Michael Scott’s Departure on ‘The Office’

After seven seasons of fun and laughter in the offices of Dunder Mifflin. Scranton branch manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell) leaves The Office. With the series star departure, it was for sure difficult for fans to watch.

Steve Carell’s final episode of The Office, titled “Goodbye, Michael,” proved to be a truly wonderful and extremely emotional farewell for one of television’s most beloved characters. While the audience knew of it being Steve Carell’s final episode, the actual implementation of that story felt, at time, lacking in both sincerity and hilarity. That is, of course, until Michael revealed what was actually happening. Up until this point, Michael had been going around the office to talk to his long- time co- workers. Unbeknownst to them (and the viewers watching), today was actually not his second to last day, it was Michael’s final day at Dunder Mifflin. While it’s almost certain that everyone watching felt their heart drop at this revelation, the explanation for Michael’s ruse was never fully explained, so there were times when the subtle confusion of this plot aspect took away from the more emotional scenes – although, not by much.

Personally disliking the non existent goodbye between Jim Halpert and Michael Scott, saving their goodbyes for lunch the next day, but knowing lunch wasn’t happening, made me realize how hard this goodbye was for the both of them. However wishing at the same time that this goodbye could’ve taken action and been shown between these two great friends, makes me unhappy that it wasn’t included within this goodbye episode. Obviously the scene between Jim (John Krasinski) and Michael was absolutely heartbreaking and extremely emotional to watch, I couldn’t help but wish that there would have been more of that type of sentiment through- out. Even though Dwight (Rainn Wilson) did become choked up while reading Michael’s letter of recommendation, and Pam (Jenna Fischer) beautifully swept in towards the end with her emotional farewell, which was one of the best parts, there was still an underlying feeling that the producers of The Office were trying to downplay Steve Carell’s departure, in hopes that it would prove to the viewers that the series can continue without him.

Overall, watching this episode, as a big fan of the show and a big fan of all the characters, especially Michael Scott, this episode brought tears to my eyes as I was watching it with my family. Even with all of its faults, “Goodbye, Michael” was still a truly wonderful way to say goodbye to the world’s best boss.