Will Ferrell to Join 'The Office' for a Few Episodes

I heard the mumblings of disapproval after word that Will Ferrell was appearing in a few episodes of NBC's comedy "The Office" (Thursday 9 pm ET) to take over the Scranton branch of paper sales company Dunder Mifflin after its manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell) departs. There was much hope that the manager of the original British comedy "The Office" David Brent (Ricky Gervais) would take over but his scheduled appearance is only a cameo.

Most of the complaints of this possible cast replacement is that now it feels that it is "The Office with Will Ferrell" starring Will Farrell playing Will Ferrell. Talented as he is-or questionably is to non-fans of the comedian-he does have a habit of playing the same type of rowdy idiot man-child as seen in "Old School" and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy" that coincidentally also put Will and Steve together. While it is possible that Will may play a different character that isn't his usual idiot man-child, the mention of his name alone instantly brings up his former work that usually includes him getting naked in one of his films at some point.

It is a risky move of "The Office," and we shall see how it plays.

The thought of Will Ferrell acting in a comedy again did prompt discussions of other actors who pretty much play the same character in every role they play. It is one thing for a craftsman to consistently create the same quality work day in and day out, but I was under the impression that actors and artists work to reinvent themselves to keep things fresh.

Jack Black

His recent flop "Gulliver's Travels" is a textbook example of Jack Black playing Jack Black. The classic literature is tossed aside so we can see Jack Black tussle up some established norms through immature shenanigans and pop culture throwaway jokes. At least his talents in Tenacious D offer some great songs.

Adam Sandler

Do you know that romantic comedy where star Adam Sandler attempts to win the heart of some girl and has to go through harebrained schemes, funny voices, and a fair bit of yelling in lieu of emoting? Which one? Well, any of them, really. But the upcoming "Just Go With It" will star Adam Sandlet as he attempts to win the heart of some girl and has to go through harebrained schemes, funny voices, and a fair bit of yelling in lieu of emoting. Only this time, he's doing it with the help of Jennifer Aniston. Speaking of Jenifer Aniston...

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer Aniston was pretty good as "Friends" star Rachel Green, the insecure woman constantly looking for love as she begins to notice her age. But it's been nearly 10 years since the end of that sitcom and she still plays the same insecure woman constantly looking for love as she begins to notice her age. Would it kill her to star in an action film where she does all of her own stunts? Yeah, it probably would.

Jason Staham

I first saw Jason Staham in "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch." Those were some interesting films even if I had trouble with the slang. But Jason Staham really did not break into US big screens as Frank Martin in "The Transporter." And ever since he played some dude with a car who kills people he's been punching, kicking, and driving his way to kill more people. Now he even has a protégé who kills with him in "The Mechanic." Perhaps he can keep some blood off his hands as he voices a cartoon character in "Gnomeo and Juliet." But he plays the homicidal Tybalt, so even that is doubtful.