The Office S2 Ep4: The Fire
An episode of love triangles.
"Ryan started the fire! It was always burning since the world’s been turning!" - Dwight
Breaking down Jim & Pam’s love story in The Office one episode at a time…
All Office episode breakdowns.
Beginning
Jim and Pam want to be together, but they’re not. And they’re panicking.
The phone rings at reception and Pam asks who’s calling. It’s Jim’s girlfriend Katy. We get love triangle #1: Jim, Katy, and Pam. Pam then stumbles through a talking head about how she is unsure of the status of Jim and Katy’s relationship. It seems Pam and Jim don’t talk about his dating life.
“Do not panic!” -Angela
”No, panic is warranted!” -Dwight
On the phone, Jim solidifies his lunch plans with Katy. Pam reminds him to give Katy his extension so she can call him directly. Something tells me Jim already knows this. I think he wants to make Pam a little jealous.
The fire alarm goes off and everyone evacuates to the parking lot. Arms at your side, people! Safety partners! DO YOU WANT TO DIE?
Middle
Everybody waits in the parking lot for the fire department. Pam chooses to pass the time with Jim, who is leading the office workers in get-to-know-you games, instead of her own fiance. Roy and the warehouse workers drink beer and smash bottles around the corner. What a contrast.
In a talking head, Jim and Pam make fun of Meredith for choosing Legally Blonde as one of her favorite movies in the game Treasure Island. Pam chirps up, saying she might like that movie, too, but quickly takes it back after seeing Jim’s joking dissatisfied reaction. She cares what he thinks of her. Flirting 101: adjust (lie about?) your preferences to suit your crush.
“I would definitely have sex with Ryan.” - Michael
Awkwardness and hidden feelings bubble up when everyone plays “Who would you do?” Kevin and Oscar immediately name Pam. Jim and Pam are uncomfortable and Jim says he’ll finish explaining the directions after seeing what’s up with the loud music coming from Dwight’s car.
Jim and Pam’s have been disconnected this episode. They’re relieved to have a shared experience, even if that experience is picking on Dwight. They laugh at him and mock his hurt feelings. They’re mean.
Roy walks over to Jim and Pam, not because he wants to spend time with Pam, but because the warehouse guys were being “jackasses.” This is love triangle #2: Pam, Roy, and Jim. Note that Pam and Roy do not kiss hello.
"I don't want to be a 'guy' here. Like Stanley is the crossword puzzle guy and Angela has cats." - Ryan
Everyone continues playing “Who would you do?” It’s Roy’s turn and Pam smiles sweetly. Surely, he’ll have to recognize her now. But, he names “that tight-ass Christian chick. The blonde.” Pam’s smile drops. Enter love triangle #3: Pam, Roy, and Angela? Once again, Roy ignores Pam and she keeps her hurt feelings quiet.
“The fire guy!” - Dwight
On Jim’s turn, Pam looks down with cheeks red from embarrassment. She knows who he wants. Jim thinks up a quick save and names Kevin. Roy doesn’t clock Jim or Pam’s discomfort.
Meanwhile Michael “would definitely have sex with Ryan.” Love triangle #4: Michael, Dwight, Ryan???
It’s ironic that all episode, Jim and Pam chase proof of the other person’s affection, but when they’re put on the spot to name who they want, neither is honest.
End
"Okay, first, Legally Blonde." - Katy
Meredith, Phyllis, and Kelly are a chorus of “Jim, Jim, Jim,” in a girls-only circle of “Who would you do?” (I guess the guys didn’t want to hear the womens’ answers?) Pam comes up with Oscar and Toby. She really has to think of a name. She’s not ready to admit she likes Jim, even in a game. Emotional affairs are vague. Sex isn’t. Pam loves Jim, but imagining sex with him might feel like a big jump. She might not let her mind go there.
Katy arrives and is ready to share her favorite movies. Her first answer is Legally Blonde. Pam laughs out loud. She’s rude.
Cut to a talking head of Pam talking down about Katy. Pam might not have self-confidence, but she can make fun of her rival. She’s pretty patronizing.
Pam takes Katy’s movie choice as a sign that Jim can’t really like her. Her behavior is ugly, but deep down I think she’s enormously relieved. She’s safe to keep both Jim and Roy.
Then, Pam takes things a step further.
Remember earlier, when she didn’t kiss Roy hello? Well, now she grabs Roy by his shirt collar and makes-out with him in front of Jim. Jim frowns as he gets in the car with Katy. Envy-fueled mission accomplished.
After many failed connections, Jim and Pam end this episode out of sync. We’ll see if they can reconnect next time.
Love triangles on fire.
