Bonnie Stiernberg , for Paste , was more positive , writing that she preferred the use of comedy , following the emotional episode , " Garage Sale " . She ultimately gave it an 8 @.@ 7 out of 10 . Will Ferrell 's performance was especially noted by critics . McNutt complimented Ferrell 's " nuanced " performance , but called his character " uninteresting " . Stiernberg praised his dynamic with Carell , comparing it to their previous roles in Anchorman . His later appearances in the series also received similar mixed reviews For instance , McNutt called Ferrell 's scenes a " momentum killer " in " Goodbye , Michael " , whereas Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone called his performance in the same episode " pure magic " .