While Jim floats aimlessly through his life, Pam has managed to anchor herself in the certainty of her strength and independence that is firmly rooted in her transformation into FNB.  Confidence and self-assertiveness continue to weave their way seamlessly into Pam’s personality.  She is relatively secure in her relationship with Jim, which she clearly exhibited with a total lack of jealousy concerning Jim’s contact with Karen.  She’s not worried in the least that Jim is committed and will come home to her.  However, Pam’s confidence extends beyond Jim as she explores more avenues of personal growth with the Finer Things Club.  It’s obvious Pam is much more aware of her own evolution.  She is taking active steps to continually reinvent herself and embark on personal betterment.  

This is a distinct departure from Old Pam, but it can easily be debated that Pam’s exploration is completely trial and error.  Pam has become entirely new person, so it stands to reason she will try many new things to build new interests and her new life.  Some things will take hold while others will not.  The Finer Things Club is Pam’s newest mode of experimentation.  It’s a chance for her to be artistic and vocal at the same time, which are two realms of her life she is looking to expand.  The trick is figuring out how to make the rest of her life fit into the ideal she holds for herself.

In terms of JAM, Pam’s ability to read Jim has slightly improved since Local Ad.  However, she is still gathering most of her information about his status from the kiss he planted on her in Money. She is still under the impression that Jim is all in (which he is to certain extent), but she fails to see that Jim is still in need of reassurance and support from her.  Her initial refusal to let him into the Finer Things Club is highly symbolic of her failure to see Jim’s inherent need for validation and acceptance.  

Towards the end of Branch Wars, Pam begins to see Jim’s vulnerabilities again which gives her a much more accurate read on him, which will hopefully translate into the future.  Nonverbal communication is JAM strongest asset, but it’s clear that there is a gap which, was created by Jim’s impromptu kiss in Money.  It’s imperative for Pam to learn how to see past the veil Jim is using to hide his insecurities.

Finer Things Club:

In a talking head, Pam reveals that she, Oscar and Toby have started a Finer Things Club in the office.  Apparently all three saw the need to have a forum to discuss art, literature, and culture while engaging in sophistication and civility once a month.  She makes it clear that the club is very serious about maintaining an air of sophistication by declaring, “There is no paper, no plastic, and no work talk allowed.”  If anything, the Finer Things Club is a great little escape teeming with stimulation in an otherwise stagnant work environment.  The club itself is simply another mode of expression for a very artistically minded Pam.  

She has spent the last year and a half honing her artistic skills and it makes perfect sense that she’d make it more prevalent in her life by socializing with other people who have similar interests. She caps off her talking head by stating, “It’s very exclusive.” Her tone is serious, but also a little playful.  She’s not snobby about her club, but rather she enjoys being part of something special.  Pam enjoys the small group as it puts her more at ease to express her opinions.  FNB may be dominating Pam’s behavior, but she still operates better in a small group.  Aside from that, Oscar, Toby and herself are probably the only three people in the office who understand the purpose and propriety associated with the Finer Things Club, (FTC).  It’s supposed to be fun and relaxing, but there is also a certain amount of seriousness.  

As Jim found out later, you’re actually supposed to read the book before showing up to the club meeting.  The beauty of the club is the fact that Pam is becoming more social and open with her co-workers.  She’s always been warm and friendly with those around her, but she never truly connected with any of them until now.  Old Pam tended to keep her distance, due to her lack of self-esteem and the stifling nature of her relationship with Roy.  The new freedom of her life as FNB has caused her to allow more people into her life.  As a result, Jim is no longer Pam’s only outlet.  Overall this is a good development for Pam, but the effects this will have on JAM are still shrouded in mystery.  It all relates back to the concept of balance between the relationship and Jim and Pam’s individual lives.  

The symbolism of the Finer Things Club relates directly to Pam’s continuing transformation into FNB.  The club itself is an incarnate of FNB and the concept of bettering oneself.  Pam has been on a journey of self-discovery ever since she called off her wedding.  Instead of calling it day after Jim walked back into her life, she has opted to see where else the path leads.  The club is very symbolic of the fact that Pam has realized there is more to her than ringing phones, paperwork, and a computer screen.

Pam’s image of herself keeps improving as she explores her capabilities on multiple levels.  It’s undeniable that part of her motivation to keep exploring is rooted in her determination to leave Old Pam in the past for good.  She knows most of the things happening in her life (art school, confidence, and of course Jim) would not exist if she were still with Roy.  Rather she’d be wallowing in a life with no direction as she continued to suffocate behind a receptionist desk.  The Finer Things Club is just another new aspect of Pam’s life that never would have existed if she didn’t have the courage to explore outside the boundaries.  It is surely no coincidence that she is once again wearing her butterfly necklace as she describes the club.  It’s spreads it’s wings just as she broadens her horizons.

FTC Rejects Jim:

As classical music plays in the background of the break room, Pam arranges food on a tri-level serving tray.  Jim is standing near the vending machines and steals a piece of food from the tray before asking, “So tell me again why I can’t be part of your club?”  Apparently, Jim has asked to be part of the club before as the word “again” indicates.  

There are a couple of reasons as to why Pam might exclude Jim from the FTC.  First, she wants some things in her life that are simply hers. Pam isn’t totally reliant on Jim to make her happy.  She learned how to make herself happy last year and it appear she is determined to continue that trend. The FTC is all about Pam exploring FNB and she can’t really do that with Jim around.  Her transformation may have been triggered by Jim, but the process was entirely on her own.  She still needs that independence from him to continue growing.   Pam doesn’t make eye contact with Jim, but she is very quick to answer, “Because some people think you monopolize the conversation by trying to be funny.”  FNB is not afraid to point out Jim’s faults, but she is careful to sugarcoat it a little bit by using a light and slightly playful tone.  She knows Jim is sensitive, but he would react better if she teased him.  Humor based communication always works the best with him.  

Pam loves Jim for his humor, but she knows it doesn’t fit in with the FTC.  Her knowledge comes from simply knowing Jim so well.  She knows Jim uses humor when he is cornered, nervous, or feels out of place.  The FTC would essentially hit Jim with a trilogy of reasons for him to crack jokes and spew sarcasm.  In any other circumstance Pam would be laughing right along with him, but the FTC is important to her and she doesn’t want to trivialize it.  Pam’s lighthearted tone pays off as Jim replies to her reasoning with a small joke by guessing Oscar is the one who pinned his fault.  Pam easily catches onto his joke and immediately responds with playful banter, “Some people.”  It’s another example of how humor based communication continues to connect JAM. It allowed Pam to let Jim know it was her who thinks he won’t fit into the club, without being condescending. Furthermore, she was able to tell him her opinion without hurting him.   

Playful banter has always been their chosen mode of honesty and it still serves it’s purpose quite well.  However, it does have it’s faults as it doesn’t allow Pam to get an accurate read on Jim’s needs.  He’s obviously been asking about the club for quite some time, but she has refused to allow him to join.  She can’t see his need for acceptance and validation and therefore cannot give him what he needs. She is still clouded by his confident behavior in Money.  Jim is vulnerable and fragile right now, but Pam cannot see through his shield.  Even though he doesn’t really fit into this aspect of her life, he needs the reassurance that he is at least welcome. Unfortunately, at this point, Pam has no idea he needs this kind of emotional support.

FTC - Distraction:

Pam, Oscar, and Toby are discussing the book,  “A Room with A View”  (great book, btw!), as both Kevin and Phyllis interrupt with rather unsophisticated and noisy bouts with the vending machine and microwave.  The scene has some symbolism attached to it as the reality of Pam’s surroundings are impeding her experimentation.  Pam likes the ideal behind the FTC, but the truth of her environment is more realistic and more her.  Pam is reaching far beyond her boundaries as part of evolving away form Old Pam, but she may be reaching a little too far.  Pam is always going to be Pam no matter how much she changes.  FNB is all about showcasing Pam’s best talents, but it’s not about reinventing the wheel.  She effectively engaged in trial and error as she finds a happy medium between Old Pam and FNB.  

All her exploration is fun and enlightening but ultimately Pam is somewhere between a receptionist and the ideal of the FTC.  This notion is further by the fact that the teapot Jim gave her in Christmas party is sitting on the table.  A piece of Pam’s old life is sitting in all it’s glory amongst the new “finer things” in Pam’s new life.  It represents the very best of Pam’s past and the fact that it has a place in the present.  She can’t forget what got her to this place in her life. Furthermore, it’s represents everything that means the most to Pam.  No matter how much she evolves Jim is still part of her.  

On another level, this scene also speaks volumes of Pam’s resolve to break free of the distractions and strive for something better.  Despite the noise and aggravation of her surroundings, she pushed forward to discuss the book and express her ideas. 

Jim Returns from Utica:

Jim smiles at Pam as he walks in the door after his long trip to Utica.  After hanging up his coat he walks by her desk, but pauses briefly looks at her with a smirk denoting loads of nonverbal communication.  Pam immediately reads his defeated posture and facial expression.  She likely knew he was in Utica before he returned (as per a deleted scene, but you all know my stance on analyzing those!), and suspects things did not go well with Karen.  Without even saying a word, she is sympathetic to Jim’s feelings and is already looking for a way to cheer him up.

An Invitation for Jim:

Jim wanders up to Pam’s desk with his hands shoved in his pockets and a still defeated posture. He leans of Pam’s desk and greets her with a warm, “Hey,” but Pam can see right through him. He’s trying to hide his humiliation and simply escape it by visiting her.  Pam knows it needs to be addressed so she quickly says, “I’m so sorry.  Rolando told me everything.”  Jim’s head drops as his humiliation floods through him.  He lets out a slight groan, which causes Pam to wince in empathy.  She knows Jim feels bad for hurting Karen.  She can feel the guilt radiating from him and can’t help but wrap him in warmth and compassion.  Pam is more than aware that Jim needs to know someone is in his corner when it comes to Karen.  It was a huge mistake from start to finish.  Pam knows all about making mistakes when it comes to relationships (Roy, parts 1 and 2 come to mind), so she is naturally understanding of his predicament.  She continues to look at him as states, “How humiliating.” Her tone sounds a little light, but this is done on purpose to let Jim know everything is going to be okay.  She’s even smiling slightly as she speaks, but her sympathy is still firmly in play.  Pam is trying to let Jim know that getting chewed out be Karen is not the end of the world.  

It may have been humiliating, but dumping Karen was the right to do.  It’s her way of reminding him they wouldn’t be together if things with Karen didn’t turn out as they did.  Jim’s head continues to hang, so Pam pulls out the big guns to cheer him up.  Pam can only think of one thing that would give Jim the reassurance he needs, “Would it help you to return to another age? A time of refinement, and civility.”  His head begins to pick up half way through her offer and Pam knows she’s on the right track.  She uncovers a plate of sophisticated food to amplify her offer for Jim to join her in the FTC.  Jim’s face lights up just as she hoped.  He asks, “Are you inviting me to the Finer Things Club?”   She nods with a smile on her face, knowing Jim really appreciates her offer.   

For the first time since Money, Pam has a completely accurate read on Jim.  She knew she needed to take care of him with a splash of reassurance.  She’s willing to let Jim into this part of her life in order to let him know he is exactly where he belongs.  He made the right choice to come home and now she knows she needs to show him he was right.  Pam has finally figured out that Jim needs to be included.  His desire to be part of the club, wasn’t about want, rather it was about needing to share something with her.   

The return of Karen served as a gentle reminder of just how empty she felt when Jim excluded himself from her life.  Now she realizes she was purposely excluding him from something he expressed interest in sharing with her.   It was horrible without him last year and she doesn’t want that again.  Seeing some of Jim’s vulnerabilities caused Pam to take more of a lead in the relationship again.  She’s beginning to see Jim isn’t as strong as she thought, which spurred her into action to take care of him.  She is strong enough to steer the ship while Jim continues to search for his bearings.  

FTC - Angela’s Ashes:

Just as Pam suspected, Jim does not fit into the FTC at all.  A combination of his nerves and the pressure of trying to fit in causes the humor to roll right out of him.  In an Irish accent he summarizes his thoughts on Angela’s Ashes,  “Angela's Ashes, top o' the morning to us. Frankie's prose is funnier than a pot of gold, say I.”  Pam looks on with zero amusement.  She is embarrassed as Jim trivializes the FTC just as she feared he would.  Jim continues to dig himself into a hole as he tries to field questions from both Oscar and Toby.  It’s obvious he didn’t read the book as he can only offer vague and incorrect answers.  He looks like a student trying to avoid the glare of the teacher as he fidgets with his fingers.  Pam looks at him with a disappointed, yet knowing expression.  She knew this would happen.   She mouths “sorry” to Toby and Oscar as he continues to embarrass her.  Normally, his humor is a source of joy for Pam, but in this instance she feels like he isn’t taking her seriously or the club, despite his pleas to be included.  He blew it and she isn’t even trying to hide her disappointment.

Jim may have needed to join the group, but it’s clear to Pam that Jim does not fit into this part of her life.  Pam has changed and so has Jim’s role in her life.  Thus begins a period of adjusting and exploring just how their relationship should function.  There needs to be a balance between their past and present relationship as well as FNB and Old Jim.  Furthermore, there needs to be balance between how they function as a couple and as individuals.  Pam knows Jim needs more of her right now and she’s willing to oblige, but the truth is she can’t do it forever.  She finds herself in the position of having figure out how to help Jim find his way without forsaking her individuality.  

In a symbolic sense, the teapot from earlier has essentially been replaced with Jim’s presence. Her two worlds are again colliding.  Elements of her past and present are surrounding her as she continues to expand her personal growth.  Jim means the world to her, but so does her development into FNB.  Pam is faced with the ultimate task of finding a way to integrate the two most important things in her life.  

The Bottom Line:

The sense of perfection in the relationship is beginning to falter.  Pam may love Jim, but the rose colored glasses are shifting to a more realistic shade.

- - - 

JAM Playlist Song:

Crash and Burn

Artist: Savage Garden

Album: Affirmation 

Watching Jim and Pam take care of one another is my favorite dynamic of their relationship. Ever since season 2, this song has reminded me of how they are always there for one another. With Jim as messy as he is right now, I can see the meaning of these lyrics playing through Pam’s head. 

- - -  

Questions to Ponder:

1) Does Pam want Jim to change?

2) Is Pam taking Jim for granted?

3) How much, if at all, have Jim and Pam talked about Karen? (Should they?)

4) Is it Pam’s responsibility to “fix” Jim?  Why does she feel so compelled to come to his rescue?