‘The Office’ Keeping Mindy Kaling, But For How Long?
Rest easy, fans of NBC’s ‘The Office.’ As the show moves into a ninth season with a seemingly ever-changing roster, some new and some returned, one dark spot it seemed was that the perpetually vain Kelly Kapoor (Mindy Kaling) would depart, given the actress’ new FOX show. Commands to abandon ship are premature however, as Kaling isn’t gone just yet! But, with a full schedule on another network, just how long can Mindy Kaling stop by ‘The Office’ this year?
According to a new report from Vulture, ‘The Office’ fans ready to jump ship can breathe a little easier about the show’s ninth season. While some cast members take reduced roles, others join, and some even prepare for spin-offs, actress, writer and executive producer Mindy Kaling has made an agreement to stay. But how can this be, as the full-time star, writer and EP of her own FOX series ‘The Mindy Project?’
Reportedly, the deal is only for that of two episodes, in which the character could simply be a visible presence, or even written off the show entirely. Certainly the latter would make more sense, given how bizarre it would be to spend 20+ episodes in the halls of Dunder-Mifflin without ever seeing Kelly Kapoor.
Kaling’s reprisal is a bright spot in an otherwise apprehensive season, which includes B.J. Novak working in a part time capacity, both John Krasinski and Ed Helms taking time off for film roles, show-runner Paul Lieberstein departing as Rainn Wilson prepares for a possible ‘The Farm’ spin-off, and even James Spader departing entirely.
What say you? Are you happy to have Mindy Kaling back on ‘The Office,’ if only for a few episodes? How would you like to see the show change? Sound off in the comments below!