Steve Carell’s humane portrayal of the earnest yet ignorant Michael Scott is an integral part of this show’s success. “He’s played his character very honestly over five years…I don’t see him as creepy anymore,” said Lieberstein. “You know, he’s not the brightest of guys, Michael Scott, but he certainly means well, and cares about his employees.” This season saw Michael dressed up in a Willy Wonka uniform, dance in costume to “Let’s Get Physical,” start his own paper company, and brilliantly negotiate his way back to Dunder Mifflin. “We do try to find out something new to do with Steve, and try and bring out a new side to him,” Lieberstein continued. “And it gets harder and harder. But keeping the connection is having that character slowly grow. Slowly. Not too fast.”
NBC
Michael also got a winning love interest in HR staff Holly Flax (played by Oscar nominee Amy Ryan) this season, with whom he was able to have a healthy, co-dependent relationship. “It was the first time we found a woman that would actually be good for Michael,” said Lieberstein, “and that was exciting – it brought out a whole new side to him that we hadn’t seen before.”
NBC
Assistant [to the] Regional Manager Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson, nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy) had quite a year, as his secret tryst with accountant Angela (Angela Kinsey) while she was planning a wedding to hapless Andy (Ed Helms) was finally revealed. “That was years in the making,” said Lieberstein about the imploding Dwight-Angela love bust. “It’s like we’ve been putting these land mines in the ground, and finally they all went off.” But all’s not lost for the beet farmer come next season. “We’ll see what’s in store for Dwight,” teased Lieberstein. “He’s pretty focused on the company in the first half of this season, but it’ll be nice to see who he dates next.”
NBC
This season also continued the evolution of Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fischer), who viewers have seen journey from secret admirers to sweethearts to engaged. “Jim and Pam have a successful relationship, so we thought oh, send her to New York and see how they do with long-distance dating. Let’s give her a guy to meet who has a crush on her, and see her not pay any attention to him,” said Lieberstein. “Certainly, we don’t have the pull that we did with them when it was a will they won’t they…. We don’t have that draw anymore. But I think it’s a different kind of reward just to see them in a relationship and doing well, and extract the comedy in that.”
NBC
This season also brought in a new interim boss, Charles (played by The Wire’s Idris Elba), a no-nonsense leader who attracted the ladies, repelled Michael, and took an instant dislike to otherwise golden boy Jim. “Charles hated him, it’s true,” acknowledged Lieberstein. “There’s a side to Jim that’s kind of a goof-off, and Charles saw it right away.” Come next season, Lieberstein says to expect Jim, now a father-to-be, to buckle down at work. “We’ll see Jim try and advance his career,” he said. “He’s going to try and get a little ambitious, with the kid on the way. And we’ll see Dwight try to thwart Jim in his desire to get ahead.”
NBC
One of the episodes sent out to Emmy voters was “ Stress Relief,” the hour-long episode that aired after the Super Bowl. While it showcased a roast of Michael and featured cameos from Jessica Alba, Jack Black, and Cloris Leachman, the episode was possibly best remembered for its hilarious opening sequence, in which a fire drill goes horribly awry. Lieberstein said: “The opening in particular was one of the funnier things we’ve done on the show.”
NBC
What would a workplace be without its colorful office mates? From incessantly chatty Kelly to severe Angela to creepy Creed to sad-sack HR guy Toby Flenderson (played by Lieberstein), part of what makes the Office so memorable is its motley cast of supporting players. A particular fringe favorite is Mose Schrute, the bearded, often silent cousin of Dwight (and who is portrayed by Mike Schur, former
Office
writer-producer and now show runner ofParks and Recreation
) whose fleeting, wordless appearances bring fans (and Lieberstein) no small amount of delight. Said Lieberstein: “In my opinion, you can never see enough Mose.” NBC
The Office
has racked up an impressive 32 Emmy nominations throughout its five-year run, and won for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2006. Does it ever get old at all? “I don’t think it ever gets old,” remarked Lieberstein. Conversely, “the idea ofnot
getting nominated is terrifying.” NBC
