In an interview with BBC America, Steve Carell conceded that his days were numbered at “The Office.” “[I have a] contract through next season,” he said, and was asked if he’d stay on after. “I don’t think so. I think that’ll probably be my last year.”
My guess, actually, is that next year will be the last of “The Office,” too (really, seven years is long enough). I say give “The Office” and “30 Rock” one more year, while “Community” and “Parks and Recreation” build a base, and then send them out to pasture before they completely nuke the fridge. Tina Fey and Steve Carell can make Date Night sequels for decades.
Likewise, word is that Patrick Dempsey doesn’t want to stay on “Grey’s Anatomy” past next season, either. I think somehow the world will survive. Although, Dempsey: You just went through basically two decades of obscurity. Are you confident enough in your post-“Anatomy” world that you won’t return to it? Those Enchanted sequels aren’t going to last forever. (Deadline)
Despite a mixed critical reception, the Ricky Gervais-hosted “Golden Globes” were up 12 percent year over year in 2010. So, the Globe people have invited Gervais back to host again in 2011. (THR)
Siobhan Magnus was booted off of “American Idol” last night, in case you missed it. And man: That lady was screechy, yelly, and weird. I’ve fallen back into the habit of watching “AI” passively (while working) mostly because it makes Dan’s recaps even more fun to read. Every single week, though, I’ll look up at most of the performers and wonder to myself, “How is that person still in the competition?” I’ve been saying that since the beginning of the competition, it seems, about everyone but Crystal and Lee. I kind of want Lee to get the upset at the end of the season, though. Crystal is a little to sure of herself. It irritates me. It’s cool to believe that you’re a little too cool to be on “American Idol,” but if you really thought that, Crystal, then you shouldn’t be on “American Idol.”
I didn't think Ricky Gervais was that great on the Golden Globes, except for the Mel Gibson joke - that had us on the floor.
I don't think he gauged the room well and at times it seemed like it was Ricky Gervais unknowingly and unintentionally hosting a la David Brent. Let's hope he does better next year.
Posted by: Mrs. Julien at April 29, 2010 9:35 AM
Is "nuke the fridge" the new "jump the shark"? Because I fully support that.
Posted by: Mr. Tusks at April 29, 2010 9:38 AM
Wasn't one of Gervais's running jokes from the Globes that he could say whatever he wanted because there was no way he would ever be asked back? I guess that plan backfired.
As for Carrell and the Office, more often than not, the secondary characters are delivering the laughs these days. One more season seems about right. Or maybe one less would've been good.
Posted by: wlee at April 29, 2010 9:41 AM
The second season of The Office was beautiful. Since then it's been merely and intermittently entertaining.
Posted by: Mr. Tusks at April 29, 2010 9:43 AM
Mr. Tusks, season 2 was certainly the tentpole, but I believe season 5 also brought it in a (surprisingly) big way.
Posted by: vercordio at April 29, 2010 9:48 AM
Agreed Mrs. Julien. That Mel Gibson moment was a clinic in Advanced Jokery. Mel's face was priceless: a combination of discomfort, humor, and the acceptance that he'd been had.
I don't like Gervais' overall vibe (comes off as an entitled asshole), but he is perfect for an awards show. I thought he kept it loose and delivered some interesting and different introductions than the vanilla crap we usually get. I'll be more inclined to tune in now.
Posted by: Kballs at April 29, 2010 9:54 AM
Technically "nuke the fridge" is for movies, while "jump the shark" is still for television.
I love Steve Carell, but "The Office" is waaaaayyy past its prime. Its cancellation will be a mercy-killing.
Posted by: Todd at April 29, 2010 10:26 AM
I could have ended at Jim and Pam's wedding for me, since that was the only episode that could hold a candle to "Casino Night" since..."Casino Night". But NBC can't let a good cash cow die, ever, so I half-expect this to turn into the same late-run schlock as "Friends".
Posted by: Mr. Tusks at April 29, 2010 10:44 AM
How could anyone NOT love Ricky Gervais on the Golden Globes? The Colin Farrell joke? MEL GIBSON? I mean, the dude was on fire all night. He clearly doesn't give a fuck about any of it, and he kills. Seriously, I don't get people's humor sometimes.
I read in an interview that Dempsey is sick of his plots only revolving around his relationship with Dr. Grey. This was a while ago, and I don't watch GA so I'm not sure if that's changed.
At any rate, he might want to think twice about leaving. He lucked out with Enchanted, and Made of Honor was awful.
Posted by: Brie at April 29, 2010 11:07 AM
You can't take away my whole Thursday night lineup. Don't think I won't go all "Misery" on the cast of Community. I got a big basement and plenty of axes for hobbling.
Then maybe they'll finally use that script I wrote where I play Annie's boyfriend. And we kiss on the face. And Abed just watches. Mmm hmm.
Posted by: Optimus Rhyme at April 29, 2010 11:11 AM
It makes me sad, but the Office definitely has to end soon. There's really no place for it to go, and most everything is being resolved nicely. And this season has had some great episodes, so just end it all with one great season.
But I have the sick feeling that NBC will keep pushing it along, even without Carrell. What else do they have to fall on without their Thursday mainstays?
{sigh}
Abed. Man, that guy really makes that show. That reminds me, I think I have an ep or 2 to catch up on. Yay!
Posted by: Lindsey with an 'e' at April 29, 2010 12:00 PM
Gosh Figgy I hope they don't continue The Office without Carrell. I think Krasinski probably wants a movie career too, so if his contract ends too, I can't see how they'd go on.
I totally agree with KBalls agreeing with me and with most everything that followed in his/her comments, except that I thought Gervais would be perfect too and after a while he just made me feel stabby.
Posted by: Mrs. Julien at April 29, 2010 12:34 PM
Playing with fire there, Dempsey. I get the storylines are stale (I'd be bored too if all I had to do is deal with Dr. Grey), but surely he could get better plots? I like him on the show, there's still all kinds of potential for the character. Grey's could still use him. And he's no Clooney. Who's overrated imo anyway.
Posted by: d at April 29, 2010 1:47 PM
before they completely nuke the fridge.
Man...I hate that it almost feels like I'm granting legitimacy by pointing it out, like I'm feeding a troll, to tell you to stop that right now. I still wanna smack the joker who decided here he was going to make it happen all on his own, like he had a fucking Play-doh Meme Factory. Shithead.
The Office has been inert for the most part for the last few years. Stuff like Dwight and Angela were really interesting at first, but they drug that shit out forever. And then it became the land of no consequences. Ryan defrauding the company and getting hired back (then leaving again to go to Thailand, right?) and that ridiculous four/five episode where Michael quit, started his own paper company (getting an office in the same fucking building!), and then got bought out for their old jobs. And now fucking Pam is back. See ya later baby-plot-device. I quit caring long ago, and now the episodes just wash over me and I catch a few laughs every episode. It's just sad that I used to care about these characters I didn't give two shits about Pam being pregnant because I knew that nothing would come of it. Once I knew that no actions carried consequences of any permanence, I checked out.
I didn't think Ricky Gervais was that great on the Golden Globes, except for the Mel Gibson joke - that had us on the floor.
I don't think he gauged the room well and at times it seemed like it was Ricky Gervais unknowingly and unintentionally hosting a la David Brent. Let's hope he does better next year.