Summary
Kevin's storyline as a bar owner in The Office seemed unlikely, but a cut storyline explained that he amassed a huge credit at the bar and used it to leverage ownership.
Fans have theorized that Kevin's dismissal from Dunder Mifflin was a consequence of his involvement in insider trading. However, the show does not offer substantial proof to validate this hypothesis. Instead, Kevin's termination was depicted as a direct outcome of his continuing incompetence and Dwight's objective to improve office efficiency – devoid of any unlawful behavior.
Kevin Malone (played by Brian Baumgartner) owning a bar in The Office seems illogical, but there is a deleted storyline that would have made it more believable. Throughout the nine seasons of The Office, Kevin became a beloved character, bringing a sense of lightheartedness to the chaotic world of the Dunder Mifflin Scranton branch. With his slow speech and distinctive laugh, Kevin was easily recognizable as the lovable fool in the cast. Though he worked in the accounting department, his frequent mistakes and lack of financial knowledge were well-known.
However, Kevin's character took an unexpected turn in the series finale. After spending a significant amount of time at Dunder Mifflin, where his simplicity provided both entertainment and concern, Kevin was revealed to have become an entrepreneur and the owner of a bar. This decision puzzled fans, considering his notorious history of financial mishaps, his dismissal by Dwight, and his low salary. For years, viewers were left wondering about this unusual development, until a deleted storyline from season 9 was unveiled during a 2021 interview on the Pardon My Take podcast.
A Cut Story In The Office Season 9 Reveals How Kevin Bought His Bar
Kevin's finance skills and business acumen weren't relevant to him owning a bar, but there was a storyline filmed for The Office series finale that explained it. According to Baumgartner, Kevin frequented the bar and accumulated a substantial credit by letting other customers buy him drinks. With this credit, Kevin used it as leverage to obtain the keys to the establishment.
Despite the confusion surrounding Kevin's sudden bar ownership, the cut storyline provided clarity. This storyline, along with other scenes, didn't make it into the lengthy Office finale. One such scene involved Jim pranking Dwight by making him believe he was in The Matrix. Although the Matrix prank can be found online, it remains to be seen if NBC will release Kevin's final story arc in the future.
Was Kevin Fired In The Office Because Of Insider Trading?
There is an intriguing fan theory about Kevin's departure from The Office that suggests more than just his inefficiencies led to his dismissal. Some fans believe that Kevin might have been involved in insider trading due to his occasional displays of unexplained wealth and role in the accounting department. These moments in the series raise suspicion about his cognitive abilities and suggest that he could have been intentionally acting.
The theory also suggests that Dwight fired Kevin to protect him from possible arrest. However, the show itself does not provide substantial evidence to support this claim. When Dwight becomes the regional manager, his main goal is to streamline the office and improve efficiency. Kevin's firing is portrayed as a result of his long-standing incompetence in his role. Additionally, if Kevin had indeed engaged in insider trading, a simple termination would not have sufficed, as legal consequences would be expected.