One of James Spader’s greatest TV show characters, Robert California, had such a large presence that it is hard to believe that he only appeared in 19 episodes ofThe Office. Over his long-lasting acting careerJames Spader has landed plenty of roles, excelling as morally dubious and occasionally somewhat eccentric characters. Therefore, it made sense forThe Officeto have him as Robert California in 2011, a self-assured and mysterious character who was just one of the many newcomers who were interviewed for Michael Scott’s position at Dunder Mifflin at the end of season 7.
As a result of his charismatic performance, James Spader ended up joining thecast ofThe Officefor much longer than originally expected.Spader’s appearance was pivotal in the show’s transition as it dealt with whatThe Officewould look like without Steve Carellat the helm, introducing a fresh personality into the series.The Office’sRobert California was such a memorable character that he is now considered one od Spader’s greatest TV roles of all time, joining ranks with the likes of Alan Shore andThe Blacklist’sRaymond Reddington
Robert California Only Appeared In 19 Episodes Of The Office
Despite his memorable performance, Robert California only ever appeared in 19 episodes ofThe Office. When James Spader first made an appearance in season 7’s finale, “Search Committee,” theoriginal plan forThe Office’sRobert Californiawas that he would be a cameo-only character among many others in the finale. However, writer Paul Lieberstein stated, viaThe Hollywood Reporteraround the time of the episode’s release, that “The actor had signed to play a two-scene role in the season-seven finale,” butthe “life and intrigue that [James Spader] brought to the part, made two scenes become a full season.”
Season 8
As Robert California, James Spader delivered a hilariously overconfident character performance, outlandishly remarking that “everything is sex” in the job interview scene. His strange opinions, often interjected at random moments, made him an alluring and comedic figurehead asRobert California returned inThe Officeseason 8. However, Spader left the series after season 8, with Lieberstein reinforcing that “James always wanted this to be a one-year arc.” That being said,Robert California’s role felt much longer and more prevalent than just 19 episodes, as Spader’s character quietly took over the eighth season, distracting viewers from the lack of Michael Scott.
Robert California’s Role In The Office Was Much Shorter Than Spader’s Other Iconic TV Characters
Robert California Appeared 10 Times Less Than Other Characters
Interestingly, despite Robert California feeling larger than life inThe Office, his role was actually much shorter than any ofJames Spader’s other iconic TV characters. Prior toThe Office, James Spader was known for his role inThe Practiceand its spinoff series,Boston Legal. He appeared as the character Alan Shore in 121 episodes across the two shows. Furthermore, afterThe Office,Spader reached a higher level of popularity withThe Blacklist, especially as he appeared as Raymond Reddington in 218 episodes of the show.
Considering Robert California has to compete with the likes of Raymond Reddington and Alan Shore, who have appeared on-screen ten times more often, it is impressive that James Spader’s role onThe Officeis so memorable. In just one season, he solidified himself as one of the most important characters to ever appear onThe Office, for better or worse.
