Rashida Jones Reflects on Exit From The Office

Rashida Jones reflected on her role as Karen Filippelli in The Office, describing her character's departure as logical due to the dynamics of the show's central love triangle involving Jim and Pam. Jones, in a conversation with Amy Poehler on the Good Hang podcast, acknowledged her character's unpopularity among fans despite being 'likable and cool', as her character was seen as an obstacle to Jim and Pam's relationship. Introduced in Season 3, Karen's presence was intended to create tension and add depth to the story, but Jones expressed feeling like an outsider on the show. Despite the character's limited run, Karen made several recurring appearances in later seasons, including a notable appearance in Season 7's 'Threat Level Midnight'. Following The Office, Jones joined the cast of Parks and Recreation, where she reportedly felt more at ease. Karen's role as the 'third point in the triangle' ultimately contributed to the show's dramatic tension and resolution of Jim and Pam's storyline.