James Spader Leaves 'The Office': How Will He Bid Adieu?

James Spader who plays the hilarious Robert California on NBC's The Office is leaving after one season. Spader had stepped into the series eighth season after Steve Carrell's departure.

Robert California was the CEO for Dunder Mifflin/Sabre. His confident and odd banter brought the laughs, but didn't bring in the high ratings that Carrell previously had. According to Entertainment Weekly, The Office previously held NBC's title as highest-rated scripted show. The eighth season however dropped the series to a 28th rank, and only garnered 6.6 million viewers.

According to executive producer Paul Lieberstein, Spader's departure doesn't come as a surprise. James only wanted this to be a one year arc, and he now leaves us having created one of the most enigmatic and dynamic characters in television. Lieberstein also praises Spader as being a great friend, as well as a great transition for the series post-Michael Scott. I'm already looking for ways to work with him again, said Lieberstein.

How will The Office and its creators bid adieu to Robert California? While no word on how he will depart has been released, we can only guess what kooky way he will leave the show.

Witness Protection Program

Robert California has always had an air of mystery surrounding him, so it wouldn't be all that surprising if we find out that he's in the Witness Protection Program. With Dwight being the office sleuth, it would be totally believable for him to be trying to dig up blackmail on Robert in order to move up in the rankings, but instead unearth a secret past life. Robert California would be forced to depart Sabre in an attempt to protect his real identity.

Kidnapped by An Ex-Wife

Robert California has been married three times, with his most recent wife, Susan, leaving him after he makes Andy fire her from Dunder Mifflin/Sabre. With three ex-wives, who could arguably be as bizarre as Robert California himself, it would be totally feasible for one of them to go off the deep end and kidnap him.

Horrific Golfing Accident

In the Special Project episode, Robert California invites Jim to bring his golf clubs with him when he goes to Tallahassee. Quicksand, alligators on the course, and a stray golf ball could all get us to bid farewell to the latest CEO.

Running For President

Robert California had originally applied for the regional manager position at Dundler Mifflin, and ended up talking the CEO of the company into giving him her job. With California's smooth talking (and it being an election year), I don't think it would be hard to imagine a Robert California Presidential Campaign. I can picture it now, See The Future On Paper With Robert California.