The Office lost its heart and soul when Steve Carell left toward the end of Season 7 to focus on his movie career. Since then executive producer Greg Daniels and his team have tried to make up for the absence of Carell’s Michael Scott character, but the show just isn’t the same without him.
Today on a conference call with journalists, Daniels gave many fans exactly what they have been asking for since Carell’s departure. The Office will sign off for good at the conclusion of Season 9 in May 2013.
The first question that comes to mind is whether Steve Carell will return in some capacity for the show’s final season, even if for a brief cameo. Daniels promises many “familiar faces” will return, but won’t commit either way on Carell’s involvement. Apparently Carell is pleased with his “stylish exit” in which he boarded a plane to go spend his life with his soul mate Holly, and it might be a good idea to tarnish that moment with a return for the sake of a return.
Daniels went on to promise that “all questions will be answered” in The Office: Season 9. Some of those lingering questions include meeting the people behind the documentary that is the show, and the identity of the Scranton Strangler.
Other things to look for this season include “explosive twists,” as well as a lot of drama for Jim and Pam, and Daryl finally learning PowerPoint.
By deciding to end The Office ahead of time rather than cancelling it mid-season, Greg Daniels and his writers can now appropriately work toward a fitting conclusion than feel rushed. I, for one, can’t wait and hope to see scores of cameos and unexpected turns.
We do know one episode of The Office: Season 9 will be a set up for the Dwight (Rainn Wilson) spinoff The Farm. The Office closing its doors should not impact the development or premiere of The Farm, expected to occur and possibly take The Office day and time slot in fall 2013.
Source: TV Line
