James Spader quits The Office, just like NBC viewers
By Marty BeckermanFebruary 27th, 2012, 10:35 pmComments (1)
Less than a year after replacing Steve Carell (well, technically, Kathy Bates) on The Office, James Spader — who plays Robert California, Dunder Mifflin's conniving CEO — has submitted his two weeks notice. Variety reports that the actor won't return for the workplace comedy's ninth season.
"James always wanted this to be a one-year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television," said executive producer Paul Lieberstein. "He's been a great friend to me and the show, helping us successfully transition into the post-Michael Scott years, and I'm grateful for that."
Spader's cameo was the highlight of last season's finale, but "the post-Michael Scott years" were doomed from the start. People watched The Office to see Michael Scott create awkward situations for his coworkers, not to watch Jim and Pam have (ugh) a second baby.
Yes, the series can still provide occasional laughs, but ratings have plummeted because everyone — except for NBC advertising executives — knows that it should've ended with Carell's excellent farewell episode, "Goodbye, Michael." There is no reason for The Office to exist without him. James Spader tried his hardest, but it just wasn't going to happen, even if he had performed for years. (That's what she said?)
A Dwight Schrute spinoff, on the other hand: every reason to exist.
Commentarium (1 Comment)
The sad thing is that even though "The Office" nosedived in ratings this year, it's still one of NBC's highest-rated shows. I think it only gets beat by "The Voice" and maybe "The Biggest Loser" and "Smash."
Now you say something