I was looking at the highest rated episodes, sitting atop 1 and 2 are “Casino Night” and “Dundies”. Both episodes involvings the only JAM kisses of the show. Even 3.Christmas Party and 4.Booze Cruise both have significat JAM moments. Down way at the bottom is 31.The Carpet, which has no physical JAM interaction at all. Therefore, i think most viewers here rate the shows based on JAM.

In Season 3 since JAM is not physical together anymore, most of the viewers are going :( :( :( .

just my 2 cents.

“well, agent michael scarn, i think the reason ryan stayed on is because he is one of the 5 main characters and one of the better writers on the show”

Yeah I see what ur saying Carly. I think BJ is a very funny writer. And he’s considered a “main” character. I actually like the Ryan character and would like to see some more screen time for Ryan. But unlike the other characters I think the show would survive if Ryan was written off the show. Ryan could easily be written off realistically and BJ could still be a writer for the show. Anyway I’m sure they will explain more in depth why Ryan stayed eventually. It will probably have something to do with Kelly, although he will hate to admit it.

Ed Helms is pure fantasticness – I’m so excited about his character. I also really enjoyed Rashida Jones’ talking head – it was fun to see someone not impressed with Jim’s trademark moves that we all love to watch. My biggest laugh (and there were many) was probably Roy’s DUI mugshot. My god that was good. I was so relieved to see the fallout from “the kiss” in May – i.e. Pam not getting married. The dialogue immediately after the kiss? Heartbreaking.

Yes this episode was uncomfortable, edgy, and at points just mean. But this is why we love this show people. It is not Everybody Loves Raymond (can I get an amen for that?). They take risks and we as an audience are better for it. Do you really want a show that ignores the realities of life and in which everything is neatly forgiven and forgotten in the last five minutes? I don’t. I prefer to squeal with uncomfortable delight while Michael inches slowly towards Oscar’s face. I like that I felt SO badly for Michael once Oscar launched into his tirade, even though he totally deserved it.

I’m prepared to go where the writers take us – I trust that I’ll enjoy the ride. Haven’t been disappointed yet.

BRING JIM BACK TO SCRATON! it seriously is not the same :(

The episode was great.

The writers did an excellent job handling the task at hand. That task was explaining where “The Office” is ~5 months after this kiss. They did just that while allowing the story to expand and have more depth. A few of the dynamics are different but the plot and characters we’ve all come to love are all here. Characters have grown since we last saw them, Jim with his tuna sandwich and Pam with the move on to her own place, but at heart they remain the same people. Had the show just completed the JAM relationship build up there would be no office for us to watch and enjoy. They would have gotten together and both grown to their potential, Pam would go to art school and do what she loves and Jim would actually apply himself doing something he enjoys. All of you doubting this episode need to understand where the story has been and where it needs to go before claiming the show is dead and leaving it behind.

Now that I’m done bashing the people afraid of change I have a few quick viewing questions, did Kelly look pregnant? When she walks on camera to talk to Oscar, it could be the shirt, she looks like she has a belly. I doubt something that “big” would have been left out of this episode but perhaps.

BTW, I actually really liked Rashida Jones’ one talking head. I think she’ll be a fun character to watch develop, as will Andy be.
J

What do you think…..Scranto/Stamford downsizing merger to bring Jim back? A la the British version?

Read about it in Jenna’s latest blog.