The Office Season 7

[Shades]

I think when a show starts relying more on star power rather than the writing, it's in trouble.

When the series first started, I didn't recognize anyone other than Carrell, and even then, just barely.

I liked it better when the show didn't using stars as a comedic crutch.

[scotty2hotty]

Finally watched the episode. I found it very average. Spader was great, as has been mentioned, and so was Dwight. I fear that if the show doesn't start to pick up again then next season may be the last.

One thing I will say is that I am now convinced that Dwight should be the new manager. He was definitely 'on' this episode and I could see him carrying a lot of future episodes. Bringing in someone new in the manager role would be a mistake, imo.

Perhaps make Dwight the manager and hire someone new (British lady?) to take his place? Come to think of it, I think that Spader sitting in Dwight's old desk across from Jim could be hilarious and would really throw Jim for a loop.

[Machiavelli]

Does no one else think the guy who plays Toby has gotten way too thin?

[fatso]

Originally Posted by Machiavelli

Does no one else think the guy who plays Toby has gotten way too thin?

You have raised this a couple times in this thread, and I meant to comment on it before. I totally noticed how thin he's gotten too. He doesn't look right... almost unhealthy. I hope I'm wrong though... I quite like the job that actor does.

[getbak]

The latest rumour is that Spader is in negotiations to join the cast: http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/06/24/ja...der-the-office

However, it appears he'll initially be hired as the new Regional Manager in Scranton, but he will very quickly work his way into a promotion and replace Kathy Bates' character (since she doesn't have time to make her infrequent appearances now that her other show was picked up for next season).

Spader will then continue as a permanent cast member and foil to the new-new Regional Manager, rumoured to be Catherine Tate's crazy British woman character. This would accommodate her commitment to appear in a play in London's West End this summer, which means she won't be available to join the Office cast until the fall (production of the new season will likely begin in July or August).

[HPLovecraft]

Originally Posted by fatso

You have raised this a couple times in this thread, and I meant to comment on it before. I totally noticed how thin he's gotten too. He doesn't look right... almost unhealthy. I hope I'm wrong though... I quite like the job that actor does.

I think he co-writes or something, too. Not sure.

[Bigtime]

I really liked Spader's character, I think they could get some good mileage out of him.

[MrMastodonFarm]

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/07/06/james-spader-office/

It’s official: The employees of Dunder Mifflin are getting a new CEO and his name is Robert California.
James Spader’s ultra-confident and sexually charged character featured briefly in the NBC hit’s May finale is set to join the cast of the show’s upcoming eighth season, NBC confirmed.
“James will reprise his role as Robert California, this uber-salesman that has a power to convince and manipulate, like a high-class weirdo Jedi warrior,” said Paul Lieberstein, one of the series’ executive producers and a series regular. “He’ll have been hired over the summer as the new manager, but within hours, got himself promoted. Within days, he took over the company. James has an energy that is completely his own, and The Office has no tools for dealing with this guy. We’re thrilled he’s joining our cast.”

His character was hilarious