Previous round, The Return: We saw Jim and Pam’s Season 2 connection return as they seamlessly pranked their new target. We also witnessed a major breakthrough on Jim’s side when he admitted to Karen (as well as to himself) he still has feelings for Pam. Formal score card later.
Pam Pong Scorecard
Episode 315: Ben Franklin
Despite confessing his feelings for Pam, Jim and Karen are still together: -5
Karen claims she and Jim are “better than ever”: -1
Jim’s just seems tired with the whole thing, though: +3
Karen hugs Jim in front of Pam and everyone: -2
But Jim doesn’t really respond to the hug: +2
Pam’s “back of Jim’s neck” comment indicates she and Jim haven’t talked much recently: -2
Karen’s freely announcing that she’s Jim’s girlfriend: -1
In the break room, Pam can’t get Jim to open up like in “Back from Vacation”: -2
She then spins off to her babbling (I think it may have been flirting): -2
Karen knows about the kiss, and it’s “no big deal”: -4
Pam’s nervousness and babbling has to make Karen suspicious: -2
Jim teases Pam about him making a match between her and Ben/Gordon: -1
But Jim is clearly uncomfortable with the idea of Pam actually dating anyone: +4
Final score: -13 What a mess! Jim’s admission of feelings for Pam scared him and he’s back hiding behind the shield that is his relationship with Karen. Even worse, Karen calling Jim and Pam’s kiss “no big deal” dealt a major blow to Pam’s confidence. The only bright spot is the look on Jim’s face when Pam tells Ryan he can set her up with one of his friends. The “5 nights of talks” clearly hasn’t made Jim any more comfortable with the idea of Pam being with anyone.
