THE OFFICE Recap: Beach Games (aka Oh.My.God)
May 10, 2007 by Kath Skerry
I’m not sure I’m of the right emotional state to write a proper recap of tonight’s episode of THE OFFICE, but I’ll try. I will say that I thought there were some really funny moments in tonight’s episode. Andy floating in the lake might just replace the picture of John Krasinski and I as my screensaver (yes, I thought it was that funny). But to be honest, I was so caught up with what happened in the last few minutes of the show that everything that came before is a bit of a blur. So my apologies to Greg Daniels and Jennifer Cellota – you wrote a great episode but it was all about the ending for me.
Let’s talk about what happened during Dunder Mifflin’s Beach Games, shall we?For reasons that completely bewilder me, Michael Scott gets a call from the Dunder Mifflin CFO informing him he’s being considered for a position with Corporate. His interview is next week, and he needs to come prepared with a name of a replacement for the Scranton Branch. Despite the fact that his obvious replacement would be the Assistant Regional Manager, Jim Halpert, Michael decides to hold a Survivor-esque competition to see who can be the last man standing and take over ad Regional Manager.
The Dunder Mifflinites think they are in for a fun day at the beach. I mean even Angela joins in during the group sing-a-long on the bus (the song – “The Gambler” – perhaps a nod to last year’s ‘Casino Night’ which coincidentally aired one year ago tomorrow). But once they get to the beach, the DMers are not too enthused about the “funtivities” Michael has planned. Especially not Pam who is told she has sit on the sidelines and take note of everyone’s “indefinable qualities”. As with most of Michael’s ideas, things don’t exactly go as planned. Although he has pre-selected Jim, Dwight, Stanley and Andy as early favorites, none of them are showing Michael they have what it takes to be the leader he is looking for.
The office partakes in what under other circumstances (or perhaps at a different company) could be some fun activities. The blindfolded egg on a spoon race ends with no winner as Jim guides Karen into the lake, Phyllis drops her egg in the first few seconds, Kelly gives up thinking she is going to walk into a rock, and Ryan quits after Dwight screams in his face. The hot dog eating contest is off to a slow start until Michael reveals that he is searching for his replacement. Dwight, Stanley and Andy start getting a little more competitive. Jim on the other hand bypasses the whole day and calls David Wallace at Corporate directly and asks to be considered for the position…as does Karen. Shady? Wow Jim you HAVE changed since you left for Stamford.
Later Stanley and Dwight show no mercy when they take out Jim and Andy in a sumo wresting contest. And next to Roy’s DUI mug shot earlier in the season, seeing the guys walk around in the Sumo costumes has to be the best visual moment of the entire season. Actually walking isn’t quite right…it’s more like waddling. Although when Andy waddles into the river and falls in there seems to be no saving him – he just floats away like the August Gloop down the chocolate river (oh Andy how your words come back to haunt you). Angela is the only one that can save him, but she seems to have taken a break from the Lord’s work and just lets him float on by.
The last activity for the day is the hot coal walk. No one seems enthused. Pam wants to be the first one to try, but Michael won’t allow her to. Um, Michael, how is Pam suppose to emerge as Fancy New Beesly unless you let her?
After Michael fails to have the courage to walk across the coals himself, Dwight volunteers to go in his place. Actually Dwight insists that he stays on the hot coals until Michael decrees him Regional Manager. This leads to some burnt skin and it ain’t pretty. Yet another failed funtivity.
Michael finally decides to have Jim and Dwight compete for the job by having each give an inspiring tribal council speech decreeing why they should be appointed Regional Manager. Jim is first up, and Michael is crushed when Jim tells him that he doesn’t want to be Regional Manager and he’s going next week to compete against Michael for the Corporate job. Again, WTF Halpert? Do we need to break up? You are so not acting like the boy I once loved.
Meanwhile, Pam is finding the courage to do the coal walk. She’s hesitant, but she’s also Fancy and New and when she goes for it she does it with no problem. YAY Pam!! (We were all rooting for you). Pam’s accomplishment gives her a major boost of self confidence and she wants to share it with the group. She runs over and decides it’s time to be honest about a few things…and here we have the OH.MY.GOD. moment of tonight’s episode, nay, season.
Pam: Hey, I want to say something. I’ve been trying to be more honest lately and I just need to say a few things: I DID THE COAL WALK. Just… I did it. Michael you couldn’t even do that. Maybe I should be your boss. Wow I feel really good right now.
Why didn’t any of you come to my art show? I invited all of you, and that really sucked. It’s like sometimes some of you act like I don’t even exist.
(turns to Jim) Jim, I called off my wedding because of you. And now we’re not ever friends. And things are just weird between us and that sucks. And I miss you. You were my best friend before you went to Stamford. I really miss you. I shouldn’t have been with Roy, and there were a lot of reasons to call of my wedding, but the truth is, I didn’t really care about any of those reasons until I met you. And now you’re with someone else. And that’s fine…it’s whatever…it’s not what, I don’t…ok my feet really hurt. The thing that I’m just trying to say to you Jim, and to everyone else in the circle I guess, is that I miss having fun with you. Just you, not everyone in the circle. Ok, I’m going to go walk in the water now. Yeah, it’s a good day.
WAH!! The show ended about an hour ago and I’m still shaking a bit. That was AMAZING. Jenna Fischer blew me away with that speech. It’s what I have been hoping for since the first episode of this season. It didn’t end with Jim swooping in and kissing Pam but there’s still one episode left in the season. So that’s what we have to ponder over the next week.
Will Jim get the job in New York? If so will he take it? Will he and Pam FINALLY talk about what went down at Casino Night? Will Jim think that Pam just misses him as a friend? And does she? There was no mention of love in her monologue. Will Karen keep Jim up with some more late night talks? Will Jim return to the Desk of Love? Will Greg Daniels leave us with a summer of happy thoughts and rainbows or tears and bad wigs? All this and more will be answered in just one week’s time. I’m not sure I can last a week.
Check out behind-the-scenes pics from BEACH GAMES at NBC.com
My apologies to the NBC promo department for a full week of secretly bashing you and wishing you nothing but ill will. You made good on the promo…please forgive me.
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Filed under The Office, The Office Recaps
There are no words right no. No words at all.
You go Beesly!!!
But why couldn’t this have happened months ago.
i was WAITING to see how soon you guys would post about the most wonderful minute in tv ever…was it longer than a minute? i couldn’t tell since i was jumping up & down in my room!!!! so excited!!
Wow. I am so proud of FNB. I always loved Jim and Pam because, in a sea of out-there personalities, they acted like a Greek Chorus, giving the audience looks to tell us that they knew what we were thinking — because they were thinking it, too. I felt that some of that was lost this season, and I was by myself, yelling at the screen. But here comes FNB, saying just what I was thinking. Rock on, Pam. Rock. On.
KKras – how did you get this up so fast? I love reading your take on the show. I can’t believe Pam did that. I loved it.
I’m not sure what jim is going to do next week. He’s just not riht for Karen. They need to break up soon.
whew. that was some episode– i dont know how im going to fall asleep tonight.
THANK YOU Greg Daniels. I’ve too been waiting for that all season. Now it’s time to give us what we want and let Jim and Pam finally be happy
I’m completely satisfied with the episode but I’m still really nervous for next week. But OMG Pam told Jim she called off her wedding because of him. I wish that we got to see Jim’s reaction. I also wish she could have let it slip that Jim confessed his love for her.
Here’s to hoping that Jim tells Karen next week that he has to stop running. He owes it to himself to give it a shot with Pam.
Like you, I was SUPER skeptical about the preview for this episode… Pam tells the truth? Could it be possible??? I was mesmerized watching it…. and Jim’s stunned face. Holy cow! I hope the finale doesn’t disappoint. They have to address this, right? Wow. REALLY looking forward to the finale!
In other news, really waiting to hear your thoughts on last night’s LOST…. another OMG in my opinion!
Terrific episode – and of course the ending was spectacular!
I did feel really bad for Toby, though. He was really disappointed to miss out on Pam’s 2 piece!
I love Pam even more after tonight, if that was possible! I’m so proud of her for standing up to everyone for missing her art show and for finally getting everything out there for Jim to hear. Oh – I also agree Andy falling in the lake and no one rescuing him was hilarious! I’m so glad that they’re having Andy/Ed Helms stick around for next season!
I think this was a great set-up for the finale – I have such high hopes after last year’s finale and I hope we have another great finale to obsess over all summer! I just really hope we see the end of Jim and Karen by the end of the finale – it would be perfect to see Jim return to the office at the end to the Desk of Love. And just give Pam a smile or something to let her know that things are going to be okay.
I’m just giddy…it’s 11:35 pm and I am still bouncing in my seat over this! I don’t think I will ever doubt the writer’s again. All season we’ve bitched and moaned about the lack of interaction between JAM- not even romantic stuff but just the two of them hanging out, pranking, and having fun. We wondered why the writers had seemingly just killed their friendship for no reason…now it turns out they knew what they were doing, did not do it blindly, and through Pam’s words have communicated the viewer’s feelings on the friendship. Sneaky dogs!
And can I say that between Andy floating away and Dwight’s tantrum on the coals I think I need to invest in some Depends 🙂
I’m just giddy…it’s 11:35 pm and I am still bouncing in my seat over this! I don’t think I will ever doubt the writer’s again. All season we’ve bitched and moaned about the lack of interaction between JAM- not even romantic stuff but just the two of them hanging out, pranking, and having fun. We wondered why the writers had seemingly just killed their friendship for no reason…now it turns out they knew what they were doing, did not do it blindly, and through Pam’s words have acknowledged the viewer’s feelings on the friendship. Sneaky dogs!
And can I say that between Andy floating away and Dwight’s tantrum on the coals I think I need to invest in some Depends 🙂
Wow. Just…wow. I still don’t know what to say. It was sooo unbelievably good. Loving the FNB. Can’t wait to see what happens next week. I can’t believe NBC promo was accurate! Way to throw us off – here we are all saying that they are using editing to make it look like Pam confronts Jim. Holy smokes.
Is it ok to be realllllly hoping Rashida’s show gets picked up? I think we all have a fondness for Karen now – but come on – Pam and Jim…epic!! 🙂
I started the show laughing almost to the point of tears and ended up shaking and crying tears of joy for our fancy new Pam. What a heartfelt and lovely speech by Jenna–and that look before she went for the coals–pure genius. I honestly would be happy to have had this episode be the season finale–I just can’t stand to be jerked around and I’m terribly afraid of what the actual finale will be. The writers have really impressed me with this episode though so let’s hope they do right by this beautiful relationship. And the Andy/Oompa loompa thing was awesome!
Oh, and how could I forget poor Toby and Oscar looking to break up with Gil and turn bi?!?!
Ya, I don’t think I’ll be sleeping tonight – going through all the possible JAM scenarios next week. We have to have confidence in Greg Daniels to give us a “satisfying” finale – but I’m totally nervous about it. We’re this excited now – think of what could be this time next week?? OMG.
This episode definitely ranks up there with Casino Night in my book! All right….there are crickets in the forums….
OMG! I think my rewind button on my remote might need replacing after tonight. I think I have seen Pam’s speech one to many times…Nah, I’m gonna go watch it again. There can never be too many times!
It was so perfect, I think all of us freaked out when we saw that promo that Pam was going to embarass herself or say something she regretted or be out of line, but it just goes to show how good the writers are! It wasn’t like “oh my god jim I love you”–she basically said what all of us were thinking, that she misses them being friends…ya know, if I can’t have JAM, I at least want them to be friends 🙂
courage for fancy new beesly. courage, indeed.
it makes me wonder if phyllis got herself a plasma tv… 🙂
Yay! Thanks for typing out the FNB speech. I was in too much disbelief and OMGomgomg-ness that I didn’t quite hear all of what she said. And thanks for putting it up so quickly. 🙂
Frankly–I do not care what happens with Pam and Jim next week (ok–that’s a lie–but stick with me…) I’m just SO excited that our little Pam Beesley stuck up for herself! She walked across the hot coals, brought up the lack of support from her coworkers about the art show, and their lack of respect toward her in general…and then of course JIM–Look at her go–and then she was the one to walk away–and go take care of herself–claiming that it was “a good day.” I’ve been waiting for that moment all season…nay–I’ve been waiting for that moment for 3 seasons. Go Pam.
I might be the only person who interpreted it this way, but I didn’t think Jim went after the job at corporate. After all, David Wallace called Michael to ask him to interview for the opening, so I just assumed that David Wallace called Jim as well (especially since he knew and liked Jim from Cocktails).
I also really adored this episode because of the last 5 minutes. When Pam gave that sly look to the camera before she crossed the firepit, I really got goosebumps. You could tell big things were coming.
What’s really bothering me though right now is Jim. What happened to that rolled-up-sleeves Halpert that used to make me giddy with every JimFace? He crossed the line for me in this episode with the job application and I really hope Pam gave him a serious wake up call. Someone needs to get this knucklehead back down to the real world.
I kind of agree with K – I think that corporate called Jim and Karen before Beach Day and they just were both taking time to think about whether they wanted to apply for it. I wouldn’t think someone could just call the CFO and say “Hey, I want to apply for this job” unless it was an open posting. And I don’t think it was since David Wallace made a point to call Michael about it. Plus I think the look Jim gave to the camera when Michael said he was going to interview for the job meant something like uh-oh, we both may be going for the same job….
First of all, this episode rocked! How can you not love men in sumo suits? I laughed so hard at that, I can’t even tell you. Secondly (is that a word?), Pam’s admission was so awesome that words cannot express my happiness. I am a JAMmer to the fullest and I hope at some point (which may not be this season) they get together and make some JAM babies.
omg omg omg, she did it, she did it, she did it. I ran out of the bedroom so fast to my laptop, I knocked the top off of my bedpost. She was so amazing. She walked the coals. She confessed to Jim, in front of everyone. Do you think it will backfire on her? Gosh, I hope not. She did it, she really did. The best 1 minute in TV ever.
Oh my god. Amazing Pam episode. I’m extremely proud of her for having the guts to reveal her feelings to everyone. Man. I just hope that next week’s finale does this justice.
Heh… did ya noticed the de-wigged Jim in the behind-the-scenes pictures?
Oh, this episode had all sorts of goodness… and then, the one bad thing.
First off, I heart Pam Beesly. Jenna did an amazing job with that scene. I’m glad that Pam didn’t cry, because she’s been moppy enought laterly.
Secondly, lots of “secondary” characters got in on the action tonight. Andy, Angela, Stanley, Creed, even Ryan and Kelly.
Third, the sumo wrestling was fantastic. Very creative ideas from Jennifer and Greg.
Now the one bad thing… never have I ever wanted to smack a television character so badly than I wanted to smack James Halpert tonight. And not smacking in the good way. He’s just getting really… grr… blah… dumb… man, there’s no real word to describe it. LOL. He just came across really… [insert word].
Can’t wait for next week! First time I recorded the Office so… recording next week’s as well. 🙂
I liked 95% of it. The 5% I didn’t like was it really felt like they had implanted season 1 Pam’s playful personality into Karen and that irritated me.
ok ONE more thing…an observation upon my 20th time watching Pam’s speech…
I LOVE the knowing glance that Angela gives Jim after it. She’s not judging him, shes not being a snot, its like she’s saying “Ok, what are you going to do about this? Don’t mess with her” I LOVE Anglea! Lets start a petition to get her in the opening credits!
(ps: buddy tv crew, didn’t I say I was going to need a drink after this episode? 🙂 🙂 )
pps: GMMR & everyone else: a reminder why we love Jim Halpert, despite his recent issues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=249f-n48k1Q …i think the song is appropriate
Oh my gosh! I couldn’t believe this episode. I had been looking forward to it since 4/20 when Jenna wrote about it in her blog. That was definitely the moment of the season! Way to go Pam! The one thing I noticed watching the episode a second time was the look of Karen’s face during Pam’s speech. It was a weird look. I really can’t describe it, but yeah.
I wish Jim had said something, or had some kind of reaction. He just sat there the whole time. I also wish someone would have seen her do that. I thought someone would notice her still over there and they would point out that she was walking across the fire pit.
Stanley was so funny in this episode. I liked when he got into it with the hot dog eating contest. Poor Andy though floating in the lake. I wonder who ended up getting him out. Haha! On that note: Angela was amazing tonight. How she ignored Andy’s request for help was so funny and then her look at the end of Pam’s speech. I think she is cares for Pam, she is kind of her friend in some ways. Remember her Office game Pam Palm?
I don’t think we’ll be getting any spoilers on the finale. Why is Thursday so far away? The Promo is annoying, but I do like the fact that they put in Jim’s confession of love in it. Maybe that means a little something. I really don’t see him taking the corporate job. I don’t see them moving him again. What would the point be. He just came back. I don’t see it working with Michael either. He is the boss man at Scranton. He can’t go to corporate. He is not smart enough for one. I can only see the position going to Karen to get her off the show or to someone not even with the Scranton branch. Did anyone ever think that the three people from Scranton could all be turned down.
I don’t know what to make of Jim and Karen’s phone call to corporate either. Maybe it was Karen’s idea to call the guy or maybe they had already been asked. I just didn’t understand that part. What happened to the Jim Halpert that said, “Because right now, this is a job. If I advance any higher, this would be my career. And if this were my career, I’d have to throw myself in front of a train.” Come on Jim! Think about it. Come back to us!
I happen to think that Jim and Karen called corporate, but of course we don’t know. It’s just that they walked away and were being all secretive about it. I don’t think that David just happened to call Jim while he and karen were off have a quiet moment alone.
Also I think it was Clare during the BuddyTV chat that said: “Say what you will about Michael Scott but he would never do that”…your words coming back to haunt you Halpert
oh Fancy New Beesley, you do not disappoint. I don’t think I have anything new to add…I agree Jim was kind of being a bit of a jerk and I’m a little sad they didn’t have more reaction from him.
is there a promo floating around? could someone provide a linky?
I love so much about the things Pam chooses to be.
I was so nervous about last night’s ep that I missed a lot so have to watch more than just the last 5 minutes again.
Jim Halpert – where are you? I do not like FNJ right now. I want old Jim back – roll up those sleeves damn it and show Karen the road.
Oh…. My…. God…
I haven’t even SEEN the episode yet…. OH MY GOD. She said that. I am so watching it right now…. Oh my god. where is that stupid tape. I can’t believe she said that. YES. Oh wow!
Anyone else think that maybe Jim had already been contacted by David Wallace? I only say this because after Michael announced he had been contacted Jim looked at the camera with a not so usual Jim face. It looked like he knew something Michael didn’t, maybe that he was going to be interviewing for the job too? Just a thought. 🙂
A lot of people seem to be fed up with Jim, but I think we need to remember that Pam is not the only one who has had a really difficult year. Jim transfered to Stamford in hopes of healing his heartbreak and ended up having to come back to face Pam all over again. After admitting to Karen and himself that he still has feelings for Pam, Pam goes back with Roy. His relationship with Karen has provided him with a barrier against being hurt by Pam again. Karen is one of those women who takes charge in a relationship which Jim probably needed at the time so he could try to get on with his life. But do you realize, we’ve never even seen Jim and Karen kiss on screen? As secretive as Dwight and Angela have tried to be, we’ve seen their passion.
Anyway, my point is that Jim, while maybe not the guy we fell for early on, is working through or running from some heavy stuff of his own. I really believe he’s going to come through this a better man. Maybe Pam’s confession will give him some perspective and courage too. I agree with #31. Don’t give up on him yet.
LOVED.IT!!
I was PVRing the show, watching it live too. And it went over by 3 minutes from what NBC had it scheduled for!! Thank gawd I was recording Scrubs after it, or else I would have missed all of Pam’s speech. It cut out just as she started talking to Jim. Did you all hear me scream from here??
Still reeling from last night. I love how the writers did Pam’s speech. It was scattered yet totally straight from the heart. I did wonder what Oscar thought when Pam said no one came to her art show since he actually did? Jim (and Karen’s) facial expressions were priceless. Sure wish I knew how to read those. I love how even though Jim didn’t respond, Pam still ran off happy, proud of herself for being so honest.
About Jim’s interview? Who knows? Maybe this is Karen’s bad influence on him!!! She’s likely the one who pushed him to do it.
I agree that David called Jim and Karen. Maybe he had left them a voicemail earlier in the day or something.
Oh, I almost forgot, who wants a job in a well?
You think David called Jim? If so why would Karen say that she too wanted to apply for the job? I still think that Jim called David (and that’s why they went off alone) and then after he applied he handed the phone to Karen.
Forgot to add the funniest part of the episode for me: Dwight naming his team Griffindor and then Jim naming his Voldemort. I could not stop laughing………… love the Harry Potter references.
My initial impression was that Karen and Jim called David Wallace. We know they have a relationship with him from Cocktails. Other posters are disputing that it was unlikely they would have had a way to contact David…but it was during work hours, so they just probably just called Corporate and spoke with him to apply. That was my impression…hope they clarify for us. Very sneaky Jim.
Wonder what the bus ride home was like back to the office?!!
Pam’s speech was so sweet, so honest, without the ultimatums or selfishness of Jim’s confession last season. It was better than anything I could have hoped for! The writers handled things perfectly.
I hadn’t considered the possibility that Jim called David until you said it… Interesting. I could totally see Karen putting Jim up to that. I really hope that’s not how it went down. Because if Jim has changed that much then I might cry. For realsies.
Next Thursday can’t come soon enough!!!
I know some are thinking it was sneaky of Jim to apply for that position, but notice that neither Jim or Karen thought anything much of applying against each other for the same position?
Pam didn’t hear Jim say that so I wonder if in next week’s episode she’ll think he’s trying to get away from her again when he goes for the interview?
LT – I was thinking that this morning too. Pam wasn’t there when Jim said he applied for the job with Corporate. I’m still hoping we see some confrontation between the two…they have a lot to work out. I’d like her to find out about the corporate job and have her throw it back in his face…”Jim, you always seem to run away”. But then Jim can tell her that he applied for the job before he knew how she felt about him. Then again, isn’t that the Stamford situation all over again? Been there, done that. That is why I am CONVINCED that Jim and Michael don’t get the job. They can’t have another season with another series regular in another office…then have to find a way to bring them back. The writers have to know that would be played out. That’s why it’s Karen that gets the job.
I think maybe David mentioned the job offer to Jim before, only because of his facial expression when Michael told him he was going for a job at corporate. I think Jim originally turned it down because he didn’t want to go against Michael, but seeing how Michael was picking a new Regional Manager, he decided Michael wasn’t ready for this corporate job and maybe he should go for it. I can see Karen throwing her hat into the ring, but not Jim. Who knows, maybe she “influenced” him to go for it, but I don’t see Jim doing it on his own. I could be wrong.
Come on now! Karen made Jim call… Jim wouldn’t pursue a job at corporate…
I also agee that Jim and Karen sneaked off to call corporate. Jim’s face when Michael announced that they were hiring in corporate seemed to be one of interest. You could see the wheels turing that he was thinking something. David Wallace would not just happen to call them right after Michael made that annoucement. It does seem odd though that they are both applying for the same job. Why would you want to compete w/ your BF/GF? I do not like this Jim Halpert! Trying to steel a job from Michael. At least he did tell Michael that he would be interviewing for the same job. Not entirley sneaky. Hopefully FNB’s speech will knock some sense back into him!! Great episode though! Have watched it twice already and watched Pam’s speech probably 10x’s!!!
GMMR – here’s a picture for you. I can’t take credit for it but someone over at the TWOP boards did it. It captures the emotion of the Jim/ Pam scene perfectly. I want it to be my new background.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a124/adri278/jimpamtruth.png
I loved last night’s episode…I am so proud of Pam! 🙂
i said on another comment thread, jim looked like a puppy who just got his nose rubbed in the mess he made on the carpet and it was so well deserved. i love FNB.
I hate to say this, but I think that either Jim or Michael will get the corporate job. I think that, particularly Steve Carell, their movie careers are taking off, and what will happen is that they will be in like 5 minutes an episode, only have to come into work for like a day a week, and then during sweeps episodes or something, be in a lot more, and NBC can promote it big time. Meanwhile, the office will continue to develop minor characters into major characters etc. i’m thinking it will go the way of ER, where in a few years, almost no one from the original cast will be around, and we’ll all want to get into a sumo costume and float down the river away from it.
GMMR, you bring up an interesting point I’d forgotten. Odd, considering that was the whole point, but who will Michael name to replace him, if he were to get the job? Jim double crossed him, Dwight’s insane, I almost see him leaning towards Andy of all people! Wow.
I hope it’s explained next week how that whole Jim/Wallace phone call came about. I tend to believe Jim called him up about it. But I’d like a throw away comment from Wallace. Either: “Thanks for agreeing to meet me.” or “I’m glad to see you expressing interest in advancement here.” Then we’d know.
wwwwwwwwow. This thread is on fire!! Huh… I’m still stunned… So proud of Pam… so brave, so honest and yet kind. I for one am very glad she didn’t tell Jim she loved him. I think it would have been disrespectful in front of Karen but most of all, he totally didn’t deserve it. Jim has become somewhat of an ass. I was very disappointed in him, going after the job like that. Booooooo Jim. I don’t know where that boy’s head is at, but he’d better find it before Thursday.
Loving Angela soooo much this season.
Floating Andy…..heh heh heh 🙂
Thanks again to my BuddyTV lifeline 😉 that was a doozy last night!!
I really liked this episode the first time I saw it and upon re-watching, I think it’s one of the best this season. I’m a little afraid that the finale might not live up to the expectations that this episode set up, but I definitely “trust the writers.” I’m so excited to see the fallout of what happened last night, but I definitely don’t want the season to end just yet. (Though at least we’re getting some extra episodes next year!)
I never thought for a SECOND that Jim called David. There’s no way. Didn’t cross my mind and yet that’s all I’ve been reading on TWoP and then in Kathie’s recap. David TOTALLY called him.
I’m going to reiterate:
KAREN MADE JIM CALL!!!
game on said: “their movie careers are taking off, and what will happen is that they will be in like 5 minutes an episode”
Really, really doubtful. It’s GOOD for the network if Steve’s movie career continues to grow. It means more Office viewers. And there’s no way they wouldn’t take advantage of that and let him(or John or Jenna) become secondary characters. They’re signed to 5-year contracts and I’m positive NBC plans to take full advantage of their popularity as long as they’re employees.
Also, in every cast blog or interview I’ve ever read, Steve Carell LOVES doing this show and is very protective of it. It doesn’t seem like he would allow his movie career to interfere.
Jim has changed as result of his relationship with Karen, he’s become more ambitious. I think Karen did make Jim call but Jim wants to do the interview and thought “why not me?”
I think those photos that were released last week with Jim and Karen in New York are from the finale. My question is why would Karen think she’s remotely qualified/has a chance of getting the job she hasn’t been promoted and she isn’t the best sales person at the office so what makes her think she should move up that fast?
I was happy for the Pam moment but I have a feeling that the finale will barely acknowledge it. I bet it will be a Pam talking head feeling a bit remorseful/embarrassed.
Here is the address to the promo, but really there is no new footage, but it does have Pam’s speech in it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mpg85YQbfw
Still want to remind everyone of Jim in season one, his outlook on Dunder-Mifflin…
“Because right now, this is a job. If I advance any higher, this would be my career. And if this were my career, I’d have to throw myself in front of a train.”
What happened to that Jim?
“Jim on the other hand bypasses the whole day and calls David Wallace at Corporate directly and asks to be considered for the position…as does Karen. Shady? Wow Jim you HAVE changed since you left for Stamford.”
Say what you will about Michael Scott… but he would never do that. I suddenly realized last night that I don’t really like Jim anymore. Through seasons 1 and 2 he seemed so perfect and it seemed like there wasn’t enough to Pam – that she wasn’t good enough for him. Now I really like Pam but I’m not sure Jim is good enough for her.
I agree with srah, Pam is too good for Jim.
Jim was sweet and funny in season 1 and 2 but he was wimpy and not aggressive at all and that’s what made him so miserable he didn’t feel like he had any control which was also reflected in Pam they were quite similar that way.
When Karen comes into his life he kinda morphed into her and took on her aggressive and confident qualities. Pam on the other hand has totally changed by herself for herself. So who is the real Jim?
Also, realistically Karen is not qualified for the job but for the sake of the show I hope she leaves for corporate.
My question is why would Karen think she’s remotely qualified/has a chance of getting the job she hasn’t been promoted and she isn’t the best sales person at the office so what makes her think she should move up that fast?
Maybe she really IS sleeping with David Wallace!
After reading your posts, I started to believe that I didn’t like Jim as well. Then I remembered everything Pam did to him. I mean she rejected the poor guy twice. She got back together with Roy. Jim is trying to get over her. I can’t blame him for FORCING himself to act differently.
I remember a comment Karen made a while back. It went something along the lines of “get back to work so we can go on a trip.” Jim just trying to meld into this relationship. Chances are that in the finale he’ll realize that he doesn’t want to change for Karen.
Maybe she really IS sleeping with David Wallace!
Okay, I totally hope that’s the reason!
Can we organize a group hug? And can I have Jim next to me?
As soon as I saw the episode, it HAS to be that Jim called David at corporate. He knew NOTHING about the job opening until Michael said it at the beach. If David were going to call Jim and Karen, he would have called them AT THE OFFICE. Not on their private cell phone numbers. Jim passed the phone to Karen who IMMEDIATELY said that she wants to be considered for the position as well. They were throwing their hats into the ring for the job opening.
Hey I just watched the episode again and I didn’t notice last night, but did anyone see Jim’s reaction to Dwight falling in the coals. How sweet. Jim really does care for Dwight. Haha!
I am not sure why it was so bad for Jim to call about the opening. In the corp world, jobs are open and employees can apply – there is nothing sneaky about that. Basically, he feels there is no future for him in Scranton (again). Note the parallel to season 2 wrt to that revelation as well as the confession to Michael regarding the interview like he did to Pam about wedding planning in Conflict Resolution.
I think Pam’s speech was stream of consciousness…the day had to really stink for her – not only does she not get to participate but note no one talks to her at the beach. This was a day ala Michael’s Birthday that she would have enjoyed with Jim and instead she watches him with Karen.
And the tension is there for Jim: she wants her friend back not necessarily anything more (although she did call off her wedding because of him…) That has been the struggle for him since he has been back. He can’t just be friends with her now.
I never realized that Jim didn’t go to her art show. That just seems like a mean thing to do. Of all the employees at the Office only Oscar and Michael show up! What’s up with that? I can’t believe Jim didn’t show up, of all the people to be there he should have been.
I also didn’t think it was a problem that Jim and Karen wanted to apply for the job at corporate. I took it that they didn’t know about the job opening until Michael said something, and figured why not apply as well. Karen sure looked upset at Pam when she was speaking her mind…they definitely can’t be friends anymore.
I can’t see Karen sticking around Scranton any longer. She is too strong a person and has too much pride (in a good way) to stay in a relationship that’s going nowhere.
So proud of Pam, way to go! Jim had that total “Casino Night” face as she spoke, he really took her words to heart. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
Both Jim and Pam have changed so much in the last year–think back to Casino Night–they are so different. It scares me to think this, but maybe they’ve changed too much to come together now. I’m not liking the way Jim has been lately, and Pam is rocking my world!
And, I gotta say again, no matter what happens with Jim and Pam, Karen is not right for Jim. Neither seems into the other, there’s no chemistry, they don’t even seem to have fun together. It seems like a waste of time. They HAVE to break up–Karen will get the job at corporate but we’ll still see her occasionally.
I can’t imagine there could be any more major movement of our favorite couple next week. It’s gonna be a long summer!
I actually strongly got the impression that Corporate called Jim to tell him and Karen about the job opening. Because on the phone, Jim was saying, “Thank you for this opportunity – yes, I would love to interview” etc. And then Karen said the same thing. I really don’t think that’s the type of thing that you call up and say, “Hey, let me interview”. No, corporate calls YOU and tells you if you qualify. Sooo…. yeah. I don’t think you guys should be mad at Jim for that.
Anyhoo, in other news, loved this episode. The picture of Stanley in the sumo suit charging at Jim is now my computer desktop image at work. And yeah… Pam’s speech. Wow. That was just awesome. And I do believe that she was trying to say that she was in love with Jim, without flat out admitting that in front of his girlfriend and the whole office. But saying, “I called off my wedding because of you” – yeah, that really does mean “I want you.”
YAY! i don’t know if anyone mentioned this already, but by Pam saying that she never cared about not being with Roy until Jim came along, I’m pretty sure that is a declaration of love. also, i agree, Jim has been a kind of a douche this season. i miss the old Jim…i have to say, i think he’s changed ever since dating karen and i don’t like the new jim….
However, i feel like i should say, i still love jim…i just hope that he gets his ducks in a row soon. also, hooray for FNB! however, i really think that Jim helped her become FNB. if he hadn’t been there for her and if he hadn’t said his feelings aloud, i wonder if pam would have said all she did…am i the only one who thinks ths?
i miss pam having fun with jim too. just jim.. not everyone in the circle.
Howdy – I just gotta ask – what is wrong with Jim, who’s heart was broken and hardened over, but who clearly still has feelings for Pam, and is living in denial about it, going for a better job? I think Jim is acting like anyone repressing emotion. He is just doing what he has gotta do. We will see just what is up next week!
Also: my dvr fudged the ending. What happened in the last two minutes?
OK… I know some of you are going to accuse me of being a perv on this one, but as a (happily married fyi) guy, my curiousity was slightly tweaked at the prospect of Pam in the two-piece. The look on Toby’s face when she tells him she’ll be in one is priceless.
Doesn’t seem fair to tease us with that with no payoff.
OK… you can start telling me what a horrible typical guy I am now. (but at least I’m honest).