Image Credit: Chris Haston/NBCIt’s no secret that The Office is coming off of a so-so season. The show’s still got the funniest supporting cast on television, but after the one-two punch of the Jim/Pam marriage and the birth of Baby Halpert, some of the comic energy seemed to fizzle out. Still, Office fans rejoiced when the season finale hinted at the return of Michael Scott’s one true lady love, Holly Flax (played by Amy Ryan, who would star in everything if I controlled Hollywood). And now, we rejoice once more, this time with feeling: As EW’s Michael Ausiello reported a couple days ago, Holly’s back, baby!
Holly has only appeared in seven episodes, but it’s impossible to underestimate how important her character has been for the later seasons of The Office. Heck, she basically rescued the show at the start of season 5. Back then, The Office was still figuring out how to keep the show going after Jim and Pam ended the “will they or won’t they?” phase of their relationship. Possibly because she was blessed with incredible acting talent by the gods of Olympus, Amy Ryan managed to achieve the impossible: She made Holly seem like someone who could believably fall in love with Michael Scott.
Even after her departure – Corporate transferred her to Nashua, N.H. – she’s been a presence on the show, adding a surprising layer of emotional depth to Steve Carell’s performance. (In the season 6 finale, there was an out-of-nowhere line where Michael said, “I miss Holly.” Viewers, my eyes were raining.) And of course, Holly is returning at an intriguing time, since, barring any crazy Friends-style negotiations, Steve Carell will be leaving after this season. Even more intriguingly, Zap2It is reporting that Holly will be back for eight episodes.
Viewers, I don’t know about you, but I’m envisioning all kinds of story possibilities. Michael, trying to win Holly back (since, when we last saw her, she had a new boyfriend.) A secession crisis, as the co-workers battle to take over as Regional Manager when Michael leaves. And if Holly is back, what does this mean for Toby? God, do we all hate Toby, or what?
What do you want to see when Holly returns, PopWatchers? And this means no more dalliances with adulterous bartenders, right? What was that?
Darren on Twitter: @EWDarrenFranich
to quote the magnificent Holly… “HELL YEAH!”
Well, she is Michael’s soup snake…I mean, soulmate.
And now I’m humming “Let’s get ethical, ethical….”
“Toby, you are the silent killer.”
I didn’t hate last season, but I have to say…I feel like they butchered Erin’s character. Yes, the “My hair was my room” line was funny, but I liked her better when she was sweet and a little dim. Then after they gave her a creepy foster brother and made her completely clueless, I found her annoying. Plus, they spent an entire season to build up her relationship with Andy only to break them up two or three episodes later?
Totally agree about Erin, and I really liked her character at first.
Excellent news!!!!
I like Toby, though his crush on Pam was creepy at the time.
Yeah, creepy funny!
Yeah, you think thats creepy, try watching it live from the bushes!
Yeah Holly! I just hope she does leave along with Michael at the end of the season. As much as she’d rock as the boss, her and Michael belong together (I can’t believe I wrote that, but seriously- they’re a perfect match).
I’d like to see Dwight as boss or…bring Michael Emerson in.
Anyways, great to hear Holly will be back for several episodes!
I’m all about Darryl becoming the new boss. I mean, it’s my 2nd choice after letting the show end, but we all know that won’t happen. So Team Darryl!
This news just made my day! I have been not-so-patiently waiting for Holly to come back. I know she will bring the funny in season 7, but I NEED her and Michael to have a happy ending before Steve Carell leaves The Office for good.
Bill Mury for office manager!
Would be awesome, but never in million years would it happen.
if the internet can get Betty White on SNL, why cant it get Bill Murry as the new office manager.
I think michael finally finding what he always wanted in life and the entire show run (somebody to love) would be a perfect way to end the show. Anything that happens after that wouldn’t be able to hold my interest for long
i totally agree. end it on a high note!!!
Good idea, leave ‘em wanting more.
***SPOILER ALERT*** Oh.. you didn’t care? Thanks bud.
Maybe if Sue Sylvester somehow gets killed off on Glee, she could come over and be the new regional manager. She would be perfect.
Sue Sylvester is an AMAZING IDEA! Why didn’t I think of that! Haha!
I’d like to see Michael make a road trip to Nashua to stop Holly’s wedding.
Yes, ala The Graduate!
Jack Bauer should run The Office. Hilarity will ensue…….
Jack Bauer isn’t exactly funny.
…plus, Dwight already established that he was “overqualified and fictional” in “The Office” universe.
(Yes, I realize what a freakin’ nerd I am for this show!)
Ceballos, you aren’t a nerd. I’m really impressed you remembered that line. I laughed all over again.
My screen name will be ‘little kid lover’ so they know exactly where my priorities are.
I think that Kelly would be OKAY… You know, since she went to the minority training program at Yale. that makes her a choice for corporate.
Two words: Phil Dunphee
How hilarious would he be? (Okay, I know he’s a realtor, but… houses, paper – big diff!)
Great show but Swedishfriendfinder was better
Kevin James to the show? Maybe manager?
Yeah I’m liking that idea