Who would have thought that The Office could go on without its boss?

Steve Carell, who plays the sometimes dimwitted yet always lovable Michael Scott on The Office, told UsMagazine.com that he plans to leave the show after the upcoming season ends (and his contract expires). Rather than taking this as a sign that the show should come to an end, the show’s creators show no indication of slowing down.

It’s hard to imagine The Office without Michael Scott. Even though The Office is an ensemble comedy, Michael Scott will always be the show’s main character. Almost every action that any other character takes is propelled by him. Without him, where would the rest of the Dunder Mifflin branch go? More importantly, where would the show go?

Perhaps a season with a new boss could be the creative boost this comedy needs. Maybe the writers could finally give some extra screen time to the show’s most underutilized characters (Creed, Darryl, Phyllis, Ryan, etc.).

Or maybe season seven should just be the show’s last. Seasons five and six were filled with only a few good episodes and story lines. However, The Office lost the consistency that once made it must-see TV. Now, The Office can barely stand up to the three sitcoms that run with it on Thursdays (Community, Parks and Recreation, and 30 Rock).

Instead of planning for life after Michael Scott, why not just end it when he leaves? Perhaps the writers could bring the show back to its roots with the humor, emotion, and extreme awkwardness that once defined The Office. That way, it can end in its prime, rather than in a slump.

As for Carell? He’ll do fine. He’s come a long way since The Office first began, and his star will continue to rise once his time there ends. ~Ian Phillips