July 6th, 2011
06:20 PM ET
James Spader is the new CEO of 'The Office'Among the most memorable applicants to replace Michael Scott on last May's season finale of "The Office" was Robert California, played – quite creepily, I might add - by James Spader, best known in recent years for racking up Emmys on "The Practice" and "Boston Legal." Great news for fans of his character: It's not enough for Mr. California to be in charge of a branch of Sabre Dunder-Mifflin - he's taking over the whole shebang! Spader will be replacing Kathy Bates' no-nonsense Jo Bennett as CEO of the company. When Bates' series "Harry's Law" was picked up for a second season, her days were numbered as a recurring actress on "The Office."
Executive producer Paul Lieberstein, best known to viewers as Toby, described Robert as a "weirdo Jedi warrior" in an NBC press release. "He'll have been hired over the summer as the new manager, but within hours, got himself promoted," he said. "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." Still unknown, of course, is which of the applicants will replace Michael. One thing that's for sure is that the show returns on September 22, so hopefully by then, we'll know. In the meantime, what do you think of Spader joining the cast? Does it make you more interested in watching season 8? Share your view below. |
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Best thing that could have happened to this show! Although I wish he was the new Michael for more than one episode, it totally fits the character that he would rise to take over everything.
I have never watched The Office.....but now that James Spader will be on the show....... I will be watching........awesome actor
I'm so excited, he is a great actor. I would love to give him butt lovin"
I am a huge Office fan and have always enjoyed James Spader's acting. He should be a great addition to the show,
I haven't seen James Spader in ages. OMG He's hardly recognizable to me. He used to be sooo cute.
He is a great actor. I cant wait to see what he brings to the series & I would totally give him a reach around
spader is good, he will have to do, I was hoping to see jim carrey. Carrey is a pro, he could play anything.
Its going to be interesting to watch the other Office characters interact with this "weird Jedi warrior." Spader is back and TV is all the better for it. Would love to see Shatner show up in an episode.
Super actor, I'm really looking forward to watching Spader on The Office.
He's really super duper. I like his nose
James Spader was great in the inview... looking forward to seeing him blow the show wide open. 🙂
Yaaaaaawn.
I hate when actors try to be too "out there". This guy is a joke.
Haha...Spader is "out there" in real life, he's not pretending. The guy is really eccentric naturally.
Spader rocks. He's like the Honey Badger. 'He don't care' – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg
I tainted the case.
I don't like nancy grace, she's garbage. But how could she taint the case? The lawyers and judge do it all by the book and the jury can't watch anything on tv involving the case.
He is my favorite actor....have never watched the office before but will now just to be able to see him....I hope he is on there often.....I wish he and william shatner would of down another show together....but look forward to seeing James on the practice.
I LOVE him! I hope he will be in most of the episodes even though he is the CEO. He will bring a whole new feel to the show.
I have never watched the Office, but I sure will now. James Spader cracks me up like no other actor can.
The Office is my all time favorite show but I think it'll be hard to just start watching now. My advice is to get Netflix if you don't already and watch all previous episodes which are available on their "watch instantly" section. It'll be well worth it to be in on all the inside jokes and to know the history of the characters.
Too excited! He's an amazing actor and so much fun too watch. Definitely who I was pulling for. Too bad he's only recurring! I think he would have made a great Regional Manager!
I cant wait! I loved him as Alan Shore! A far cry from Daniel Jackson but that shows his range!
I agree, Alan Shore was his best character thus far! I think he will be a great addition to The Office! Although Michael will be missed greatly, I hope he returns for the shows finale at least.
I think it would be marvelous. I always enjoyed Spader's acting and it would contribute to the show in a big way.
My favorite character of the finale. A welcome addition.