Why I am terrified of Jim Halpert

[@Thundercloud94]

I think Jim was written with the intention of the audience thinking he’s a loser. Just look at his counterpart in the British version. The thing is, thought, that John Krasinski is just so charming in the role that you can’t help but like the guy.

[@addlolone]

Couldnt have said it better myself

[@hamnchee]

Tim is somewhat more likeable than Jim because his nemesis Gareth is actually a little bit of a creep weasel and is quite unlikable with little to no redeeming qualities. Dwight on the other hand is just a quirky but interesting and solid guy, so Jim messing with him seems more like douchey bullying with a superiority complex.

[@user-fz9vk4js5l]

@@hamnchee I like Dwight because he’s funny and oddly relatable, but he is not a ‘solid guy’ he kidnaps migrant workers, conspires to get Jim fired, ditches Phylis 5 miles from the office with no phone, is regularly sexist etc. I still prefer him to Jim

[@hamnchee]

@@user-fz9vk4js5l Oh wow I guess I never got to those episodes.

[@murdanom]

Jim is played by the same guy who plays Reed 'Mr. Fantastic' Richards. Tim is played by the same guy who plays John Watson and Bilbo Baggins. Jim is Rick Sanchez. Tim is Morty Smith. Jim is an American lie that the audience has to piece together. Tim is a British, bittersweet confession.

[@Luipaard005]

Out of all the characters in the office Jim is the everyman who represents the person watching the show, and honestly a lot of us are just shlubby people getting through the day with little ambition or desire to work harder. Otoh I liked that Jim found a passion and managed to pursue it and that he finally got a good shove when Pam forced him to, it felt very true to life.

[@DABA2024]

You’re projecting though. Jim doesn’t represent everyone watching. That’s your own lens.

[@tanzimchowdhury520]

@@DABA2024It’s interesting you say that because he is kind of supposed to be like the straight man kind of protagonist because the ironic remarks and the camera stare, but actually he uses snide ironic remarks usually to achieve something like developing a friendship with Pam helping Dwight or something. In reality, he is no more of a protagonist than micheal or any other character

[@elmochomo8218]

Well stop being like that

[@epicgamner1139]

you make a good point, on the other hand you have a yosuke pfp. I think they cancel each other out

[@channel45853]

@@epicgamner1139says the one with the Kirby pfp?

[@user-kb8qw7dy4t]

In real life, Jim would just be the company owner's son.

[@Desi_Midget]

Wow why didn't I think of that before? 😅😅

[@Precomo97]

@@Desi_Midget Probably because it doesn't make any sense. The company owner's son would be a freeloading, ungrateful brat that doesn't do any work (or, at the least, pull his weight). Jim has consistently good-to-great numbers, and never tries running to Michael, Jan, or David Wallace when things aren't going his way. So yeah it's not accurate.

[@Desi_Midget]

@@Precomo97 I think he's referring to just the vibes he gives in certain instances. Just his aloofness in certain situation, not in every situation, gives the vibes of a person who is coming from money or whose future is somewhat secured.

[@coasterthekid8867]

@@Precomo97 but he also makes the office a miserable place for the people around him, because whenever he feels bored, he has to make someone’s day worse. There’s also no way he’s getting good great numbers because 90% of the time we see him at work he’s goofing off and playing pranks.

[@jangolub8240]

​@@Desi_Midget and if someone comes from money?

[@FictionExecutive]

I just have 2 points to prove that Jim isn't a loser : Firstly ,he didn't have aspirations with his career because that wasn't a career of his choice. There were many moments where it showed how much Jim hated his job. His motivation behind doing the job was : 1) To get paid 2) Pam He was absolutely working really hard when he was getting high commissions , and also found a way to keep getting more commision when the commision cap was introduced. He only took a promotion when he was getting a raise unlike dwight who wanted the title more than the raise. Jim did the job only for getting paid and too try his best to be with pam. Secondly , he jumped at the oppurtinity to be a part of Athlead and he agreed without telling pam. And he was doing good in that until he realized what pam was going through without him and decided to be with his family. Because sometimes family is more special. I dont see Jim's lack of aspiration being a cause for him to leave athlead. Jim is arguably a really realistic character , someone who is stuck in a Job he hates and someone who can't move towards a better opportunity because he has a priority towards his family. I don't see such a person like a loser. And nowadays there is a wave of hating Jim because he wasn't very quirky like Dwight in The Office fandom.

[@shum8104]

No, Jim was just an insufferable asshole

[@squidwardssoul631]

Thank God not all are hating on him . He was good. I don't wanna say any more. He was good, and that's it .

[@satanstella]

Thanks for saying this i’m in a similar situation i have to work because i have to pay the rent, loans and support the family. I cannot leave this job even though i hate the job 😭

[@hec393]

I really agree with this. It seemed really backward when the speaker says Jim can do great things whilst also saying he’s not special once he’s put in a different office

[@rosestar1324]

Yeah but it's scumming to stay friends with someone just waiting for them to break up with their SO. People do that irl and that's a shitty thing to do. If someone is taken, you have to move on. But Jim kept pursuing Pam and that ended up with them kissing before she even broke things off with her fiancé. People like that clearly don't respect relationships.

[@mannequinwithadinosaurhead]

something that wasn’t mentioned that also annoyed me was jim’s pettiness towards darryl when they were rooming together. when darryl notices that jim used his mug and called him out for it, jim became passive aggressive and spilled his coffee in the trash to return the mug; purposely making the situation uncomfortable for darryl. although jim wasn’t the worst person in the show, it’s really pathetic how he acted like nothing was ever his fault.

[@veerpatel9910]

Jim be an asshole every now and then like when he took Andy’s mug and straight up told him to use a different one and when he didn’t want to call Andy drew 💀

[@bluequiltedness]

​@@veerpatel9910 The most disturbing thing about Jim's character is that the audience was supposed to identify with him. The show was more popular with women and they were supposed to think Jim was hot and be excited that he was obsessed with the more average looking Pam. But the male audience was supposed the see themselves in Jim. A guy who's too cool for school and vastly superior to all his ridiculous friends and coworkers. Dudes were supposed to nod along with the over the top love triangle with Jim/Pam/Roy, since Jim is a "nice guy" and Roy is a complete tool. The writers had some subconscious ideas about how men see themselves in relation to the world around them which informed how they wrote the character. I think they veered away from that towards the end of the series, which was a good move

[@DLDrillNB]

His main skit was looking into the camera in awkward/bad situation in order to draw him out of the scene. His whole character is basically about diverting responsibility away from himself. The way he dragged Karen along only to dump her in the end wasn't his fault. How he convinced Pam to cancel her wedding and future with Roy wasn't his fault. How he bullies his coworkers isn't his fault. How he did a pretty shit job at being a manager wasn't his fault. Nothing is ever Jim's fault.

[@aolson1111]

@@DLDrillNB So, your saying nobody has to take responsibility for their own actions and everything that goes wrong is Jim's fault?

[@rojo40]

I dont understand the passion for thw husstle, the abversion to contentment. I see it as a victory of a system that lives by chewing up people who buy into it.

[@voodooomega4387]

Very well put! Poetic even.

[@cacho100uva]

Indoctrination is a curious thing.

[@Jp808]

For real the man grabbed what he wanted

[@Smoomty]

People realize that being cynical about "the system" doesn't get them anything and so they decide to make something of themselves and be proud of what they accomplished. That's what "the hustle" is. "The system" is a meaningless term that most people rely on to scapegoat some unseen force for their lack of getting anywhere in life

[@rojo40]

​@Smoomty you may be surprised but 'getting somewhere in life ' looks very different to different people. calling losers those that don't constantly strive for more money, fame, power...is part of a culture of perpetual consumption and unsatisfaction.

[@bradpittman3821]

You got to remember that season 3 took place in 2006 not today. It's hard to think about it from today's perspective of high mobility and having to leave your job to get a promotion being the norm but 2006 was a time when company loyalty and climbing the ranks were considered the norm.

[@flashlightning6742]

Even now, what Josh did is unprofessional and just an awful move. Quitting your job is fine, but leading your company on through an entire restructuring so that you can leverage your position for a new job is not something to be applauded. It’s not about company loyalty, it’s about selfishly ruining the goals and careers of multiple people. It’s exactly what billionaires have done to get to where they are, and this videos take is a perfect example of how they manage it. These actions are celebrated. They are only scorned once the person becomes well known enough, and hated enough, that people *choose* to stop looking at them in a positive light.

[@Sageoftheforest7]

I love Dwight. Unless provoked he's actually mostly tame. He comes from a poor and very strict household, yet he managed to work hard and rise to the top in sales. He has many hobbies like reading, karate, video games, etc. And he truly loved Angela and was willing to accept her even after all she did to him. Really awful how everyone treated him jist because of his quirks.

[@carolinalopes7640]

His quirks being a pride on his family history with white supremacy? I love Dwight bc he is funny, but you guys are babyfying him and...for what exactly?

[@robertanderson4921]

Dwight's a funny character, but he was also an awful person. He faked a fire which resulted in Stanley having a heart attack. He slept with Angela when she was engaged to Andy. He has a loaded gun in the office for most of the series.

[@renanleandro5914]

Oh come on, I like Dwight and I think there is a point to be made on how he's actually trying to better his life unlike Jim who just accepts things as they are, but lets not pretend that he's like a victim of bullying because of quirks. His quirks involved starting a fake fire in the office, causing his coworker to have a heart attack and taking no responsibility for it. Face it, Dwight is a horrible person

[@yeahyeahwowman8099]

There is one huge problem with Dwight, he constantly inserts himself into other people's lives. There is one difference between Jim and Dwight, Jim is the poster child for being a prick through the reaction of someone else, Dwight will just straight up start off being a prick.

[@douglaskelley4486]

@@yeahyeahwowman8099exactly, how often is Jim a prick to others in the office besides Dwight and Michael.

[@SaikoX95]

You could also argue that in later seasons, the reason why Jim doesn't resent Pam for making him practically choose between her, and his career in Athlead, was because he already decided to do that, and just wanted an excuse to stay in the comfort of familiarity that he's become so addicted to. He never rose among the ranks because he never wanted to, no matter how much he would tell himself it was because of someone else (like Michael or Pam). He just didn't care, and he got scared whenever he got reminded that he'd more likely stay a paper salesman until he died. That is, until the very end of the series, when the writers did a full 180º on Pam's character, and gave Jim everything he wanted, which again, you could argue that he only "chose" to go for because Pam had already sold the house that he bought for her. She didn't *really* give him a choice this time; she chose for him.

[@11_224-w]

I completely agree. I've been in situations because I made mistakes that put me in those positions. Your too terrified to move up because fts.

[@Notmyname979]

Nah disagree. Jim didn’t move up in the company because he didn’t want to have to commit to this field. As for Pam he left athlead because he loved her more than any career. He made that decision after seeing how much she was struggling without him and also missing out on moments back home. It’s a very important decision because no career is worth losing your family for. That will not fulfill a man. Pam did the 180 because I think she felt sad for jim seeing how much of his potential was being wasted doing shenanigans under Dwight. Also she loved him and didn’t want him to miss out on his dream even if it meant she would have to make a scary choice to uproot her life. Pam’s always wanted more she just hesitates a lot so this was a good decision in the end for her as well.

[@hansolo9585]

Y’all anime profile pics sure are opinionated

[@garbageplate]

@@hansolo9585you are in the same boat as them, just as i am.

[@qnzman578]

Jim: "I don't think I'll be here in 10 years." Michael: "That's what I said." Jim: 😳

[@bensonabernathy4664]

Personally Jim's attitude of doing the minimum and just getting by in life, is something I'm not against. The reason being that is life just all about ambition? Why not enjoy life a little? I'm personally okay with living a life of being average and forgettable, if I have a stable life where I could be at peace, enjoy life, and not do much. That's just me though. I'm tired of this whole "do something to be remembered", "make a difference in the world", and so on and so forth in regard to other ambitious quotations or perspectives. I'm just tired of all that. I genuinely find joy in just living a basic, average life where all of my needs are met, and a few of my wants or met, and not have to achieve anything or work much for it. That is just my view of happiness, as that genuinely makes me happy. Sure you (referring to anyone who reads this comment) could call me lazy and a pathetic human being, but that is your perspective and choice. I'm okay with that, because that is just a label, something that is ultimately meaningless (apologies for being rude in this way).

[@nothingposted9056]

You're right, and if Jim had just wanted to be a normal person like everyone else in the office, it would have been fine. But he instead chose to act superior and dismissive. In The Office podcast, they revealed that, during confessionals, the other characters were talking in front of a wall, but Jim got to be in front of a window, because the production team, too, believed he had a future beyond Dunder Mifflin. So the production team knew, and Jim knew, but he never made much effort to either leave his cushy job or get rid of that attitude. He remained in limbo.

[@bensonabernathy4664]

@@nothingposted9056 Although, pranking Dwight and acting superior to others. Yeah that's being mean and being a bully. That aspect of Jim I am against and for sure I never want to be like. However, being mediocore and just "getting by", doing the minimum. Yeah those are okay traits as long as one is living a decent life where all needs are met and one gets to also indulge in a few wants from time to time.

[@carolinalopes7640]

​​@@nothingposted9056he didnt "chose" to do this or that, he was character written to move the plot foward. if he was just to be an ok guy with no flaws whatsoever, then there is no reason for him to be there...at all! Dwight is an awful human being, a literal nazi simpatyzer, but we understand those things as part of the humor of the show. What makes Jim different? Why cant be his pranks just a gag for a comedy show instead of a proof of bullying and how awful he is? When prob every character there is awful in their own way!

[@nothingposted9056]

@@carolinalopes7640 you mean to tell me he was Fictitious?! No way!

[@carolinalopes7640]

@@nothingposted9056 yes way! now answer the question!

[@jshisamazing8758]

I notice a striking similarity between the boom mike guy and Jim. Mike guy is also one of those 'cry on my shoulder' types. When Jim saw someone just like him trying to snag Pam away slowly, he manages to save it by guilt tripping. Irrespective of what anyone did was right or wrong, I just wanted to point that out.

[@andreyzhuchkov1882]

Anyway all these things with the cameraman left a sour aftertaste. I mean Pam and Jim almost had it and it’s in the show’s finale. Imagine they split up and for all eternity we are left with this downbeat ending

[@janedoe6704]

I figured that was the point of Boom Mike guy. Its hard to feel safe with a girl you stole from another guy...

[@jshisamazing8758]

@janedoe6704 but it always felt like they always liked each other even when Pam was taken and had a genuine relationship no? It's not like Jim manipulated Pam as such to break up with Roy so he could steal her. I guess it was an unnecessary addition but I see your point

[@giggityguns123]

You gotta remember though that Pam was only “engaged” (aka in a long, fruitless relationship) with her “high school sweetheart”( aka her asshole boyfriend who stifles her passions, belittles her, and thinks drinks and sex are a woman’s idea of a cute date). While on paper this is not something we should root for a third party to bust up, we do because Jim is easy-going, charismatic, and a genuine friend to Pam, so there is an emotional justification for believing they’re starcrossed lovers. Mic guy swooped in on a married lady with another man’s kids. She wasn’t looking for a way out of that one.

[@DivineRedwood]

*My attitude about Jim and Dwight gradually over time completely switched, so much so that I struggled to understand why it started the way it did.*

[@GetOverH3re]

Bacause Dwight is a literal villain in season 1 Congratulations if you manage ro watch through Season 1 without hating him

[@elijahbaker4829]

@@GetOverH3re He is'int though in my opinion. If you watch the healthcare episode for example, everything Dwight said was 100% on point. He was given a task and completed it. Everyone expressed concerns and he tried to fix it. Then Jim and Pam kept trolling him. He tried to pull everyone aside in private to figure it out, but Jim and Pam wouldn't admit that they were the ones screwing with him. It was super selfish because they were messing with other people's healthcare. Jim was the villain in that episode. The only time I think in season 1 Dwight did anything overtly rude to mess with Jim is when he turned Jim's phone off while he was shredding paper next to him. Also, Jim sabotaged Dwight by encouraging him to go in unprepared to talk to the purse selling lady, only to mock him behind his back. He got Dwight flustered and gave his false confidence. Then Jim comes to swoop in after. Dwight also was mature and tried to prevent him and Jim from getting fired by making an alliance with him. Dwight knew Jim was unkind to him and was always mocking him, but Dwight was willing to put that aside as to ensure the two most effective salesman could get ahead of any downsizing. He was a consummate professional actually.

[@bluecatOMG]

Because when you're younger you see the more attractive people as better because you want to see that in yourself. It's shallow but true. In my older age I see how Jim and Pam frequently mistreated Dwight for simply being slightly bad at social skills.

[@kifer2594]

I liked Karen more than Pam, but Jim and Pam had to be weird about it

[@DivineRedwood]

According to the show producers - in the documentary - they attribute this "phenomenon" to ... the fact that the camera angles and positions were ALWAYS focused around Jim's perspective - evidently according to them - the audience ALWAYS sympathizes with whoever has the camera perspective on an almost UNCONCIOUS level. Knowing this now makes me re-evaluate everything I've ever watched and then I wondered how else am I being manipulated. I strongly recommend people study propaganda and influence ... once you see it you can't unsee it. Free your mind.

[@jacksonw2406]

I feel like a lot of what you said was accurate, but Jim states at the beginning of the show that Dunder mifflin is not the end goal for him and I feel that most logical people would have the reactions that Jim does to a lot of the crazy and bizarre behavior that’s most of the characters in the office portray. Do I think he should treat Dwight in the same condescending way all the time? No and i do think Jim can be a bully to an extent but in the end we see there relationship blossom into a very wholesome friendship. Just the way I see it but otherwise I agree with a lot of the qualities that you see in Jim that are troubling

[@cacho100uva]

Gotta love how capitalism has corrupted so much of our beings that we see someone live their life as they choose, as happy as most of us ever will be, content with what they have and what they accomplished (Jim literally starts a successful business with some friends, he just eventually chooses his love and his family over the job) and we think that’s pitiful. You’re scared of being Jim, my guys, you could never.

[@Smoomty]

Get off your high horse. Your defense is similar to when fat people give up on trying to be healthy and say "I may die early but at least I'll be happy eating whatever I want" when in reality their lifestyle and diet are making them miserable. That's what people don't like. Jim is wasting his talent on being lazy and mediocre and it's sad to see. If you think capitalism is what gives people drive to be better, thank goodness for capitalism. Any system that encourages people to be lazy and mediocre is a bad one.

[@Giofelippi]

I think the guy is reading so many self help books

[@captaincrunch9926]

Well.. who would be ambitious about a job they hate. Are you really gonna strive for success as a McDonald's cashier? It's not a lack of ambition, its working a shitty, boring 9-5 that's killed his drive. When he starts working at Athlead, he completely turns it around, he has almost made a successful career before giving it up. And as for him "breaking up" Roy and Pam, remember that Roy was not a great guy, and more importantly, PAM DIDN'T LOVE HIM. She chose to leave him of her own volition. I will agree I feel bad for Karen, but what was Jim supposed to do? Continue in a relationship he's not happy in? Karen had a great career and life after Jim anyways, it's not like he ruined her or something.

[@Notmyname979]

I think Jim didn’t intend to be as serious in that relationship as Karen was. He should have clarified that he wanted something more casual and slow progressing. The problem is he can’t tell her that without revealing he was in love with Pam for years lol. I think he kept it secret because he wanted to start over and Karen was supposed to keep a distance between him and Pam. I think there was a part of jim deep down that hoped things might have changed now that pam called off her wedding. The fact she did it right after he left and kissed him back on casino night likely occurred to Jim that they were because of him but he was probably afraid to give himself hope like that. I really think there were moments where Jim just felt stuck honestly and you could kind of see it in his face and the thing he said in season 3. It’s heartbreaking because I understand how that feels. To be in love with someone for many years but they don’t love you back, but at the same time you don’t want anyone else. You try to date and move on but deep down you know the people you hop from are just distractions and you’ll never love them even nearly as deeply. The hardest part is that you don’t stop loving someone that much even after they break your heart so you find yourself falling back in love with them again and hoping this time will be different but you have to keep reminding yourself they don’t love you so then your heart breaks a little again. Moving on is an illusion until you meet someone else you’ll love again. But for many people that takes years. So until then you’re just stuck wondering if you’ll ever really love again. You haven’t really moved on you’ve just gotten used to the heartbreak.

[@1Dorime1]

When I was watching the Office with my parents, in the final seasons, when Jim and Pam's marriage was clearly struggling, everyone was akwardly silent about it. Why? Because let's be honest, many people had same issue. Father is in another city or just working way too much, mother is stuck at home with kid that just wants to see it's dad more often. When everything gets better, no one talks about it anymore, or another fight will happen. I still remember at least 3 times when they were talking like people right before their divorce trial. I'm also glad their kid wasn't even older then tbh, she won't remember much from that awful period. But yeah, there is always at least one thing everyone can relate to in Jim's life. I loved the show (my favourite character will be always Dwight, maybe it's because of his wierdness?)

[@andreyzhuchkov1882]

Yeah to be honest this change of pace on their relationship was quite jarring and the cameraman hints were terrifying of what irredeemably could unfold in the show’s finale. You know for the majority of the show it was quite mellow and stuff and all of a sudden a really real break up on the horizon for Pam and Jim. That was a terrifying possibility

[@OVNI-Present]

I found the dynamic between Jim and Pam in the early seasons really enjoyable and even my favorite characters, i loved Jim's sarcasm and looks at the camera and the back and forth with Dwight etc. However, once they had a kid they progressively became the most uninteresting and annoying characters for me. In my opinion, their progression into a couple happened too fast in the show. I would have preferred if they had maintained their friendship with romantic tension throughout the series and only got together in the much later seasons. Also Jim's relationship with Karen should've gone on for longer as well in this. Unpopular opinion but i liked Jim with Karen maybe even more than with Pam in terms of relationship, hence why i think Jim and Pam should've gotten together at the end of the show. Michael was my overall absolute favorite character. Andy had his moments.

[@userrr_2312]

i agree so much with you about jim and pam’s relationship being fast in the show! On one hand its true that they just saw the opportunity of being together and went for it asap. But on the other hand we waited three whole seasons for them to kiss and in the next two seasons they got married and had a kid, which in my opinion ruined the whole sexual tension they both had and us fans loved it. At the end i like their relationship because it’s reality and we were shown two people maturing together, but it was a bit boring! Also, Karen its a great person, but they just didn’t had the connection :/

[@OVNI-Present]

@@userrr_2312 Agree, however i would argue that Karen and Jim -did- have the connection, in the beginning but the writers had to cut it short for the Jim and Pam narrative to work. So when you'd say they did not have the connection, i would agree, but only because the writers made it so.

[@userrr_2312]

@@OVNI-Present yes true! Karen was a really good partner for Jim, he just didn’t fell in love with her ( writers decision ofc)

[@bluecatOMG]

I think they could have toned down the proposal and kept them dating for a bit. Being friends with romantic tension is an over used trope

[@drewkissell]

I get some of the points but overall you missed with this video. You’re failing to take into account Jim’s entire character arc and only highlight the worst parts. Obviously he’s gonna have some flaws. They add depth to the character and make him more relatable. You also completely threw out the season he tries moving up in the company when he becomes a co manager. Then he starts that business in the end. If anything I think Jim’s character inspires real world Jim’s that it’s never too late to make something of yourself.

[@chezmix64]

I think so much of this video is so weirdly drenched in hustle culture too. Like, why do you NEED to make something of yourself?? He defends characters like Dwight for trying to improve their lives and move up but fails to notice that often the actions Dwight does to try and do that are entirely selfish and hurt other people. Jim's whole character arc, ESPECIALLY in the last season, is realizing that sometimes having a family IS enough. He has nowhere further to go because he's already living with the love of his life and raising kids. Why does being happy with your life have to be equal to being stagnant?

[@WackestMack]

4:50 Never be ride or die for a job unless it’s the one you genuinely want

[@hannahalyssa1473]

I feel the same. First time I watched it I loved Michael and Jim and Pam and hated Karen. Now I feel bad for Karen. She was nice and got played big time. Jim had no good intentions with her. And Jim was that weird creep “friend”. The guy friends who stick around till you’re vulnerable and take advantage. And he did make fun of Dwight, while Dwight always played by the book, was loyal, and a hard worker. Michael was kind of a bully the whole time and I used to dismiss it because he’s funny. Really he’s kind of narcissistic.

[@bencesarvari2235]

You do know that moving up in corporate America is a scam, right? That's what the show is about, isn't it? that the work is absurd meaningless but you can still make meaningful connections with the people around you.

[@coolchameleon21]

fr. you can tell this guy fully bought into american “hustle culture” lmao

[@Smoomty]

Being cynical about successful people is the scam. Don't buy into it. Achieve something for yourself

[@bencesarvari2235]

@@Smoomty I don't think success is measured in money or a promotion. People can do great things and I would never be cynical about that. I just think that it's a shame how corporations bleed people dry of energy and I don't think "getting ahead" in a company is something that's worth putting so much effort into.

[@aolson1111]

@@Smoomty What have you achieved?

[@ellieisgirlbossing]

What terrifies me the most, is the way Jim proceeds to flirt with an engaged coworker as well as winning her over. To be honest, if Roy wouldn’t be as brutal as he was shown (wanting to punch Jim out of impulse) and would he be more considered of Pams feelings and interests, he would deserve so much better. I always felt like it is unfair how Roy loves Pam and shows it, just for him getting replaced by Jim.

[@userrr_2312]

the thing with Roy and Pam was full toxic love. Yes, Roy loved Pam, but he was manipulative and controlling of Pam’s life. Also he didn’t even want her to persue her dreams of being an artist. Jim and Pam’s relationship is meant to be as realistic as possible, they just fell in love while Pam was engaged, because that happens in real life. Pam. Didn’t. felt. loved. by. Roy.! Im not defending being a cheater, but that shit happens and people do what their heart tells them. Oh, not to mention Roy saw Pam as an object and was agressive and a LACK of comprehension.

[@channel45853]

@@userrr_2312it seems like you are defending cheating, though

[@userrr_2312]

@@channel45853 i gave my point of view abt this topic. Roy wasn’t a good partner and Pam felt a connection with her best friend. im not defending cheaters at all, it’s just understanding that this things happen in real life and people fall in and out of love with each other and that doesn’t mean they are evil humans who deserve a horrible life.

[@carolinalopes7640]

If the situation was completly different than it would be a completetly different situation!

[@rosestar1324]

Neither relationships were good. A relationship with toxic or abusive people isn't good, and a relationship that starts with cheating isn't good either. They all need to stay single cuz clearly they aren't mature enough to be in a relationship lmao

[@אביתרמונזון]

What I like about Jim is his amazing people skills - he brings everyone in the office together, he can handle Mike while also making him feel welcome, and of course his relationship with Pam. But I do agree that Jim lacks the ambition to progress and be great. Thank you for changing my mind for the greater good.

[@EoinEoin45]

Your whole video is completely debunked by Jim taking a risk in trying to start up Athlead, but you say “that’s seasons boring” so it doesn’t count?

[@malaluly]

He didn't start up anything, his classmates did and he just jumped in.

[@SkuIIKn1ght]

@@malaluly He was involved in the Series A funding which is by definition the start up phase of a business, so he did objectively help start up Athlead, just because he wasn't the initial igniter doesn't devalue his contribution or his funding which if you remember was significantly more than any of his other friends did. I agree with most of video but I feel it's fair to give credit where it's due.

[@izzyshootsiphone]

Yea that doesn’t count because those were the seasons that the show was trying to give every character happy ending happily ever after goodbyes…. Except Creed lol

[@firefly9838]

Bro was like "oh that doesn't count"😂😂😂😂

[@RidleyWerla]

I don’t agree personally. I think Jim is very different then the rest of the characters, yes he has his flaws like everyone else but he is the most relatable and ends up living the life most of the fans could see themselves in the easiest. I mean if you look at where he ended up I think the argument falls flat that he doesn’t work hard or have dreams. He always did he just didn’t try at Dunder mifflin in early seasons cause he didn’t find purpose in it. Most characters didn’t really take the job serious or put serious effort into it anyways. I think Jim was more occupied with getting Pam in earlier seasons and once he got her he got more mature and the jokes with Dwight slowed down and Jim began to work towards his profession and created stronger relationships with the coworkers. Like I said I still respect your view of it but I see it very differently.

[@dovidnineteen1931]

Yeah, is it so wrong to work at a well-paying company for a while before chasing your aspirations?

[@satan9487]

and he worked when it came to actually benefitting him, when saber took over and the commissions were introduced he stepped up and made sales. All salesmen did it and thats what made the most sense. Normal everyday people dont really huntle unless it directly benefits them

[@Chaosgummi]

Ok so here is my two cents on Jim Halpert. When I first started watching The Office in 2018. Yes that's right. I mainly wanted to see why everyone loved this show so much. So as I was watching it, I liked Jim and his pranks on Dwight. But when I got to do a second rewatch of the show. That's when I notice Jim is more of a bully. A snake in the grass if you will. The fact he made Dwight's life at the office a living hell. And also the fact he sabotage Pam and Roy's relationship. And the whole Karen thing don't get me started on it. Jim honestly didn't deserve a happy ending. After finding this video, you got yourself a new subscriber. Have a good day.

[@andreyzhuchkov1882]

Come on man, sabotaging Roy’s and Pam’s relationship? Remember that Christmas party where Michael brought an iPod to the party and Roy told her that now he didn’t have to buy it. Sounds logical right but the delivery was quiet devastating and there were many those small moments of the relationship

[@DelQOTSA]

Roy sabotage that relationship himself. He was a crappy boyfriend, but gladly, he did learn with his past errors and became a decent guy towards the end of the show.

[@captaincrunch9926]

Almost every time he pranks Dwight it's because of something Dwight did or said. I will agree that Karen didn't deserve what happened to her, but what was he supposed to do? Just continue in a relationship he wasn't happy in? As for "sabotaging" Pam and Roy, Pam decided to leave Roy of her own free will. And it's not like Roy was a great guy, or a great partner to Pam. She says it herself, "there were a lot of reasons to call of my wedding".

[@sunbabbyyy1776]

@@captaincrunch9926 Jim knew he was in love with Pam and still got with Karen? He was supposed to stay single and sort his situation and his feelings out instead of a dumping another woman who truly cared for him and wanted to commit to him.

[@mienfu9824]

The fact that he sabotaged Pam and Roy's relationship is not a bad thing. Roy was treating Pam terribly, Jim just showed her she could do better in life.

[@justAstranger454]

The real question is why is averageness bad? why is him choosing to settle in a good paying job with health insurance a bad thing?

[@Smoomty]

because he is underachieving and it's not what he actually wants, it's what he settles for. It comes out of a sense of laziness, not fulfillment.

[@mfbandit7930]

Its not really that theres something wrong with him not trying, is that he gives shit or makes fun of anybody that does try.

[@AidanOnAir]

It's not the averageness, it's the fact that the averageness comes from from a place of fear and malcontent with his life and you can see his rage from it come out in his bullying of other members of the office which is never going to be okay.

[@justAstranger454]

@@AidanOnAir fair point ig

[@benjaminmeusburger4254]

"why is averageness bad" it is not - but is is not average but below average. Everybody need something he lives for e.g. hobby, friend, family. Even if it is solving crossword, puzzles, cooking, gaming etc Jim just makes fun of everybodies interest - irrelevant on what it is. At the same time he himself shows no interest in anything. Naturally! he is a blank slate and is used for the point of view for the audience, but there are simply too many seasons for that aspects to work. While every other character whos facettes and character he is still the blank slate. tbh I don't know anybody in real live who whould be so boring to talk to as Jim is displayed

[@danielsequerragagliardi318]

Many good points but: Characters dont need to be always consistent, its perfectly fine that Jim generrally doesnt care about the company but feels offended by josh, people are contradictory. Not having professional ambitions does not mean you dont have ambitions at all. Jim focused on his personal life until season 9, and thats all right. Yes, it is wrong to sabotage other peoples relationship, but roy and pams relationship was scripted to be a bad relationship. Considering what was Roy and Pam, i dont think Jim crossed major lines. But I agree with you that there is arrogance in him. I had an extremelly interesting experience working at an office year after watchibg the show, and I always figured I was Jim, because i thought I was sane, but once in the day to day life, some of my traits emerged and I was just as much of a caricature as anybody else. I was something of an Andy or a Ryan, and I am very proud of those days. My team was amazing, miss those guys.

[@OvidéBoily]

He’s so lame because he is not cut throat and doesn’t dedicate his life to a company. Your mind is rotted by corporations.

[@sampeak1605]

The thing about Jim is that he is the guy who is capable of doing the bare minimum and still getting promoted to c suite executive.

[@igoroliveira6725]

And all that just because of his looks

[@aolson1111]

He regularly had the highest sales in the office.

[@DABA2024]

When Andy tried to be ‘Drew’ and Jim is like ‘nah, how dare you re-invent yourself on my watch’. That was weak.

[@Notmyname979]

Nah Andy was pretty stupid for that.

[@aolson1111]

So you're a fan of compelled speech.

[@megabladechronicles962]

Jim wasn't angry at Josh for screwing over his company, he was angry because Josh's decision forced the Samford branch to shut down and causing every person in that office to either be transferred or fired.

[@giggityguns123]

I just rewatched the series again for the first time as an adult, and I feel you on the different interpretation point. When I was a kid I used to see Jim (and Pam by extension) as the cool, normal people who you’d actually get along with in the office. This time around, i noticed little details that make them come off as entitled, condescending, and sometimes pathetic; I still think they’re relatively the most relatable characters, but i no longer find them as cute or well-intentioned as i did. I think it speaks to what sets this show apart from all the other mockumentaries and sitcoms: the authenticity. It feels so plausible that you are watching real things happen that you can/ care to have a different perspective on it after repeat viewings

[@LeechWife]

As someone who is merely hanging on in my life, living from day to day doing what is necessary, Jim's fine. He is a lot worse as a person than people think and he's kind of a bully, but he's fine. I'm already Jim (without the bullying).

[@FluxSkies]

even tho I think like Jim Halpert as a character, you made some hella valid points. it was hella awkward but hilarious watching Jim go from straight laziness to damn near walking on eggshells around Charles Miner

[@natefergeson2390]

Just bad writing tbh they made Jim a loser for comedic relief

[@bigwizard914]

I don't agree that everyone's needs to "be something more." The most important thing in life is the legacy you leave behind. If you want that legacy to be one of wealth and prestige or accomplishment, then that is completely fine. But some of the greatest people I have known have just lived a quiet life, loved their spouse and/or friends, and left behind a legacy of love, quiet strength, and happy memories of game nights and fishing trips. There's nothing wrong with wanting your legacy to be the former or the latter, and not everyone needs to pursue the same legacy.

[@Smoomty]

I don't see why the most important thing in life is what you leave behind. Everything is going to be forgotten at some point so I think what you leave behind is the least important thing about a person. Ozymandias left a whole lot behind but it doesn't matter because it's all gone and forgotten (in the context of the poem at least).

[@dcaseng]

Jim was a bully, and he didn't care about his job at ALL. The moments he had that were designed to keep him from becoming a total bad guy felt a bit forced by the writers.

[@danielnidhiry5796]

the reason he didn't care bout his job s because he didn't like t unlike someone like dwight

[@GavinDougEgan8]

He made fun of Dwight to humble him or else he’d get too obnoxious annoying and bigoted he’s literally said that to Pam when he ask if she wants to prank Dwight with him

[@aolson1111]

He wasn't a bully and who gives a shit if he cares about his job. Are you a corporate bootlicker?

[@coneil72]

Bro, this says way more about you than about Jim. You don't understand why anyone would value loyalty to colleagues. You think lacking ambition at work means lacking ambition at life. You think Jim is his best self when he's literally neglecting his young family. All of this speaks to your values, not to his character.

[@danhom1623]

Jim is a butt plug and also a fictional character.

[@michaelphillips7817]

Great video, but I read Jim's judgement of Josh very differently. Josh leveraged his position to get a better paid job, and in doing so left his subordinates in the uncertain position of being downsized. I don't think Jim is worried about the company's investment in Josh, but that Josh screwed over the people he worked with whereas Michael clearly cares (maybe too much) about the people who work under him.

[@chuck9693]

Bro really does not like Jim

[@dawg9991]

I wouldn't blame Jim as much because, at the end of the day, he means well.

[@OctagonalSquare]

I think they hoped that the change of him being the “I don’t care” guy to giving a shit and trying hard at the end would feel like major character development, but they did it so suddenly and at the end when people already stopped caring so it just feels weird

[@IHATEFAVORITES]

Jim is the diet April Ledgate in that sense lol

[@DibbzTV]

Jim is just the popular guy type who doesn’t have the cutthroat mentality to truly succeed in business. However, I do think he is an extremely good people person (leadership) and cares about his team. Nobody’s perfect

[@TheRiku57]

Pobody’s nerfect

[@DeepenWadhwa]

Finally someone put into words (and a well thought out video) what I have thought for years now. Jim is the average loser never want to be. Great video! Shows often manipulate us into liking or disliking certain characters to fit their story arc. Karen is always cool in my eyes as well.

[@Lili-xq3og]

Yes, although I like his character, there are so many things I also dislike. His sense of superiority and minimizing everyone else except for Pam, how he was the man who would get with your girl, just like the camera men who flirted with Pam or the girl who flirted with Jim, how instead of communicating in a mature, proper manner to resolve certain issues he decided to prank people because, again, his sense of superiority (when he was having a hard time time dealing with Andy) making him believed he had the right to do so, how he treated Karen, how he would guilt trip Pam sometimes, and probably other things I can’t remember. I think they made a genuine nice version of him at the end of the season: Pete. Pete was more understanding of the people around him, not just those who interested him, although they just show him for a short time.

[@Player2_1_0]

straight man boss? charles was an egotistical idiot who was very bad at his job and had a horrible personality. he treated his subordinates like teachers treat elementary school students. didn't guide his workers, did none of his work in solving his subordinate's issues and somehow was frustrated with the lack if results.

[@lost_times]

I'd say the Josh comment was towards the fact that Josh choosing to leave, he is putting the jobs of people he works with in jeopardy. Nowadays we have a more individualistic and 'take care of yourself' view of it, but specially in the series, they try to reinforce this idea of a work family/good office culture that doesn't exist in real life. So I'd say Jim sees it as Michael would never advance his career risking Scranton's workers jobs.

[@Doccywho124]

I agree with you on oretty much everything except the idea that he wears Pam down. I always got the sense he was happy to be in her company. Its a difficult situation many people have been in. He cant ask her to keave her partner but enjoys spending tine with her

[@chickenpotpie4045]

I hear what you're saying, but the question I have for you, and my teachers, what is this 'potential' you see in me/Jim? What exactly more do you see for me that I could want or need? Jim made enough money to pay his bills and live comfortably. If the argument is that Jim has no life outside of the office, we don't see anyone else's life either. Jim did make stupid mistakes with women, who among us hasn't? I agree, Karen is superior to Pam in almost every metric, but just like a ham and cheese sandwich, you like what you like, and he got what he liked. No, Jim was not Dwight, that's the interesting hole in your theory, there was a tryhard in the office, right next to the slacker, and it made no difference. Dwight tried as hard as he could, he was the top salesman almost always, and it never made the slightest difference, he was always on the same level as Jim, in fact, Jim was promoted before Dwight. The only time Dwight made any progress in life was when he was able to leverage his inheritance (farm) to purchase the building, and even then, he never managed to make anything more of it than it already was. He ended up with the same terrible woman he didn't want, married on his farm, nothing gained, despite all the risk he took. It's just not necessary to tryhard, and even if you do, the most difference you'll make is marginal. There's a reason why some people are where they are, most of it isn't hard work, it's aptitude, they're good at it because they're good at it, not because they try their hardest every day. It's not politically correct to say, but we're not equal, and some people are just better than others. That's why you don't like Jim, you see someone objectively superior to you, that you know you are not, and you know that no matter how hard you try, you cannot be him, so you pretend to not want it. (I don't mean this to sound personal, as we're strangers on the internet, but I don't know a nicer way to explain this) In this entire video, Jim's "failure" in life, is not taking life as seriously as you'd want lmao some of us don't have to try that hard bro, it's ironic you included the Charles Minor quote, "I'm aware of the effect I have on women", because it embodies the point I'm making. Also, that is the reason Charles clashed with Jim only, no one else, only Jim, because only Jim is on Charles' level, and Charles recognized that very quickly. Also also, yes Jim did suck up to Charles with the FOOTBALL bit, but there is a slight difference there, Jim was trying to make up lost ground, Charles already didn't like him and he was trying to change that. Unlike with Charles and David, where they were already in good standing and Charles sucks up even more, to curry MORE favor, Jim was just trying to get back to even.

[@userrr_2312]

i think we’re the same person. I agree 100% with you :) People are mad at Jim and Pam’s choices because they are realistic and people have their own choices even if it’s “not the right one”

[@SmeagolTheGreat]

The thing is, Jim isn't written to be the perfect main guy. He just lures you into thinking that it in the beginning due to his charm, but the more you think about it, the more faults you realize he has. I do believe this to be intentional, all the contradictions, him seeing himself as better as all the others while actually just slacking, sucking up up to his boss but making fun of others when they do it, there are people out there like this. He has built his own risk free comfort zone, in which he feels superior. He is not the perfect nice guy, and that is fine. All of the Office characters have their flaws, why should Jim be the only exception?

[@irmaoitsover]

I feel like he is one of the most realistic characters in the show, he puts on this facade of superiority that is in fact really shallow, and to that i say: isn't that what most people do?

[@marvymarv959]

He’s not charming tho. He’s fake. He thinks hes the normal cool guy but he’s just as weird as his coworkers. Maybe worse because he judges them then smiles in their faces.

[@SmeagolTheGreat]

@marvymarv959 Exactly. In the short run the charm works on people in the show, but as a viewer you get that it's not entirely real, but more a personality he chose to get through the work day.

[@randomperson8405]

Videos like this are what I point to whenever people try to judge history by today's standards. People act like they know what it was like hundreds of years ago and videos like this help me prove that people don't even know what it was like a decade ago.

[@adelio3168]

Watched this show for years and never looked at it the way you described. You are spot on!

[@superman10501]

I looked up Jim Halpert after scrolling thru my tinder profile photos and realized I made a Jim face. I’ve watched the show in its entirety and came to relive the glory days. Interesting take on my favorite character, I’ll say that.

[@Maccccccc]

I think that's what makes the Office great is that all these different characters can be looked at from different perspectives and they all have good and bad qualities.

[@SkuIIKn1ght]

I've seen multiple videos on multiple characters in the office and "why they're awful or worse than you remember" and I feel like once you really break it down almost every character in this show is an asshole in some way which is very true to life, that's why the Office was as successful as it was, it exposed the best and the worst about the average every day wage worker.

[@prince2motordu]

For me, the show talks about how everyone is full of flaws but deserves to be loved and to find their place in a community despite these flaws. That's why it's so heartwarming

[@BGTTO]

I'm a first 7 seasons Jim. I never really tried to get out of mediocrity, I was the gifted boy when I was young, I was a valedictorian in high school, then life just happens. I tried to find satisfaction in the stupidest things. I'm 31 and I'm still the guy in the office who doesn't try to be the top 1, I know I can, I just don't care.

[@P1CKL3_RICK]

Damn, you suck

[@lestergreen360]

😎😎😎

[@hannahbuzil3270]

I always felt really weird about Jim buying a house without Pam knowing. Maybe in the world of sitcoms it makes sense, but in the real world I can't imagine making such a huge financial and personal decision alone being received well. I will say though, I think Jim was right about Josh's decision to leverage his new position. I think it was less about "loyalty to the company" and more about how his decision meant his entire branch would be laid off. So he's effectively screwing over all the people that worked for him, who thought their jobs were safe. Overall, great video!

[@elbowache]

Yes! I hate Jim! Watching the show as an adult, I love Michael and Dwight and Jim and Pam seem like such losers. I do this thing where I imagine that Dwight and Michael know the absurdity of what they say and do and think it's hilarious, and, suddenly they become so easy to empathize with and love. Whereas Jim is this begrudging loser who totally crossed the line in courting Pam. Like bro, she's engaged. If she wants to ruin her and Roy's lives by knowingly entering a loveless marriage, that's her shitty decision.

[@Vman_95]

I feel like Dwight had best charector development throughout the show. He was always loyal to micheal, snitching on everyone for most minor things, but when he realised micheal never thought of him as branch manager and jim instead, he even became part of doing office shenanigans with the co workers🔥💯

[@CaseyPalinkas]

This is one of the things I love about this show. You can define every character, but a lot of people will give reasons to hate, shame, and criticize the character. No one in The Office is a good person period. As someone who sees the show with many angles you can defend AND attack the character both ways. All in all this show feels realistic because not only do we see these characters as the people in our own everyday lives, especially in work environments. I relate the most to Pam inside and out, and if one was to put my life as a show like The Office people would still have the same opinions as how one would have about Pam.

[@gummyjet]

I think Jim symbolizes the viewer being seemingly normal compared to everyone else. I think Jim’s character shows the path of someone who isn’t wildly successful and not super funny or talented but succeeds in the right environment.

[@rottenkittenparvo]

no i have to disagree, Jim has self awareness which most of the cast doesn't. Most of the men too lmao.

[@user-kb8qw7dy4t]

I've never seen this show, but Jim sounds like everyone in an executive position everywhere.

[@satan9487]

we saw this when charles, david, dwight and jim were discussing about what to do about michael scott paper co. Dwight kept seriously bringing up absurd ideas and it weirded charles out. Jim was more business-y, knew hot to carry himself etc

[@userrr_2312]

I could talk for hours about this topic. Jim and Pam’s relationship is meant to be realistic! I just cannot hear people saying “Jim is an asshole, he broke off Pam and Roy’s engagement” or “Pam is a b*tch by flirting while being engaged” … I think those who say this things literally missed the whole point of their story. Their story is meant to be real. And those things happen in real life! And people who fell in love while being with another person aren’t “evil” they just felt that connection. Also, that argument of jim and pam being idiots for breaking off pam and roy’s relationship is stupid. Roy was manipulative, aggressive, ignorant fiancé. Pam organized their whole wedding, she couldn’t even talk about her day just because she KNEW Roy didn’t care abt that. Oh, not to mention Roy didn’t care abt Pam until she went off with Jim, which indicated Roy saw her as an object of possession. If Roy was a nice man, of course i would feel really bad for him while watching the show, but he wasn’t. To clarify, im not defending cheaters at all, it’s just understanding that this things happen in real life and people fell in and out of love with each other and that doesn’t mean they are evil humans who deserve a horrible life. I LOVE Jim and Pam, together and as two individuals, i love their lifestories and their whole personality!

[@Notmyname979]

People are mad at jim for shooting his shot but I’m pretty sure he would’ve walked away if he saw that Roy and Pam were actually happy together. I’m not pissed he went for her, he deserved her way more than he did. And besides the real choice was made by Pam when he left anyways. If she didn’t want him all this time him leaving wouldn’t have changed that. Protecting the integrity of a relationship shouldn’t apply to crappy ones.

[@userrr_2312]

@Notmyname979 100%!! Anyone who knows Jim's way of being would know what you mean!! Im glad to listen to this, there's so many people who idk, have the idea of "perfect love". The movie "500 days with summer" gets the same kind of hate. People simply don't understand the depth of being connected to someone and the many ways of finding love!

[@Notmyname979]

@@userrr_2312 yes seriously. People don’t think soulmates exist because they honestly have never met theirs yet. But when you meet that person your feelings are very different and very distinct from all the other people you’ve met before. The problem is a lot of people try to search for their soulmate in every person they meet but they don’t understand is it’s really just a gut feeling and not something you can convince yourself to develop after a few dates. It’s a very distinct feeling and you’ll know it when you feel it. If you’re confused or need a few dates to figure out if you’re into this person or not they’re honestly probably just another casual relationship tbh. Ive felt that love at first sight kinda feeling so I know it’s real and everyone else pales in comparison. I think that’s what Pam meant when she said after that date with Kelly’s neighbor that when she falls in love again she’ll know. So I really think she got lucky and met her soulmate right before she married the wrong guy. Pam and Roy were horrible together and should’ve ended long ago even without Jim in the picture tbh. And if I’m being totally honest I think even if roy was a good bf to her she probably still wouldve left him because at the end of the day the attraction just wasn’t there for him. She didn’t know she could feel a much stronger level of attraction until she met Jim I think. The feelings just also weren’t there on Roy’s end which is why he treated Laura way better than he did Pam. I think Roy like Pam struggles with complacency and married Pam because it was just what he was expected to do next especially after dating her for so long. People say Jim and Pam went from friends to lovers but I disagree with that. I don’t think they were ever friends tbh they pretended to be friends there’s a difference. But it was clear from the very first episode they were both secretly attracted to each other. I think Pam knew long ago she liked Jim she just didn’t actually go for it until she had confirmation from Jim. Until then it wasn’t really an option so she didn’t wanna acknowledge her own feelings. Plus it takes courage to leave your fiancé and face the criticism for that and we all know courage is not really Pam’s strong suit. We never got to see her reaction after the casino night before Jim left but I’m sure she stewed about it for a while. It just took him leaving to really scare her real feelings into coming out. I think she broke up with Roy right after he left because I guess she thought it would bring him back. Jim didn’t hear about this but once he did he likely already decided then and there he would go back and try again because if he truly believed he had no chance with Pam he could’ve went to New York or left DM all together. Or he could’ve went to Philly to be a sports writer like he’s always wanted. Scranton wasn’t his only choice. He’s not an idiot. I’m sure he knew Pam breaking up with Roy right after he kissed her is not a coincidence. He’s been trying to convince her to leave him for years. Not just for himself but also because he probably didn’t want the girl he loved to be treated that way. He wanted Pam more than Philly so he made up his mind to go back. He took Karen to keep some distance between him and Pam because it’s gonna be awkward and he likely didn’t wanna look like a sore loser. But his real motivation for going back to Scranton was clear. He wanted to see what was going on with Pam and if things would be different for them now that Roy was no longer in the picture. Now Pam had nothing holding her back so I think Jim wanted to see how she would behave now. Jim makes it seem easy but he really does think things through.

[@Notmyname979]

@@userrr_2312 people do this all the time marry someone that treats them well but they’re not really strongly attracted to because they think it’s not necessary or that it will develop over time. What usually ends up actually developing is more of a friendship because if there’s no physical attraction it’s platonic really. They’re never really fulfilled and know they settled. It’s fine until they meet someone they are actually attracted to down the line and then feel the desire to step out of their marriage and regret marrying the wrong person. Women especially I notice do this more than men and will pass this along as advice to other women too. I’m a woman and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told to marry a man that treats me well and the attraction will come later. It never does because then I just feel guilty and know deep down I am convincing myself to be attracted to this person. Caring for someone is not the same as being attracted to them. One can be developed. The other one I feel like is either there or it’s not. Most people would rather settle because it’s easier to do that then wait for years for something you have to experience to be sure it exists I guess. I’ve experienced it but in my case he didn’t end up liking me back so whether or not you can experience it multiple times I don’t know. So far it’s been about 7 yrs so we’ll see I guess lol. So far they’ve all been Karen’s for me so who knows if I’ll ever meet my Pam. Anyways sorry for my entire rant. But thanks for reading if you made it this far.

[@userrr_2312]

@@Notmyname979 "sorry"?? What? This is actually one or THE best conversation I've had on youtube hahah. Sorry for replying so late, I dont have yt notifications activated! I agree so so much with every topic you touch, sincerely we think so much alike! The only think I doubt is I dont really know if Jim knew Pam would break off everything with Roy. I've seen The Office five times and I still see the lost faith Jim had in the whole situation. Also, I always thought that Jim saw how Karen liked him and convinced himself to be in a relationship. Even though I do think Jim was attracted to Karen, it seemed that he started more the relationshio to forget about Pam than because of real love. I absolutely hate when people talk about Roy or Karen, they both had a good ending!! And I agree with you absolutely on Roy's marriage with that new woman (dont remember the name), anyone could notice how much Roy changed since he now actually fell in love. Moving on to the next topic lol, Im so used to the "be with the guy who loves you, not the guy you love" and i disagree so so much with that phrase. Love is a connection between two souls, that doesnt mean its forever, but its the choices you make to decide whether its forever or not. I know many couples who are like friends but both fell in love with another person at their teenage years, but they CHOSE to marry each other. A similar example would be the plot in 'The Notebook'. Ally had a wonderful relationship with Lon, the military guy, even though he loved her and treated her lovely, she didnt felt the connection she felt with Noah. I've talked with many old couples who say that after years and years of being together they are more "friends/partners" than lovers. I think that sucks. I actually have the luck to have grandparents who broke that tradition. They have been together for 54 years and everyday they seem more in love than yesterday. I've always question if my passion for love came from them. They kiss, laugh and help each other besides from being best friends, I think that is the purest form of love I've ever seen. Love doesn't mean you won't fight or disagree with your partner nor they are your "other half". Love means that you want the other person with all of their flaws and both accept the other half missing. Back again with Jim and Pam, I think the same, they were never friends. They had blasting times with each other but those moments were born from love, never friendship. Im in my fifth round of watching this sitcom and I still cry with them as I did the first time. Love is such a big concept, topic, feeling and act. I've never been in love and im scared to haha. Im scared that its not as romantic as I think it is, Im scared real life love is going to disappoint me. We'll see! I do have a strong opinon it the "being in love" topic. I do think if its not reciprocal, its not love, its obsession. Many friends when discussing about this tell me 'obsession' is a strong word to use, but I disagree. When someone falls in love with someone who doesnt love them back, its more likely an obsession with the space between the two of them. That feeling of knowing the other person is not in love with you but you think that eventually they will realize how much you love them and the would finally love you back. That way of thinking its not love. Its obsession. I fell in love with a friend for 7 years (my whole adolescence) and when I realize they would never love me back I saw that it was more of an obsession of them not realizing that im such a good match for them than being in love. Being in love is feeling trusted and secure, if its not reciprocal those two feelings will never be there, which would mean love is not on the picture, but obsession. Do you think obsession is a strong word to use? And, have you ever been in love?

[@nightwing8890]

He wasn't the dude that was waiting for Pam to break up, he was just helplessly in love with his best friend which isn't something to blame him for. He gave it everything to move on(until he didn't and that I truly blame him for because Karen was treated very poorly), but if they were both ready for a relationship and madly in love I don't think as a third person he's that hateable, but yeah if I was Roy it'd piss me off but then he was also a terrible boyfriend.

[@graphicalgraphics6959]

Jim doesn't seem to care much about his job however anytime sales records are shown hes usually second best to Dwight and especially shined when Sable took over and gave major incentives to salesmen. Plus, the only reason he didn't take the promotion in New York was Pam. Jim's reaction to josh is pretty normal, he seems to treat the company like people treat acquaintances. You wouldn't go far out of your way to help an acquaintance, but you wouldn't want to see them screwed over either. Lets also not forget that if Roy was serious about Pam he would have locked it down. Plus Jim didn't start dating Pam until much later in the show after Jim had dated someone else and Pam was single for a long time.

[@thecategoricalcringeperative]

*Michael Scott meme* “THANK YOU!!!” But, for real, this is something I’ve also come to realize over the years. When I was in my early twenties and trying to figure out who I was, Jim played a formative influence on me deciding what a “nice guy” was like (ie, when that was still seen as a virtue and not in the way we see it now). After years of people pleasing, self-suppression, feigned humility, and passive-aggressive tendencies, my personal, professional, and romantic life were hell: I was full-on living life for everyone else around me and subconsciously building more and more resentment year by year. It all eventually culminated in a massive life course alteration in my late twenties, where I was forced to confront who I really was and wanted out of my life. Through my own reflection and also therapy, I identified this “nice guy” archetype I got from Jim as particularly problematic element in my psychology that was keeping me back from chasing my dreams and cherishing relationships where people actually loved me for me rather than just my ability to make their lives better. It’s been a long road, but god am I happy I gave that life up. That said, I agree with you entirely: now, when I watch The Office, Jim (and Pam and “JimAndPam”) are polar opposite of how I used to see them. Jim is, indeed, a world-class underachiever who adamantly takes enjoyment in his perceived superiority to his very normal people coworkers, whom he relates to almost exclusively in a condescending manner. He outrightly disrespects the boundaries of Pam and Roy’s relationship (regardless of “context,” this is an important point) and, then, shows his true colors with what he later does to Karen, who absolutely did not deserve that (but, I now see, *she* dodged a bullet in the situation, so good on her after all). Both Jim and Pam’s character arcs redeem them a little bit, but, yeah, I think a mentally healthy person who watches this show now actually sees that Michael and Dwight are simply phenomenally human characters who were, despite all eccentricity, genuinely good through and through. Perhaps, shortly, it could best be said as this: if you had a real life Jim in your life, you’d think he was a somewhat pathetic loser at best and a smug a**hole at worst.

[@blackbountyca4644]

I hard disagree and some of what you said made no sense 😂

[@eddie992]

99.9% of people are average. I’m average, the person who made this video is average. I don’t get why you are so afraid of Jim when you’re just as average as him.

[@cardinalcar]

It’s the apathy I think

[@mucusmovies8429]

I don’t think it’s because he’s average, it’s just that he’s a complete asshole and acts like he’s better than everyone else, ALL THE TIME

[@priam2882]

It's being average and being comfortable being average. That 99.9% shouldn't like being average, and jim 1. thinks being average makes him better and 2. Doesn't try to be more. 99.9% of people are average but trying trying makes it okay, not trying and looking down on others for trying is lame loser behavior

[@Ms.Nosferatu-ht2mk]

Jim is a bully and has always been my least favorite character. 😅

[@G.A.M.E.R.-]

Average isn’t really a thing, it’s more of a concept people have of mediocrity. Just do what makes you happy and who cares if it’s perfect

[@hpatss4966]

I do get like most of your points, however I will say the situation with Josh Porter definitely would’ve pissed me off bc his hiding the whole affair caused a branch to be shut down and for everyone’s lives to change in that office. That’s what he’s mad about. That’s why he said he knows Michael wouldn’t do something like hide that info and cause the branch to be shut down without much remorse.

[@regant123]

I rooted for Jim in the early seasons against Dwight but as the seasons went on, he has more harmful, hurtful, elaborate pranks and I start to root for dwight

[@Pickle_Dave]

this is the first video ive seen of yours and watched every second. keep up the hard work.

[@romanmiradeorduna]

The whole show is about perspectives, different lifestyles and priorities/motivations. Jim’s motivation was Pam and that’s what he chose to build his life around.

[@owenflibbert8019]

All characters have flaws and I think this opinion is a manifestation of your own beliefs on what you want in life and not the character. Everyone in the show ends up with a happy ending (besides Toby) and they all have their own paths that lead their. That’s life, there are many ways to succeed and many definitions of success

[@gabyjuen]

I want this comment to be a huge "THAT'S THE JOKE" gif (McBain, The Simpson) All your analysis is exactly what the series portrays and show in a pretty obvious way...

[@adamsullivan1576]

i think that being unambitious, especially in your work life, is perfectly fine. my own priorities were elsewhere in my life. instead of focusing on a career, I focused my energy on self fulfillment, prioritising the relationship of my dreams, and finding a balance in my life where I'm happy. people put too much stock into their career, when its only a small part of your life.

[@LeechWife]

The thing about Jim is that he is not made into a complete idiot in every day situations like Dwight. And I'm not talking about being socially awkward. Dwight is so ridiculously childlish, even if he is supposed to be an intelligent man in certain areas of life, and compared to Dwight Jim just gets it. Some of Dwight's ideas and thoughts are just too dumb to be believable and makes the show dumber.

[@owenflibbert8019]

Exactly, I don’t understand all this recent Dwight love. He says unbelievably dumb and often bigoted stuff on a frequent basis and people act like he was some normal guy being picked on

[@ladybees5660]

Roy was toxic as hell btw, and not everyone has to be the most ambitious person ever. Some people are just okay with a normal job and time to spend with their loved ones. Jim is absolutely the most realistic character I ever seen

[@sakeondeez]

Just like you, i rewatched the office a couple times now and with every rewatch i started to dislike jim more and more. didn't quite know why but you summed it up really well here in my opinion. also the weird face at the camera he does really started to piss me off for some reason, probably because it shows exactly what you mean with him thinking he is above it all when in reality, he is not.

[@popo-jw2xb]

Nah ngl if you’re gonna say at the start “I’ve grown older and began to interpret the characters differently” but then proceed to complain abt jim seeing himself as “better” than everyone else shows you really just ain’t mature at all lol, you missed the whole point of his character. Also yoooo you cannot be a normal human being and take Roy’s side… that’s crazy

[@kyadavys187]

Jim always struck me as the kid at school who wasn't popular but wasn't a complete outcast, he did some "funny" and wacky stuff that a lot of people at the time would laugh about. But in the end, he just becomes unforgettable and you barley remember him or his antics. I also thought he was quite creepy and the typical "I'm a nice guy" type around Pam, who was also not great but really was trying to put up boundaries with him - he got away with it though because he's good looking. Best believe if someone like Kevin tried it, he would be criticized

[@brandona25]

Jim’s writing is actually pretty spot on for his generation. Coasting until responsibility was thrust upon him in the form of a child and a wife who required his support. His ambition reawakened and his career blossomed, fueled by the knowledge he could not fail, not for himself, but his family.

[@msturley]

The whole point of the show is to make people realise there is more to life than just work. You need a family, friends etc. Jim is undoubtedly the biggest winner in the whole show. He got the girl he wanted and started a family with her. Yeah he kissed ass with some bosses and he spent years in a mediocre job, but this isn’t some fairytale, that will reflect the majority of viewers lives. In the end he follows his dream and creates a business in something he has always wanted to do and he still chooses Pam and his family over it. Trust me, having a family with the love of your life is the biggest win you can get.

[@jesseoverdijk318]

this is the most American take ever

[@bengovrik]

Peep the Friday night lights and 4:44 music in the back, subbed

[@coolchameleon21]

most people are average and live average lives, that’s why it’s called “average”. you talking down to 99% of the population who are just trying to get by and not make work their entire life is telling. you criticize jim for acting like he’s better than other people when you do the same thing lmao

[@satan9487]

its a youtuber who never worked a traditional job in his life cause he became an "influencer" what do you expect?

[@jaredschmidt8013]

I always found it kind of scummy how Jim knowingly flirted with another man’s fiancé but then would cower in fear the few times he was around that man. He’s kind of a weasel.

[@laurellewis5284]

this was a great analysis! you pointed out things I really never thought to consider. I enjoyed this thoroughly. you deserve more subs!!

[@GeddyRC]

I’ll expand upon what you said, as I agree with all of it. Pam was also a loser, boring, flat, satisfied with being boring. Then just as she’s about to claw her way out and make something more of herself going back to school, she throws in the towel and goes back to being boring. Jim and Pam were meant for each other. Just look at Karen! She was fun, tried to get Jim out of his comfort zone, eventually found that dentist and they were skydiving and all that (pictures in her office), she found her match. And so did Jim and Pam, two boring rubes that can be boring and mediocre together. Match made in heaven.

[@kingofdragons7]

Not everyone needs goals and ambitions in life

[@barbiek612]

The reason why you don't like him is the reason I like him lol. There's always that one guy who just have a high ego but in the same time has a lot of potencial, but because of always being smart, he's just too lame and show up as a waste of potencial. I like how every character represent a stereotyped individual and they do it so well, because in the end of the day they are just people like everyone else

[@genericusername_Xx]

I disagree that Jim wouldn’t be likable if he was with normal people. Charles is an exception but all the other normal people like him the warehouse guys, Wallace, the Stanford branch etc

[@genericusername_Xx]

David Wallace I mean

[@genericusername_Xx]

And that one guy who I forget his name but hes the one who shuts down Sabre and tries to fire Dwight

[@owenflibbert8019]

He’s the most normal guy in the office. He’s a reflection of the typical office worker who’s apathetic of their job and just wants to go home and enjoy their personal time

[@lanceexe5685]

i think focusing on jims view of dunder mifflin as a character flaw is misguided. a lot of people id even say the vast majority of people just want a steady pay check and stability and jn a dull boring office work space it can break down your aspirations.

[@spxrri]

the show constantly promotes the idea of an average life and staying in your familiar comfort zone being a good thing and i hate that about it.

[@dooderman8361]

Yea the sports analogy was spot on, it’s the guy who got away with not trying because they had natural talent, but eventually that person has to realize no amount of natural talent is enough if you don’t put any effort into something

[@owenflibbert8019]

Only if you view your life as a sports game and not more than that lol

[@playlistgod1244]

With Jim, him not being ambitious is because he's meant to be in some way relatable to when you have a job you're good at but not passionate about at all, where you can advance but you'd be just as unhappy with possibly more work if you did. There isn't really anything wrong with working to live rather than living to work. Sometimes the people around you are the only way you can find joy in a job, which explains why he stayed. I think he said he didn't have dreams because he never considered pursuing the dreams he did have as he didn't have the idea yet (of Athlead) and probably saw that lifestyle of suddenly getting to be an important, well earning, pioneering decision maker at a company doing something few get to do (work with famous athletes) in a field he's passionate about (sports) as very unrealistic and unattainable. Even when him and Pam compared their dream lifestyles, from his lack of trying to get the career that would have been his dream at that time, we can conclude that either being with Pam was so significantly more important to him that he didn't want to pursue it for fear of never getting their opportunity to be with her, he didn't even have any other dreams until he was with her because nothing else would have given him the happiness that their bond did, or his morale was so drained from the day in day out of being a paper salesman he just didn't mentally have energy at the end of the day and might not have seen a realistic way to get to the dreams he mentions later. I agree he'd be a nightmare guy for your gf to be friends with if she was his Pam, but I think people rooted for Jim and Pam and people, for the most part, like them together because Jim and Pam actually do seem better for each other than Pam and Roy. Jim loved spending time with Pam and taking an interest in her interests, whereas Roy would much rather be paying attention to other things and it seemed like for him, being Pam's boyfriend or fiancé was almost like a hassle to him that he puts up with, like he's settling for Pam in his eyes, and it's heavily indicated that it's not a phase either, he's been like that for years and Pam was essentially just a very patient, loyal understanding girlfriend for those years (until she kissed Jim which she shouldn't have done while in another relationship). Also Pam did seem to like Jim but like he suspected she seemed hesitant to risk throwing away a years long relationship with someone she was going to marry for a work flirtation, and ultimately Jim couldn't make the decision for her, she had to make it herself. From what we see, unless it's doing something he's passionate about, Jim's not particularly a hard worker but will work hard for the particular things that he is passionate about (Athlead and Pam/his family). I'd say that's actually quite normal and there's a lot of people who struggle to find a career available to them that would actually make them happy, and material things may not really appeal to them. I think this is why Jim was so hung up on Pam, she was the only thing (person in this case) in his life he knew he could be happy if he had since he had gotten to know her and had a really genuine connection and bond with her, and as soon as he got her that was basically true (he was happy). He only really was unhappy with his career after that (makes sense since he's still going to spend a lot of his life working) and it was only when the extremely unlikely opportunity to have a career that would increase his happiness became a contender for his time and energy that him and Pam started having issues because she was having to raise their kids alone with him being away so much. I agree with some what of your take - he likely would be a cool and funny colleague to work with if the person he isn't making of is you, but for most people, if they had to work with him, he would likely be tiring and annoying sometimes which we see some of the other characters feel about him sometimes (like with the finer things club), especially with how he thinks he's better than everyone and too cool for their interests. I think after Athlead he probably would have been able to become more well rounded in his interests since he has things in his life that make him happy, which can make it easier to also appreciate other things. With how he sees Michael, I think Jim sees things that way because he is just not typically a corporate hustle culture guy. He doesn't really indicate that he sees a lot of value in the idea of being able to have more material things (unlike Michael or Dwight for example, or most of the other characters really bar maybe Pam) and what he's valuing about Michael is his loyalty and how he values other people that make the company (he can be a dickhead at times but he does value people in general which is why he manages to be successful managing the Scranton branch despite his crazy behaviour), he's not valuing being a wage slave to company, and he's valuing Michael for being loyal, not the company itself as a corporate entity that he thinks is deserving. What you have to consider about Jim is that he is essentially also staying at Dunder Mifflin for the people (well likely Pam in particular for a long time).

[@gravitysnegative1962]

Jim’s interactions with Pam were honestly slimeyin the first season. Especially when Roy leaves early and asks Jim to look after Pam for him. He then immediately makes out with Pam.

[@milkenwood6150]

i don't like jim either but for different reasons, mainly bullying dwight and calling it "pranking"

[@Outta-hz1ej]

I watched The Office for the first time and Jim was honestly by far the most grating character to me. Constantly having to get the last word, and downright demeaning, but my friends looked at me crazy when I said he was a jerk

[@SaucyLiving]

Damn....I really regret watching this video now.

[@DABA2024]

The more you re-watch it, the worse Jim and Pam get.