ALEX FRANCO
STAFF WRITER

In 2005, NBC producer Greg Daniels brought the popular British comedy “The Office” to American televisions. Steve Carell was hired to star and play bumbling boss Michael Scott and carry the television show for seven amazing seasons of pure comedic genius. Unfortunately, after seven and a half seasons of comedic mockumentary, Carell left “The Office” and Andrew Bernard (Ed Helms) took over as Manager of Dunder Mifflin Sabre, Scranton.

Normally, a hit television show wouldn’t succumb to the ending of an era; however, many would agree that the Dunder Mifflin Scranton Branch isn’t the same. Though the rest of season 7 and now season 8 have proved to be comedy nonetheless, it is obvious the writers of “The Office” are desperate to decide where to head from here.

It has been reported that the writers and producers of “The Office” have decided to create a spinoff following the Assistant to the Regional Manager, Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson). The show would revolve around Dwight and his beet farm/bed and breakfast. I’m not sure why the call has been placed to put this move into action with the current season of “The Office” still turning out hilarious episodes and captivating story lines. My guess is that they believe the show is not bringing in the viewers it once did with Carell on the show. And that is their problem; they can’t have the expectations of a Carell-run “Office” show.

The producers should understand that with Carell’s departure they were going to lose some die-hard Carell fans and they weren’t going to generate the viewership they once had.

I personally don’t believe there is enough of a story and depth to be able to carry this as a long running series. The reason Dwight is such a successful character is because he meshes and feeds of the other characters in the office so well. Also, I’m a big Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Pam Beesly Halpert (Jenna Fischer) fan and would hate to see them go and no longer pull pranks on Dwight together.

With many of the main staples of “The Office” contracts ending after the season, it will be clear where the producers decide to take the show with season 8’s end later this spring. The answer is simple, resign everybody and continue the show as it is, with no spin-off or new direction taken. With time, I believe the show can regain the support and fandom it once enjoyed with Carell at the helm. In Ed Helms I trust.