That's What She Said -- The Office

Fri, 14 November 2008

Kevin and I already told you a while ago about BJ Novak signing on for a part in Quentin Tarantino's WWII movie "Inglorious Basterds" [sic]. Michael Ausiello is reporting this week that Novak HAS asked for time off from NBC to film the role, and that it has been granted. How long he'll be gone, exactly, is still a matter for speculation.

This isn't really new-- As you recall, Oscar Nunez took a similar leave back in season three, to return a few months later. This might be the same with Novak, although Ausiello is claiming that an "insider" had this to say:

According to one insider, Novak will be MIA for "several episodes" but will return later this season. Another source, however, says Novak may be done with The Office for good, at least as a performer. "He may write more episodes," whispers my mole, "but as far as playing Ryan, I think he's ready to move on."

It's unclear how Novak's absence will be explained on screen, but making Ryan a victim of the current recession would be the logical way to go -- particularly if you-know-who returns to Scranton and decides she wants her old receptionist job back (hint, hint).

Kevin's been ragging on Novak this season, and I haven't been a big fan of his cartoonish "villainy," but I don't think either of us would like to see him leave.

Thoughts?

Category:general -- posted at: 8:57am EST

Comments[6]

It never made sense to me that Dunder-Mifflin would hire back an employee who went to jail for fraud. Ridiculous. Not to mention his character is flat and annoying. Won\'t miss him a bit!
posted by: Jacki on 2008-11-16 16:25:00
One of these days my prayers might be answered and Ryan and Jan will run off together, never to be heard from again. They are both screwed up and souless and deserve each other.
posted by: Lynne on 2008-11-20 19:14:00
As a character, I wouldn\'t mind Ryan going for good. Like you said, the character has been stagnating for a bit. And even though it was funny to see his trapped face again with Kelly, I don\'t think we\'d be missing much if Ryan left for good. Maybe one more great flame-out episode from him, and then cut him loose. As a writer/exec producer, he should in fact stay around. The ep\'s he\'s written were some of the best, and was a member of the original writing staff. So he is a valuable player in regards to behind the scenes. Ditch Ryan if you want to, but keep B.J.
posted by: Luke on 2008-11-15 09:38:00
Go away Ryan, I don\'t understand why he\'s going back to the annex when Pam comes back. Isn\'t the temp gig over then anyway?
posted by: Teacher Matt on 2008-11-15 11:11:00
\"Bye By Baby\" Thank goodness....Good riddance... The witters will correct the most unlikely story line ever...a wrong that has gone on way too long...How will Michael deal with his \"Guy Love Man-Crush\" is the real question...
posted by: Frankie C on 2008-11-16 10:50:00
Nooooooo! Not now, why they finally got Ryan and Kelly back together!
posted by: aurora on 2008-11-14 12:51:00

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That's What She Said is a weekly podcast dedicated to NBC's Emmy Award winning show The Office. Every episode of TWSS includes TV episode clips and commentary, news, reports on upcoming media appearances of the cast, a selection of podsafe music, and much more. If you have a news item, piece of gossip, comment, constructive compliment, or are interested in promotional cooperation, please contact us:

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