It seems that Dunder Miflin is a hard company to run. Only a year after Michael Scott stepped down as Regional Manager, Robert California will be leaving whatever job he does on the show – or rather, James Spader will not be returning for another season of THE OFFICE. Spader was probably the funniest of the potential new cast members introduced at the end of season seven, but has seemingly decided that enough is enough. Show runner Paul Lieberstein says that the actor ‘always wanted this to be a one year arc’, and goes on to praise Spader effusively, suggesting there are no hard feelings. Robert California was often good for a gag, but never quite fit in with the ensemble (which, to be fair, was kind of the point of the character) and was never used as a Michael Scott style lead. With Catherine Tate’s recent not-quite-as-annoying-as-you’d-expect appearances, though, perhaps the sitcom will be picking up a new recognisable regular for its ninth season (which hasn’t been confirmed yet, but will be soon, almost certainly).
In less dramatic Stepping Down news, Alan Ball, the man who brought you that stupid bag in the wind, will not be show running season six of TRUE BLOOD. However, he hasn’t quite had his fill of southern vampire hi jinx, as he will stay on as executive producer, consultant, and cash raker-inner. With his busy schedule, it’s not a big surprise Ball won’t be front and centre for the new season of True Blood, but with his continued involvement with the show, fans won’t have to say ‘fangs’ for the memories just yet. Eh?
Source: Coming Soon
