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This must be what death row inmates feel like.No, I'm sure they don't feel like this. It does feel horrible, however. Next month we will be saying goodbye to Michael Scott, "The Office's"lovable, bumbling boss. Since the announcement came quite early in the season, most people are past the denial stage. Over the past seven years Steve Carell has created a comical caricature with more soul and depth than some real people. Just when we think we have explored everything about Michael Scott another layer peels back to reveal the silly but endearing man underneath the largely offensive impersonations. He will be difficult to replace, and NBC is throwing the comedian kitchen sink at this problem. Will Farrell, Will Arnett, and series creator Ricky Gervais will guest star during the last four episodes. Let us explore the potential positives each master comedian can bring to "The Office."
With Two Wills, is there a way?
Will Farrell was announced around the end of January. Most fans were mortified initially, and not because he is untalented. On the contrary, some assumed he would stick out like a sore thumb, with his style being more over the top than the Emmy awarded show is used to. Few remember the full and nuanced role of Harold Crick in "Stranger than Fiction," where Ferrell plays a hurt, confused, and decidedly un-zany IRS agent who happens to be the latest in a long line of ill fated lead characters of a fallen famous writer. As a visiting manager from corporate, Will Farrell will have sasquatch-sized dress shoes to fill, thankfully the writers know better than to force him to instantly fail.
Will Arnett, the celebrated comic from the cancelled "Arrested Development" series (possibly the best show on TV in its time), "30 Rock," and husband of "Parks and Recreation" star Amy Poehler has also been announced to send Michael Scott off in style. Arnett is no stranger to playing an incompetent, combatative boss, as he routinely guess stars as Jack Donaghy's arch enemy Devon Banks. Back in 2003 no one could possibly imagine a freewheeling loon like Gob Bluth, "Arrested Development's" mindless elder brother. From the first time we heard Gob mumble "I've made a huge mistake" to the always gut busting magic show entrance to Europe'sThe Final Countdown, Will Arnett has proven he can more than hold his own with the seasoned regulars of "The Office."
Back to Basics.
Earlier this season series Creator Ricky Gervais made an epic one minute cameo as David Brent, Michael Scott's inspiration across the pond. Long time fans saw that as a purely bittersweet drop of goodness. It was a moment nearly a decade in the making, but most couldn't help but fully internalize the reality that Michael Scott was actually leaving. Gervais is reported to make a return in some way during the Scott-less last four episodes. He is a supremely deadpan comic who never ceases to amaze and insult. Some are concerned that his dry humor will not work with the faster pacing of his shows' American counterpart, however as history shows it is a terrible bet to go against his comedic instincts.
This April many viewers will have to come to grips with not seeing Michael Scott warm their hearts and bellies during the cold winter months. It can be hard to say goodbye to someone who has become an annual fixture on America's televisions for nearly a decade, but deep down even the most diehard fan understands the necessity of timing. As much as it hurts to say goodbye, true fans should be happy that their ham-headed hero is going out on a high note rather than fading away in falling ratings. And for those who fear the temporary new blood, understand that everyone knows they are there solely to pay homage to one of the most annoying and endearing television characters in history.
Will Ferrell is Heading to "The Office". msnbc.com
Stranger than Fiction. yahoomovies.com
Arrested Development.yahoo.tv
30rock.nbc.com
DavidBrent.Wikipedia.org