The Office (Zombie Edition)

When I first heard that Steve Carell was leaving The Office, my first thought was: "Ah, man. This show is not going to be nearly a good without Michael." Then my second thought was: "Wait, they're continuing the show without Michael?!" To me, The Office is synonymous with Michael Scott. Separating the two is, well...criminal. In my opinion of course.

Don't get me wrong, I totally understand that Steve Carell was ready to move on. The show had a great run and he is a burgeoning movie star. It couldn't last forever. But it should have ended with Michael riding off into the sunset. It's possible that he will make a guest appearance at the end, but there's a chance he may never be seen again. And what kind of finale will that be? A Michael Scott-less finale? Is the big emotional conclusion going to be Dwight marrying Angela and Jim and Pam having another baby? My point is, there's no satisfying way this whole thing can end now. Michael was the heart of the show. By ripping out the heart and allowing the body to continue limping lifelessly, the creators of the show have ensured a zombie-like final seasons.

And then there's the issue of the new boss. Everyone from the disappointing season finale who interviewed is fairly unlikely. We've seen Jim be the boss in the past (boring) and Dwight as well (ridiculous). Are they going to rehash those stints? And Darryl, who has had mostly a bit part in the rest of the seasons, is just not right to be a leading man. Another option is to go with a completely outside hire that we didn't see in the season finale (my ideal solution). Whichever way they go, the writers are going to have to create new chemistry and a new feel for the show. Reinventing shows have not worked very often in the past, and I just can't see it working here.

The show is also still getting good ratings, which makes it extremely painful for NBC to part with it. But if they cared at all about the show's legacy then they would mercifully end it. It would have been plenty satisfying for Michael to get a great send off and cut the chords of the show along with the man who is responsible for it's success. But that's not happening. And that's just a shame.