The Office running thread

The Office may have found a new boss: James Spader is negotiating with NBC to join the hit comedy next fall — but not merely as the manager of the Scranton branch.

The three-time Emmy winning Boston Legal star has been reportedly in the mix to replace Steve Carell for awhile, and even guest starred in the season finale as one of several celebrity contenders vying for the Dunder Mifflin manager gig (video below).

But producers have a different role in mind for Spader: CEO of Dunder Mifflin, replacing Kathy Bates, who sources say will exit the show to focus on season 2 of Harry’s Law. “In the finale, he kicked ass,” says a source close to the show. “He was so funny and had this weird energy. We didn’t want to pass it up.”

Whereas Bates functioned more like a guest star in the series, however, Spader would have a significant weekly presence on the show. The actor’s deal is not done and no scripts have been written for the upcoming eighth season, which goes into production in about a month. Yet if all goes according to plan, Spader’s character — named “Robert California” — will be introduced in the premiere as the new Office manager. He quickly decides the role is too small for him, and somehow talks corporate into appointing him as its new CEO.

Sources say California will have a strong impact on the rest of the Office staff, demonstrating a manipulative power and a somewhat creepy sexual vibe:

“Dwight has never come up against somebody equally powerful and diabolical. With Andy, he could be a real father figure and make life really hard for him once he senses he can manipulate him. Jim reads people really quickly, yet wasn’t sure what to make of this guy.” http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/06/24/james-spader-the-office/?iid=rcfooter-tv-james+spader+in+%27office%27+talks

 

Meh. He was bizarre and weird in his five minutes or so of face time with Jim and the others, but I feel like that would quickly get too weird and creepy after an episode or two.

Now James Woods...

 

Chuck Sheen anyone?

 

James Spader is the new manager.

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/06/james-spader-gets-a-full-time-gig-at-the-office/

 

Does this mean he'll spank Erin?

 

He's only the manager for a day.

I'm kind of psyched about this. Hope he's on more.

 

I feel like this has a chance to totally re-energize the series.

 

Yeah, I figured anything would be a train wreck, but that could work.

 

I've been hoping for Bill Lumbergh.

 

I agree with this. His "interview" showed a breakout character.

 

Still means they have to hire someone to be the office manager, replacing Michael Scott/Steve Carrell. All this does is replace Kathy Bates.

 

No, I believe Spader is replacing the Carell character.