Silly Canadian girl! Yes, I do know that Disneyland is in California and Disney World is in Florida.

I have since edited out my slip of the keyboard.

I guess I've got a lot to learn about this town.

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

Okay, now that I've watched that scene a few more times, I think you and makesmyhearthalpatate are right. I choose to believe right along with you Beeswax!

That's how I saw it too...

Even though there was no JAM, there was plenty of Jim being closer to the old Jim, playing with the camera and just being so dang cute. And there was plenty of Pam being sweet with Michael. So while we didn't get a lot of JAM, we did get to remember why we love these two characters so much.

Perhaps Pam will take Dwight up on his advise to brush her hair (spend a little extra time on it)...and he should have told her to put on that burgundy blouse from the fashion show, fashion show at lunch! I think we'd see Jim making eyes at more than just the cameras!

Let's think about how patient Jim was for YEARS. If he can do it, so can we!

I think it's also important to remember that the writers like to back off a bit before they hit us with something big. I think we're in the calm before the storm, and we've got LOTS to look forward to. At the same time, my patience for Jam has grown to an all-time high. This was a great episode, and if the writers can keep me laughing like this, I can wait a while longer.


Oh, and there are no words to describe how worried I was when I was waiting for this episode to start on the west coast and kept seeing this thread at the top of the page. I convinced myself everyone was on a Jam ledge! -whew!- So glad I was wrong.

I was thrilled with the episode...and I noticed something that also directed me to something I didn't know how much I missed. We've seen Jim come to the rescue in seasons one and two, but he's been in self-preservation mode for all of season three. When he was singing to cheer Andy up, it felt like the old Jim and that gives me hope.

On an unrelated note, I'm getting nervous because my Birthday (with a capital is May 18th, the day after the season finale. While I have every confidence the writers will pull through and give me something wonderful, my husband pointed out that my enjoyment of the big 2-4 will be a direct result of my satisfaction with the season finale. Yikes...should I let the writers know?

Oh, I can't wait! I can feel the waters being altogether too calm, the air way too still. We're all standing around looking up and wondering what is fixing to go down. Whatever it may be I am ready. I just wish we could all just spend our time logged in and discussing JAM. But life must go on. I think I'll get my guitar out, watch an old episode, and find my muse.

I think this episode proved something...

That 'The Office' is just a great show, period. It's a great ensemble show. No one person carries the entire show (not even Steve), and more importantly...no couple does either. Not Jam, not Dwangela, not Man, not Kyan. This episode was completely couple free and it was still great. Now, this might sound kind of strange coming from a major-Jam fan, but this is a good thing for us Jammers. Why? Because it's proof that the show CAN go on and be great if/when Jam gets together. The show isn't going to come to a grinding halt or stop being great just because Jam is a couple, like so many people like to state. Jam is only a part (a wonderful part and my favorite part) of this fantastic show. Jam is like the icing on the cake. The cake is delicious on it's own, but the icing just makes it even more delicious. But you have to be careful that you don't put too much icing on the cake because then you might get a tummy ache...and sometimes it's good just to scrape the icing off and just eat the cake.

Did I lose you with all the cake talk?

Let me put it another way:

Jam is like the cheese on a cheeseburger........

^ Awesome post loveanyway! I totally agree. This was a great episode and it proved our show doesn't have to rely on the cheap will-they-wont-they suspense of other shows to be great. And I loved both of your metaphors.

I'm excited for them to bring on the icing and cheese!

Don't you mean 'ITA'? lol

Thanks. I think that the argument that the show will become boring if they ever put Jam together is stupid, because too much of anything becomes boring. So, years and years of endless will-they-wont-they suspense will become more boring than Jam as a couple could EVER be. Life is all about change. So, changing it up is the key. I mean, we have a few seasons of the will-they-wont-they stuff, another season of them slowly finding their way to each other, a season or two (or three ) of them being a couple, them breaking up (even though it'll break my heart ), them finding their ways back to each other, maybe even eventually marriage and babies, etc, etc

That seems SO much more interesting than endlessly contrived situations to keep Jam apart so the will-they-wont-they suspense can continue indefinitely.

LOL! I wrote ITA at first, but I thought you might take it the wrong way. Glad we're on the same page.

I have two 'older' sisters (one is my twin but she likes to call herself my older sister because she came out 5 minutes before I did) that take immense joy in picking on me, so I have a pretty thick skin with that sort of thing. Poking fun is how my messed up family shows affection.

Mmmmm...icing, cake, cheeseburgers. JAM is just so gosh darn delicious!

VERYgood, I too was happy to see the old Jim back. Jim used to prank for 2 reasons: boredom and Pam. Maybe subconciously he's trying to get Pam's attention. I'm sure dressing up as Dwight wouldn't float Karen's boat, but it is right up Pam's alley. Something to think about.

Oh, and jamonmybread, I think your right. We are experiencing the calm before the storm. A lot is going to go down in a short time and we won't know what hits us.

I enjoyed last night's ep and agree with Loveanyway that it was a good sign that our beloved show would still be amazing if JAM did get together. It was funny without the angst and pain and for that I'm grateful. Jim as Dwight, Dwight as Jim, Creed covering his a$$, non-stop Kelly Kapoor, Jim singing the background of The Lion Sleeps Tonight to cheer Andy/Drew up. It all worked.

I do think, though, that it is going to be rough waters for the balance of the season, so let's just relax and enjoy the respite.

Good analogy... (is that how you spell analogy?? Doesn't look right.)


The other day I made the best, most delicious cake and I didn't put on frosting because it was great the way it was. This show doesn't need Jim/Pam but JAM is so yummy, you could eat it by itself. A little JAM on the side....hmmm.

"Question": Any significance to the color of Pam's sweaters in this week's epi? Vibrant purple and bright red? All part of FNB? Am I grasping b/c I have nothing else to discuss JAM-wise?

*EDIT* Do you think Jim noticed?

Well.. I have thought about this episode a lot last night!! ( I REALLY LOVED the last two episodes and I had no idea why.. it was not for JAM )

then I noticed.. Jim is returning to S2 Jim.. Happy!! When he was with Andy at the school, and he said, " That wil not hold up in court" That was classic Halpert!! He is starting to become comfertable with Scranton agian.. he is starting to want to fit in with Scranton.. and what is in scranton??

Jim is seeing that he wants to stay here for many reasons, he just needs that one more reason and he is not going anywhere regardless if a relationship is happening or not. just the thought would keep Jim here.

Also... I think the last 5 episodes, esp these two are ones that set it all up.. in a small way.. I can see arcs starting to form.. we had two episodes establishing the behavior patterns.. and now we get to see where those behaviors take us!!

Look at it this way... Karen,Jim, and Pam's behaviors have changed not only from the begining of the season, but from TN as well!
Karen.. we can tell she is not content, where she is in her life

Jim...retunring to Old Jim, Scranton way of life, and going back to his S2 self perservation mode.. which we all know failed him at the end

Pam... Happy, Awesome, and ready to spill it all! She just needs a push.. and she will get one!

The writers know us! They are going to make us think they are going to do nothing with Jim and Pam, where we all know that is just not true. IMO people the whole season has been JAM, they will solve it.. it was the main plot arc from the begining! They need to set up behavior patterns, and give us hints.. while keeping other plot lines going... if they did not do this then the last three episodes would not flow together in terms of character development!!

This was a Jim episode.. we saw him start to be back to his old self!! I am sure next episode will be Pam.. it is the way the writers work.

Also we have two supersized episodes and a hour long finale.. and ALL the cast members have said they cover A LOT of ground in the finale... just look at how much they can cover in 22 min... now think of what they could do in like 45....IMO they can do A LOT!!

So, I do not want to hear any whining or complaining, in the long run you will be happy about this episode in regards to JAM!! You only see one episode every week as it unfolds... the writers can see all the story, and where it is going.. So, you can see just one room as the writers can see the whole house!!

You need to be happy that you get a rest from all the JAM that has been strong from the first episode this season, you will be thankful for it when you get to see how this episode helps the rest of the season!!

Let me tell you something that BJB and I have talked about way to many times You see when I am feeling ick, or a rainy day.. I go and watch teh 4th disk of season 2! I love it because all the episodes set up eachother for the big finale on CN!

Take Michael's birthday ( which is the same # episode as this one!) We saw Jim and Pam being friends, we saw happy Pam and Happy Jim... but what we saw was Pam not knowing that Jim had feelings for her.. which is obvious now! The episode gave no hope to the situation being fixed.. it looked as if Pam was happy, and she dont not notice that Jim was the reason why ( or she would not admit it) But we also see Pam start to get attached a little more to Jim, she gets happier ( just like Jim in this episode)
We also see Michael talk to Carol and Jan, which sets up the other cliff hanger!

Now when I watched this episode the first time, I did nto see any of that, I saw poor Jim having feelings for a woman who would not admit anything. I was soo mad at Pam that episode because she could not see it!

Now...when you watch the other episodes all by themelves they also dont do anything big..... it is when I watch that whoel disk non stop that I am wowed when that kiss happens!!! It is the build up the care that the writers took to carefuly plant small seeds along the way so that at the end everything adds up at the last moment!!

So agian I say be thankful for this episode, not only did it show us that the writers can go back to a S2 feel.. it also showed us that the reason why S3 felt so much worse was only because of the tension.. which will be over soon! in some fashion or another! this showed us that the writers are staying true to the characters!!
The writers also let us see other characters which I loved!!! We got a small amount of Jim and Pam which was nice for a change! We got to be happy agian like them!! We got to remember what scranton is all about!! Which is also what Jim is starting to remember!!
The writers are doing this for a good reason, and I can see it all starting to be layed out!! The threads are all there they just have to be made into a blanket!!!

Agian I challenege you to watch one episode from disk 4 every day and see how they don't fit together.... but yet at the end when you put them all together it does!!

In the end, the reason why I love the office is because of all the characters, and all of the chracters make the JAM story line that much better!!

I am going to sit right here until the finale.. and I can;t wait to hear all of your good comments about how this episode and the others to come fit perfectly together, and made that season finale better than awesome!!

remember how much happened in CN?? That was just 21 mins.... This of what can happen in two supersized episdoes.. and a hour long one!!! ONE HOUR LONG of nothing but resloving cliff hangers!! In reality this hour long episdose allowed teh writers to put more in at the last episode and allowed for us to have one very nice very JAM free episode!!

I now will step off of my soap box..... ( but it is not going back into the closet!!)

When I say buckle up it is going to be one bumpy ride.... I ment that we were going to have episodes where there seemed to be nothing and then all of a sudden....

I will just say right now.. all the lose ends are not going to be tied up until the finale.. so next episode might just be mainly Pam.. but it will tie into the whole story!!!

my motto:( stated by another on the boards) It is like good sex. Why rush to the climax when there's so much other good stuff on the way there!

You say it so much better than I know how to say it in words!

Oooh, I am a big X Files fan too! Yes, I think the pregnancy hormones are not helping the JAM situation in our house... And I MISSED it last night! My hubby was supposed to tape it, but didn't set the VCR right. I wanted to CRY! So my sister's at work and I don't know yet if she taped it for me. Anyone know when I can get it online? It's not on I-tunes yet. Going CRAZY!

Wow, two posts in a row for me! I got ahold of this episode and now I am feeling much better! I actually took notes about things I wanted to comment on. (Yep, I've got it bad.)

First, in Michael's crisis meeting, Pam jumps in to agree with Karen after she says that Michael's slang actually takes more time. But instead of just a flat comment (like Karen- so boring, almost sounds annoyed), she takes it further to be funny & get a reaction out of Michael. You can see how much she enjoys it, and as soon as she gets the reaction, she shoots a grin in Jim & Karen's direction. I've been reading the Pam Dichotomy and this totally fits in with the theory that Pam isn't scared of Karen. Plus, she's just being so darn cute, cheerful, and perky. She's got that happy mood all through the episode. That is definitely a good sign for JAM! It means that she's happy with herself and that puts her in a better place to be with Jim. How can he resist her when she's so cute?

Which ties into a comment a lot of you have already made... Jim is happier in this episode, too! He's more like old Jim- joking around, pranking Dwight (I LOVE the look Pam gives him when he comes in dressed like Dwight!), singing with Andy. It's great to see the two of them feeling happier about life. And the happier they get, the more ready they are to make those positive changes we're waiting for!

OK, then the scene where Dwight dresses up like Jim. I thought this was so funny! First, I do agree that Jim's comment to Karen was asking if she wanted to have sex with DWIGHT, not with him. Second, she's sitting on his desk when Dwight first comes in. If you catch Jim's face, he looks annoyed, and he's trying to type while she's there. NOT the undivided attention he always gave Pam! Karen's just too clingy and needy. She's a nice girl- I actually like Karen- but not right for Jim. Finally, yes, I do think Pam's bright sweaters are a good sign. It's an indicator of her happy, cheerful mood.

In conclusion... I think the drama is definitely going to increase as these two come together, but we're making happy baby steps! Even though they didn't spend much time together in this episode, I think it's still JAM progress. I'm ready for the rollercoaster!

Hey, Fancy New Beasley, my doppelganger! I'm pretty sure there are a few more of us floating around on these boards. Firstly, congrats on the baby. Secondly, I also LOVE the X-files...I guess I am just a sucker for tortuous sexual tension!

I am a newbie to this thread...I am loving it because we can analyze Jim and Pam at the same time, instead of having them separated as on the PD and JP threads. F N B, this FNB also noticed that Jim and Pam both seem happier now. They seem to be returning to their old selves, just separately. I think this will start to bring them back together.

I rewatched the episode today, and I noticed that both Jim and Pam not only were very sympathetic to the insanely annoying Andy and Michael (respectively), but they both seemed to believe that problems would just "blow over." Jim told Andy something along the lines of, "Hey, I'm sure in a couple of days you'll feel fine." Pam told Michael that she was sure the watermark scandal would go away in a couple weeks. Could this attitude come into play with JAM issues? It makes me think that they are either A) both ready to bury the hatchet or B ) both kind of in denial about all that has been left unresolved, and it could blow up in their faces. The JAM optimist in me is rooting for A.

FNB, you are too sweet! I am so sorry for copying your name! See, I put it in as my hopeful name, was surprised when it was still available... then realized I had spelled it wrong! But I don't know if there's a way to change it now- I couldn't find one. So I will forever be your faithful protege! You have a very nice attitude about it; thank you so mcuh.

I love your point about saying that things will "blow over." I think that with both of them, in order to move forward, they're just going to have to let a lot of the past go. There's no sense beating a dead horse (five nights of long talks, anyone?). Just apologizing, admitting you made mistakes, and that you want to move forward... that would fix a lot. KWIM? As far as them becoming happier, just seperately... My mom always told me that you couldn't be happy in a relationship until you were happy with yourself. Both Pam & Jim seem to be moving in that direction. Then they can have a healthy, fun relationship without being dependent on each other for their happiness.

Something I noticed during the multiple viewings...When Andy asks Jim "How's Whatsername?" Jim just answers "You know her name." Then he looks out the window and kind of stares. He totally evaded answering Andy's question! HA! (That is, he didn't say "great" or "fine" or anything.) Yay!

YES! I was going to comment on that and totally spaced it! So apathetic. Remember how his face would light up every time he talked about Pam? No such luck with Karen. He didn't even pursue the conversation. He didn't want to talk about Karen because it's boring and he's not into her. He likes her (she's nice enough) but he's not hot for her.

BTW, OfficeObsessed, I LOVE YOU... you know why... :-)

You're right. I interpret that very positively for Jim and Pam.

Did anyone else notice that Pam seemed a little more dressed up last night? Nothing too major, same scheme of cardigan, button down shirt and skirt, but it was black skirt, dark red cardigan. Maybe it was just me, but it seemed like she was trying a little more to brighten up. It wasn't the usual pastels.

Thank God for that! Even when not prompted by someone to talk about Pam (think the Alliance "all her idea too, she's so great") Jim cannot help but gush about Pam -- well he used to at least. What has he ever said to the cameras or to anyone else that was positive about Karen? The closest he got to that was his "I'm really glad I'm with Karen." This was not about her. Just about his situation. Even in any other TH's about their relationship, its just been the facts. For example, "pam's with Roy, I'm with Karen, moving on." or "Karen and I had a long talk." Nothing about her. Not a word. In the past, he has exuded his love and adoration for Pam - in every look, in every mention of her name, in every unrequited sentiment. There is nothing under the surface for Karen. Its just about having a buffer. So exciting!

I definitely noticed! I posted on it earlier today. I was trying to figure out if it was symbolic in some way. You'll notice when she and Jim had the BRoD scene in The Negotiation, she was dressed in drab colors. I am thinking when she wears those bright, vibrant colors she is putting on her FNB. Oh, I only hope Jim notices. I am at peace with the fact that there was no JAM last night. I am on board with it being the calm before the storm. Plus, it gives Jim/John that much more time to grow his luscious hair back so she can run her fingers through it! Okay, I'm rambling. Bye for now.

Yes I did! and when she was FNB at the begining of the season she looked like that as well!!! when her clothes change it is a symbol!! and she was looking awesome!!

So FNB is is alive a kicking!! I rememer Jenna saying in the commentary she never wanted to wear red because she though it was to bold for Pam... but now Pam is getting bold!!! SO we can wear red!!!

There are many therioes about how Jim and Pams clothes show just were they are.. ie rolled up sleves is a Scranton Jim thing as where Stamford Jim does nto do that!

When Pam wears dull clothes old pam... FNB wears nice clothes!!

the wardrobe dept. said so them selves!!!

Wow, what a great point. Jim has never said two words abut his feelings for Karen, just recites facts. Hmm, maybe if I watch season 3 with this thought in my head, I'll be able to enjoy it more.

The Andy-Jim car scene reminded me of the Dwight-Jim car scene in Traveling Salesmen. I know both times Jim's been around his "enemies" so to speak, so it's not like he would start divulging his personal life to them, but you would at least think a smile or some flicker of happiness would cross his face since he's in a "newish" relationship with someone "pretty and appears intelligent" . Instead he almost seems defensive, like he'd just rather not think about it. You know if he were with Pam, he wouldn't be able to hide a smile, no matter who asked him about her.

OK, so this is kind of off topic and not flowing with the thread, but this was so real...I had a dream last night that Jim and Karen were getting matching tattoos and that they had come into the office to show them off. Which really annoyed me in my dream. Only when they pulled up their pant leg (it was around their ankle) the tattoos said JAM!! Then it goes to a talking head where Jim just smiles a big old smile!!! It's a vision!! HA HA. Just thought I'd mention it...it made me laugh all day. I think I have been watching too much Office (as if there is such a crime)...and I have also been watching Miami Ink...so hence the tattoo dream.

In a somewhat unusual move for me, I haven't had a second airing yet. I'm glad I read all of your observations as I'll be on the lookout for them tonight when I watch again.

Like you all, I did notice FNB's clothes, though, in the cold open she was wearing the navy sweater that looks nice on her and I think she had FNB hair. And red sweater for the rest of the show. Definitely a sign. Stuff is on the way people...

Ahhh so, The episode: There was definitely no JAM, except for a teeny tiny little bit in the conference room at the beginning, which made me happy, and begging for more. Which didn't really happen, because they were separated the whole time... *sigh* But I do agree with everyone saying that this was the calm before the storm...definitely.
Or maybe it was the eye of the storm, because of prior events, it makes sense that it would be.

FNB was totally out there. I actually cheered outloud when I saw her outfit. She looked great and Jim would have to be very blind to notice. I mean he would have to had noticed. I mean, I still notice when old flames walk by and whether they look good or not.

I thought it was awesome when Pam said, that Dwight dressed as Jim looked "really good". She totally meant it for Jim.

I also like how when Jim asked Karen if she wanted to have sex with Dwight. I saw it as him trying to push her onto someone else. Like, hey maybe you should stop bothering me, and go be clingy with Dwight.

So that's all for now. I'll definitely be back tonight to discuss more.

^Nobody can say that Jam Therapy is a No Spin Zone!!!

You're actually not the first to suggest this... It's our 3rd boy, and my dad's name is James, SOOOOOOOOO not such a bad idea! Plus then I would have an excuse why I picked the name & wouldn't have to explain it to all the non-believers!

Marissa, I love your comments. I agree that Karen's way too clingy! You notice that Jim knew exactly what comment would make her go away! How about some more "making her go away"? I also agree that Pam's comment was totally for Jim (notice how much she grinned when he said "I look like an idiot!") and that Karen repeating it was just... lame.

Yay! I hope it is a James! James is a great name.

I remember when I was pregnant I also watched a lot of ER and loved Dr. Carter. I kept suggesting names to my hubby such as Carter, John and Noah. The hubby knew my game and wouldn't go for it, so we have a Ben.

That's it, F N B-- James Halpert "Beasley"! I hope your husband doesn't mind if we name your third-born child for him!

Also, Beeswax, I have a Ben too! Great name don't ya think?!?

Actually, I must admit that I was the protege of another "Fancy New Beesly" when I first joined the boards. I don't ever see her around any more. Perhaps the student has become the grasshopper. Maybe it is a scenario like the Dread Pirate Roberts in Princess Bride??? However I am way too pathetic of an Office nerd to be passing on the title permanently any time soon. I am perfectly content to share.

I like what you said about having to be happy with yourself before you can be happy with someone else. Pam is definitely learning a lot about that this season. Jim's character development has been a little less obvious, but it is definitely there. His attempt to "evolve" in Stamford seems to be wearing off as he gets back to happy, joking, rolled-up-sleeves, season 2 Scranton Jim.




Oooh i noticed that on my 2nd viewing as well! He has always been a little evasive when asked about Karen. In Traveling Salesmen, Dwight said Karen was pretty and smart, and Jim kind of just played off the comment with "well yeah, i like pretty, smart women." (paraphrasing). What some other people have said on here is so true - in season 2, Jim could not help himself from gushing about Pam. Even when he was TOTALLY aware of it, as in The Secret when Michael directly asked him what he likes best about Pam, he was open and honest.

It is a great name. I also notice John Krasinski plays a lot of characters named Ben

License to Wed- Ben Murphy
The Holiday- Ben
Kinsey- Ben

WOW.. James and Ben just went to the top of my list now!!

My first Crush ever was named Ben.. he was and is still a very sweet and good looking man!!!

Now, I'm getting all teary-eyed. In all seriousness, when I think about Jim in BC when he is telling Michael about Pam, it's like he's not even acting. That scene breaks my heart; especially now. Wow. When you compare his feelings for Pam then and how he seems to feel about Karen, he is so empty now. So sad....


Yes! Thank you for pointing that out. Yup. Ben. Good name!

[quote name='OfficeObsessed' date='Apr 27 2007, 07:30 PM' post='1991890']
Now, I'm getting all teary-eyed. In all seriousness, when I think about Jim in BC when he is telling Michael about Pam, it's like he's not even acting. That scene breaks my heart; especially now. Wow. When you compare his feelings for Pam then and how he seems to feel about Karen, he is so empty now. So sad....


I know...he really does make it seem like he's not acting. I really hope he is just acting and that John doesn't really have a Jim crush on Jenna! (Although I do love the two of them together!)

On the prior post the first part was OO's commentary...but I guess I didn't quote it right. Sorry!

No worries, but FYI you can go back and fix it with the edit function. I do it all the time!

^I am in a trance from that video. Those two are so freaking beautiful together!

Ok, my husband has fallen asleep on the couch.

Is it wrong that I just watched E-mail surveillance because I wanted to see Jim in jeans and then re-watched Product Recall because I wanted to see Jim as Dwight?



Does anyone have a screencap of Jim as Dwight?

What could be wrong with that? I just watched your signature for like 3 minutes!

Everything Karen says IS lame, she's just not that interesting of a person. Poor sad Karen.

We didn't see much of her in this episode, but since we all agree that the characters outfits are symbolic of what the viewers should think of them, Note Pam's bright outfit and Karen bland outfit.

It's going to happen guys!!!! It's going to be AWESOME! Lots and lots of FNB and some JAM too...I Hope!