After a lengthy wait, it appears that the job search for Michael Scott’s replacement on The Office yielded the fan-favorite psychological manipulator Robert California, played by James Spader. Unfortunately, Mr. California was too manipulative, and he is now the new CEO of Dunder Mifflin's parent company, Sabre.

For a brief moment in time during the fictional summer break that The Office documentary crew takes, the Scranton division of Dunder Mifflin had a new manager, and all was well in Pennsylvania. But that didn’t last long.

According to executive producer - and Toby Flenderson alter-ego - Paul Lieberstein, Robert California was “hired over the summer as the new manager, but within hours, got himself promoted. Within days, he took over the company.” Lieberstein describes California as an “über-salesman that has a power to convince and manipulate, like a high-class weirdo Jedi warrior.”

Spader has grown to become a cult-favorite actor amongst television aficionados. With stints on The Practice, and a three-time Emmy winning role in Boston Legal, his brilliantly executed guest spot in The Office season 7 finale had fans clamoring for him to be given the fictional position.

Says Paul Lieberstein:

“James has an energy that is completely his own, and the office has no tools for dealing with this guy. We’re thrilled he’s joining our cast.”

With a “high-class weirdo Jedi warrior” taking over Sabre, this means the dog-touting Jo Bennett, played by Kathy Bates, is out. Despite the obvious loss of Bates, her departure was set in stone the moment that her NBC series Harry’s Law received a second season order.

The Office New Boss

Of course, while it’s great to hear that James Spader will be joining The Office for its eighth season, Dunder Mifflin is still without a new boss. While nothing has been announced, and the producers are just now getting around to actually deciding themselves, it has been rumored that Dwight (Rainn Wilson), Andy (Ed Helms) and Jim (John Krasinski) are currently in the running.

Who will make the best boss? I’ll let you decide:

[poll id="167"]

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The Office season 8 premieres in September on NBC

Follow Anthony on Twitter @anthonyocasio

Source: TV Guide