by Apr 29, 2011, 12:13 am In an episode that managed to jerk tears without getting too sappy or away from its comedy roots, NBC’s flagship comedy “The Office” waved goodbye to its star Steve Carell in the extended “Goodbye, Michael” episode Thursday. The episode revolved around Carell’s character Michael Scott slyly having goodbye interactions with each of his Dunder Mifflin coworkers (all on fairly good terms–even the one with Toby) under the notion that he was leaving for Holly and Colorado the following day. In reality, he was actually departing that day at 4PM but did not want to face his office family for an actual goodbye celebration. Particularly-emotional goodbye moments for Michael included his writing Dwight a glowing recommendation letter (and engaging in a subsequent game of paintball) and Jim, who caught onto Michael’s plan, telling Carell’s character that he was a great boss and the best one he ever had.