NBC will still air that rejected Office spinoff, sort of

By Sean O'Neal | January 2, 2013 | 5:11pm

Aux Features TV

Rainn Wilson's The Farm was deemed too singular and too special for the more inclusive, multiple-cameras-and-humorous-perspectives-on-parenting future of NBC. But much like the Cherokee used every part of the rotting buffalo, NBC will still air the now-orphaned pilot for the would-be spinoff as part of The Office's current final season. Producer Greg Daniels confirmed those plans to TV Line, saying, "We’re not going to air exactly what it was, because it has certain aspects that were appropriate for a pilot of a new show"—presumably, a lot of time spent on introducing Dwight's siblings that had until recently never been mentioned, the plot twist that would justify Dwight suddenly exiting to focus exclusively on his beet farm, etc.

Instead, "a little additional material" has been added to make it more of a regular episode, such as perhaps a scene where Dwight introduces these new characters, then someone at the office says, "Wait, why are we only now becoming aware of these people and their supposed importance to you?" and then Dwight says, "You're right, that seems suspiciously contrived. Never mind." And then they're ushered out the back door, never to be seen or heard from again.