Steve Carell’s departure has re-energized “The Office.” The latter half of this season has given us the funniest string of episodes in years. Gabe’s meltdown, and Andy’s reaction to it, has been particularly inspired. And how can you not love that giant scowling portrait Dwight hung last week?
Despite all the applicants Jim, Toby and Gabe will grill tonight, no permanent replacement for Michael Scott is expected until next season. (Or perhaps the season after. Will the pattern of a new boss each episode continue in season eight, and for how long?)
Scott’s immediate replacement is certainly not Fred Henry, the character played tonight by Will Arnett. A new Arnett sitcom, “Up All Night” (also starring Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph) is leading off NBC’s Wednesday primetime schedule this fall.
Will the scars of Creed’s reign be discernable?
NBC says of “Search Committee”:
THE SEARCH BEGINS FOR A NEW MANAGER – JIM CARREY, WILL ARNETT, RICKY GERVAIS, CATHERINE TATE, JAMES SPADER, RAY ROMANO, AND KATHY BATES GUEST STAR. Jim (John Krasinski) heads a search committee that interviews candidates, including Andy (Ed Helms) and Darryl (Craig Robinson). Dwight (Rainn Wilson) tries to get back in the race.
A hilarious scene deleted from last week’s “(Acting) Manager”:
Funny and interesting! Was stunning newcomer Jordan introduced to break up Jim and Pam next season?
Also deleted:
9 p.m. Thursday. NBC.
