Jim sets Andy up with Pam

Episode
The Convict (Season 3, Episode 9)

Pranker
Jim Halpert

Target
Andy Bernard and Pam Beesly

Description
Since Jim’s return to Scranton, Pam and he have not been as chummy as they once were. Andy, unaware of the Jam situation, calls on Jim to help him out with his problem of being horny. After turning down questions about Kelly and Angela, Andy suggests Pam and Jim cracks a smile. Later, while coaching Andy about Pam, he suggests Frisbee-based competitions, hunting, Six Flags ads, and Pig Latin, all of which Pam hates. Andy goes up to Pam and frankly lays out all the cards. He does exactly what Jim tells him and Pam is astonished. She turns to see Jim looking very content with himself.

Reaction
“Wow. That was…wow.” Pam is astonished at the level at which Jim has fired the first prank since being back in her direction. Continuing the onslaught, Jim gives Andy a few more pointers. These tips include playing the banjo and singing in a high falsetto voice. As Karen listens in, Jim skirts around the subject of Pam being a prank target. Andy takes Jim’s advice to heart and plays The Rainbow Connection in that sexy falsetto voice as Jim smiles along.

Originality
10 – Not so much for the fact of Jim sicking Andy on Pam, but for the tactics used. Like Jim says, he knows what Pam likes, but equally important, he knows what she hates. From Frisbee-based competitions to banjo playing, Jim has Pam pegged. Also note that Pam recognizes the skills and is in awe.

Length Taken
9 – Oh so close to a ten. The only thing that kept it to nine was the fact that Andy never left the office to pursue Pam. If Jim would have stopped after Andy’s initial attempt, then it would have been lower, but even after Pam realized what was going on, Jim told Andy to try again. Go Halpert!

Special Award
Fighting Good with Evil Award – This is the first time Jim has pulled a prank on Pam and it is a doosey. Pam is nothing but sweet or playful to Jim and he sends the most annoying and despicable person in the office to win her affections. I think deep down, Halpert is pure evil.

Pam Becomes a Victim of Downsizing

Episode
The Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)

Pranker
Michael Scott

Target
Pam Beesley

Description
After describing his boss-as-a-friend mantra to Ryan, Michael wants to put the idea into action with Pam as the unfortunate prey. After dropping off a fax, Michael calls Pam in and proceeds to tell her that her job is the first victim of downsizing, without the least amount of possible subtlety. Michael says the reason is for stealing post-it notes at 50 cents a pad. Michael does an awful job of staying straight and even goes way over the line in telling her she doesn’t get severance.

Reaction
After refuting the allegations, Pam begins to cry. Michael finally gives up the truth and begins to laugh. He also mentions to the lovely Miss Beesly that Ryan was in on it as well (who hangs his head and shakes out a no). Michael’s excuse is to boost morale on Ryan’s side of things, but I’m not sure it worked. After a little bit of ridicule, Pam strikes back, but Michael misses it. The awkwardness is almost palpable.

Originality
9 – What balls Michael has. If you’re going to fake fire someone, you have to do it to someone who isn’t going to break down and cry. The only reason it isn’t a 10 is the lack of involvement with Ryan as an accomplice.

Length Taken
9 – Way too far. Would have been a 10 if Michael would have let Pam pack up her stuff and leave before letting her in on the gag.

Special Awards
Sidekick Award – Ryan joins in the fun, despite never saying a word or being involved in any real way. The funniest thing about the situation is he looks so eager to pull the prank right until the moment when he realizes what Michael is really doing.
Bad Choice Award – Michael wins this one in record time. One of the best parts is that he doesn’t realize he’s crossed the line until the punch-line is over and Pam reacts. The even greater part is his line earlier in the day when referring to the stapler in jello. “The key to a good practical joke is to know when to start and to know when to stop.” That’s what we call foreshadowing.