<P> Though in later seasons, after Ryan Howard's promotion, the relationship between him and Jim seems to be tense, in earlier seasons the two seem to be friendly . In "Casino Night", they are shown talking, laughing and drinking together . </P> <P> Throughout season 2, Jim dates Katy, who initially appeared in season 1 as the "Purse Girl" in "Hot Girl". After Jim and Katy split up in "Booze Cruise", he leaves a message asking out a fellow Dunder Mifflin employee named Brenda, much to Kelly's disbelief . Jim's misfortunes are assumed to be because he is unable to get over Pam . However, things begin to look up for Jim as he befriends salesperson Karen Filippelli in Stamford, and when the company board of directors decides to close the Scranton branch, Jim is named Assistant Regional Manager of the newly created "Dunder Mifflin Northeast". However the company's plans change when Stamford regional manager Josh Porter accepts a job at Staples . The Stamford branch then closes, with a few employees being offered a transfer to Scranton . The offer to Jim to be Assistant Regional Manager stands, though now at Scranton . Jim is at first unwilling to return to Scranton because of Pam but eventually decides to do so . Karen, who has grown fond of Jim and wishes to pursue a relationship with him, also transfers to Scranton . </P> <P> In "The Merger", Jim's and Pam's reunion is awkward . Pam is overjoyed, but Jim is clearly uncomfortable . He lets Pam know that he is seeing someone, and gradually Karen is introduced as his girlfriend . As Jim settles back in at Scranton, he uses his promotion as an excuse to avoid his old interactions and pranks with Pam, claiming that pulling pranks is not appropriate for his position . However, in time, Jim does return to his old ways, especially targeting Andy Bernard, a Stamford transfer, and Dwight . </P> <P> Toward the middle of the season, it becomes clear that Jim's unresolved feelings toward Pam are affecting his relationship with Karen . In "The Return", Jim decides to pull a prank on Andy; however, Karen is unable and Ryan unwilling to aid him, so he turns to Pam, who readily agrees . Their interaction during the prank causes Karen to feel threatened . She confronts Jim, and he finally admits to still having feelings for Pam . Despite this fact, their relationship continues . </P>

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