8 [Report This]Date: December 07, 2008 06:23 am Title: mistaken identity
i think i waxed sycophantic enough in my last review :) so i'll just say this: i love the nod to how uninhibited pam thinks she'd be with jim; it's a good move towards S4 pam and what we saw there. and of course i just loved:
"She honestly wishes she could believe he was someone else now. It would be so much easier than suspecting that he’s still the same guy – who has just stopped wanting her.
She wishes she could ask him how you do that. How you make it stop."
guh. i'm sorry but i just love S3. so angsty and fantastic. however - cannot wait for your S4 fic!
Author's Response: Yeah, S3 was an angsty fanfic waiting to be written ;-) And yes, S4 Pam totally left her inhibitions at the door. Thanks so much, Emily - always love hearing from you!
10 [Report This]Date: December 07, 2008 06:00 am Title: accidentally on purpose
pardon my french-- but goddamn!!! you wrote the hell out of this (er, pardon my french again, i think this is going to be that kind of review). i have now read this chapter twice and i'm happily giving you ten stars for this, and i will tell you why: this is such a perfect time capsule to S2. the safe jokes about dwight, jim's soulful looks and him not saying what he really wants to say, the two of them being so frustratingly close to something... it's all here. it is really superb to hear about pam's wanting and temptation, b/c often it's about jim, but of course she felt the same or at least similar.
now. i want to also say that i don't find armpit sweat at all erotic, but with "dark stains at the armpits visible from where she’s standing," i got a little weak in the knees. and then of course it went on from there, fantastically. it made me think of jim in "diwali" when he rode his bike, and jim/john just looked so adorable, and moreover, delicious. this is what i envisioned and elaborated on when reading about this. (BTW, love the detail about pam smelling jim and finding him "unexpectedly" male.) before i melt into a puddle, and a jkras-related swoon, i will stop here and say i love this, and you are great. can't wait for more.
Author's Response: Well, pardon my French too, but merci beaucoup! Need I tell you that scene from Diwali just may have been in my mind when I imagined him out there, cutting the grass? (Btw, I agree - not normally something I find erotic either, but somehow on Jim, it works. Go figure ;-) Anyway, so pleased you felt all those layers of S2 happening here - exactly what I wanted to 'distill', in a way. Thanks (this time a l'anglais) Emily - much appreciated!
Date: December 04, 2008 12:08 pm Title: mistaken identity
I loved this chapter too. I liked how you conveyed Pam's thoughts about Karen... amazing work.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, JamJunkie14!
Date: December 04, 2008 05:49 am Title: mistaken identity
Thank you! I love that she uses the freckle as a touchstone to know that even though things are different, he's still Jim. The Jim that she still wants.
Author's Response: A touchstone, exactly. Thanks so much for reviewing, JAMhands!
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 10:45 pm Title: mistaken identity
This chapter certainly hit the mark on the wide chasm between Pam & Jim circa S3 angstfest. The clarity into Pam's thoughts here are marvelous- from how uninhibited she would be if things were different to how the freckle represented her road map to the real Jim she knew. How that freckle is her beacon. Perfect beat on Karen too. "Quirky" doesn't seem to be a trait she would have a high regard for in her vocabulary.
Another excellent, excellent chapter. Looking forward to the better days ahead in S4 & S5.
Author's Response: Well, thanks so much for this excellent, excellent review! Pleased you thought Pam was clear here - I do think at that point she felt so stuck in that old perception of her...and that frustration is partly what lead to her BG speech.Thanks again for such interesting comments, Tammy!
Date: December 03, 2008 09:51 pm Title: mistaken identity
I love Pam thinking she'd love all the imperfections. I remember a friend telling me once that you have to love someone because of their quirks, not in spite of them.
Author's Response: Yes, exactly. Perfection is highly overrated, if you ask me ;-) Thanks so much andtheivy!
Date: December 03, 2008 09:17 pm Title: mistaken identity
Ugh...Karen. YES, he's quirky alright Karen? jeez....sorry -- what was I going to say? Oh yes -- how painful! But totally, totally worth it, knowing what's coming next. This was such a believable depiction of how Pam's love for Jim may have manifested in her longing for that lovely freckle at his jaw. I particularly loved the way you described how she could tell when he was tired, wearing a shirt that fit vs. too big, etc. Just lovely. Bring on season 4 and 5, baby! Let the games begin!
Author's Response: S3 was kind of like a toothache. I mean, in retrospect it was critical, but man, did it feel good when it ended. Glad you thought this was believable. And yeah, I think it's kind of fitting that she noticed/loved the simplest, most basic things about him. Ah well....thanks again, my friend!
9 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 08:56 pm Title: mistaken identity
You are so right about S3, but I think it was necessary and well-done in hind sight. Thanks for another great chapter!
Author's Response: Thanks, Crystalized. Glad you're enjoying this!
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 08:24 pm Title: mistaken identity
Fantastic job! You totally conquered all the issues of s3 with real clarity without rehashing the drama too much. The tie in to your first chapter with the possessiveness of the freckle near his neck was really amusing and still understandable, and I love how you addressed how Karen and Jim weren't right for each other without putting Pam in the middle of things. That's just how it should be done. I can't wait to see if her introspection in the last few paragraphs comes to fruition in the next chapter. Keep 'em coming!
Author's Response: Glad to hear that - I've never been a big fan of fics that turn S3 into a melodrama, cause to me its power was that it was about such quiet, internal suffering. And yeah, Pam or no Pam, Karen and Jim just didn't jibe. Thanks again, Dundie All-Star!
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 08:03 pm Title: mistaken identity
I seriously could not love this more. You're delving into Pam's pysche in such an honest, lovely way. The freckle is the train that's taking us on the journey (cheesy, I know) and I love it.
It's the stories where Pam feels she missed her chance that grab me and make me hurt for her the most. I'm really looking forward to the S4&S5 chapters because it's giddy Pam that I can't wait to read about. Pam who has staked her claim and revels in it. You're rocking this fic, Colette. Thanks for writing it.
Author's Response: I agree - S3 'don't know what you've got til it's gone' Pam tugs at my heartstrings too. So happy you felt she comes across honestly here. And now for the reveling.....;-) Thanks so much Elle!
Date: December 03, 2008 07:44 pm Title: mistaken identity
First of all, I love the title of this -- mistaken identity. It applies both to Karen's and Pam's view of Jim. Karen is mistaken because she doesn't get the real "quirky" Jim. Pam does, but she's still Cleopatra (Queen of D-Nile) when it comes to his true feelings.
That is, if he thinks about her that way at all – which he obviously doesn’t.
Oh, is that so, Pam? Take a closer look. And not just at that freckle. (Speaking of which, I like that you went back to that one.)
I know I'm in the minority, but I didn't hate S3. I didn't even hate Karen. I think Pam really needed that year of growth. Of course, maybe it's easier looking back on it now, knowing that the final moments of The Job are looming at the end of the season.
Speaking of which, I'm kind of anxious to see just how Pam will "surprise" and "amaze" Jim when she finally has the chance - which she WILL. Not to mention the freckle discoveries she'll make along the way. Hee.
Author's Response: Glad you liked the title. I thought it would be multi-tasking, lol - re: Karen and Pam, as you say, and also for how Pam knows she's changed and thinks people (Jim) must still underestimate her. And yeah, S3 was a test by fire, but look where it got them ;-) Hope you'll think she amazed him enough in S4...and many thanks, Blanca!
Date: December 03, 2008 06:55 pm Title: mistaken identity
Karen just was never the right girl, was she? And Pam had his number all along, even when she tried to fold. OK, mixed that metaphor to hell and back, but the point is- another perfect chapter.
Author's Response: Personally, I'm a big fan of mixed metaphors - so much more creative ;-) And no, Pam aside, Jim and Karen were just not cut from the same cloth and eventually would have withered on the vine (see? More fun with mixed metaphors! Wee!) Thanks so much, nqllisi!
Date: December 03, 2008 05:40 pm Title: mistaken identity
Ya know, Karen is mentioned and I automatically feel myself like snarling and my stomach twisting up....
I like quirky guys. Also smart guys. Smart CPR instructor guys. That aren't jerks who make my heart hurt. Man, I need a new crush.
S3 Jim wasn't a real Jim. S3 Jim was.... well, S3 Jim and it was just too odd and sad and not cool. I like S4 and S5 Jim better.
Author's Response: Smart CPR instructor guys? There's a metaphor in there somewhere, Emily ;-) Thanks again!
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 05:38 pm Title: mistaken identity
Oh Colette. I needed this.
First, I have to apologize - I've been remiss in reviewing this lovely story...truth be told I've been sneaking small reads at work, and I don't login to the fanfic board at work so I can't review.
This is....perfect? Just what I needed? I've been sort of meh about Office fic lately, but this is just what the doctor ordered.
I mean, you've managed to capture each phase, so to speak, of Jim/Pam angst and bittersweetness just perfectly. The way Pam dismisses her feelings about him, the way she avoids thinking about him in THAT way...classic S2 and you capture it well. Makes me want to bust out my DVD's.
And of course, S3. My poor heart took a beating that season, but it's nice to remember where we came from, and appreciate where we are now. I love that you expanded on Women's Appreciation and just filled in a perfect gap, and my gosh that would totally be Karen's reaction. To her credit, she did love Jim, but she loved a Jim that wasn't really the guy he once had been, and she wouldn't appreciate the things about him that are the essence of who he truly is. Way to hit that nail on the head. And of course poor Pam, you made me feel for her all over again.
So well done, once again. You truly are an awesome writer, and I can't tell you how incredibly happy I was to see new fic from you. Looking forward to more :)
Author's Response: Hey, kells! First, you absolutely do not need to apologize! Really pleased that this captures the seasons/characters for you, especially that it filled that tiny - but I think critical - gap. And I know what you mean about feeling meh about fic these days (hence my multi-month break from writing any.) But, thank you so much - feedback like this makes it feel really good be back ;-)
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 05:10 pm Title: mistaken identity
I just can't get enough of this story, colette. Despite your exhaustion, you make this seem effortless, and I am so digging the quick updates. Thanks for that.
Author's Response: You are, as always, way too generous, NanReg! Sorry it's taken me a little longer with this next update - damn real life had the nerve to rear its head ;-) Today, I hope. Many, many thanks!
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 04:34 pm Title: mistaken identity
YAY I get so excited when I see an update from you, and again you didn't disapoint. I love Jim's neck, so for Pam to love it too, that just makes this whole fic more squeetastic, I can imagine her looking at it for hours, wanting to touch it and nible it, of roll on season four :) Make it a long oneeee please lol
Author's Response: Glad you felt the neck-love here, Hannah ;-) And thanks for being such an enthusiastic reader/reviewer!
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 03:21 pm Title: mistaken identity
This is a beautiful, poignant look into Pam's head during the time between when the pain seemed to overtake her and the time she was learning to move forward with a life without the man she loves. Even in her resolve toward how things had become, she still has that gem of knowing she actually knew him in a way that mattered. This all made much more sense in my head.
Looking forward to the rest because I'm sure it will be just as amazing. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. :)
Author's Response: Pleased you felt that, cause I really hoped this scene would 'fit' between WA and BG...Pam sort of connecting the dots (there's a little foreshadowing of the next chapter, btw) but not quite there yet (it's no coincidence that I set the whole scene in a moving car, lol.) And thank YOU, WalkInLove, for coming along with me!
Date: December 03, 2008 02:38 pm Title: mistaken identity
S3 is exhausting. But the only way out is through, right?
Karen can have pod-person Jim. (That guy with the ferret on his head). The guy that finally came 'all the way back' belongs totally to Pam. Big nose, funny ears, freckles and all.
Author's Response: But the only way out is through, right? Just so, Ms. Hoo. Thank god that all got sorted out...eventually. And I hope the S4 chptr will kiss the S3 boo-boo all better. Thanks, you!
Date: December 03, 2008 02:38 pm Title: mistaken identity
I hear you about season three. i am exhausted just reading that. Great job relaying how sad Pam was thinking she had lost her chance.
Author's Response: Oddly, I love to write S3, but every time I do, I feel like I need a long nap afterward ;-) Glad this worked for you - thanks, khand3stooges!
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 02:23 pm Title: mistaken identity
That last line was heartbreaking. Ugh, season 3 is not good for my heart, but I do love it. This was perfect, I loved the contrast between what Karen wants/has and who Jim is/was.
This sexiness better be headed in the direction I hope it takes in the next chapter ;) Haha
Author's Response: Glad that contrast came across - S3 was really about everyone misreading everyone else, wasn't it? So frustrating. But in a good, take your medicine kind of way, lol. Thanks, flonkerton!
Date: December 03, 2008 01:45 pm Title: mistaken identity
Ouchies. You know - when I saw you'd reviewed my story and was hoping you were around to post this. :) So glad you were/did!!!
S3 Pam is one of my favorite Pam's actually. I was so happy to see her struggle and show outright that she actually had feelings for Jim. As tough as it was to watch I liked that about S3.
Happy to know we're moving to S4 next. So much of that we missed - not that - I'm guessing - we'd have ever get to see what you have planned anyway. ;)
Can't wait to see what's next.
Author's Response: Oh trust me, darling...you wouldn't have seen chapter 4 on the show. But I'm sure you imagined it - or something similar ;-) And ITA, Pam's S3 transformation was awful but wonderful - I never get the crit bemoaning how she's not the same exact girl she was in S2. Thanks so much...stay tuned, hoping to update later today.
10 [Report This]Date: December 03, 2008 12:34 pm Title: a faint pulse
This is amazingly sexy for being entirely chaste. That push-pull between them, that undercurrent that was the foreshadowing of now...you capture it beautifully. Not that I'm surprised, because you are consistently amazing.
Author's Response: Thanks so much nqllisi! And I like 'push-pull' - I think that's exactly it, in a nutshell ;-)
Date: December 03, 2008 08:53 am Title: accidentally on purpose
And I loved this chapter too. Awesome work. I love the way you write their interactions, their body language, their thoughts... all of it is so spot on. Great work.
Author's Response: I love hearing you felt this was true to character....thanks again, JamJunkie!
Date: December 03, 2008 08:42 am Title: a faint pulse
Wow. I love this... a lot. The way you describe Pam's observations (and how she's not "watching" him...) is great. I am so glad someone recommended this to me! Great work!
Author's Response: I'm glad they did too....please thank them for me. And thank you too, JamJunkie14!
Date: December 03, 2008 08:36 am Title: accidentally on purpose
Do it! Do it! Sorry, I'm not done urging her on. Fabulous! I can't wait for more!
Author's Response: Yeah, she needed a good kick in the butt back in those days, huh? Glad that came across. Thanks, JAMhands!