Jim reflects on losing something that isn't his to lose. Post Casino Night.
1 Marvellous imagery and prose. An incredible glimpse into this popular episode. Wel done!
VERY clever and funny!
1 The smile mentioned here reminded me of when Pam condemned Jim to more chatter from Kelly in 'Drug Testing'. Very in character. The POVs were kind of mixed, but I guess that's not a big problem in such a short piece. Nice job!
1 I thoroughly enjoyed reading these insights into the tragic Booze Cruise episode. The lawyer jokes and email exchanges were priceless. The only feedback I would give concerns taking care with the dialogue tags and reducing the summary for big scenes. I understand that it's difficult to avoid repetition with that crucial scene in Booze Cruise, but I still thought that some repetition of the events in real-time would be effective for capturing Jim's heartbreak. I am very impressed with all the additional details about Jim's life and Pam as well. The banter was very much in character. Nice on!
Jim's thoughts...pre-Casino Night.
1 This is a marvellous and intricate character portrait of Pam Beesly, which could only have come from the perspective of Jim Halpert, the man who loves detail. Will be reading this many times to help my own characterisation of both these characters. I admire how you've got a combination of details explicitly mentioned in canon mixed in with characteristics that we could reasonably infer based on small details in canon episodes. This is an amazing character vignette, which has given me good ideas for my own work. Great job!
1 You can't read this and not feel bad for Roy here. So, a bittersweet read. The only thing I would say here is that lines with Roy's POV were sometimes mingled with the dialogue from Jim and Pam, so a separation would have been clearer to read. I enjoyed the marriage twist at the end, but, as I said, painful for Roy.
1 The letter by Pam was definitely true to her voice, heartfelt and romantic. Great job!
He had come here to make a fresh start, so he decided to make an effort. Spoilers through "The Coup," unspoiled speculation thereafter.
A great glimpse into the combination of attraction and restraint that Jim showed towards Karen. I totally reject the idea that Jim just used her. For sure, he was wrong, but he was genuinely attracted to Karen and he genuinely liked her as a person. It's what makes the demise of their relationship so sad. I definitely caught those lustful looks that Karen gave to Jim. They were an enjoyable aspect of early Season 3. You definitely captured the fact that Karen's only major problem was not being Jim's true love.
Author's Response:
Thank you, that's exactly what I was going for (I think. It was a long time ago!). Had Jim never come back to Scranton, things might still have fallen apart for Jim & Karen, but there was just no hope for her with Pam right. there. I find myself having a lot more compassion on Karen now than I did when I was actively rooting for her to get hit by a bus to get her out of the way...ha.
1 VERY clever! I usually prefer given names at the beginning of a story, but I can see why it was necessary to omit this. Good one!
1 Very funny ending, and a lifelike portrayal of a heartbroken and lovelorn Pam Beesly during Season 3.
Pam's mom remembers.1 wonderful prose, characterisation, setting, and metaphor!
1 An extremely unfortunate situation for Karen, well portrayed here. I don't fault Jim for not discussing Pam while in Stamford, but his biggest mistake was the dramatic half-truth he told her at Starbucks. Though I think that as much as he was trying to convince her, he was trying harder to convince himself. Sad situation all round. Even though I adore Jim/Pam, I think that Jim/Karen made a great couple.
Pam spills her secret, but Karen is listening.
1 Another great misdirect, though it's not entirely misdirection, given the obvious love between Jim and Pam. Nice job!
When everything reminds you of the past, it is best to embrace it.
1 A very entertaining review of Jim and Pam's memories! I like stories that show the emotional hurdles that Jim and Pam faced in the early days of their relationship. Pam had a lot of baggage to release.
Author's Response: Thank you! Obviously I wrote this a long time ago but it was super fun to show them in a good spot in their relationship, so they could really talk about what they'd gone through together. I was really excited to see new reviews! JAMfic was a big part of my life for a while and it is so fun to revisit it.
It was by far, bar none, the best moment of Jim Halpert’s life. Another proposal story.
1 Utterly hilarious!
Author's Response: Thank you! I vividly remember reading that news article and just immediately knowing Dwight would be fooled. The rest flowed from there. :)
1 Great setting and a great moment!
1 Fantastic. The voice of Jim Halpert down to a t. Great job!
Author's Response: I was better at Pam's voice back in the day, I think, so it is especially lovely that you think I captured Jim here. I remember being so very, very excited to write EngagedFic! I loved them so much. Thank you very much for reading and commenting!
1 Great imagery!
1 I enjoyed reading this, but I don't feel like that is the end. I would have liked something more conclusive, even if it's just a mental admission that he wants Pam more. Other than that, it was a great look into the dying days of Jim and Karen's relationship. I could not help but feel for Karen, whose only fault was not being Pam. Nice job.
Pam takes a nap, and Jim reflects.
1 Another cute and funny vignette. The drool part made me laugh becuase, shame on me, I can relate to that! It's so frustrating!
1 I enjoyed this alternative take on my scond favourite episode ever, The Secret. Given the loudness of Michael's voice, I wouldn't be surprised if Pam had indeed heard his confession. I noticed a few changes, such as Jim still being at his desk when Michael spilled the beans (he was in the restroom), and none of Michael accidentally revealing that Jim had confessed his feelings very recently. Were these conscious changes? I did think that the inversion of Jim's Casino Night speech was masterful. Great ending!
1 A beautiful story about personal evolution. change, and true love!
"In Wine, Truth." We've seen Drunk Pam (banned from Chili's), and we've seen Drunk Jim (drunk driver/biker), but what happens when we put Drunk Pam and Drunk Jim together? Set during Season Three.1 Great writing, hilarious tension, and a nice arc. All the emotions, good and bad, as Jim and Pam accept the freaking obvious. A great piece!
A brief exploration of when Jim Halpert really fell for Pam Beesly.
1 This is outstanding characterisation, both of Jim and, indirectly, of Pam. The tiny moment where Jim can deduce so much from Pam's pain as her coworkers act like she doesn't exist (a canonical complaint) was incredible. I actually copied it down for reference. The only things I will mention are beginning with a name, as I find myself more drawn into the story that way. But the overall characterisation and message was incredible. Well done!
1 Highly amusing and full of all the longing and romantic tension that I enjoy reading, especially from Jim's perspective.