What Ricky Gervais just gave The Office is a gift that not many were expecting. The gift of energy. While The Office has not become as stagnant as other shows on the dial (paging the cougars on Wysteria Lane), it is definitely becoming a little one note and flat. The appearance of David Brent, protagonist of the original series, has re-invigorated my interest in this show. What was really only a brief bumper attached to the beginning of a random episode, actually represents an affirmation that the creators, fans, and actors are all committed to the series post Steve Carrell.
We also learned this week that Will Farrell will be guest starring in a 4 episode arc to setup the season finale. If that is indeed the case, it looks as if we can expect to see a recharged, updated Office for the next season. While we will miss Carrell as Michael Scott, these recent stunts are going to bring more viewers, and more interest in the show come October.