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The Officeremains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, but its later seasons left many fans divided. While James Spader’s Robert California is often criticized for the show’s decline after Steve Carell’s exit, a growing number of viewers argue that the real issue was Ed Helms’ Andy Bernard.
Despite Spader’s commanding performance, Andy’s transformation into an insufferable, self-absorbed manager ultimately did more damage to the show than Robert California ever did, at least according to some fans.
Andy Bernard’s character shift was a major problem
Andy Bernard, played byEd Helms, started as a quirky but tolerable addition toThe Officein Season 3. His early characterization as a Cornell-obsessed, anger-prone salesman was humorous and added a unique flavor to the Dunder Mifflin dynamic. However, after Michael Scott’s departure, Andy’s role expanded in a way that many fans found frustrating and off-putting.
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That is exactly what thisfan thought as well, as they claimed it was Andry’s later transformation that brought the show down:
Personally the show lost me with all the Andy stuff, although those seasons do have some of my favourite episodes, I wouldn’t be mad if they had stopped the show at season 6 or 7 ( It has nothing to do with Michael leaving, I actually enjoyed episodes without him)
On the other hand, James Spader’s Robert California was always meant to be a short-term character, yet he unfairly became a scapegoat forThe Office’sdecline.
Unlike Andy, Robert was a distinct and intentional departure from Michael Scott. He was enigmatic and confident, and had an entirely different leadership style. While his presence was divisive, it was a bold and refreshing change rather than a failed attempt to replace Michael Scott.
Andy Bernard’s downfall onThe Officewas constant
Most of the characters inThe Officehad some sort of redemption. Jim and Pam end up getting married, with the latter getting his chance to succeed as a sports agent.Steve Carrell’sMichael Scott ends up marrying Holly Flax, with the likes of Kelly and Ryan also ending up together in the end.
However, one of the show’s common themes was the stagnation associated with a mid-level corporate office at the time, with a range of characters simply failing to redeem themselves. Andy Bernard, despite his positives, was a character who completelylost the plot towards the series’ end.
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He ends up quitting his job, and auditions for “America’s Next Great A Capella Star.” Here, after being rejected, Andy ends up becoming an internet sensation, which culminates with him eventually finding a job with his alma mater, Cornell University.
Needless to say, his constant downfall since Season 3 was not well-met by fans, with quite a few now seeing him as one of the major reasons behindThe Officelosing its way, to some extent.
The Officecan be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
