Exclusive: B.J. Novak Takes 'Office' Leave

Turbo Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 03:57 PM EST

No! He can't leave! Not my husband!! D:

Jack Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 10:19 PM EST

Its good to see him go! He was an absoulte douch to Kelly and everyone else for that matter! She deserves someone better! Kelly and Creed need more screen time they are awesome.

Terry Sat, Dec 20, 2008 at 03:42 PM EST

BJ Novak is such a non-interesting, non-essential, and very rarely humorous part of the show. Pam, on the other hand, she's integral to the chemistry. But NBC will probably find a way to screw up this sitcom, which is on its way to becoming an ensemble classic. Anyone who doubts the funny should watch this episode on Fancast - the annual christmas party is derailed when Meredith sets herself on fire.

http://www.fancast.com/tv/The-Office/7370/960805656/Moroccan-Christmas/videos

JT Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 05:55 PM EST

the office -- overrated and boring. There are way funnier shows out there.

forrester Sat, Nov 29, 2008 at 10:18 PM EST

the temp was the best

ashley Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 08:57 PM EST

I wish that 'robert' from Nov. 22nd knew how to spell "LAUGH track". And as for Ryan, good riddance. That guy was a douch to everyone and only thought of himself. Plus, he wasn't funny, just a jerk, and that's never funny.

robert Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 06:56 AM EST

good for him. this show has been going downhill since around the begining of season 4. right now it wouldn't make a diffrence if they added a lough track.

greg Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 09:51 PM EST

wow,ryan leaving would be a big blow to thae show..in fact i was hoping to see more ryan scenes this year,and less of that musshy corny jim and pam romance.i hope the show gets back to what made it funny

bembol Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 11:48 PM EST

I was actually surprised when he came back this season. I thought Ryan was gone for good/after what happened last season.

I love him, great actor/writer, last week with Kelly was great. So, as long as, he remains as a Writer I'm okay with it.

APuma Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 07:52 AM EST

I think it'll be ok if "Ryan" moves on, he had a good run. Maybe they could make him leave because of some mishap with "Kelly". But he should def still write for the show! Don't leave us completely B.J.!

joeinmemphis Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 12:35 PM EST

God he has an odd and ugly face

Wacky Weed Creed Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

It's not that I hate Jim & Pam, per se...it's just that I HATE "JAM" fans. They only watch the show to follow the fictional relationship of two fictional characters. BORING!

minderbinder Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

How could he really be missed that much considering he was barely on the show last season.

Really, I'm surprised he's still in the opening credits since there are many other characters who have more screen time than him at this point.

Bill Buttlicker Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 01:31 AM EST

- being drafted into the Part Planning Committee, where he is even more uncomfortable as the "Pimp" among "Ho, Ho, & Ho"
- Being asked by Michael: "Do you think you could be gay, and not even know it?"
- Being abandoned in a beet field
- Saying that Michael Scott's greatest fear is "loneliness...maybe women."
- Being asked to wrestle Mose
- Being approached by Carol Stills and told that Michael talk about him, a lot
- Being dubbed "Da belle of da ball"
- Showing off Michael's photoshop skills by displaying a picture of him & Michael on a trip in Egypt
- Going on a tragic sales call with Stanley, after being Stanley's second choice, after "pass"
- Knocking the bouquet away from Kelly at Phyllis' wedding
- Thinking it was a good idea to have Michael as his guest speaker at business school
- Trying to talk Michael off of the roof in "Safety Training"
- Michael telling Ryan that he wants to see him with a hot dog in his mouth during "Beach Games"

Bill Buttlicker Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 01:24 AM EST

Darn...posted it twice. Sorry. List continues next.

Bill Buttlicker Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 01:23 AM EST

I think this info may be wrong...Novak has already finished filming for the QT film, which is why the character has been MIA for 90% of the season 5 episodes so far. But, if he does move on to motion pictures, let's have a moment to reflect on some of Ryan's best moments:
- receiving the "Hottest in the Office" Dundee
- asking Todd Packer if he's a big William Hung fan
- starting "the fire"
- being subjected to Michael's cell phone harassment; guessing that Packer's middle name is "Fudge"
- planning a time consuming scavenger hunt for himself while Michael reviews the suggestion box
- asking Bob Vance what line of work he's in
- putting crushed aspirin into Michael's pudding
- hiding his face while Michael passes out roses on Valentine's Day
- getting yelled at by Stanley because of Stanley's daughter
- getting stuck in the kitchen while Dwight & Angela talk about "cookie;" his subsequent talking head where he shares a bewildered look with the camera

Bill Buttlicker Mon, Nov 17, 2008 at 01:23 AM EST

I think this info may be wrong...Novak has already finished filming for the QT film, which is why the character has been MIA for 90% of the season 5 episodes so far. But, if he does move on to motion pictures, let's have a moment to reflect on some of Ryan's best moments:
- receiving the "Hottest in the Office" Dundee
- asking Todd Packer if he's a big William Hung fan
- starting "the fire"
- being subjected to Michael's cell phone harassment; guessing that Packer's middle name is "Fudge"
- planning a time consuming scavenger hunt for himself while Michael reviews the suggestion box
- asking Bob Vance what line of work he's in
- putting crushed aspirin into Michael's pudding
- hiding his face while Michael passes out roses on Valentine's Day
- getting yelled at by Stanley because of Stanley's daughter
- getting stuck in the kitchen while Dwight & Angela talk bout "cookie;" his subsequent talking head where he shares a bewildered look with the camera

JamFan Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 09:56 PM EST

To those of you who want one character or other gone because you don't like them, try to pay attention long enough to absorb this: You aren't supposed to like everyone. That's part of what makes it funny.I prefer to keep enjoying the office through its changes without all of the whining.

Michael Scarn Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 09:06 PM EST

What? Only 2 of B.J.'s written episodes focused on Ryan, "The Fire" and "Initiation." Ryan was already a grossly underused character, but those two episodes attempted to flesh him out to great effect. Seeing Dwight & Ryan interact was awesome; both of those episodes are really awesome. I bet the B.J.-written episodes with JAM moments made you happy, London. An episode can be terrible, but one stupid JAM moment and the JAM fans are saying how the episode is terrific. Ryan is a "lesser character" because the show has focused too much on the boring fictional relationship between Jim & Pam. Or Jim / Karen, or Pam/Roy. Or Michael & Holly or Jan. Or Dwight/Angela/Andy. The true downfall of this show is all of those relationships I just mentioned. Ryan, as the "Temp," is far more representative of the disgruntled everyman in most corporate entities. That's why I can relate to him rather than failure-proof Jim, who is an unsympathetic character and very, very boring. He is only good w/ Dwight.

London Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 06:49 PM EST

I am so glad! I never liked Ryan, never found him funny andI hated that whenever BJ Novak wrote an episode it had to center around him despite him being a "temp" and therefore IMO a lesser charchter. The office has been going downhill this season but hopefully with this change it will get better.

ElectAPromQueen? (maybe not) Sun, Nov 16, 2008 at 03:49 AM EST

Two words: Ed Asner
Bring him back on tv before he croaks. He was so good in Curb Your Enthusiasm, why doesn't NBC offer him a cameo role in The Office. Celeb cameos are working fine for 30 Rock, just saying...

Vivi Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 09:23 PM EST

NO!!! I <333 RYAN!

Matty Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

The Ryan character was played out after he came back for his temp job from prison while Pam was away. Plus, Mindy's character is funnier when she's not with Ryan.

Sandra Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 01:01 PM EST

two words: THANK GOD. his character was done with a long time ago. should stick to writing if anything at all. his character was dull and bored me midway through season 1.

Farva Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 07:47 AM EST

This show has one of the best ensamble casts ever. As much as I love Ryan, the show will be great without him. Just a question, whi's running HR right now?

Glow in the dark. Sat, Nov 15, 2008 at 07:45 AM EST

I'm so tired of reading these comments about the Jim and Pam dynamic being so tired and done with. You're the same people that would say the whole show is boring and going nowhere if the writers never added any drama and made five seasons ride solely on Micheal's inept awkwardness. If you're so over it go watch some ABC primetime.

Cindi Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 08:34 PM EST

I agree. I look forward to Thursday nights. Some episodes I enjoy more than others. I go to work the next day and some of the people at work loved the episode I didn't and vice versa. Having different people write different episodes gives different perspectives on the characters and we all may prefer some writers slant on things more than others. I don't want to overanalyze the show, I just want to kick back and be amused.

Nat Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 06:54 PM EST

why are you guys being jerks to the office??? its so funny and if you dont like jim and pam you dont have a heart! I think the dynamic has changed but it isn't boring! I wait for Thursdays and i love the office! So screw all you haters.

smith1017 Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

I love the office and I wouldn't be too upset to see Ryan leave... yeah, him and Kelly "got back together" but I don't think he really meant it, he just needed some lovin'!

ray Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

RYAN STARTED THE FIIIREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tony Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 10:21 AM EST

so the show isnt done its just ryan, right?

Danny Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 04:20 AM EST

It's time for Ryan to move on. Going back to work for the company you got caught defrauding is not a good career move.

Tina Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 02:32 AM EST

I can live with losing Ryan, but I hope B.J. Novak stays on as a writer--he's one of their best.

Jamie Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 02:13 AM EST

I get the frustrations over the changes the show has gone over the past two seasons. I see it too, but I still find it to be the most enjoyable show on television today.

Some fans don't start abandoning when things aren't what they used to be. How do I know this? There's still a lot of Oakland Raiders fans out there right?

Al Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 02:05 AM EST

Dude, even I can see that Jim and Pam are too important of a dynamic to the show. I'd rather lose Ryan than one of the main cast.

Kevin Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 02:03 AM EST

Conciege Marie--yeah I agree partly about Jim and Pam. But here's the thing....they're half of the Big Four. Taking them away would be bad. They can afford to lose Ryan.

And I don't see that they're above everyone else, even though I agree about the 'angst'. One of the elements I always keep in mind is "these ppl are your coworkers, not your friends." I always see that they really do care. Maybe I'm the only one that sees that.

RealOfficeFan Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 01:38 AM EST

I can't believe what I am reading here. I never felt that this show has been going downhill at all. I love each and every episode, though I admit there have been some in the past that were not as good as their best, but I still enjoyed them. You can't expect absolute perfection all the time. From anything in life.

Ken Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 01:24 AM EST

But, what about Ryan/Kelly? They JUST got back together. And now he's going to be leaving? UGH!

Concierge Marie Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:54 PM EST

That's funny, Cindy (with an "i") - that you feel that the Ryan character has run its course. Funny because that is how I feel about Jim & Pam. Those characters have bored me to tears with their angst or saccharine-sweetness. They add nothing to this show, comedy-wise. When you really think about those two characters - they are selfish, elitist jerks. They talk smack on their coworkers, prank their coworkers, and act as if they are better than everyone else.

Audra Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:46 PM EST

I think B.J. is a great writer and I like the character of Ryan. I'd miss him on the show. But overall, this season needs SOMETHING to shake it up. It's been really disappointing so far.

KC Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:06 PM EST

I hope NBC sees everyone's comments and takes them to heart. Season 5 needs a makeover fast, that much is obvious (and almost unanimous).

KC Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:03 PM EST

This show has sucked this year. It's painfully unfunny and just trying too hard. Every week I watch it to give it another chance, but they must have gotten new writers because it is just not the same Office I used to laugh out loud at.

Cindi Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 10:57 PM EST

Pam is back!!!! I like the JAM stuff. I love the Jim/Dwight pranks. The Angela/Andy/Dwight triangle. I think it would be funny if it came out that Andy actually went to Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa instead of the great Cornell he so proudly brags about. I like BJ, love the episodes he writes, but I think the character has run its course.

Dave Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 10:39 PM EST

His character was the least funny on the show. I don't think his departure will affect things much.

ElectAPromQueen (it didn't happen) Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 07:56 PM EST

Ryan the Temp was an inspiration to all temps. His rise to VP was one of my fave Office sub plots. Unfortunately, his character went to the "dark side", now he's just a clammy pathetic snake in the grass. Ryan's fall from power/hitting rock bottom is depressing...All aside, BJ Novak is one of the greatest working tv writers we have now...so he's all good whatever direction he goes. I would love to see him create a new sitcom project with Larry David with Ed Asner as lead.

Miyuki Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 07:47 PM EST

...and i totally went on a tangent but yeah, the whole JAM thing just saddens me (i loved them together but maybe it's a couple that is perfect as a crush-state)...to the point where i just wish they would end it (don't kill me!)

Miyuki Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 07:45 PM EST

I honestly don't think it will matter much. I for one, like him, but the whole season has been bland. For instance, I used to love JAM but now it is just a bit too cliche and although realistic, I just think it doesn't fit "The Office"...and what i mean by that is that if you wanted to see a romance you would just watch another show. The Office was really funny because it wasn't like other shows, it was unique and interesting. I will miss his expressions....that is, if i keep watching the show :/

Craig Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 07:40 PM EST

i seriously hope we never see ryan again, he was funny in seasons 1 and 2, and had few funny lines in 3, but he is so annoying now, him and jan need to leave and never come back, am i alone in thinking this?

Luisa Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 06:36 PM EST

I always liked Ryan. True, someone said some of his best bits were in the deleted scenes--and when he went all crazy drug user, I thought he was done. But I personally thought it was hilarious for him to come back as a temp. As for the season as a whole...not really feeling it, to be honest. I find myself missing the first three seasons. Maybe the characters have all gone mad, and the humor's gone. I just don't laugh as much anymore, which is a shame, because I totally want to love this show. Oh well.

jack Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

Who cares?

Ross Gould Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 06:20 PM EST

BJ's Ryan was always the least funny. Expressionless and monotone. Underdeveloped and unsympathetic. Good riddance man!

Elsa Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 05:43 PM EST

B.J. should take all acting offers he gets now but if he leaves The Office, I don't expect to see much of him afterwards. You can tell most of the smaller part actors on The Office are rookies. I love the show, but it's the truth.

Dwigt Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 05:35 PM EST

I don't think it's true that BJ Novak and Mindy Kaling are stealing other characters screen time. Actually, you see little of them. Their characters, like Toby, are supposed to work in another room. Conveniently, they're also writers and it allows the actors to stay less on the set.

I don't understand why BJ Novak is still in the opening credits while Ryan was never as important as the four real lead characters. I guess they tried in the beginning to establish him as a major character but gave up and just didn't fix the scene starting with season 2.

I hope BJ stays in the writing team. He's responsible for a few good episodes (as Mindy is), and he had barely a line in most of them. He might be a good actor but his character didn't allow him much development.

Jeff Schreifels Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 05:21 PM EST

I don't think it matters. Season 5 is a huge flop. You can tell the material is stale and it's losing steam. It's a shame. It's over.

Waldo Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST

Buck, the guy was arrested. Try finding a well paying job after committing fraud like that. I'd say him only being able to find a job through Michael's man-crush is pretty plausible.

maven Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

You did not find this out exclusively Ausiello. BJ's been off the show for months! You might be the last person to know about this one...

BUCK Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 04:21 PM EST

I think the idea of Ryan going from a VP to a receptionist is assanine. Just because he can't be a corporate juggernaut at DM doesn't mean he can't find another job elsewhere in PA. Or can he? Not sure what else there is to do in PA other than watch sports and push paper and paper accesories. I liked him betetr as the Temp, and I think Creed did too.

Creed Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

Beth, that is an amazing analysis. Spot on. That really captures what I've been feeling since Season 4. That is why I don't like the show as much as I used to...I could never have explained it before, but your logic does. Thank you.

Beth Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 04:05 PM EST

The office was funniest when it was slow paced and extremely subtle. Michael was the larger than life character, and the real humor came through the eyes of Jim and Pam, with the "normal" eyes subtling mocking and observing the quirkier occupants. As the secondary chracters grew, their subtle humor (Meredith secretly drinking from a concealed character) grew into the blatant and absurd (Meredith having sex for steak). The characters became more sitcom-like and easily defined. Ryan went from quietly offering the "I don't want to be here" perspective to being a full-blown drug-user coprorate fraud. There was nothing subtley humourous to be found in his character anymore, and sadly, most of the other characters. And as the other characters became more Michael-like in absurdity, Michael has started to lose the focus of the show, and its starting to resemble a more fast paced sit com.

Jena Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 04:03 PM EST

Hope BJ comes back to do more episodes, writing and acting. He and the other characters on the show make it worth watching.

Creed Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

The "Ryan 2.0" bit, from a deleted scene of "Business Ethics" was hilarious. It showed that Season 5 Ryan still is a good mix of Ryan the Temp and Ryan the Corporate Goon.

Arnold Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 03:25 PM EST

Really guys?

IMO, I hated Season 4 with every inch of my soul....but I'm loving Season 5.

Bill Buttlicker Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:39 PM EST

The "man-crush" is the best bit on the show, hands down.

Beardy Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

It seems a lot of people don't get the humor or appeal of the Ryan character. Unfortunately, many of his best parts are in the deleted scenes. But the character is funny because he is this distant, regular guy who just doesn't want to belong to the office and its cast of crazies. His goal is to eventually move on from D-M, and he doesn't want any emotional ties. As the series progresses, you can see he is kind of conniving and selfish. Then, in Season 4 he becomes the boss and lets power go to his head. He obviously fails to deal with it, and turns to drug addiction which further screws up his persona. Actually a very realistic character in the previous 4 seasons with real growth. But anyway, I find it funny that he tries not to get along with his coworkers, or tries to avoid talking. He is the object of Kelly's and Michael's affections, leading to some very funny moments. His subtle sarcasm is different than everyone else. Also, his ability to say a lot just with his expressions.

Beardy Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST

Sabrina...I chose to ignore Ron Walsh's comment altogether. You are right - the main characters are Jim, Pam, Dwight, and Michael. Ryan and Kelly get as much screen time as Phyllis, Kevin, Creed, Stanley, Oscar, and Toby. Even Angela and Andy get more screen time than Kelly or Ryan. There are episodes where one or both don't even show up or have a single speaking line. Ron Walsh couldn't be more wrong.

Ryan Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:26 PM EST

I have loathed Ryan's character pretty much from Day 1. He has always come off as holier than thou, and I for one will not miss him. Season 5 has definitely taken a turn for the worse; I agree with most of these comments that the focus is too heavy on office relationships. I want to see Amy Ryan back in the picture!

sabrina Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:17 PM EST

@Ron...

I love it when people say things like "nobody can debate this" with regards to something that is absolute opinion and not based in any way in fact. There have been plenty of episodes where BJ and Mindy were barely there, if there at all. As it is, Michael, Jim, Pam and Dwight are the main characters. Everything trickles down from there. I think you'll find, btw, that the scripts BJ gets primary writing credit on tend to be ones that incorporate much more of the staff than some other writers generally do. Actually, now that I think about it, Mindy's tend to be ones that bring everyone together, too. Of course, the idea that any of the supporting players are getting shafted is a little silly in the first place, but whatever makes it easier to rationalize why you don't like particular characters...

Alice Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:12 PM EST

I tried watching the Office this season with my husband and daughter and we mangaged to get through 3 episodes. We were big fans of the show until the beginning of the end that is season 5. Wow--there were maybe one or 2 chuckles an episode--and that's it. What happened to this show? They've eliminated the funny in favor of the various who-cares relationships. We'll watch our old seasons on DVD and face that this is another example of all good things must come to an end.

Peter Griffin Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST

I guess it's fine that Ryan goes...they kind of ruined him in Season 4. And it's not like he or any other character is getting much screen time this season anyway. The show is too busy focusing on Michael/Holly, Jim/Pam, or Dwight/Angela/Andy. I'd rather see them dump some of those characters from the show - especially Jim or Pam. The real treasure chest of the cast is Creed or Stanley. Those two, and others like Meredith, Phyllis, Kevin, Oscar, Toby, Kelly, and Darryl, are FAR more interesting than the soap opera characters of Jim & Pam. Plus, I hate JAM fans.

Mutey the Mailman Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 01:27 PM EST

Ryan is definitely one of my least favorite characters, however, I love:
1. Michaels man crush on him.
2. The continually "fireguy" jokes
3. His talking heads. BJ's facial expressions are seriously hilarious. I love the one where he can't explain his attachment to Kelly.
I can live without him as a regular as long as he makes a cameo every once in a while.

Delia from Detroit Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 01:24 PM EST

I think the entire show is wearing out and not going anywhere, and couldn't last beyond next season (2009-10). And wrap up the Andy, Angela and Dwight thing already! Have them finally cancel the damn wedding during the November sweeps!

Cynthia Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

I agree with most ... I liked Ryan better when he was a temp. Would love to have BJ stay on as a writer t hough ...

Catherine Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 01:12 PM EST

The show's writing may suffer, but I won't miss the supreme DB that is Ryan.

dr zoidberg Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

I'm not complaining. Ryan was by far the most annoying, obnoxious, and unlikeable character on the show.

Ron Walsh Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 12:48 PM EST

Bottom line is this, he and Mindy have taken a lot of screen time away from better characters, just because they are writers. No one can debate this. Stanley, Creed, Phillis, Meridith, Oscar, all get shafted for these two ego maniacs.

Vinnie Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 12:16 PM EST

He's a great writer, but Ryan is too much of a cartoon character. I hated that whole drug angle last year. I'm glad to see his character go, but I'd hate it too see him stop writing for the show. He's very, very talented.

KFabulous Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 12:12 PM EST

Did I hear that BJ wrote on the "Diversity Day" episode? Brilliant. I have to agree with most on here - not a fan of the current Ryan charachter, but would hate to see the show lose BJ altogether.

Liddy Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:35 AM EST

It doesn't bother me if we never see Ryan again, but BJ is a brilliant writer. It would be a real shame to lose him completely. I hope Greg can convince him to stay.

oybay Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:29 AM EST

His role was so much better before "the downfall" and it opens up the return to Scranton for Pam. Besides, who wants to hear her on the world's smallest Bluetooth when they can see her playing practical jokes on Dwight in person?

dannymalt Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 11:07 AM EST

They shouldn't have brought him back after he got arrested last season. It doesn't make sense. They could ahve brought him back much later and it would have made more sense.

Richard S Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 10:06 AM EST

Michael, if your mole is whispering to you, you might want to get it checked out by a doctor.

Lucia Rivera Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 09:57 AM EST

If BJ aka Ryan leaves can I audition? Holla back young n.

Brett Hickman Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 09:37 AM EST

Good to hear that he'll be filming that Tarantino film - means it'll probably be released next year now. But the character of Ryan, I felt, ended appropriately last season when he was arrested. I didn't get bringing him back and I'm fine with the character staying gone. Novak being involved as a writer is cool, though.

Robbie P. Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 09:23 AM EST

I actually enjoyed watching BJ on the show as Ryan. How could you not appreciate him coming back to Scranton as a temp after his huge downfall in corporate? No doubt, Toby's return will result in Ryan being sacked because Toby would realize it's INSANE to hire back someone that lost their job at the company for fraud - and that would make Michael hate Toby even more. Brilliant !

Melissa Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 09:23 AM EST

Why did they bring Ryan back at all this season if BJ Novak really wanted to stop acting in the show? The jail time was a smooth exit from the show--no reason to think he'd be back in the Dunder-Mifflin universe. There was no real reason to bring him back for these few shows since he's had pretty much nothing to do.

Meoq Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 09:08 AM EST

Don't care about Novak. We still have to see what happens with the Andy/Angela/Dwight triangle, and JAM's wedding :)

Brooks Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 08:55 AM EST

The biggest loss here is BJ as a writer. He has never been one of the best actors, but (to answer a comment made earlier) he is a big part of the show and has his name in the credits because he was one of the show's original producers and writers.

Nic Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 08:25 AM EST

Honestly, I never liked Ryan. I've never understood why his name is in the opening credits or why he's on the DVD covers.

Teresa Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 07:35 AM EST

I don´t like Ryan since he went to NY office so.. I wouldn´t mind if he leaves.

sabrina Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 07:25 AM EST

I don't get this. It isn't news, it's just PR because we're about to reach episodes that BJ/Ryan isn't in at all. The news about his leave of absence is a couple of months old and he's talked about it publicly. He was in Germany from late September to pretty recently, working on the Tarantino film. Is NBC just trying to get people to talk about "The Office"?

Jess Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 07:18 AM EST

It will be upsetting to see one of the original 5 leave. I hope more of the actors don't follow behind him.

Doug Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 07:09 AM EST

Not a fan of Ryan the character, but BJ the writer nailed it...That will be a loss...It'll be good to have Pam back in Scranton, but who we really need back is Toby...

Justin Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 04:24 AM EST

HUGE loss as writer for the show. Plain and simple.

Huh, kinda always thought Steve Carell would be the first to leave.

Jason Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 03:04 AM EST

kinda hated Ryan as a character. not sad to see him go. If only they'd bring back Michael's girlfriend.

Ivan Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:45 AM EST

BJ wrote the episode where most of us fell in love with The Office in "Diversity Day." For that, I'll always be grateful. Here's hoping to success in whatever he does next and I really hope he still contributes as a writer.

LR Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:43 AM EST

KELLY WILL KILL HERSELF IF RYAN LEAVES!!

LR Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:43 AM EST

KELLY WILL KILL HERSELF IF RYAN LEAVES!!

Larry Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:16 AM EST

I knew eventually one of the main contributers to The Office would leave, just didn't expect it to be BJ Novak.

And yeah, cut down the relationships, JAM drama, I mean, you need JAM, but tone it down.

Lisa Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:12 AM EST

Dude, Amy Ryan is a very in-demand actress right now in Hollywood. I doubt they can get her back.

Jack Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 02:11 AM EST

You know, it's nice to see people apologize and make up on here.

I agree, the show isn't what it once was, but I do appreciate the fact that they still show moments of comedic brilliance and go back to their roots once in a while. That's enough for me.