Jim and Pam’s relationship is one of the core elements of The Office. In the beginning, fans hoped for them to get together, and then they got to enjoy seeing their relationship grow as they got married and became parents.
However, while there were many great Jim and Pam moments and storylines in the series, there were also some that weren't so great. Some of these storylines helped make the show amazing while others actually hurt the series at times.
Worst: Pam leaving behind her art aspirations
This storyline isn’t just about their relationship, but their relationship did seem to be a factor in her decision. While Pam finally starts to actually value herself and follow her dreams, she doesn’t end up finishing art school so she can be closer to Jim.
Even though Jim was ive, she ended up never really pursuing art much at all, and it was kind of a shame.
Best: When Pam was still with Roy
While it was often frustrating to watch because Jim and Pam were obviously much better for each other, this early storyline made for good drama and a compelling story.
It was rather realistic, too, because finding love and a good relationship isn’t always simple. This storyline kept fans interested for the first couple of seasons because they really wanted to see Pam leave Roy and be with Jim.
Worst: Introducing Brian the boom operator
Many of the worst Jim and Pam storylines happened in the final season of the show, although fans do have mixed feelings about this. While it was good to show that Jim and Pam weren’t perfect and that their relationship wasn’t always ideal, it did come a bit out of nowhere compared to the rest of the series.
Introducing Brian as a member of the documentary film crew was an interesting move, but having him be interested in Pam was unnecessary.
Best: Jim ing Pam in art school
While Pam’s art career didn’t really pan out, it was still good when Jim ed her going to art school. They were still early on in their relationship when Pam decided to move to New York City for the program.
This storyline showed that Jim was a lot different than Roy who had always put Pam down and not ed what she wanted. While Pam did decide not to re-take her classes, Jim didn’t force her to make a decision either way. He just ed what he wanted to do.
Worst: Jim and Karen
While Pam and Roy being together at first created a lot of intrigue, fans became somewhat frustrated with Jim and Karen’s relationship. While it was also realistic and allowed for both Jim and Pam to grow separately, Jim’s treatment of Karen, because he was still really in love with Pam, got annoying.
The biggest issue was the way he broke up with Karen and asked Pam out right away.
Best: Pam getting pregnant
One of the most memorable moments of Jim and Pam’s relationship is when they learn that Pam is pregnant after leaving for the hospital at the company picnic. It was an unexpected thing for the couple, but they were both really excited and happy.
Fans enjoyed seeing the two of them become parents especially because it was something they both clearly wanted a lot.
Worst: Jim and Athlead
In some ways, this storyline had its merits. It showed a realistic element of being in a long-term relationship and the struggle that couples have to merge their dreams. However, the show went too far with this storyline and made Jim seem like a jerk.
It became a little harder to root for them, and Jim was too dishonest with Pam about all of it. He didn’t really include her in this dream or consider what she wanted, and this seemed at odds with how he’d ed her in the past.
Best: Pam becoming her own confident person outside of Jim
While fans understandably wanted Jim and Pam to start dating right away when Jim came back to Scranton, there was something nice about Pam having some time to be single.
While Jim being with Karen just seemed like a way for the show to draw out Pam and Jim getting together, it did allow Pam to be defined outside of her relationships. She was able to grow confidence in herself and stand up for her truth.
Worst: Cathy trying to sleep with Jim
This storyline was one of the worst Jim/Pam storylines on the show. It never felt authentic, and it was really forced. For one thing, Cathy was only there to seduce Jim which felt like an outdated trope, and it was hard to take any of it seriously.
The other frustrating thing was how outrageous she acted in the hotel room and how Jim was too immature to just straight up kick her out.
Best: The beginning of their dating relationship
Fans waited three seasons for Jim and Pam to start dating, so when it happened, it was a great thing. Some of the most endearing and heartwarming moments between them happened when they were still in the dating phase.
They were clearly really happy, and it was nice that they got to have some time together without a ton of conflict.