Why Robert California Didn't Work: The Office Season 8's Downfall

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The Office had an amazing run on NBC and a resurgence on Netflix, but not all of it holds up. In this video I take a look at the process to replace Steve Carrell/Michael Scott, and how that brought us James Spader's Robert California. Season 8 remains the weirdest era of the show, here's why.
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Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)
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Special thanks to Andrew Elliott (Stalli111: / stalli111 ) for editing this video!

[@pg13ish93]

Robert: Jim, would you prefer a nature metaphor or a sexual metaphor? Jim: Oh, god, nature, please. Robert: When two animals are having sex, one of them…

[@firstlast4506]

Haha the first scene that came to my mind when thinking of his best moments.

[@kalash_nikov]

@@firstlast4506 Hahah, agree 100%. Fucking Lizard King and Nature Metaphor are probably two of his best moments.

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

You know what.. you're gonna want the sex metaphor..

[@nathanhills336]

@@SkywalkerSamadhi “Was that not the..sex..nevermind”

[@taptapzip7633]

Best moment

[@groundmustard]

I actually liked his character, he was weird for sure, no michael scott of course but that halloween episode where he goes around, learning everyone’s fears then tells that weird ass story at the end using all of them.... genius lmfao. he was genuinely creepy and kinda funny.

[@thesun564]

Yeah I liked his character as well

[@CHIEF__]

I think trying to replace Michael would have been the mistake. Michael is irreplaceable but I think Robert was super interesting and mysterious. Some of the new characters brought in around him sucked, but I think he brought an awesome dynamic to the Office where the workers didn't even know what his deal was.

[@DirectorsChoice]

I will say that Robert California brought back the cringe factor that Michael Scott had

[@MazevG]

I’m prob going to get people mad saying this but i liked Robert California more than Michael Scott

[@thesun564]

@@MazevG Micheal Scott is an incredibly unlikeable character and I hate him.

[@visenyatargaryen7384]

The most infuriating part of the last two seasons for me was the way andy was written. So much potential there and they had to blow that. I believe he deserved better

[@bobanjordan7653]

Agreed

[@patricks.4491]

Yeah but in season 8 Andy was fine

[@Qvmmy]

his downfall should be on michael' character. he doesn't deserve good ending

[@memememe8569]

Season 8 gave him more character for andy tbh, made you really connect with him but instead of writing a good end for a hard working character, the writers manage to make an horrible end.

[@srgetem]

Kevin, Rob Cali n Andy were three people who were jus kinda disrespected by the writers as the show went on. Kev got unnecessarily dumbed down n Andy n Rob were jus fucced over

[@iau]

Unpopular opinion, but I loved his character. So chaotic, yet captivating.

[@andreafajardo8427]

I agree

[@carpanojr]

it's not unpopular at all, it seems only the author of this video thinks he's a bad character. The Lizard King was amazing

[@Itachixg]

@@carpanojr no some other videos from different channels also critized him . he migth have been a good character to some people but the show only lasted to season 9 so he passed without pain or glory

[@GulaschTrade]

@@carpanojrI think he is not good too

[@Helmuesi911]

True.. very unpopular opinion. I definitely think your comment is quite dumb.

[@adamisrandom3150]

Robert has one my favourite lines in the office “Why is Jim treating the magician so poorly?” Makes me laugh every time

[@ruba8861]

Yess God I die every time I watch that!!! Just how confused he was and the fact the he was genuinely asking why is hilarious 😂😂

[@emiel255]

Man that line is so fucking funny hahaha. So weirdly formal and perfectly delivered

[@Blackbereh]

Fucking love this line. So underrated. More people need to talk about it.

[@adamisrandom3150]

I’m glad you all enjoyed it as much as I did. Whenever I bring it up to people who have watched the show, they never remember the line! Hope all of you are safe and well 🙂

[@Blackbereh]

@@adamisrandom3150 so wholesome 🥺 Have a great life bro ❤️

[@kiddace68]

I don’t even think Robert was all that bad...the character that REALLY annoyed me was Nellie

[@cynniethia]

I didn’t really like either

[@stevebohn4439]

She was unwatchable.

[@bluepeng8895]

I think Robert was great. Nellie fucking sucked though

[@Xzsh-ol9jg]

I’m sorry but I don’t understand. Yes nellie was so annoying in s8 but in s9 she was good. She gave Pam confidence abt her art skills and she was nicer

[@JesstyEissej]

She was the funniest part of the entire show for me tbh, at least while she was getting some focus before fading into the background, but then I think Catherine Tate is hilarious and that style of comedy is much funnier to me

[@TheMadisonMachine]

Robert California is one of the most memorable and best things from The Office, imo. He's so perfectly manipulative and weird, and shakes up any semblance of comfort the characters had built up over the course of 7 seasons. Suddenly, characters that had been written into a corner of complacency had something totally weird and new to grapple with, and it really freshened up the vibe of the show.

[@bobanjordan7653]

Meh

[@TheMadisonMachine]

@@bobanjordan7653 what a weird reply

[@diegomartinez9785]

I'd agree but honestly the only thing I can remember from him is the tension that he brought up everytime he was on screen. It affected the way everyone, even the "normal" people of the office behaved. By putting him on the spotlight way more than they did with the previous CFO, they kind of made the other characters look strangly silly imo. I mean, even Jim who was supposed to be the cool guy and then the hard working father and husband end up runing away from him like a kid. Which one can find funny, yes, but it's not the comedy you would expect from The office right?

[@bobanjordan7653]

@@TheMadisonMachine not really

[@Itachixg]

@@TheMadisonMachine yet the show only lasted up to season 9 sure he was so memorable and great..

[@coquio]

The Mrs. California episode is actually one of my favourites. What works about Robert California is that the audience knows he's an snivelling cowardly charlatan, but he fools everyone else in the show. Whatever he needs to do to makes things happen, he accomplishes with comical ease. However, it's only the camera that picks up on the fact that he's flying by the seat of his over-confident lying pants. He is formidable to the other characters because of his reputation and confidence, but he is also formidable to the audience because of how extraordinarily crooked he has to be deep down in order to live how he lives. The Mrs. California episode demonstrates the ease with which he lies to his own wife. When he tells Andy he doesn't even know his real name in the lizard king conversation, that feeling in the audience only grows. Just how crazy is this guy? I think that feeling is comical, I think that is great written comedy. The character is not funny himself, but he can be written to effortlessly force other characters into hilariously funny and uncomfortable situations. That works for me. He's incredibly unhelpful to anyone else other than himself. Idly watching Nelly take Andy's job is my case in point. He was a brilliant character. If you wrote him to be living out of his car, that would be jumping the shark. The show already had creed, who was hard enough to believe as it is.

[@FroznColors]

Agreed!

[@idsavo]

I agree. He is the manifestation of true neutrality, which many times leads to unwanted outcome.

[@_D_E_N_N_I_S_]

This was too long to read but miss California made me laugh so hard the whole time.

[@DavidJones-ot8qu]

@@idsavo no, he’s a manifestation of a manipulative bird with its chest puffed out, but it’s heart constantly racing. this is shown by his constant inability to reject women, because he gets validation and confidence from positive experiences with them (like a lot of men), but he can still feign aggression to the men of the office because that is the nature of a manipulative and unconfident person, he’s a great character but not neutral

[@idsavo]

@@DavidJones-ot8qu Interesting perspective. I saw him as true evil the first time I watched the office, but after the 2nd time he seems more like neutral to me. I can agree to the confidence part, but not to the evil one. Of course he had his sexual game over everything, which was the main drive of his manipulative nature. However, he didn't have any evil purpose against anyone, neither he was judging. He was always a neutral observer, while he was letting things rearrange by themselves.

[@officialniktheking6891]

I actually think he saved season 8 from even worse ratings. The fact that he's not a comedian is even better. The way he delivered his lines was so hilarious. They should thank him for that season

[@JoeyBK_86]

Exactly!!!! Thank you 💪🏽💪🏽

[@FroznColors]

James Spader is one of my all time favorites, I loved Robert's character so much

[@forever-fm1rw]

@@JoeyBK_86 🤮 season 8 and 9 are not canon for good reason

[@davidlowery8601]

Yes, could have been much worse.

[@forever-fm1rw]

@@davidlowery8601 it was the worst those are the garbage seasons literally nobody likes those seasons if you’re real office fan

[@tirenioyenusi4994]

i actually liked how they shifted andy's character i just wish they stuck with it and not reverted him back to an asshole

[@user-vi4xy1jw7e]

He had like three different personalities throughout the series

[@advik8444]

Yeahh lol I think we're in the minority here. I liked his mini character arc when he becomes manager, where he becomes more compassionate and less of a jerk, though their attempts to make him resemble Michael Scott was sorta annoying. I just wish he ended up with Erin instead of what actually happened lmao

[@frnk708]

yeah I liked the way his character developed but then they totally ruined him in season 9

[@lermberl]

Agreed, a lot of people don’t distinguish between his character in season 8 and 9 but personally I think until season 8 episode 19 “get the girl” he was actually a good manager and character, but from that point on he regressed back into a douchey unlikable caricature. Which is truly a shame, because for me from season 4-7 he was my favourite character on the show.

[@octavianschaefer7294]

Ehhhhh he was always kinda an asshole tbh

[@PatTyploosion]

Hot take: I like Robert, He was a wildcard. He made the show feel unique for a little while. Wasn't the greatest but I welcomed it.

[@ashleyfarasyn]

Nelly- "The man only talks about sex." Pam - "Sometimes he talks about flesh."

[@cherylhulting1301]

😆😆

[@GameoftheYear-fx4mq]

Am I the only one who actually loves the character? It's definitely his voice for me. And the pool party episode.

[@mechengr1731]

I just like the actor tbh

[@wiseauserious8750]

I would have liked to have had Robert California be CEO while Michael Scott was still there, there could be some really interesting interactions between the two

[@haakonslagtern3581]

Pool party really is one of my favorite episodes.

[@FroznColors]

YES I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!

[@julianas.3352]

Loved him as Raymond Redditon in The Blacklis

[@cavanchong8711]

Don’t get me wrong, I did not particular enjoy most Robert California scenes... but Nelly? Now that’s someone I can’t stand

[@mansal6585]

Agreed

[@kbscheme]

to me, nelly was cool in florida because you weren’t really supposed to like her or even really have a large dose of her. she knew who she was and was a good character in that respect. but then she just takes andy’s job and the world explodes

[@Cacttux]

Yup definitely

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Nelly looks like she's the lost The Office UK character.

[@Altzar2011]

Oh God. Yes.

[@starfox6493]

I think Robert California's character exposes a bigger problem you briefly mentioned about the late-season writing of the show, and that is the wild inconsistency of character traits and motives from episode to episode.

[@sophie4228]

I really liked Robert California tbh. After the disaster that was Deangelo I was relieved to see him take over and thought he was incredibly funny with his dominant, sexual and controlling way that really was only creepy and weird if you actually looked into it I definitely liked how mysterious he was, which also contributed to me liking him less the more we learned about his personal life. I agree with him being his best at the start, but I didn't think it was that bad later on either. Sure they could've done way better with the character but I really liked the change he brought to the office. When Michael left I thought the best way to save the last 2 seasons was by introducing someone who was different, since anyone trying to replace Michael by imitating him would probably just annoy me and others to no end and make for a boring character that seems like a worse version of what Michael represented. Which was kinda proven right by Deangelo, because the episode where he overtakes the office actually became the one I liked the least in the entire show. Overall I really liked Robert and was a bit sad when he left, because he really did have some of the best lines in the office and in my opinion was one of the factors that made season 8 still much better than 9. Spader not being a comedic actor never really bothered me there, rather I thought it was refreshing to see someone so serious and at times out of place in the office. It challenged the other characters and brought in something new.

[@cgk1276]

I disagree that Andy wasn’t a good manager, season 8 is what sold me on him getting the position. Season 9 is what made me hate the character again, and ruined him permanently.

[@ericmonguz1579]

Same when he came I didn't like the character but then I loved him and in seson 9 they made me hate him again :((

[@BlamoFilmz]

I agree with you completely. Rewatched season 8 just last month and actually enjoyed it, but season 9 is quite rough to get through.

[@cowboy9348]

They made a new Michael and it felt weird and forced

[@Livelythesinger]

Yes! I loved Andy as a character and as a manager! I think the role really made sense for him. The complete 180 of him becoming a bigger asshole than he ever was at the beginning of his time on the show was what made no sense at all. It wasn’t funny, it wasn’t well written, and it served no purpose. Man... Just really hard to watch. I don’t know that I’ll ever get over it.

[@Insp.CountMortisWinshipKlaw]

@@Livelythesinger But Remember Me song softened the blow

[@sagebauland4276]

I really had no idea what they were going with when it came to this character

[@Edsomthing]

Same

[@Trollmaster925]

@@Edsomthing neither did they

[@suedenim]

I think they overplayed the "mystery" of his character. Mystery wasn't a bad idea to start with,but eventually they needed to pick a lane. Is he malevolent, nice, or just weird? Is he a business genius or just fooling people into thinking he is? Etc. I think the funniest option would have been the office gradually discovers that he's a complete fraud and charlatan, like a more wildly successful Creed Bratton.

[@ConservativeVanguard]

If you recognize that the creators and producers were originally English, then you'd understand that humor is misery not infantilization of adults. We didn't laugh at Michael cause he's funny, we laughed cause it was sad.

[@cynniethia]

I think he ruined the entire show for me. I don’t really like it anymore

[@todd5082]

Robert California was highly intelligent but completely 100% unpredictable. It’s the reaction from the office staff that makes the comedy. The way Spader walked into the office like he was the messiah over looking his flock! Just Brilliant.

[@toxic_misery6369]

One of my favorite Robert California moments is when he’s trying to get pam to listen to the voicemail on Nellies phone and she says “well I’m kinda busy” and he perfectly responds with “of course. Why don’t you…list the thing things that will keep you from….helping me”. Everyone has had this kinda boss before so it’s perfectly relatable that doesn’t strike you as the typical “relatable humor”

[@wdt56film]

He has some of the most hysterical lines though like “Alligators are DINOSAURS Dwight! You know that right?!” “I’m afraid you’ve lost my interest.” “Never recount your day by saying you woke up it’s a waste of *your* time”

[@jarrelwilliams8281]

When he explained why he hates ties 😂

[@samjaxwhistler]

@@jarrelwilliams8281 "I hate ties. I feel like I'm being strangled"

[@ashleyfarasyn]

"Suddenly...I was awake"

[@TheeSherminator]

" i dont know i dont watch television"

[@jacklyons5140]

“I’m the fucking Lizard King”

[@LetsbeFrank38]

Nobody: Captain Midnight: Let me tell you about Adam & Eve erotica products....

[@lizzyg9695]

It is a video about Robert California I mean- 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@captainx5246]

That’s literally all ads in KZbin videos. Did you actually want to hear about NordVPN or Raid: Shadow Legends?

[@vaggeliskr6765]

i was the 666 like

[@yaeven4943]

"Nobody" joke!! LMAO Holy shit!! 😂😂😂😂

[@curranfrank2854]

@@captainx5246 I might get NordVPN, other than that yeah the ads kinda suck

[@jamesholmes4381]

At first I really didn't like RC's character. However, the more and more I watch it, I love how it changed the dynamic of The Office and made the original cast mesh better. I feel like his presence made the original cast closer and more wary of outsiders, and in that way you get to see a more intimate side of the characters for the remainder of the show.

[@cleverman383]

This is why I completely disagree with this video. The problem wasn't that they added Robert California, it's that they took him away after only one season and it destroyed the show. Robert California was the best character in the entire series, and after season 8 surprised everyone by being the unexpected peak of the series, by finally making the show feel new and refreshing again with the introduction of Robert Califionia, removing him for season 9 made the show completely plummet and took away the last thing that was interesting about the show anymore.

[@SadDad01]

@@cleverman383 You make a good point.

[@bobanjordan7653]

@@cleverman383 not🤡🤣🤣

[@cleverman383]

@@bobanjordan7653 you know the clown emoji is used by pedophiles right?

[@thekingbrick6302]

@@bobanjordan7653 he’s a great characters and almost all of the comments agree, some opinions should be kept to ones self.

[@thehiddengardenfilm2349]

I thought the Robert California was absolutely BRILLIANT!!! I don't understand why people think he didn't work? It was flipping awesome! Definitely NOT a let down

[@thegarybeach3052]

Having Bob Odenkirk play another Michael Scott character for an episode of season 9 really makes me wonder how amazing it could have been to have him fill Carrell's role. Big Odenkirk fan.

[@alisondavis9395]

I completely agree!! Not saying Bon could do it better or maybe even as good as Steve, but I think by far he’s the best suited next to Steve! It’s obvious in Better Call Saul

[@benvolio5415]

Saul and Michael aren’t even different when it comes to mind. But as someone who watched Breaking Bad before The Office felt fucking odd to see him appear in Season 9 because of how perfect he was sorta imitating Michael

[@CERTAIND00M]

Same. I was a big Mr. Show fan. In the Jeepers Creepers episode when David Cross says, “We thought it’d be funny.” And then someone replies, “I thought it was stupid.” Cross yells back, “Fuck you!” And then Odenkirk just points at him and in a matter-of-fact tone, he says, “David’s right.” Funniest. Moment. Ever.

[@alpha068]

He'd have made a better Michael.

[@kp1531]

Bob actually auditioned for Michael Scott believe it or not. I still think no one comes close to Steve Carrel. That guy was born to play the role

[@stevebohn4439]

Kelly "he eats his yogurt like he's punishing it for displeasing him." I really liked Robert California.

[@steveosborn7224]

Robert California was awesome. He was so creepy and magnetic dude. Best part of the season.

[@uneedyn]

Agreed

[@Dannyjedge]

Great vid, but he DID have one of the best line deliveries of the entire show. On the phone call with Andy - “you don’t even know my real name… I’m the f***ing LIZARD KING.” And then Andy’s face after lmaooo I’m cracking up now. He should have been the David Wallace though and not the main focus.

[@yowatchie]

I mean they actually wasted Will Ferrell. Every new character they tried to use to replace Michael was a complete misfire.

[@theshadow9238]

They should have waited 10 episodes after Michael left, resolved all the issues, brought back Michael for the wedding, and ended the show.

[@dominickschrute3084]

The Nard Dog was the natural person to replace Michael. Having Spader become CEO and then hire Andy worked, but in hindsight maybe they should have just hired Nard Dog and kept Joe Bennet as CEO.

[@razkable]

why not just have dwight as manager after michael?..and have him and jim compete for it over the next 2 years?...you know like a good show would...have andy be the third wheel usually being dwight's well dwight like he was to mike and have jim be a foil sometimes the good guy sometimes the bad guy...why have a new michael scott?...whats the point if you just make andy the main character semi manager and make him scott 2.0 but less funny then ruin it for dwight to be the main character anyways lol

[@Attmay]

@@razkable giving Dwight some authority might have at least spared us from that whole dead in the water attempt at a backdoor pilot.

[@fastandbulbous6282]

This video was sponsored by Adam and Eve Me: Ok

[@Panimal98]

I thought the same lmao

[@dominictrinh441]

I was so put off by that

[@TheTheawesomeguy35]

@@dominictrinh441 why? how old are you ffs

[@Dats_Mark]

It'll be his most used sponsor code EVER

[@morganrobinson8042]

Straight outta left field.

[@CHuber-ct9np]

Two lines safed the last season for me

[@juke1225]

James Spader is a genius and was great on the show. I loved his character.

[@rayrolle3355]

He really wasn't

[@thedukeofchutney468]

I feel that Robert California was a funny character on his own but he just didn’t work with the Office. They should have just realized that the Office doesn’t work without Michael.

[@davidmoncholi6746]

I agree with you

[@simonmacomber7466]

It didn't work with him, either. The American version of The Office sucked.

[@grinko1222]

Why not just recast him?

[@rockon609]

Simon Macomber ya that’s why it went on for as long as it did and became a cult classic, YOUR RIGHT.

[@rockon609]

Grinko122 did you watch the show??

[@yestoES355]

I Loved Robert California, I really felt that the office got “boring “ after he left. Robert’s character was awkward and very sexual which I found funny as hell. I’m more of a dark humor fan so I loved all the awkward and borderline weird stuff he brought

[@jarrelwilliams8281]

“Nice tie robert” 🤣🤣

[@CERTAIND00M]

*"You don't even know my real name... I'm the %&$**#ing** Lizard King."* I still randomly quote that line at least once a week. Ironically, it's usually to my boss who has never seen an episode of the Office. For me, that just makes it funnier.

[@Soma-oo2yt]

I think he saved season 8, his weirdness was so good

[@thomasthepromise8430]

"It's not a party if you don't do something that scares you." I definitely disagree with this guy's take on RC. He was quite funny.

[@tylerdellinger7791]

Yes his character was a good addition to the cast.

[@piorcanaldoyoutubedomundo]

What???? Robert California was one of the best things in the show post-michael era! Damm, I can just imagine Michael and Robert interacting, two god-tier actors!

[@danitron4096]

The character itself isn’t terrible, but the entire sabre arc was so bad. The fact that the office crew went to Florida so many times was weird and doesn’t fit the show.

[@Screwthenewhandlesystem]

I have watched the show literally over 20 times and my favorite season is eight almost solely because of Robert California. I do think your critiques are valid, but to me, Robert easily makes me forget about Michael.

[@alexkimori4929]

I agree

[@jatinmadhwani1033]

Are you crazy?

[@ChrizzeeB]

He's my favorite character and that's my favorite series.

[@SuperJimmy978]

I think Andy Bernard was only really ‘backstabbing’ in Seasons 3 and 9. He’s hilariously overdramatic and obnoxious in Seasons 4-7, sure, but he wasn’t the utter jackass that Season 3 introduced him as and that Season 9 reverted him into.

[@iliketurtles3893]

This confused me, they made him horrible when they first introduced him then created a good and funny guy then made him back into the terrible guy they started him as, I feel like being the boss really ruined his character.

[@Hasbulla761]

@@iliketurtles3893 it was because Ed helms went to do the hangover films and the producers got salty. Not the characters fault but just genuine sabotage

[@philippebeauvais9281]

I respect your take 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@ted5164]

I really liked Kathy Bates as Jo. Maybe an Oscar winner would have been too expensive.

[@scottsmith8162]

She was underrated. She was entertaining and very believable as that character.

[@margarethmichelina5146]

Unpopular opinion: I also like Idris Elba as Charles. The only guy who can owned Jim and he shows how the boss should act like not like Michael.

[@sirdavos9319]

@@margarethmichelina5146 I don’t think Charles was a good boss, either, albeit in a very different way than the other bad bosses. He knew how to manage in a corporate structure, but he didn’t listen to his people. They are crazy, but that’s why Michael was a good boss. Scranton needed someone like Andy (before he went to wilderness camp) who let his people do their thing and helped them.

[@WaitingtoHit]

She was the best alternative boss.

[@WaitingtoHit]

@@margarethmichelina5146 Ah, I've seen this comment before. I'm guessing you are a self-important authority figure with zero right brain (the last person I accused of that didn't deny it), and if nothing else, liking Charles is a sure sign that you are not this show's target audience and didn't get what it was about. First of all, you can't "own" an employee if you have no understanding of them whatsoever. This was one of Charles's many flaws: His self-absorption and total apathy about who his employees were as human beings resulted in him never gaining any insight into who was an asset and who was a liability. The writers subtly play this for laughs over and over until Charles realizes too late that Dwight, whom he had trusted and valued, is a nutcase. The message from the writers is clearly that Michael was in fact a deceptively good boss because he we was so personally invested in his workplace. So as Michael once said in the most awkward way possible, his perceived weaknesses may also function as strengths. Michael is The Office's unlikely hero and its heartbeat; he is the opposite of the stereotypical bad boss that so many people across America are burdened with because he cares so much. The title on his mug, which at the beginning of the show comes off as patently absurd and egotistical, seems, for all of his emotional baggage and foolishness, like something he has earned by the end of his tenure, and Jim echoes this sentiment before Michael departs.

[@zcmini000]

I have a theory that they saw all the hype when Steve left around "who's going to be the next manager?!" and decided that that's what the fans wanted... drama about the next manager. Because that's what the next 2 seasons were all about

[@popenashe4767]

The lizard king speech is one of my favorite moments

[@whutdafeq1715]

Andy totally beat him after that tho so his speech was pointless he still lost lol

[@ashtonndlovu9470]

That was the joke 🙃​@@whutdafeq1715

[@SkywalkerSamadhi]

Erin: He said he was a ride I wouldn't survive.. and I believe him. 🤣😂🤣

[@jackieestes5703]

I liked this side of Robert. You would think as much as he talked about sex,that he might take advantage of Erin-not considering her lack of experience or maturity level. But he actually showed his own maturity by “leaving her be.”

[@SeaSerpentLevi]

@@jackieestes5703 yeah specially because andy caused his wife to leave him and if im not mistaken she kissed andy as a revenge, or someone, and also if im not crazy she stole robert from the woman he was with before her, the show basically show us she clearly had power over him. So it really felt to me that he would do something in revenge to andy, even if it would be absolutely lame writing if he did, because then he would go from "misterious and impredictable" to "evil" in a very shallow way. The way they handled it was amazing by him actually just talking to her and venting off, but still messing with andy in the process, because as we saw in the show he read them both pretty easily and knew exactly how to mess with him without wasting his time (which he said never would). and the way i picture it, when he said that to her he wouldnt even be hitting on her, instead just answering some comment or joke she did about him being single now in a over the top way. ok i clearly have thought about this a lot, because i really like Robert and Erin hahaha

[@mjstory1976]

Absolutely nobody could take the place of Michael Scott

[@dm9489]

Agreed - for me, the office ended with season 7.

[@KoryGraphic]

@@dm9489 Agreed

[@icyninja51]

I still think Dinner Party is the best episode in the whole show. So many memes, and also, the cringe is so perfectly timed and well written. The second-hand embarrassment is what makes that show so great

[@trollnerd]

The episode was incredibly hard to watch, in the best way

[@MP-nq9ht]

Out of the guest stars they got for the season 7 finale, the showrunners actually really wanted Will Arnett to become the new lead for The Office, Paul Liberstein confirmed he was actually the top choice, but he was already committed to another show NBC had picked up so they couldn't get him. Honestly I think Arnett would've fit into The Office way better.

[@angelsilva7207]

Honestly, I am one of the few who actually enjoy the pool party episode. I just love how Dwight displays his Chadness and flirts with Arin.

[@petejackson3215]

i like it too. I prefer this ep more than the dinner party that everyone said that it's their fav. The scene robert watching every one having fun give me the homie cozy vibe

[@Mattwav]

I loved that pool party episode

[@jackieestes5703]

I love when he tells Andy, You’re an idiot.”-telling Andy that he should get back together with Erin.

[@wiictvchannel1112]

@@petejackson3215 Yess, same here. I watched that episode when it aired and I can still remember exactly what I was doing, the smell of the room, the weather, what I was drinking etc. All these little things that are forever connected to that episode.

[@tds7078]

Robert California is great because of how surreal his character is. After any scene with him you go-“what? No, he didn’t say that.”

[@ScreamQueenObv]

I loved Robert California - he was great he was just sooo different from what we were used to. Ive noticed no one hates Jo Bennett despite her being equally different and thats because Michael was still there. The only character who was a big ol' L was Nellie. She was just mean to Andy for no reason.

[@TheBlarggle]

Robert California's Halloween story is still the greatest monologue on the show, ever... OF ALL TIME!

[@mdaddy775]

'Robert California is never part of a storyline, he's something the storyline reacts to' - I got that from an online critic, forget which one!

[@DodaGarcia]

I think it was the AV Club!! I remember reading that and thinking it was absolutely on point.

[@mdaddy775]

@@DodaGarcia YAS

[@Kevin-uj4uu]

i dont get it

[@paulheap1982]

@@Kevin-uj4uu its not that hard to grasp.

[@Kevin-uj4uu]

@@paulheap1982 i cant grasp it

[@fjavierlizarragalallana1162]

I liked how Andy evolved through seasons 3 to 7. They made the character lovable without losing his mad spark, and he blended perfectly in Scranton with all the people there. I just hope they followed that line instead of what he became in seasons 8 and 9 (although his finale was actually very good).

[@emperorreign6154]

He’s actually one of the better ‘big star’ appearances in the show. I quite liked him.

[@scottflavell726]

Robert California and gabe were unbelievable characters, too funny

[@ianbuswell1792]

I honestly liked his character. Season 8 was bad but he wasn’t the reason why, there are many issues with this season far beyond his character. Edit: Ok I finished the video. As always I think you had some good points, and I fully agree the Mrs. California episode did not work, and that it was strange how frequently he would be completely absent from entire episodes. That being said I still thought he brought a fun energy to the show, and I don't really agree with the claim that he "didn't work". If anything the reason why Andy didn't work as manager would make a far more interesting video, I have wondered about that myself.

[@VIK_1903]

There's plenty of essays on why Andy didn't work. Jesse Tribble has a really good essay called "The Office - Signs of a Declining Sitcom". And there's many others I can't recall right now.

[@CHIEF__]

@@VIK_1903 When you lose THE main character in a sitcom like Michael Scott, they can't just try to replace him. I think California is completely new and cool in his own way and I'm happy he wasn't Michael Scott 2.0 like Will Farrell was shaping out to be. My problem is with Saber and Jim-Pan losing interest after they got married.

[@VIK_1903]

@@CHIEF__ I don't think your comment was meant to tag me but while I'm at it, I agree with most of what you've said. By the way I HATED Robert California when I first watched The Office (whenever the hell the season was originally aired). But after rewatching it... He's fucking brilliant. I was a mindless git for disliking him hahaha.

[@timje2223]

I really liked Robert California, how he contrasted with Michael's character. No one in the office never took Michael seriously, but on the other hand whenever Robert would enter the room everybody would get back to work immediately, and i think it was supposed to be that way. After episode 10 or so of season 8 they took a different direction with his character and it felt weird though. And also i disagree, i couldn't see anyone else as the regional manager in season 8 other than Andy, not Dwight since he needed to grow before being able to take the position. Andy the way i see it is like a light version of Michael, with his own underlying motivations and if the writers wanted the Andy and Erin relationship to work out (before they destroyed it in season 9) Andy needed to learn to take care of what he has and realize of what's in front of him before pairing him with Erin. I was sold on Andy as the new lead after the episode where we see his issues with his father, which made the line when Andy called accidentally California "dad" much meaningful.

[@alonedownthere47]

that bit about how he got them to work is important, because charles did the same thing and it was much less enjoyable for me. i mean, yeah the point of the show is cringe humor but once they start skimping on the humor you wonder how good the show is

[@dynamitebigarms6648]

I agree 100%

[@dev1ldestiny871]

Andy was the one, who knew about importance and who stoods towards him. He respected all managers, because he knew what important to be friend with them to use it, and when he engaged Angela, he so try hard to make that relationship a dream. But in season 8, they destroyed all emotions, character's gold true self, and in season 9, when show started getting bored in like episode 15, they bring back Andy of season 4-6, make him dorky and worthy, that they killed themselves.

[@dev1ldestiny871]

Writers just didn't know what to do in season 9, because Dwight and Jim became friends, Andy and Erin relationship they destroyed, Jim and Pam was happy together, only thing they had is Angela, Senator and Oscar, with Dwight and Angela thing. So they decided to make the most disgusting decision, first they add new characters even more, and new Jim and new Dwight thing, Andy got reta5ded even more after meaningless 3 month boat trip (oh yeah, Andy's character hated his brother, why would he go with him? Andy's character make many things with Angela to get her, why would he don't brought Erin with him? Andy's character's point was to be manager, by friend with managers and get their jobs, but wait, why he would left his only place, where he is happy?), they add a soundguy, just for some more drama, oh yeah they tried to destroy Jim and Pam relationship, great idea... After Michael left, The Office went more like SNL shorts...

[@dev1ldestiny871]

But yeah, I really liked what they did after Episode 15 of 9 season. They just brought back everything we've been waiting for, but without Michael :( I thought Michael would come to his Office and hug all his co-workers, but yeah, Season 7 bye episode was like end for him.

[@samuelbasile3594]

I would actually argue tha James Spader was absolutely essential in saving the office in season 8 such a unique character, he was funny without trying to be

[@you_were_the_chosen_one]

Personally I love his character. I wish they never tried to humanize him, since I think he worked best as basically the villain of the show, but I think it was the right move to make him CEO instead of regional manager. This way he can just show up from time to time and be funny. I think the biggest mistake the show made was assuming that the wacky, enigmatic nature of his character would translate to other characters.

[@penguinz1738]

I love Robert. He's brilliant, all those little gestures, grimaces, the way he talks and the weird things he says. It always looks like he's so wise and knows more than a normal human being lol. But he's actually just super weird and creepy with his sexual references. I guess I understand why people aren't so keen on him, but I am!

[@marsha-madness-super-badness]

I agree, love this character 😂

[@Vandyno]

I'm happy to see there are so many people that like him. Personally, I love the character. Would I rather have more episodes with Michael? Yeah, but that wasn't an option. Spader was great.

[@emmanueldouge1589]

Yes! Same! I loved Robert California. When he tells that Halloween story, I crack up everytime. I should be fair and note: I'm a huge fan of James spader, so it would be hard not to love him.

[@danielshore1457]

I think Robert shouldn't have been an attempted replacement as Michael and instead should have taken the place of David Wallace but be used like creed in that he has like one or two lines every so often

[@tonyleva35]

RC was a great character and Spader played him beautifully. I enjoy every scene he's in.

[@-bethyboop]

I kinda liked that roberts only anxiety moments were when it involved his personal life. Like Mrs. California, if he’s the boss and she went “can you please help me get a job” the first thing he’d probably say was “I’d have to talk to my boss, but we can get you an interview” while being slimy and not wanting her to actually get the job. Spade was a good choice for Robert California, but season 8 was a mess

[@AnthonySilva35]

GREAT character. It was like a shock for everyone and he was just so interesting. Love the episode where his wife wants a job and HE'S the one who's intimidated and he goes to such great lengths to gaslight everyone involved, fucking hilarious

[@The909Virus]

The fact that you didnt add a segment dedicated to talking about adam and eve 😄😂

[@liamarmistead6941]

I meannn it would probably get taken down

[@Crick1952]

That sponsorship came way outta left field for me 🤣

[@user-sg6ww7ts6n]

he was much too dark for the show’s usual atmosphere i think

[@scarlettmi]

The whole premise of this video feels wrong to me, because Robert California absolutely worked for me. I loved that weird, kinda-creepy, unique character for the show. He had this energy that didn't feel like a knockoff of Michael or any other character and it made for some great reactions and interactions for our existing characters.

[@Frawl203]

I think Nellie is the worst thing to happen around this time, she’s introduced as an antagonist and has 0 redemption, then you’re supposed to suddenly feel bad about her because she wants kids or something (I forget I finished the office a long time ago lol)

[@jadenpina3989]

What about inFlorida? She wasn’t bad until she took Andy’s job

[@noahfoster1450]

I fucking love the comments I was so pissed listening to this fool try to insult the mother fuckin lizard king that I was about to right a whole comment saying the lizard king will always prevail lls but the office community sticks together

[@wiictvchannel1112]

She's the worst addition to the show, honestly.

[@JacksonWitsell]

How to watch The Office: Watch from the pilot to "Goodbye Michael", then skip to the finale.

[@Dats_Mark]

This is the only way to watch it

[@nimishgera7215]

Holy shit this is exactly how I watch it, i've watched the show like 7 times like this

[@samuelmuller7346]

Sometimes I watch all of season nine because I love Clark.

[@iamrightandyouarenot2466]

@@samuelmuller7346 I absolutely hate season 9, but I actually like Clark.

[@jump7holes]

@@iamrightandyouarenot2466 tbh the final three episodes of season 9 (or the series in general) were actually good... ngl

[@sendtodevnull1269]

I loved the character. Everyone knew the series was coming to a close and he filled a very important gap.

[@CA11100]

Robert California was an absolutely hilarious character. I didn’t like him the first time around but each time I watch it he’s funnier. He should have been in less though, like Creed. Part of the charm of creed is that it isn’t 24/7

[@bibs2998]

It goes downhill because of Steve Carell's leaving the show. It instantly makes you feel something missing while watching it.

[@dukcy7450]

One thing i will never forgive season 9 is that they basically turned dwight jim and pam into side characters fro the first half of the season. That and the fact andy wasn’t that likeable anymore really drove into the feeling that the last two seasons without michael make the office feel like a spinoff. The finale episodes shouldn’t be lumped in with the rest of the season since they brought back the old charm the show had (probably thanks to bringing back the old writing and directing crew). At least they were able to give closure to the show as a whole.

[@rockon609]

@Kenny you are not the majority. The majority feel this way, just letting you know

[@kidwave1]

NOTHING WOULD HAVE WORKED, Michael Scott was THE WHOLE SHOW!

[@sydssolanumsamsys]

i personally disagree. i think the shows new characters actually out did micheal. micheal is just such an idiot and its hard to watch sometimes. after 5 seasons the gag was wearing thin.

[@ondadeadlocs3711]

They should’ve stopped it right there. 8&9 don’t even exist to some office fans.

[@dhv2852]

I actually liked Robert a lot, he had an aura of mystery and creepiness that kept me hooked. Now, Nellie on the other hand...

[@matthewknauer7466]

I hated nellie with all my heart but I never knew what to make of Robert

[@kryptonitespider-bitedynam7305]

Honestly I liked nellie and the lizard king but hated season 9 Andy with all my heart, what a dick

[@TheRadtrooper230]

I always liked Robert, I think your def on the mark that his character just kept shifting a bit much. The episode with his wife wanting a job was I think still really good, it gave us insight to the one thing he feared, the one thing he felt like he couldn't control the way he wanted to, but couldn't rid his life of. So of course its the time we see him acting the most different.

[@LevesqueHHH]

Robert California was the only reason why I didnt stop watching the office after Carell left.

[@Rafael-lx2xw]

Nothing after Steve Carrell left really worked... The fun thing about the office was to see how everyone reacted to Carrells character...

[@danielebowman]

I think The Office was already running out of steam when he left. The series was fundamentally realistic and grounded in observations and surreal takes of real life. By the end of season 7, it was becoming "out there" story lines felt less natural and more manufactured. Even Holly Flax got a little too out there and became just a relationship to be perfect for Michael than a fully rounded character.

[@jellyen-]

Adam and Eve sponsorship is perfect Robert would love that

[@whokilledreno2079]

that old timey radio ad voice is amazing.

[@lilpip6408]

I actually loved mrs. California. When I think of the “good episodes” in season 8 I think of that one. I honestly loved the back and forth between Ed Helms and James Spader.

[@wiictvchannel1112]

I always loved and laughed at the subtle "That's weird." Robert gives when Jim is running away from him after trying to leave the office in his vehicle but the gate got closed on Jim so he just left his vehicle with the driver door open.

[@lilpip6408]

@@wiictvchannel1112 same 😂 I love the lengths Jim will go through to avoid an awkward situation

[@cherylhulting1301]

@@lilpip6408 😆😆 They really are comical.

[@lyrabelacqua4120]

when I was in highschool I noticed that a lot of the later season defenders were all Jim or Jim and Pam stans, Infact none of them liked Micheal Scott

[@gameboypunk660]

Office was ment for middle age office drones interesting high-school students were watching.

[@lyrabelacqua4120]

@@gameboypunk660 Since it was released on Netflix it has attracted a much younger crowd I mean I’m in my 2nd year of college now but people were watching that show in middle school. Then it became a actual trend to watch all of the office.

[@CHIEF__]

That's funny because I think Jim-Pam suffered the most with the show trying to crawl along.

[@victornieves1794]

I liked the show even when I was a toddler.

[@lyrabelacqua4120]

@@victornieves1794 I got into it in 3rd grade

[@DP12321]

Robert California was great and the pool party episode at his house was one of my genuine favorite episodes. He brought a long overdue change of scenery and pace to the show and the pool party episode was a great character study for all characters.

[@matthewlebo1841]

Thank you!! My thoughts exactly!

[@ZeroSmoke.]

Took the words right out of my mouth.

[@mattgeisler4099]

One of my favorite episodes too

[@tinyelephant1533]

I love that episode too, but not because of Robert 😂

[@etiennebourgault6134]

Same Robert is such a weird character that it makes him really interesting

[@TkOHarley14]

Wait, was Robert considered a bad character? I honestly thought he was the best character in every season he was in. To be honest, he probably my third favorite character, after Michael and Toby

[@Sough]

Crazy-normal balance was tilted. Added Erin, Gabe, whatever the hell Will Ferrell was, Robert California, flanderized Kevin, just didn't work.

[@ODISeth]

I was Completely unprepared for you to be sponsored by Adam and Eve of all companies

[@EpiccougROTMG]

5:43 one of mine too but Jim running away from them trying to get him to weigh in on the topic is one of the funniest scenes in office history to me

[@connorp8408]

His interview is probably one of my favorite scenes in the show

[@BotzaBrand]

I could see the argument for Nellie, but Robert was gold. You can't replace Micheal Scott and during the initial broadcast it wasn't the same, but after all the years and revisit the series Spader was classic

[@aidentom4818]

Captain Midnight: James Spader is not a comedian Me: Have you seen the blacklist?

[@user-mx4is4fx3c]

I thought the same. The guy is hysterical there. And the funny dialogue is mostly his own improvisation

[@OptimalCaress]

“Susan, if you keep on crying like that I’ll have to put you in the closet”

[@slash903]

I liked Robert California, but I do see what you're saying about the character. I wonder how much of my affinity for California is just because of my affinity for James Spader.

[@Zimuahaha]

All of it.

[@MrfrogAXN]

To be honest season 8 is one of my favorite seasons of the office and Robert California is one of my favorite people on the show.

[@Eraktab]

Personally loved him. Amidst an office of incompetence, having a character who is seemingly genius but only superficially competent for a really interesting dynamic.

[@Ppedr0_0]

i feel like robert is a great character, as you said, it’s the mystery, the mystery is what makes this character interesting, it’s like each day he’s a diffrent person and it’s funny how drastically he changes personalities

[@EndoQuickness]

California's interview scene was one of the best things ever to happen on the tv.

[@TeaBeca]

Robert is SO crazy that even by the standards of how the seasons were trying to use new characters, he is just.. wow. I rewatch alot and everytime it gets to the part where he appears, it's so nonsense, i agree alot with everything you said on the video. Great video!

[@jasondanner6630]

Thank you for your very thorough breakdown and all the thought you obviously put into it - WELL DONE! That said - I completely disagree on miraculously every position you made 😄🤷 (to each their own!) On a separate note - A fun mental mashup for me rewatching the series over the years now, has been to blend Spader's Robert California character with his blacklist Raymond Reddington, as one life lived one after the other. Perfectenschlag 👌

[@deljorel]

I actually liked him. His character is a breath of fresh air and adds an entirely new dynamic. The only problem is that he feels like he doesn’t belong.

[@marcelthorsen]

Robert California is one of the highlights of the last few seasons. Respect the Lizard King.

[@ElectricFury]

I absolutely hated Robert California. I honestly struggled to finish season 8 because of him. I hated Nelly too but Season 9 at least made me somewhat like her. The biggest disgrace was what they did to Andy in Season 9. After Robert and Nelly did him dirty I was rooting for him and really happy to see his plan to have David Wallace buy out the company again work. Then he abandoned the office and Erin for absolutely no reason and was an absolute arse when he came back.

[@hrodvitnir6725]

The problem with Robert is definetly that they cant write him consistency. The real horrible character of The Officer is: Gabe, Erin, Nellie and kinda Andy (atleast as a boss, like you said).

[@MeMelon]

AHAHAHA ADAM AND EVE SPONSORSHIP

[@hunnibuttr]

perfect sponsorship opportunity

[@karenhenderson3868]

I loved Robert California. He brought an edge and bizarre darkness to the show. It was confusing but I found it hilarious!

[@boya6069]

I've just finished office without ever searching about it. Yes, it was sad that Steve left the show but I had no idea season 8 and 9 were disliked. I honestly may have enjoyed them more than some of the earlier seasons. Also, I love Robert except when he gave Andy's job to Nellie, that part pissed me off 😂

[@trollnerd]

S8 and 9 were WAY better than season 4 and 6 which to me were the weakest seasons.

[@clockworkdeity]

I loved the Robert California characters definitely what the show needed at the time. If I had to say what I thought hurt the office the most was Andy going back to a more villainous role in the final season and eventually just becoming unlikable. They worked hard to redeem him from his introduction in the series. To throw that away is just disappointing.