Shame. It's one of the two funniest things being produced in the States at present (the other, predictably [if a little sporadically], being 30 Rock [which I used to have little time for. I now stand corrected]).

This is what Steve had to say of his impending departure: "I just think it's time. I want to fulfil my contract. When I first signed on I had a contract for seven seasons, and this coming year is my seventh. I just thought it was time for my character to go... It doesn't certainly mean the end of the show. I think it's just a dynamic change to the show, which could be a good thing, actually. Add some new life and some new energy... I see it as a positive in general for the show... I didn't see it (him leaving) as a huge thing and I certainly didn't anticipate any sort of hubbub over it. I'm just not going to extend my contract, but I didn't see it as a huge deal. And the show is great, and the ensemble is so strong, and the writers are great, so it's just one part of that ensemble drifting off. They've incorporated so many new characters and so many new, great storylines that I have no doubt it'll continue as strong if not stronger than ever."

LIAR. The Office without Michael Scott is Fawlty Towers without Basil - wrong and nonsensical, it should be killed instantly to coincide with his demise. But it probably won't. It'll trundle on with Kevin talking like the Cookie Monster; Dwight fighting Jim for Michael's position, while the latter shoots sidelong expressions towards the camera (that's assuming Dwight doesn't kill himself on Michael's last day); or, even better, they'll bring Toby back...