This season of The Office, with Andy Bernard as the new manager, has certainly not found favor with a lot of people. There have been many complaints, and even though I seem to be higher on the show than most I still think it has had some issues. The other day, a thought occurred to me regarding the show and Andy and I thought, given that I have this forum, this would be an apt place to put it. This is just my own idea, but I think it could work.
Part of the issue I am finding with this season is how Andy plays as boss. Over time, he has sort of become a warmed over version of Michael Scott. However, part of the issue there is that means they are often doing storylines that, with Michael, may work, but with Andy they don't really. Also, the show keeps going to the "the gang reassures Andy they like him as boss" storyline. In order to sort of differentiate between Michael and Andy, and in order to change the dynamics of the show and the office, I think Andy should revert to an earlier version of his character.
As you may recall, Andy has filled a few roles within the show. Before his current interation, he was sort of the Milhouse of the show, which I loved. However, before that he was the guy who was kind of a jerk with anger management issues. Once they decided to keep Andy around, they had him go to anger management to soften the character and make him more palatable and likeable. Well, logically, part of that angry Andy still resides inside him. What if it were to come to the surface again?
Andy is struggling as boss. The branch isn't doing well. He's always freaking out over Robert California. Sometimes they bring up stuff with him and Erin. What if he strarted to crack a bit? I think it would be interesting if the occasional burst of anger would break through. Suddenly, Andy wouldn't just be the lovable oaf anymore. People would perhaps start worrying about him. Things would become more tense in the office. If it started happening more often, then the dynamics would really change. Then, the show could do storylines about Andy struggling with rage and the office walking on eggshells trying to keep him from getting angry. Andy would have to struggle not to lose it around Robert. Plus, no more, "Andy, we like you and like you as boss storylines," which is a plus.
I'm not saying this would save the show. However, I do think it could breathe more life into it. Obviously, since the show isn't going to get rid of Ed Helms, eventually he would either get fired or regain his composure. I've still enjoyed The Office this season, but I do think some changes may be needed for its sustainability. This could be done plausibly, and would make Andy as boss actually change the show, instead of just making him a poor man's Michael Scott.
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