Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
One of the phrases most associated with The Office is “Dunder Mifflin, this is Pam.” Before Ms. Beesly left the reception game to join the ranks of the sales team (and eventually office administration), Pam welcomed potential paper customers with her now famous greeting. It’s an ordinary thing, but as every Office fan knows, there’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things. From Pam’s will they/won’t they relationship with Jim to her growing fondness for Michael Scott, it’s fair to say that Pam Beesly was the heart of The Office. Anyone who’s ever struggled to make it through the workweek can relate to this Keds wearing dynamo, which is why she continues to be one of the most popular characters from this beloved NBC sitcom.
Portrayed by Jenna Fischer, Pam often played the role of audience surrogate. We sympathized with her early-season struggles dealing with the tornado of calamity known as Michael Scott and empathized with her romantic predicaments. You could always count on Pam to crack a joke, hatch a prank, or inject the sitcom with some emotional depth.
Two weeks ago we celebrated the very best of that Cornell-loving, a cappella enthusiast Andy Bernard. Today, we revisit the 10 best Pam Beesly episodes of The Office. So look out, world, because ol’ Pammy is getting what she wants!
Oh, and don’t you dare call her Pammy.
"The Dundies" (Season 2, Episode 1)
“The Dundies” is simply one of the best episodes of television. Ever. The first episode of the second season, this beloved Office gem served as a pilot 2.0 as the now classic offering gave many of the supporting characters a chance to show off their quirks.
All true Jim and Pam fans know that this episode (not “Casino Night”) is where the future couple share their first kiss, although it was more drunken peck than tale as old as time. Pam swiping alcoholic beverages and relying on “second drinks” eventually leads to an inebriated Pam being banned from Chili’s.
No need to start a #justiceforpam movement though, Office fans.
"The Client" (Season 2, Episode 7)
This spot almost went to the Season 1 episode “Health Care” (Killer nano robots? It’s an epidemic.), but how can we resist the quasi first date between Jim and Pam?
Written by Paul “Everything that’s wrong with the paper industry” Lieberstein, “The Client” not only gives us the gift of Steve Carell and Tim Meadows singing about baby back ribs, but we also get our first introduction to “Threat Level Midnight” (midnight, Oscar!). Despite the post-date awkwardness of the next day, the romantic rooftop grilled cheese picnic is a classic Office moment.
Plus, come on. You don’t share your earbuds with someone you don’t love.
"Casino Night" (Season 2, Episode 22)
When fans think of The Office, they undoubtedly picture Jim and Pam’s scorching kiss at the end of “Casino Night.” The smooch that sent Jim packing to Stamford, Connecticut (clap-clap-clap-clap-clap) was iconic, sure, but it’s Halpert’s heartbreaking declaration of love that endures.
Why is Pam such a beloved character? One of the many reasons is because of Jenna Fischer’s revelatory, honest performance. She conveys so much emotion, so much sadness, with just a simple look. Is it sad? Sure. But it’s also one of the finest acted scenes in the show’s history.
Plus, c’mon, we all know how this story ends.
"Business School" (Season 3, Episode 16)
Few shows have the ability to mix humor and heart as deftly as The Office.
Distraught that (almost) no one attended her art show, Pam finds comfort in the most surprising of places: Michael Scott. Sure, he can be an A+ buffoon, but “Business School,” which was directed by Joss Whedon, also showcases his big heart. Michael’s “I’m proud of you” is exactly what Pam needs to hear, and Fisher’s nuanced transition from sorrow to gratitude is brilliant. It’s such a beautiful, emotional scene, which naturally ends on a killer joke: “A Chunky.”
Also, the Dwight/Jim/vampire subplot is wonderful.
“Your art was the prettiest art of all the art.”
"Beach Games" (Season 3, Episode 22)
Few lines surprised me more as a viewer than “Jim, I called off my wedding because of you.”
“Beach Day” is a breakout episode for Beesly. After walking across literal fire, Pam (rightfully) takes her co-workers to task before addressing Jim in one of the most honest, heart-felt speeches in Office history.
“You were my best friend before you went to Stamford. And I really miss you. I shouldn’t have been with Roy. And there were a lot of reasons to call off my wedding. But the truth is, I didn’t care about any of those reasons until I met you.”
Remember what I said above about deftly balancing humor and heart? Enter Michael Scott with the perfect line to end the scene:
“Pam! That was amazing! But I am still looking for someone with a sales background.”
"The Job" (Season 3, Episode 23)
C’mon. Obviously “The Job” is on this list. I wasn’t born (on a beet farm) yesterday! While this episode is remembered for obvious reasons, don’t forget about Pam’s brief tenure as the secret Assistant to the Regional Manager. The Dwight/Pam relationship is one of the best pairings on The Office. Not only does Pam prove capable of the (secret) position, the storyline is also a callback to Jim’s “Absolutely I do” response to Dwight during Season 1’s “The Alliance.”
Also, I love that they paid off Pam’s speech from “Beach Day” moments before Jim asks her out. The writing staff’s narrative restraint led to one of the most memorable sequences in the show’s history.
Jim: And even though I came back, I just felt like I’ve never really come back.
Pam: Well, I wish you would.
"Weight Loss Part 2" (Season 5, Episode 1)
Who knew an interstate rest stop could be so romantic?
Directed by Paul Feig, this proposal is so simple, so beautiful. I love the choice to go with spontaneous and minimal as opposed to over-the-top and extravagant. It was the perfect way to kick off Season 5.
“What are you doing? I just… can’t wait.”
"Two Weeks" (Season 5, Episode 21)
A faulty copier results in Pam making an impetuous career decision in the Season 5 episode “Two Weeks.”
I love the Michael Scott Paper Company arc. Sitcoms can begin to feel a little stale after five seasons. I mean, how many paper-related stories can you tell? Directed by Toby himself (Paul Lieberstein), “Two Weeks” concludes with Michael and Pam leaving Dunder Mifflin to start their own competing paper. The episode injected the series with some fresh storytelling and kick-started Pam’s transition from receptionist to salesman.
Pam: It’ll be ready soon.
Kevin: Soon could mean anything. Soon could be three weeks.
Pam: Is that what soon means to you?
Kevin: Sometimes…
Pam: Then come back soon.
"Niagara" (Season 6, Episodes 4 and 5)
Co-written by Greg Daniels and Mindy Kaling, the wedding of Jim and Pam was a television event.
After years of will they/won’t they conflict, the flirty co-workers tied the knot and officially became The Halperts. Everything about this wedding illustrated how well the writing staff knew these characters. Of course these lovable goofballs would want to recreate the JK Wedding Entrance Dance, which makes Jim and Pam’s secret marriage at sea all the more fulfilling.
It was the best of both worlds.
"The Finale" (Season 9, Episode 23)
The Office finale was a hilarious, sentimental coda to this feverishly adored sitcom. The most enduring TV shows aren’t about intricate stories, they’re about interesting, nuanced characters with whom audiences can relate.
Pam and Jim’s happy ending was our happy ending, and it’s only fitting that the last line of the series belonged to Pam (and even featured her art).
“There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn’t that kind of the point?”
