Though James Spader did join the cast of NBC’s “The Office” in his Robert California role, he, as had been reported for months, is not technically the replacement for Steve Carell’s Michael Scott.
NBC had been keeping the identity of the new regional manager under wraps until the season eight premiere.
That event finally came Thursday, and within only a minute or so of action, it was revealed that Ed Helms’ Andy Bernard had been selected as the new regional manager of Dunder Mifflin Sabre Scranton. No justification was given for Bernard’s selection–he simply got the gig after California, unwilling to perform in that role, talked his way into the larger role of CEO.
Spader fans need not fear, however. It was established that the quirky Robert California spends much of his time working out of the Scranton office’s conference room, so he will have a significant presence on the show.
But Thursday’s episode was really about building Andy up as a suitable substitute for Michael Scott.
The episode revolved around Robert California’s mysterious “list,” that categorized the workers into two columns. He eventually revealed the chart to be indicative of who he feels are winners and losers, with names like Jim, Dwight, Darryl and Kevin (?) on the “winners” side and Pam, Ryan, Meredith and Gabe in the “losers” group. After grilling Robert on the list, Andy found himself transferred to the loser column.
Though California assured the staff that there was plenty of time for his opinion to change, Andy, in typical Michael Scott fashion, refused to have his friends demeaned. He protested California’s categorization, arguing why every “loser” but Gabe (who is serving as his version of Toby) is actually a winner. He has yet to accomplish much (he “won” the right to work a half day on the Friday before Columbus Day, a privilege they already had), but his “fight” established him as an acceptable manager.
The episode functioned well enough without the brilliant Carell, although it also had a cute storyline keeping things interesting. Going forward, it remains to be seen if any cast member will match Carell’s ability to let his character do all the work–his ability to turn low-key, goofy, “barely anything” storylines into compelling TV.
Here’s what I loved about this episode:
1) ANDY BERNARD!!!: ALL summer long my family and I speculated animatedly about who the new boss should be. While we all liked Dwight and appreciated Darryl’s niche on the show, the choice to us was obvious. As we apprehensively tuned in last night (stopping watching X-Factor to do so), we were terrified the writers would get it wrong. And then . . . a MINUTE in, (drum roll please) . . . Andy Bernard was declared to be the new regional manager! YESSSS!!!! Thank God the writers got it right! Ed Helms is a hilarious actor who possesses many of the Michael Scott-ish qualities but not to such a degree that he’s a carbon copy. Making Dwight his “enforcer” means that Dwight’s character can shine to his fullest extent, his relationship with Erin is now far more interesting, and he even comes with his own personal “Toby”–Gabe! The scene at the end where Andy stands up to California and defends his employees was actually very touching and confirmed beyond any doubt at all that Andy is perfect to lead the post-Carell era.
PREGNANCIES: Jim and Pam were the best we’ve seen them in a LONG time. I felt like the magic was back. Jim’s list at the end to Pam was touching and very much the type of thing we like to see happen in their relationship. Also, Pam’s emotional crying moments were totally believable and equally hilarious! It’s also nice to know they’re having a boy. Now, as for the other Office pregnancy, I was not surprised it turned out to be Angela, and I can TOTALLY see where this is going. I’m still unclear about whether or not Angela and the senator (excuse me . . . STATE senator . . . Oh, yeah, GAY STATE senator) are actually married yet. But it doesn’t really matter one way or another. They’re relationship is doomed to fail in a spectacularly entertaining way. And that baby? NOT the state senator’s! Little does Angela know that little Dwight Schrute, Junior is in her womb. 😉
ROBERT CALIFORNIA: James Spader is certainly an engaging actor, and he provides a nice Yin to Andy’s Yang. He is every bit the evil genius manipulator (in a good way) I expected him to be, and he provides an interesting new challenge to the characters of this show. Should we consider him a villain, or will he grow on us like Michael did over the seasons? Time will tell, but I have a feeling there are some endearing traits we’ll see glimpses of along the way. This episode was rightfully an ANDY episode, but Spader played his part very well in it. I’m still getting used to him, but I find his character quite intriguing.
STANLEY’S CATCHPHRASE: Okay, people, I implore you NOT to take Stanley’s “in your butt” line too seriously. It is not genuinely intended to replace Michael’s legendary “That’s what she said” quips. Don’t you “get” that they’re making fun of TRYING to replace TWSS? Stanley thinks his line is hilarious, but we all know it’s really not that funny. That irony is where the true humor lies. PLEASE do not make the mistake of taking this show too seriously. To do so robs a viewer of his or enjoyment of it.Â
PLANKING: Four Words. Hil. Ar. I. Ous!!!!
Sometimes shows become too comfortable relying on one key element to sustain them through some less than stellar moments. Steve Carell was that anchor, and he certainly did an Emmy-winning job of carrying the show over the years, but NOW the training wheels are off. The show will either stand on its own or sadly fall. The safety is gone, and this pushes the writers and the actors to produce their best work possible. Steve Carell’s time on the show made it what it is today. His departure from the show may just be what it takes to save the show by putting fire under everyone’s creative butts to deliver.
If the first episode of this new season is any indication of the quality Season 8 will offer, then I am delighted to say that Dunder-Mifflin Sabre will not be downsized any time soon! It was a BRILLIANT premiere episode. X-Factor was NOT the best thing on TV this week. THIS was!Â