Why Steve Carell Didn’t Want to Return to The Office Finale, Explained by Star

The office
stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey candidly explain why Steve Carell originally didn’t want to make a cameo as Michael Scott in the series finale. Based on the British sitcom created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the American Desk premiered in 2005, chronicling the daily lives of Dunder Mifflin employees under the chaotic leadership of Carell’s regional manager. After saying goodbye to the hit show for Season 7, Michael makes a surprise appearance during The officeThe 2013 series finale, which features the wedding of Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Angela (Kinsey).

During a recent episode of his Office ladies podcast (via CinemaBlend), Fischer and Kinsey take a deep dive The officein the series finale, revealing that Carell was initially hesitant to return as Michael. As Fischer, who played receptionist Pam Beesly, explains: Carell, honorably, didn’t want to be distracted from what would serve as farewells for other cast members after Michael said goodbye. in season 7. Check out Fischer’s explanation below:

“Well, it was [series creator Greg Daniels] idea of ​​getting Steve to come back. He’s wanted this for a long time and asked at the very beginning of Season 9. But Steve was reluctant. He felt as if Michael’s story was truly over. He didn’t want to reopen it, and he especially didn’t want to come back after two years and have this final episode be about him.

Steve really felt that ‘my character had his ending’. This is the end for everyone. And he didn’t want to overshadow that. But then Greg had the idea that the final episode would be Dwight and Angela’s wedding, and Steve agreed that Michael would be there.”

Kinsey then intervenes, stating that he believes it was right for Michael to attend the wedding of his two beloved former employees:

I believe that. I believe Michael would want to be there for Dwight and Angela.

What Carell’s return meant for The Office series finale

The NBC sitcom went downhill after Carell’s departure

However The office It had a smooth start and ended up becoming a huge success, both critically and in terms of audience. Carell’s own bumbling regional manager was a major reason for the show’s success and the source of many of the biggest laughs. As can be seen in the chart below, the show’s quality took a notable dip following Carell’s departure in Season 7. Season 8 is widely considered to be the show’s lowest point, although Season 9 was an improvement.

Carell’s cameo was generally very well-received at the time, and it was helped by the fact that it was a genuine surprise. There were hopes that Michael would return in some way, but nothing official, and Carell’s name was even left out of the credits at the beginning of the episode. Carell’s last appearance in The office was ultimately short and sweet, and he managed to repeat his iconic “That’s what she said,” he jokes while also providing a candid update on his family life with Holly (Amy Ryan).

Our Take on Carell’s Final Office Cameo Episode

Michael’s return was a highlight after two disappointing seasons

There is an argument to be made that The office should have ended in season 7. Michael’s departure was a huge blow to the show, but the premise itself was also losing steam, and characters like Dwight, Andy (Ed Helms), Erin (Ellie Kemper), and Kevin (Brian Baumgartner), among others, began to they look like caricatures rather than real, eccentric people. Jim’s (John Krasinski) pranks have become stranger and this character, in general, has become more unpleasant.

The office Season 9 was an improvement over Season 8, but it still fell far short of the series’ heyday. Yet, the ending was ultimately a strong final note for the sitcomand Carrell’s cameo was probably handled perfectly. He’s a highlight, but ultimately not a distraction. Although the last few seasons of The office leave a lot to be desired, Michael’s brief return certainly doesn’t.

Source: Office ladies (through CinemaBlend)