What’s up everyone? Welcome back to my blog!
This week, we dive into half of arguably the most famous couple in TV history…
*spoilers may appear from this point forward*
Jim Halpert, played by John Krasinski, is another one of the main characters from The Office, next to Dwight and Michael. As mentioned in the last blog, Jim is famous for his constant pranks on Dwight. However, there is more to Jim’s character than just a jokester who has a crush on the receptionist.
Jim, too, has many roles on the show. He is a salesman, husband, father, an avid sports-fan, and also… well, for a few episodes, that is… both a co-head of the Party Planning Committee and co-Manager. When something needs done (that Dwight doesn’t volunteer for), Jim typically is the person who takes it on. He is a leader in the office, as well as someone who his coworkers look to for help and a few laughs.
With all that said, it wouldn’t do Jim justice to give no mention of his countless pranks on Dwight. When we meet Jim in “Pilot,” we almost immediately notice how bored Jim is. He truly hates his job. Because of this, Jim pranks Dwight to pass the time. This turns into a huge theme in many episodes, as Jim finds different ways to push Dwight’s buttons, legitimately to his breaking point. In fact, as the series progresses, Jim is able to include others, including his wife, Pam. However, what is most impressive about Jim’s abilities is that he was once able to mess with Dwight even when they weren’t working at the same branch.
Even with the many, many pranks, we see a very deep, caring version of Jim as the series progresses; this, in my opinion, is his best trait. Many people think he only cares for Pam. However, this is not the case. When Dwight is struggling through a break up with Angela, Jim does the best he can to let Dwight know that he’ll be alright.
And then there’s Pam. In Seasons 1 through 3, Jim is in love with Pam, who is (painfully) dating a warehouse worker named Roy. Although he tries to win her over, he fails at first. However, this does not deter Jim; the thing about Jim is he not only knows what he wants, but he knows his strengths. He understands how he can make the office run smoother and how he can make Pam happy. Eventually, Pam sees this too. This leads to Jim’s heartfelt speech at their wedding, and two of the few scenes that (admittedly) always make me cry.
So yes, Jim can be known for his pranks and the many times he glances at the camera during episodes. However, there is a much deeper, more sentimental side to him as well; if we do not take a moment to appreciate it, then we will totally miss out on who Jim is as a person.
So thank you for reading! Hope to see you all back again next week.
Oh, and for your convenience, some more of Jim’s best pranks can be found here.
I thought you did a really good job with this post and explaining all the dynamics of the character. Your visuals were good and meaningful and matched up with what you were talking about. I especially enjoyed all of the links out because it shows scenes and real examples of everything you are talking about and this makes the reader more engaged into not only your blog post, but also to the show.
I love the title for your blog post, that is one of my favorite scenes from the earlier seasons of The Office. When Michael calls Jim into his office and sits him down and Jim plays along when Michael says Jimothy is one of the many moments that make The Office a great show, and I think that scene perfectly encapsulates at least part of Jim’s character on the show. I can painstakingly admit that Jim’s speech at the wedding gets me too, as I’ve seen that episode countless time, and I can’t help from getting choked up when I see it. I’m glad you mentioned the glancing at the camera as well, as that is one of the things that makes Jim a terrific, enjoyable character.
Your blog is super fun to read because I’m obsessed with this show. Jim is definitely one of my favorite characters and I like how you explain the two sides of him (the joker but also the super nice guy in the office). Also like that you admitted that the Jim and Pam scene makes you cry because honestly it makes us all cry!
Hi Matt! I really enjoyed reading this post! I’m honestly really disappointed to admit this, but I haven’t fully watched all of The Office yet… I’ve only see a few episodes here and there. However, I have seen enough to realize your post is very accurate. From what I’ve watched, Jim is so funny and caring, so I totally agree with what you’re saying. Also, I love how you mentioned how painfully awful Roy was. Honestly he was the worst. Anyway, I thought you did a great job explaining Jim, and I hope to read more from you! Great job!