Introducing Robert California: James Spader gets the nod

Robert California (James Spader) was among the handful of candidates and being interviewed for the boss’ gig in this season seven finale.  While leaving viewers of The Office on edge all summer, the rumor-mill was flowing with many possibilities for filling the previous management’s shoes.  Now those hearsay stories and rumors can't stop.  It was made official that Spader won the seat in early July.

Now what do we already know that this mystery man that must have made quite an impression to land the regional manager position.

First, we know that he has Superman-like confidence as displayed in his initial interview with Jim, Toby, and Gabe in the conference room.  His body language revealed a relaxed state in the way he positioned his torso pointing away from the interviewers.  This is the total opposite love what you would expect someone who was interested and attentive to the people that determine his qualifications.

Second, to be cliché, he is the uber-salesman.  We saw him out-sell the Dwight in the lobby coffee shop.  I say that he out-sold Dwight because Rainn’s character bought the fact that Robert has "figured" him out.  Dwight immediately lost in the sales process by opening his mouth first.

A known rule in selling is that whoever speaks first loses.  Dwight vocalized his annoyance and fear by stating “stop trying to figure me out", as Spader was tight lipped, quiet, and staring.  It was that moment that Dwight gave Robert all of the information he needed to close his sale.  “I already did” responded California. He has sold Dwight on the fact that he has in fact gathered all he needed to know about the beet farmer/salesman/landlord.

Robert is described by producer/writer Paul Lieberstein, who also plays Toby, as powerfully convincing and manipulative “…like a high-class weirdo Jedi warrior.” Also pegged as being strange and mysterious, the rest of the office is tasked with trying to figure out where he's coming from and how each of them fit in their own association with Mr. California.

I can foresee James Spader pulling off this character and really shaping Robert California as a memorable staple to the brand much like Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute are the most notables of the show.

Mr. Spader is bringing his intense eerie style of acting to Scranton, as seen in his roles from classic films like Pretty in Pink and Less than Zero.   He portrays passion in every character that I have seen him play.  Early on that intensity and passion portrayal came across his cheesy.   But over the years he has mastered the development of this style and now has a much more palatable delivery.

I am now anticipating the season eight opener of The Office much more excitedly than I was when I first heard of the news of Steve Carrell leaving.  Although, I am a big Will Ferrell fan I didn't care for the D'Angelo character all that much.   I am however very angst to tune in to the premier in September to see how Robert California will fare against his predecessors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckz-InjzRd0&NR=1

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