The Office

**Qalbert** · 2011-06-24 16:27

casting news/rumors and thus pretty spoilery

Spoiler: show

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/06/24/ja...er-the-office/
The Office may have found a new boss: James Spader is negotiating with NBC to join the hit comedy next fall — but not merely as the manager of the Scranton branch.
The three-time Emmy winning Boston Legal star has been reportedly in the mix to replace Steve Carell for awhile, and even guest starred in the season finale as one of several celebrity contenders vying for the Dunder Mifflin manager gig (video below).
But producers have a different role in mind for Spader: CEO of Dunder Mifflin, replacing Kathy Bates, who sources say will exit the show to focus on season 2 of Harry’s Law. “In the finale, he kicked ass,” says a source close to the show. “He was so funny and had this weird energy. We didn’t want to pass it up.”
Whereas Bates functioned more like a guest star in the series, however, Spader would have a significant weekly presence on the show. The actor’s deal is not done and no scripts have been written for the upcoming eighth season, which goes into production in about a month. Yet if all goes according to plan, Spader’s character — named “Robert California” — will be introduced in the premiere as the new Office manager. He quickly decides the role is too small for him, and somehow talks corporate into appointing him as its new CEO.
Sources say California will have a strong impact on the rest of the Office staff, demonstrating a manipulative power and a somewhat creepy sexual vibe:
“Dwight has never come up with somebody equally powerful and diabolical. With Andy, he could be a real father figure and make life really hard for him once he senses he can manipulate him. Jim reads people really quickly, yet wasn’t sure what to make of this guy.”
As for who will take the role of manager, that’s still unclear. Spader’s hire leaves open the possibility of an internal candidate stepping into the post, or another new hire coming on board. Brit comedian Catherine Tate was reported as an early front-runner for the post. Movie star Will Ferrell filled in for a multi-episode arc during on the show during May sweeps that divided some fans.
The NBC hit has teased viewers and the media alike with a year-long guessing game over who will take the starring role on the show. When the show ended last month, felonious mysterious Creed Bratton was sitting in the manager seat thanks to his seniority with the company.
In the finale, Spader was interviewed by Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) along with the HR representative Toby — who’s also the show’s real-life executive producer Paul Lieberstein. “There is no such thing as a ‘product,’” Spader’s arrogant character lectured. “There is only sex. Everything is sex. You understand what I’m telling you is a universal truth.”
Gabe worried Spader might be “over qualified” for the gig. “Do I look like someone who would waste my own time?” Spader countered.

**Shuvo** · 2011-06-24 20:03

Spoiler: show

**Qalbert** · 2011-07-06 14:32

the rumor from before is officially confirmed now

**Weeks** · 2011-09-22 21:05

Doesn't even deserve a link. Do yourself a favor and pretend The Office ended before this stinker.

**Vaspinne** · 2011-09-23 03:44

At the end of last season, I was okay with Steve Carell leaving as I thought the last few episodes weren't too bad. And watching this episode, right about the time when the winners/losers part came in, I couldn't help but think that Michael Scott would have been the perfect person to fix (or make worse) the problem. My hope for this season is sinking lower and lower.

**Elvis** · 2011-09-23 04:26

I liked it! It won't be as great as it was with Michael but it's still a good show IMO. At the least, watchable.

**Baelorn** · 2011-09-23 04:51

Anyone else thinking Andy is still the red herring? I just don't see him running the office for very long. Maybe it's just wishful thinking.

**Qalbert** · 2011-09-23 06:55

What they really need to do is sit down and brainstorm. They need to look at the characters they have, and figure out ways to use them that isn't just an overblown retread of previous seasons. They need to take the opportunity provided by this changing dynamic and shove it up your butt.

**Weeks** · 2011-09-23 18:07

The writers are lazy. The whole idea of Spader working his way up to the CEO position overnight had brilliant potential. Instead, they stick in a 10-second clip of Jim saying, "He talked Jo into making him CEO. I don't know how he did it." The planking thing wouldn't have been funny even if they'd shot it 6 months ago when it was still a fad. Earnest Andy isn't as funny as the old douchebag Andy. I know it would wear thin to have Andy and Dwight be essentially the same character, but if this is the Andy we're stuck with then don't elevate him to the focal character on the show. Finally, while Spader's character could be brilliant on this show, it doesn't work as long as he's as inscrutable to the audience as he is to the characters. He's just a guy who stares sort of blankly and asks awkward questions.

**Baelorn** · 2011-09-24 03:34

I don't think Andy will be able to really be the manager of the office while Spader's character is there looking over his shoulder. The character has potential but I don't want to see him every episode.

**Ghostsix.Midgard** · 2011-09-24 04:56

Originally Posted by Qalbert

What they really need to do is sit down and brainstorm. They need to look at the characters they have, and figure out ways to use them that isn't just an overblown retread of previous seasons. They need to take the opportunity provided by this changing dynamic and shove it up your butt.

got me, gdi bravo

**Tekoa** · 2011-09-24 13:46

This seasons needs more David Wallace and his promotion of the new product Suck It.

The season will either make or break the show IMO. With Michael Scott gone, there is a HUGE void in the show. While I like Andy as manager, it just doesn't seem right. Also, the online clip of Ryan explaining how fads work their way to Scranton should have been included in the show as it helps a tiny bit with explaining why planking just became a thing at Dunder Mifflin.

**shaddix** · 2011-09-24 17:34

It's been broken since season 5

**ikethegreat** · 2011-09-26 09:47

Ahhh so that's how Andy got the manager's job...

**Ohemgee** · 2011-09-29 20:31

Yo I love Robert California

**Vandole** · 2011-09-29 20:33

Many small time, make big time

**Ohemgee** · 2011-09-29 20:49

I can't tell if you mean see the world or sea world

**Baelorn** · 2011-09-29 22:47

Better than the premiere. If they can keep this up it will be a good season.

**Elvis** · 2011-10-01 09:58

Am I missing something? I thought Gabe got sent to florida with Kelly taking his old position...or did spader change all that?

**Ohemgee** · 2011-10-06 20:28

Senor Loadenstein
Porque es muy rapido

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