But, the explanaition was on Thursday's show. Robert California hates Florida, has a home in Scraton, and is there as much as he can get away with.

Personally, I have liked this season. But then I am not a hater-fan. Hater-fans have been watching since season 1, and have been saying it sucked since season 2.5. Why you still watching, bro?

[Danny]

Jim and Pam really have not been featured this season. They need to have Jim there for his interactions with the others in the office, but they should really just write Pam to be a stay at home mom or work at a different place and only be on the show occasionally.

[ISiddiqui]

Personally, I have liked this season. But then I am not a hater-fan. Hater-fans have been watching since season 1, and have been saying it sucked since season 2.5. Why you still watching, bro?

Neither am I :). If you recall, I've been defending the last two Carell seasons (though they weren't as good as earlier, I'll admit).

[Swaggs]

(WARNING DRAMA LIT POST AHEAD)

Structurally this is the problem with a lot of sitcoms. Comedy is generally built around a young couple that can't be together for various reasons. In a film the eventual unification of the young couple marks the end of the story. In a sitcom the unification of the lovers often leaves the writers with no plot arc to pursue. Think about how many sitcoms fell apart once the lovers got together. The only real solution is to find a new pair to focus on, but in The Office you can't break up Jim/Pam and it's nearly impossible to find another couple.

I agree that this is a big piece to what is missing. And, I also think that the animosity between "corporate" and the office (and Michael as the in-between) has been missing and has made that part of the show change, as well. At the very beginning, there was always the overriding fear of layoffs and/or the office closing. Sprinkle in the corporate initiatives and dynamics (sexual harassment, diversity, no more Jan or David Wallace, Ryan's diminished role, the trips to New York, etc.) and you are missing a lot of the fun stuff from the early days.

Now, Jim got the girl, Michael got the girl, and all the jobs are safe. Essentially, everyone got what they wanted and now, the show is kind of without direction. I still like it and watch it every Thursday (as opposed to many of my shows that sit on my DVR for awhile), but it has lacked direction for awhile.

It seems like they are trying to introduce some romances (Andy-Erin, Darrell-new dock worker, Angela-the Senator), but they are taking too long to develop or being ignored. They've also introduced characters and then kind of forgotten them (Timothy Olyphant and the new receptionist from last season).

[Raiders Army]

This week's episode was really good and had some LOL moments. We rewatched it just now and during Dwight's interview with Gabe I noticed that Gabe has an AAM (Army Achievement Medal) in the background. Apparently Robert California's grandfather won a few of them. Nice touch.

[Danny]

Can I send in 20 names? Stacey Kiebler and Erin Andrews really should have been on my list

[Danny]

Oops wrong thread

[MIJB#19]

Can I send in 20 names? Stacey Kiebler and Erin Andrews really should have been on my listThey sound like interesting additions to The Office (US) cast, that's for sure.

[MIJB#19]

Seriously though, The Office without Michael Scott? That sounds similar to Two and a Half Men without Charlie Harper...

[PackerFanatic]

I agree that this is a big piece to what is missing. And, I also think that the animosity between "corporate" and the office (and Michael as the in-between) has been missing and has made that part of the show change, as well. At the very beginning, there was always the overriding fear of layoffs and/or the office closing. Sprinkle in the corporate initiatives and dynamics (sexual harassment, diversity, no more Jan or David Wallace, Ryan's diminished role, the trips to New York, etc.) and you are missing a lot of the fun stuff from the early days.

Now, Jim got the girl, Michael got the girl, and all the jobs are safe. Essentially, everyone got what they wanted and now, the show is kind of without direction. I still like it and watch it every Thursday (as opposed to many of my shows that sit on my DVR for awhile), but it has lacked direction for awhile.

It seems like they are trying to introduce some romances (Andy-Erin, Darrell-new dock worker, Angela-the Senator), but they are taking too long to develop or being ignored. They've also introduced characters and then kind of forgotten them (Timothy Olyphant and the new receptionist from last season).

Very well put.

[PilotMan]

I love James Spader, but this character doesn't seem to click for me. I think Andy is a terrible pivot point for the show. I think his character isn't nearly deep enough, he just comes across like a #4 starting pitcher trying to make it as the ace. It's just not happening. The last couple seasons have been heading down, but it's still on my watch list.

[stevew]

They should have fired about half of the cast in a major purge, and then gradually introduced new members.

[PilotMan]

I am wondering if maybe they didn't "Jump the Shark" with this last episode, "Pool Party". I mean, in the moment, it was amusing, but thinking back on it, it just felt like maybe they were really trying too hard.

[Crapshoot]

I watch it, but I don't know why to be honest. Jim and Pam aren't particularly interesting, the characters have all been there, done that - there's no conflict or boredom anymore. Andy Bernard is just no Michael Scott.

[Galaxy]

Haven't seen the last ep yet for explination, but Sabre's HQ is in Tallahassee. And obviously, Sabre was making more money, which is why it was able to buy out Dunder Mifflin.
Sabre's HQ is based in Tallahassee, but the Dunder Mifflin HQ's (pre-Sabre) was in NYC.

[Carman Bulldog]

I'd argue that the show's biggest loss was actually that of Michael Schur when he left to form Parks and Rec after Season 4. Arguably, the quality of The Office has gone down since then while Parks and Rec (after struggling to find their niche the first season) has excelled.

[korme]

"Back in college....I used to get wicked hammered. They called me puke...I would chug a fifth of SoCo, sneak in to a frat party, polish off a few people’s empties, some brewskies, some Jell-O shots. Do some body shots off myself. Pass out. Wake up the next morning. Puke, rally, more SoCo, head to class. Probably would have gotten expelled if I’d let it affect my grades. But I aced all my courses. They called me Ace. I was totally awesome. I got straight Bs. They called me Buzz."