Official spokespersons and inside sources have been nothing if not pessimistic regarding a Steve Carell appearance in next week’s “The Office” series finale.
Though Carell’s Michael Scott functioned as the heart and soul of the show for its first six-and-a-half seasons, those close to the show have maintained that the character would not figure into the series finale. “Goodbye, Michael,” they argue, was the perfect conclusion to Carell’s run on the show.
In making no reference to Carell or his character, NBC’s recently-released plot synopsis and cast list adhered to that stance of denial. As far as any official statement was concerned, Steve Carell is not confirmed for the finale.
Then came the New York Times article.
A piece exploring the show’s impact on television comedy, the Times’ article teased a potential Carell cameo. “NBC announced long ago that he would not be back for the finale, but a suspicion lingers that a potential surprise scene may have been filmed with Michael — there is an event in the finale that would probably call for his presence,” read the tease, which suddenly provided hope for diehard “Office” fans.
TV Line built on that hopeful foundation Monday with an outright assertion that Carell will appear in next Thursday’s episode.
“According to sources, Carell’s return engagement qualifies as more of a cameo than a full-fledged guest appearance. (It’s unclear if Carell will be joined by his Office soul mate Amy Ryan.),” noted the piece by Michael Ausiello.