Paul: Erin finds herself in a place where she doesn’t know how to interpret the fact that Andy’s not giving her work and being a little quiet towards her.
Ed: And her Halloween costume is just preposterously adorable this year. So it just makes it that much weirder.
Jennie: That’s awesome. Thank you so much you guys!
Reporter 14: A lot of people are saying that this is the new era of Andy Bernard at Dunder Mifflin Paper. Do you think of it that way?
Ed: I’m trying not to over think it actually and just come in and do the best work I can every day. And that’s something that, you know, if the era is defined by any one particular thing, I think that time will tell.
Reporter 15: We’re wondering, Ed, given how much hype there’s been about who was going to fill those shoes whether you had any trepidation about the change or not.
Ed: Well there was a long period of uncertainty. You know, Steve announced that he was not going to be coming back to the show pretty early last year. And right away the question came up well, what’s going to happen next. And there just wasn’t an answer for a long, long time and that in some ways was a blessing. I think it gave us all time to just sort of zen out about it and come to terms with whatever it might be. You know, I would say I was anxious. I think we were all a little bit anxious to find out. But always confident that whatever the choice was it was going to be good creatively and that the writers would have made the decision with the future of the show in mind.
Reporter 16: Will there be a Michael/Holly wedding and if so, is Andy going to injure another reproductive organ?
Paul: Very specific question. Yes to the reproductive organ. But I really don’t know if Steve will find his way back to the show. I certainly hope he does.
Ed: Really. So there will be more genital harm coming Andy’s way…
Paul: Yeah.
Ed: All right. Good to know. Good to know.
Reporter 16: And Ed, what is it you think about Andy – he’s not great with sales as we’ve heard but does that – going to affect him managerially?
Ed : Well, you know, sales and management are different skills. And I think like Paul said there, Andy I think has some real leadership potential. But it’s just a matter of finding it. It’s a matter of Andy doing the work to dig it out of himself. And hopefully that’ll be a hilarious process to watch. But yeah, I’m excited for that journey.
Reporter 17:Ed, do you find yourself fitting in your role as you thought you would or is it a little bit complicated for you?
Ed: Well, Andy’s really taken shape over five seasons of The Office and so I have an awful lot to build on. And what’s really exciting about this season is that the writers are focusing a little more on Andy and exposing more of his background and where he came from and that of course is sort of fun and for the audience to see – to just learn more about Andy. But also for me as an actor, it’s incredibly helpful and exciting to learn more about this character. And so far it’s been a really nice dovetail. It’s fit quite well. And I’ve had a tremendous amount of fun doing it, in no small part to just overwhelming support of this whole cast and our amazing crew and writing staff.
Interesting quote from Paul regarding the nature of the documentary! “…that’ll be a very fun reveal. It might not be about what you think.”
Hopefully they won’t be revealing that anytime soon since he implies it’ll be towards the end of the series.
You were able to travel into the future for an interview on October 27th? Your reporter skills are impressive! :)
[from tanster: oops! now fixed, thanks!]
Having Paul and Ed talking about the inevitable finale of the series, that makes me kinda sad. At least I am relieved they know the ending they are working towards and seem to have it planned out, which is something that cannot be said about other shows.
Wow, I never ever thought I’d see Capturing the Friedmans referenced alongside The Office.
That [unintelligible] couldn’t have come at a worse possible moment in the transcript… ;)
Sounds like the show is going to come to an end soon. Perhaps 9 seasons at most. However, thanks for the interview!
This was a good read. And yes, having Paul and Ed talk about the ending makes me really sad. I know it has to come to an end some time especially having a 8 season run so far, but I really do wish it can go longer than 9 seasons. I’m hoping for 10, if that’s not too much to ask for.
I was a bit surprised that Paul seemed very unsure that Steve would ever make a return. I was under the impression that there might be a few cameos at least. I’m all for the show not living in the past but I would have loved to see something like.
@#7 Paul is unsure because it’s entirely up to Steve. And these are Steve’s most recent comments on the subject:
“I don’t think Michael Scott should come back at all,” he said. “I just think it’s better if he just moves along. I think the show should become whatever it’s going to become without people traipsing back in.”
I really can’t think of any valid reason to bring Michael back, even for a cameo. I mean, maybe they can have him Skype with Dwight or something one episode but Michael’s story in Scranton is over. That’s not to say that the series finale shouldn’t acknowledge him–and certainly, the producers should and will extend the invitation to Steve for that–but there’s really no situation that wouldn’t come across as obviously contrived for a sitcom.
If they ever do have him make another appearance though, I sincerely hope the producers and cast make every effort to keep it a surprise until the episode airs. No hints on Twitter like “So excited to shoot with today’s ‘guest star’!!” or promos heralding the return of Michael Scott. Keep it organic so it doesn’t lead to an overblown, overhyped bit like Ricky Gervais last year.
Paul was vague on Michael’s return because there is clearly some long term planning in the works. If The Office were to go off air without the Michael/Holly wedding it would be nothing short of a travesty! Steve understands that. He’s just not going to start prematurely discussing anything of that nature in the media.
As far as the number of seasons goes, I was convinced this year would be the last but not sure as the ratings aren’t diving so we might get a 9th.
There’s no chance of a Michael/Holly wedding. I’ll even go out on a limb and say that, if it happens, I’ll run naked through the parking lot with a doughnut on my ding dong.
@Kyle – What, no ass tattoo?!?!
But I agree completely. I’d be stunned if Steve ever made a cameo in a future episode, even the series finale. All indications are that he’s done with the show and they’re done with him. Everyone is taking the high road, and saying the right things, because that’s good for business.
I liked the explanation Paul gave about why they chose Andy to be manager. I’m glad someone asked about the Scranton Strangler. I thought that storyline would have continued by now especially after what Toby said at the Dundies. Paul’s answer was confusing. Toby is going to visit the Scranton Strangler in jail? I’m excited to see what the documentary is going to be about at the end! I’ve been wondering what Toby’s purpose is now that Michael is gone. I really loved their relationship. I’m so happy someone asked if there would be a Michael and Holly wedding! I really hope we see them get married. I know I’m not the only fan whose been waiting to see Michael’s wedding day. If we can’t see their wedding, I at least hope they can both make an appearance and just update everyone on what they have been up to. I know Steve has already said he feels like Michael shouldn’t come back, but I hope he changes his mind when it comes time for the series finale if not sooner!