Alas, repeats. My able colleague, Jaclyn West, wrote about this week’s episode — The Chump — in her excellent post of May 14. But fear not. There is big news this week that demands its own post. NBC has confirmed that Steve Carell will leave The Office when his contract expires in 2011. Michael Scott’s seven-year reign as Scranton branch manager is coming to an end.
This blog has cause for concern. At least 80% of the potential liability we find in each episode is attributable directly to Michael Scott. Who can replace him? We need someone who can be combination leader/lawsuit-magnet. We need the next anti-Toby. Who’s ready to step up and be the new “World’s Best Boss” in Scranton? Consider the candidates:
Dwight Schrute. Pro — This blog would thrive on a branch manager who opts for the chokehold over the verbal warning. Con — Storylines about beets, Mose, and sex with Angela are more than we can stomach on a weekly basis.
Jim Halpert. Pro — Management experience and an inability to avoid conflict with Dwight. Con — With the exception of marrying a co-worker after wrecking her engagement to another co-worker, Jim generally exhibits good judgment.
Gabe Lewis. Pro — Desperately wants respect from the Scranton employees, and one gets the sense that he will do most anything to earn it. Con — Has yet to demonstrate he can take a restroom break without Jo Bennett’s say-so.
Pam Halpert. Pro — A female branch manager working with the likes of Dwight, Creed, Andy, and Kevin should yield plenty of material. Con — Pam genuinely cares about her coworkers, and that just won’t do.
Creed Bratton. Pro — C’mon, it’s Creed! Admit you’re curious to watch a manager who offered to show a coworker’s child his four-toed foot. Con — Sabre would be out of business in three episodes.
Feel free to comment below if you feel we have neglected Oscar, Phyllis, Ryan, or anyone else you think fits the bill.
NBC says The Office will go on without Michael Scott. Will one of the regular characters step up to the job? Will NBC create a new character worthy of Michael’s Sebring? This blog demands that NBC make the perfect choice for Scranton branch manager. After all, it’s our favorite position…
…That’s what she said.
Jo Bennett (Kathy Bates). Pro — She has the acting chops and, in several guest appearances, pushed the envelope (pardon the paper pun) in ways that tended to aggravate the rest of the easy-going Office crew (remember the episode when everyone felt they had to work late?). Also, with her constant big-dog escorts, you could count on several interesting episodes focusing on “Pets in the Workplace.” Con — With Michael gone, who would be her new budding love interest? Kevin? Dwight? Creed?!? She’d probably be jumping on the corporate jet and taking a break from being in Scranton every third or fourth episode!
Jo’s a possibility – the only other real option I see is a character we haven’t seen yet. That allows the writers more flexibility, and provides for a greater run of storylines before staleness sets in.
I actually have no idea who they should replace Michael Scott with, but I really hope they send that character out on a good note (i.e., having him display some maturity and actually starting a romantic relationship that might actually work!).
What about bringing David Brent over from the newly acquired London branch of Saber?
Todd F. (for Fudge) Packer. Pro: the character was introduced early in the series and is Michael’s hero, despite ‘the package’ that Packer left in Michael’s office. Current Sabre employees have zero respect for him as he is a sexist, self-absorbed oaf. Packer’s inexperience in managing and in the office environment would lend itself to lots of tension/confrontation. Con: Packer and Meredith would inevitably be caught ‘doing it’ drunk in the warehouse.
@Charles
I just posted a very similar post on another thread about a replacement for Michael. I think Packer would be an awesome choice, and David Koechner certainly has the skills to pull it off. He would certainly be different enough, in that his character is much more abrasive than Michael, but he would also be similar because he is either unaware of it, or doesn’t think it’s a problem.