The Office: Season 8

[Zasnow]

I have a feeling this will be the last season.

James Spader is in talks to join The Office for Season 8, but not for the role you might think. He will play the CEO of Dunder Mifflin, replacing Kathy Bates' Jo Bennett.

[Zasnow]

Rumor to air September 22, 2011.

As Season 8 kicks off without the (blatantly) obvious presence of Steve Carell, the producers of The Office have already started making casting arrangements to keep the show moving.

One role is for a woman described as “Scranton hot.” She’s hired as an assistant to the office manager. Her former job was at an old folks’ home and she seems “pleasant and smart.”

The second role is for a man who’s fresh on the job market who joins Dunder Mifflin’s accounting department. The guy used to work at a golf course, probably went a community college, and is just happy to have a real job in this tough market. He’s “good-looking, but not WB looking.” (I’m loving whoever is writing these casting descriptions).

The parts are in addition to the role of Stanley’s older daughter — a part that’s now being cast that may also become a series regular.

There also rumors surfacing that Jo (Kathy Bates) will have a son who surfaces in a role at the Scranton Branch.

[JTrainDavis]

It'll start with a bang, end with a whimper and cancellation. The standard has been set too high.

[govols182]

I don't know, these writers are pretty good.

[DynamiteMcGhee]

James Spader's character was a little too weird for me on the season finale. He might be okay if he only makes occasional appearances like Bates did.

[VolsSportsFan]

Adding a new characters is usually the sure sign a show is about to bite it. I really don't hope they add all those characters. Didn't they just hire a manager's assistant? And the rumored new guy sounds like a new Ryan.

The latest rumor I read is Spader may be getting a semi-full time spot as his character may be hired at Sabre Corporate. But the same rumor is that Michael's replacement is the woman who interviewed and if that's the case, I'm not sure I'll even watch. She was the worst of all, but word is she's the writers' favorite.

[govols182]

Originally Posted by VolsSportsFan

Adding a new characters is usually the sure sign a show is about to bite it. I really don't hope they add all those characters. Didn't they just hire a manager's assistant? And the rumored new guy sounds like a new Ryan.

The latest rumor I read is Spader may be getting a semi-full time spot as his character may be hired at Sabre Corporate. But the same rumor is that Michael's replacement is the woman who interviewed and if that's the case, I'm not sure I'll even watch. She was the worst of all, but word is she's the writers' favorite.

She will kill the show if she ends up being manager...I'm hoping Andy gets it.

[chavisut]

The woman or Spader would be terrible. Spader's character got old before his interview was even over.

[tvolsfan]

I really don't think I liked any of the candidates for Manager.

[govols182]

Originally Posted by tvolsfan

I really don't think I liked any of the candidates for Manager.

Even Andy?
Posted via VolNation Mobile

[tvolsfan]

Originally Posted by govols182

Even Andy?
Posted via VolNation Mobile

Absolutely not

From a believability standpoint, it would be horrible. He's very possibly the worst salesmen in the company, he typically makes an ass of himself dealing with people, the other employees don't really respect him, and the only management experience he has is anger management. Just because he knows how far away the earth is from the sun doesn't mean he would be a competent manager in any way.

From a comedy standpoint, it would likely be dreadful. Andy was easily at his funniest when he was the angry suck-up that first appeared on the show. Since then, the only laughs he has provided have been some awkward singing scenes, his strange taste in women, and occasional homosexuality jokes. I don't see him being that funny at all in large doses.

[GoBigOrangeVols]

the last few episodes without Carell were excellently written. They were some of the very best of the season, IMO.

If they can keep the writing going I think they have a chance to do a few more seasons.

[Panthro]

Originally Posted by govols182

I don't know, these writers are pretty good.

Not so sure I agree lately. Seassons 1-3 were outstanding, and most of 4 was good, too. After that, I've just watched because my wife likes it. I really don't think there are more than half a dozen truly funny episodes from the past three seasons.

[crusse10]

My favorite episode is still Stress Relief

[VolsSportsFan]

NBC.com - Multiple Emmy Winner James Spader Joins the Cast of NBC's "The Office" as the New CEO of Sabre Dunder-Mifflin

Spader is official. I'm guessing that means Kathy Bates is out?