3. Why Wasn't Michael At The Panel Discussion For The Documentary?
One of the greatest elements of the series finale was the panel discussion with the cast of the show-within-the-show. Held in Scranton, the Q&A with fans of the "documentary" acted as a reunion for characters who had spread across the country, providing ex-Dunder Mifflin-ites Andy, Darryl, Stanley, and Toby a reason to return to Scranton. Two former co-workers remained conspicuously absent from this panel discussion, however: Michael Scott and Holly Flax. Now, Holly was only a temporary replacement for Toby, and her ailing parents gave her a reason not to attend. But Michael, who shows up later that same week to be the surprise best man for Dwight's wedding, has no such excuse. Yes, Michael Scott had left Dunder Mifflin two years earlier, and on a realistic level, Steve Carrell's surprise cameo probably paid off better this way. But Michael Scott would not have missed an opportunity for all that fanfare. That's way too much attention for him to avoid. And the argument that two years away from Dunder Mifflin would have changed his personality and perspective that much just doesn't fly. So what's the real reason he wasn't there? And does it involve his older brother...?