The episode was written by co @-@ executive producer Daniel Chun , his fourth writing credit of the series . It was directed by then @-@ showrunner Paul Lieberstein , his sixth directing credit of the series . The episode marked the first appearance of Will Ferrell 's four @-@ episode arc on the series and is also one of series star , Carell 's last episodes as a regular on the series . Ferrell signed on to appear in Steve Carell 's final three episodes , and the first episode without Carell , " The Inner Circle " , to make Carell 's transition easier . Carell had decided to leave the series , because " I just think it 's time ... I want to fulfill my contract . When I first signed on I had a contract for seven seasons , and this coming year is my seventh . I just thought it was time for my character to go " . Ferrell initially called the producers and offered to appear in Carell 's last season , because he 's " a fan and wanted to commemorate Carell ’ s swan song " . He had previously starred alongside Carell , in the 2004 film , Anchorman : The Legend of Ron Burgundy .