The List

I'm a fan of Office since I first started the show. This episode didn't give me office like vibe everyone suddenly acting weird even Dwight? Come on!

A burning orphanage? ...a war zone? ...a clown's funeral? He's just creepy and strange and not at all likeable, and does not fit in at all with the rest of the cast. Kathy Bates fit in much better. Heck, Warren Buffett fit in better! I do not agree with the easy critique that Steve Carrell leaving was the end of the show. It's an ENSEMBLE show, people. That means by definition that one actor leaving the cast isn't going to sink the show. But I do think that a very funny actor in a lead role leaving and being replaced by James creepy Spader is just an all around bad move. The rest of that brilliant ensemble is now unhappy in their office. If I were any one of those Dunder Mifflin folks, I'd look for another job, and fast.

I realize there were plenty of talented comedians in supporting roles on The Office. But when Steve Carrell left in 2011, he took the soul of the series. It makes me appreciate what a comedic giant he truly was.

Rain Wilson was great, clearly the next best after Carrell, but alas, he couldn't carry the series by himself.

The James Spader experiment was an unmitigated disaster, and it was a ratings calamity as well. Spader was a fine actor, some 30 years ago. He has aged quite badly, and is not funny at all. Just as Carrell raised his fellow cast members to new heights in comedy, Spader makes them seem dull and uninspired.

Every great show has an arc, and The Office's arc ended when Carrell left. The last 2 seasons are forgettable, and long forgotten. Summary: Departure of Michael Scott Effectively ended the Series