For devoted fans of the show, and even the casual viewer, a major event is upon us. The writers of The Office are about to do what few TV writers dare to do at all, let alone mid-series. On tonight’s episode, they will marry off the show’s beloved central couple, Jim and Pam.
The story of Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam (Jenna Fisher) is pretty simple, but still very special. For three seasons of the mockumentary-style show, the coworkers pined for each other while they were kept apart by their own denial and other love interests. But for the last two seasons, Jim and Pam have been a couple—and not the on-again, off-again kind that so many TV sitcoms and reality shows are made up of.
Jim and Pam have a relationship built on chemistry, love, and above all, friendship. Despite some minor tension in the previous season implying that the two might want different things, the writers have not tried to break them up for dramatic purpose (also known as the “Ross and Rachel Effect” on Friends). They respect the viewer enough to keep these two characters that are meant to be together, well, together.
This marriage is a fairly natural progression within a believable relationship. It is interesting to see a show, especially a comedy, take that realistic route. Adding in the additional true-to-life and less fairy tale touch that Pam is four months pregnant, the result should be a heartwarming, perhaps even tear-jerking, wedding episode.
All in all, The Office has succeeded in doing what many other shows on TV, including so-called “reality television,” has failed to do: present a realistic look at relationships, friendship within the confines of love, and its progression over time.