1 [Report This]Date: December 06, 2020 12:17 am Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
Confession: I read this a month or two ago before I had created an account and thus I didn't have a chance to review it at the time.
However.
This story has stuck with me ever since (which speaks volumes to your work). I love your writing style. It achieves this glorious compromise of concise prose and vivid imagery that is just delicious. I also was thrilled by your research for this story. I know it is terribly time-consuming but rest assured, it makes such a difference and was highly appreciated. Well done on all accounts!
Author's Response: Thank you so very much! I think this is probably the best story I've written, so it's a pleasure to find out that it spoke to others as well :)
1 [Report This]Date: August 17, 2020 07:18 pm Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
I've recently rewatched some episodes of The Office (thanks to quarantine) and it reminded me how mush I enjoy watching Jim and Pam's relationship. While hanging around the site I noticed this story, and I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed after reading it through.
Everyone here was certainly in-character, despite being in different places then they were in canon. Pam taking initiative was smart, knowing how passive and upset she was post-Casino Night, it'd be natural that she would be the one to pursue him and begin her "Fancy New Beesly" phase early. Jim having to regain some confidence in himself was necessary; her sudden presence and her confession of love is, to him, far too good to be true and he began overthinking everything. Naturally, their banter and established repertoire got them to a place of healthy communication and understanding. And while this was no doubt just good times, I'm glad you didn't shy away from necessary conversations like Roy or Stamford.
The added significance of certain elements both exclusive to this AU and in canon was really well done here. The caricatures, the Sydney attractions, and their teaming up for him to return to Scranton were all great defining moments of their relationship. I especially appreciated the reincorporation of the Casino Night dress and the cruise, as well as the redone art show scenario, keeping the tender Michael moment (which he definitely needed after Ryan humiliated him).
Speaking of supporting characters, the obvious standout here is Karen. I always liked Karen, and though I was happy that JAM got together in S4 Jim handled that relationship poorly. Her becoming friends with both parties was something I wanted to see, especially after "Lecture Circuit". Everyone else was... well, themselves. Kelly's portrayal was far too accurate, Ryan's motivations were well presented (I especially loved the Office Max bit) and though I prefer the "downward spiral" Jan, the professional and understanding Jan of this story (and S2) was great. I also liked that there was no violent Roy, he was never told what happened during Casino Night so why would he need to burst in and get pepper-sprayed? Besides, by the time the documentary would air he would have already found love again.
The final three chapters were my favorite, mostly because they were my favorite S3 episodes. The coal walk, the fountain, and the friendly competition between Jim and Karen were fun to see in a new context. And, with fics like these, I always like to imagine what would happen next in this alternate timeline.
Jim getting that promotion opens up a world of possibilities. Michael would just fully support him like the dad he is (and Jim in return), Dwight's dog-like obedience will mean he'll show Jim respect and everyone else would just be happy when he comes visit (besides Angela, but she's rarely happy). Knowing Jim, he will definitely play his cards right (even if he doesn't think he will) leading DM to further success, likely preventing the Sabre buyout (Though I could see Jo and Gabe as the faces of a competition between the two companies); a far cry from Ryan's "DM Infinity" plan, which I could see something very similar happening to Office Max and him being besmirched and arrested and then returning to his temp job. The ultimate irony. I can also see him uplifting others, like having Karen promoted to B.M. of Utica, and giving Dwight his due by convincing Michael to make him an official A.R.M. leading to both him and Jim making amends (just like Germany and Italy). I am surprised he's deciding to stay at Dunder-Mifflin full time, omitting the possibility of him joining Athlead(p) (though he could still be able to help fiscally). However, I can see him becoming more fulfilled and better happy with the company, especially after this promotion and with Pam. Speaking of which, she would truly fulfill her dream as an artist far sooner than in-canon, and with somewhere like New York which is an art zeitgeist, the world is her oyster. Though I can see her missing her Dunder-Mifflin family and catching up on all the gossip from Phyllis (because Kelly would be an endurance test). And post-S4 characters being introduced earlier like Erin (one of my faves) as the new receptionist.
I love imagining what remains the same, too. The "Gambler" and "Flintstones" singalongs, the trip to Niagara for the wedding (though *slightly* less chaotic and no Chris Brown), the weekend at Schrute Farms (resulting in Jim's heart-to-heart with the heartbroken farmer), Holly being transferred (which Jim would try to prevent), Michael's final Dundies and eventual farewell, and the infamous dinner party (my favorite episode as one could guess).
Apologies for the novella, I get like this with fanfics I genuinely enjoyed. Thank you for creating an interesting but realistic take on all these characters. Well done!
Author's Response:
Never apologize for a long review. There's nothing better than seeing someone engage with and respond to the work you put into a story (at least, I don't think there is). This review was a pleasure to read.
I'm particularly glad you liked my revised S3. That was the part of the story I was least confident in, for two reasons: first, it could easily be seen as self-indulgent (it's basically just all the things I wish we'd gotten to see--I am myself a huge fan of Karen-as-friend), and second, I wasn't sure how much of the positive response to it was a result of people having simply gotten used to reading this story every day, as opposed to it actually being good storytelling. So to have you, coming to it after it's finished, telling me you enjoyed it was lovely. And yes, I agree with your takes on where this might have gone afterwards. I'll even add that founding Athlea(d)(p) might have been easier if Jim had had more executive experience (certainly people would have been more willing to invest!). Thanks so much for reading!
Date: May 28, 2020 03:24 pm Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
Oh my gosh! It’s over! And what a perfect ending this is!
Thank you soooo much for all your hard work on this fic and for posting everyday! I kind of feel like you’ve started my day everyday for last couple of months as I often read it whilst eating breakfast :)
Can’t wait to read more of your stuff :D
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm glad I could provide something for your breakfast! It may be a while before I write anything new here, but I do have a few older pieces around (though I think this was my best so far).
Date: May 28, 2020 09:02 am Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
Congratulations! What an undertaking. You finished it up so well and did such a lovely job! Already looking forward to your next!
Author's Response: Thank you! The next may be a while, but I'm so glad you enjoyed this one!
Date: May 28, 2020 03:31 am Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
Jim’s banter with David is great. What a way to start off a job interview... Surely it would instill at least a little confidence.
Oh, I love that you still included the yoghurt lid. A perfect adaptation for this universe. Also, having Jim link Sydney to New York was a very nice touch.
Jim’s whole interview is so very lovely. His answers are vastly better than canon. I love that he rehearsed with Pam.
Aww, Pam. Admitted. That’s so, so wonderful. I love all the delightful awkwardness of her not quite knowing what was going on and feeling that there was a mistake. I’m glad it all smoothed out easily enough.
The way she hugs Jim and all pours out? So delightfully heartwarming. Oh wait. There’s more. Well now, that’s a perfect use of a New York fountain...
“I don’t really believe in long engagements…” Look, I know I’ve said perfect too many times in this review and it’s beginning to lose all meaning, but... honestly, this was just brilliant. A perfect way to wrap this journey all up.
Author's Response: I'll admit that I stole the start of the banter from the show. But otherwise I'll take full credit ;). Thanks so much for the reviews and throughout for your thoughts on Australia and the story!
Date: May 28, 2020 01:03 am Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
*I'm not crying, I'm not crying, I'm not crying*
Okay, I'm crying right now, and I was crying while reading the chapter for the first time because it just perfect. The perfect final for the fantastic story. And I like so much both these tiny details (Pam blushing when she saw a naked model; Jim rehearsed his speech — and changed it!) and the great ones (proposal near the fountain is sooo much better than the fountain break-up!). And the final line is killing me. In a good way, of course :)
I'm gonna miss this story very much. For these weeks, my mornings usually started with your updates, and they put a smile on my face, made me dizzy and happier in general. So, thank you very much for this wonderful journey!
*Okay, so, where are my tissues?*
Author's Response: I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed it, even if I don't usually like making people cry. Thanks so much for reading along with so much care! I really appreciate it.
Date: May 27, 2020 09:07 pm Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
This was a wonderful finale. Of course we all expected everything to all fall into place, but your writing of it had me smiling the whole way. Well done, I will miss this story for sure, but I look forward to whatever you have in store for us in your future writing endeavours.
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm so glad to have had you reading along! It may be a bit before I jump in again (as you know, I update a lot so I really need the inspiration to strike hard). I do have a fairly large back catalog of stories--and of course all the people (like you) still updating!
Date: May 27, 2020 08:45 pm Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
Awww! What a sweet ending. Thank you so much for keeping us entertained every single day during this time.
It’s been a real struggle pleasure to read this fantastic story.
All the jellybeans!!!
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm really glad you've been along with me on this journey, and thanks for all the feedback along the way!
Date: May 27, 2020 07:25 pm Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
Best. Finale. Ever. I don't know why I wasn't expecting an engagment, but my jaw dropped. This was a fun story to read. I'm also sad it's over, but thank you for your consistent updates. Amazing amazing!
Author's Response: Thank you! Thanks for being along for the ride, and I'm glad there was one final twist in there for you!
Date: May 27, 2020 06:37 pm Title: Chapter 81: The Job, Part 2 (Finale)
You did it again! Here we are on the home stretch, the last chapter, one final time for me to try and keep myself under control while reading this story and you go and slip in the name Inigo there. Ah well, my wife already thinks me crazy so I guess no harm no foul there.
No surprises about how the actual interviews would go. With Pam and Jim so firmly in each other's corners, there's no way they would have failed either one. I really like the vision Jim laid out. He's setting the job up to play to his strengths. Great choice. Pam's confusion about everything was adorable to read and envision. She's bloomed into a great person.
This whole story has been just a fun filled ride the entire time. From the early Google searches as they wound their way through Sydney, to their adventures Down Under, and a much more satisfying way for S3 to unfold, it's been a joy to read. Your dedication to keeping up with constant updates has been an inspiration. It's been fun, funny, exciting, and adventurous all at the same time. I wish I hadn't run out of jelly beans so long ago because just about every chapter is worthy of one.
Can't wait to see what you'll think of next. Well done my friend. This one was epic.
Fortes Fortuna Adiuvat
Author's Response: I feel like I never do justice to your amazing reviews. Thank you so much for your support and feedback throughout this long, long process of writing this fic. I'm so delighted to hear that I managed to get you again! A fitting note to go out on...