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I’ve always thought that Jim would be pretty fed up with this part of his life in the early Stamford period, and I like the way you’ve portrayed Jim’s frustration at his choices and with himself. It is hard to read a Jim who just… doesn’t seem to like the people around him, but it feels true. And I’m glad you acknowledged his shoddy treatment of Katy.

It’s always fun seeing people’s take on their pre-series history, and I thought you made some interesting calls here in embracing the Jim-sat-with-Toby deleted scenes and pushing back his falling in love with Pam until noticeably later in their history. Maybe less romantic, but it feels more natural that he fell a lot more slowly.

Yay for more of this braver, more honest Pam! She should be more careful though – she slipped up with the no first date in four months bit – if they hadn’t already known, that would’ve raised some alarm bells.

Reusing the Branch Wars dialogue between Jim and Pam about the Alan date was a nice touch. As was Pam’s description of Kelly as a sweet summer child.


Jeez. The camera uses some *deeply* creepy tactics in this one. I’m happy we got to see this very sweet Skype convo, but wow. She’s not gonna be happy with you when she finds out about this, Brian.

Author's Response:

Appreciate the compliments!

S2 Jim can be outgoing and friendly with his coworkers when he wants to be.  But most of the time his frustrations are hidden by snark and apathy, only broken when Pam rejected him twice; it can also indicate how he's simply annoyed with his coworkers for who they are, with only one of them being cognizant of his actions and deserving to be put down (while another he's just weirded out by).  That's what makes him like Tim Canterbury in my eyes: their lives suck and they're annoyed with the people around them because of it.  In Jim's case, as his life improves, so does his outlook.  And yeah, Katy deserved better.  Won't say anything else, but she does show up in this briefly.

The Annex Jim thing was something I've heard from the grape vine, since I thought it was actually on the show but, I find it to makes sense.  I mean, how else would Toby trust Jim to take care of his own daughter?  And him being put back there when Michael's carpet is being clean makes it make sense as well.  And yeah, the whole "instant connection" thing is sweet, but I think it'd be more fun for them to establish a rapport for a couple of years before getting the crushing realization.

Fancy New Beesly indeed!  You'll see a LOT more of that next chapter but, suffice it to say, she's slowly gaining a voice.  And that was certainly a flub on her part.

Not the biggest fan of "Branch Wars" as a whole (Had some amazing lines and great Dwight moments), but that deleted scene was cute and I wanted to incorporate it with a date that's not taken seriously.  I liked writing Pam's description as well; considering how much she brands herself, it'd be a perfect alias.

Oh yeah, the doc positions were purposeful for that reason.  JAM are somewhat self-aware, as I'm about to reveal; they don't know the lengths of what the doc is filming, nor are they changing their lives to suit whatever the show-runners want, but they're privy to the fact that PBS wants ratings.  Everyone else is pretty ignorant of this.  (Not that they're dumb, just that they don't pick up on it.  Hell, I wouldn't.)  But there'd certainly be a confrontation between JAM and Brian (et. al.) before it's done, basically "Promos" but earlier. 

Thanks for the review!

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I really liked Never Give Up, and was a little saddened when I read your update pertaining to its status, but I'm super happy to see this story! I really enjoy how it's started off so far - the ending of Gay Witch Hunt was so cute, and I like how it's continued through The Convention. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the rest of this alternate universe plays out, mainly, I am really curious to how people will react if/when they find out J and P are together now, instead of months down the road in season 4. Will Karen still be an interference to their relationship? Will Roy try to get back with Pam at Phyllis' wedding? Anyway, I hope this isn't too off track and full of rambling, just wanted to let you know I'm enjoying it so far and can't wait to see more! :)

Author's Response:

Why thank you!

And yeah, my apologies on NGU.  The whole Peacock thing kinda messed up my plans trying to get it done (again, don't blame them at all for taking it all down).  I'll also say that it's getting a MAJOR overhaul; It will certainly remain the same plot-wise, but I'm wanting to improve the writing from how it is now down the road.

The "GWH" ending was really fun to write, the original scene was my favorite part of "Fun Run".  "The Convention" was even more fun because of how well the halves clicked.

You're not rambling at all.  Heck, just read my endnotes for evidence of that.  Here's all I'll say: There'll be a buildup to a "Dunder Mifflin Infinity" style announcement.  Karen WON'T be a roadblock, going on her own journey.  And Phyllis' wedding will have a *major* impact on Roy and Pam's dynamic.

I'm glad your enthralled with it so far and I'll be sure to keep progressing with it; it's already had a smoother start than NGU initially did so that's certainly a plus.

Thanks for the review!