Fall TV: "The Office" Jim and Pam Romance Begins

The fourth season of "The Office" begins with an hour-long season premiere on Thursday, September 27. At the end of season three, Jim asks Pam out for their first date. Unlike the end of season two, this time Pam says, "Yes!"

The show's British predecessor predicted the romance between Jim and Pam, but the British show only lasted for two seasons, despite its huge popularity. Ricky Gervais knew when to end it. Maybe Gervais, a producer for the American show, thinks that Americans can withstand a longer sitcom. Maybe we can, if it's good.

So, it's understandable that the Jim and Pam romance would take four seasons to finally get somewhere, but will the writers let them be happy? If this spins out like a typical sitcom, no, they won't be happy for more than three shows.

Yet, "The Office" is anything but typical. All of the characters are funny and engaging. They aren't just hanging around as supporting characters to the main characters: Michael Scott (Steve Carell), Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson), Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer).

What possible roadblocks could come up between Jim and Pam?

I'm going to say that the ex-dock worker Roy Anderson (David Denman) is finally out of the picture as Pam's love interest. If she ever took him back again, her character would lose a lot of appeal. She's been there, done that. It's time for the new Pam.

But what about Karen Filippelli (Rashida Jones), Jim's very recent ex? Personally, I never liked her. I don't think we were supposed to like her. Yet, she's still around. If she has any dignity, she will leave her job at Dunder-Mifflin. After all, she did follow Jim to Scranton like a puppy, only to get dumped.

Jim's a good-hearted guy though. Will he feel guilty about dumping Karen? Will he go back to Karen at the first sign of trouble with Pam? It's possible, but maybe not until the end of season four.

What else could possibly keep Jim and Pam apart? Well, Pam could move from Scranton to pursue her art career. But I could see Jim going with her. Then, there would be no show.