Downsizing continues on The Office. A year after Steve Carell’s departure comes the news that James Spader, who was brought on board in the fall to fill some of the Michael Scott void, will leave the series voluntarily at the conclusion of the current season. He plays Robert California, the eccentric (as if that needs to be specified about any Spader character) CEO of Dunder Mifflin.

Spader has worked sporadically since Boston Legal left the air, and that’s apparently how he likes it. In a statement, executive producer Paul Lieberstein said, “James always 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. He’s been a great friend to me and the show, helping us successfully transition into the post-Michael Scott years, and I’m grateful for that.”

Given the lower ratings this year (though the show remains the healthiest in NBC’s entire scripted lineup), the decline in its quality, and the iffy contract statuses for much of the current cast, the news about Spader seems to call the entire future of The Office into question. While it doesn’t seem likely that Dunder Mifflin can go through another all-star search committee process, the show might be inclined to try to add another name star anyway.

Tags: boston legal, james spader, nbc, paul lieberstein, steve carell, the office