The Office has made another new hire. The long-running NBC sitcom has announced that British comedienne Catherine Tate will be joining the series as a cast member in the season's second half. She'll reprise her role as Nellie Bertram, who first appeared in last season's finale as an applicant to replace boss Michael Scott (the since-departed Steve Carell). During her unusual interview, Bertram suggested removing all the cubicle walls, making each employee someone else's boss, and creating a zen work environment in which no one wears shoes. When she returns, Tate's character will be put in charge of a special project, which will lead to a "far from professional" relationship with the character played by James Spader, who effectively replaced Carell. Given the lukewarm critical reception to the Carell-less Office, is this a smart hire?
Tate could rescue the show: The current season has been a real letdown, says Jessica Rae at Small Screen Scoop. Ellie Kemper's performance as secretary Erin is the series' most worthwhile aspect this year — which speaks volumes. But there may be a new contender soon. Tate is a brilliant, award-winning comedienne, and could really elevate the series. "With Tate around, there's no way we're going to skip any future episodes."
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