Well, you probably knew Erlichs story wasnt going to end withaWiredcover storyanointing him the next Steve Jobs.
(Although:Look at him in a black turtleneck.)
Having decided in season 4s penultimate episode that hed finally read enough tea leaves (marijuana leaves?)
!unceremoniously chucked his luggage out of the car when he dropped him off at the airport.)
The answer: five years.
Gavin replied, No.
And so the legend of Erlich evaporated into thin Tibetan air.
He never belonged there.
Nobody wants him there.
He doesnt have any friends.
Someone wouldpayto have Erlich go away.
And I thought, Why not make that permanent?
Why not make that real?
In a show that is so cyclical, why not have instead of a cliffhanger just a permanent ending?
I mean, thats why everybody lovesGame of Thrones.
That is one way for his story to end, he says.
But another is just that he never quite made the case for his presence, and so he disappeared.
Which is, of course, what happened here.
Theres no reason for Erlich, except to laugh at him, he says.
But its so interesting to say, Thats it.
And now hes gone.
He didnt do anything to help, but he wants to be a part of the celebration.
I think that in some ways, thats his sign-off.
All of its really funny to him.
And that idea that hes a nihilist…
So, how long does Miller think that Erlich truly will remain in Tibet in a poppy stupor?
But no, not really.
[This ending] is funny because thatsit.
Its funny because for the first time in the history of the show, it stops being cyclical.
Which is why sorry, Erlich fans he never plans on returning to the show.
As he sums up: If I ever come back, it ruins the joke.
This can only make it better.)
Its just interesting to feel bad for him.
He just didnt make it along with those guys, he couldnt justify his existence.
Because a lot of people feel like that.
But maybe not the saddest.
The saddest thing of all is that his exit is ushered and shepherded by Jian Yang, says Miller.
So ultimately, if people are angry, adds a deadpan Miller, be angry at Jian Yang.
Head hereto read our interview with Mike Judge about Millers exit and the season 4 finale.
