A fight in the ‘Office’? Oh, for the love of Jim!

For fans of “The Office,” the controversy that’s been teasing viewers has been Pam vs. Karen: The Battle for Jim. However, after the matter built to a head earlier this season (with Jim admitting to Karen that he still had feelings for Pam), the situation deflated some. Karen (Rashida Jones) and Jim (John Krasinski) talked. Pam (Jenna Fischer) got back with Roy (David Denman). This week, it seemed the situation would finally find some resolution. The previous episode found us with Roy, Pam’s ex-fiance and now ex-boyfriend, declaring, “I’m gonna kill Jim Halpert,” after Pam admitted to him that she kissed Jim. Yes! Drama! But would viewers get some satisfaction?

Well, sorta and not. As promised, the most recent, Super-Sized episode did begin with the altercation between Jim and Roy, which was broken up before it actually began by a mace-wielding Dwight (the kind in the can, not the medieval weapon). Jim seemed dazed by the attack, while Pam, realizing what a little innocent flirting and indecisiveness had wrought, apologized to him. The episode, instead of giving us a tender Pam and Jim moment, showed us how bitter Jim really is with Pam. After all, she sort of led him around, made him put himself on the line, caused him to move out to Stamford and then almost got punched. While not romantic, it can be argued that story-wise, it’s a strong tack for the “Office” to take -- the genius of Ricky Gervais’ original version was its real-life awkwardness.

Speaking of which, now might be a good time for the show to return more to the glimpses of everyday. “Will-they-won’t-they” is more for “Friends.” The minor characters are really what bring the series its sparkle: Toby’s (Paul Lieberstein) intros and outros to last week’s rerun marathon brought some new laughs to old episodes. Bring on more Kelly, Meredith, Stanley, Toby, and Creed! There’s never enough Creed.

For fans of the Team Jam, though, never fear, Roy practically taunted Pam about not going after Jim, which ensures plenty of longing looks from the reception area to Jim’s desk. And for the rest of us who are getting a little sick of their shenanigans, Ed Helms will be back. Yay!

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