Community

[Gryphon]

This show is easily one of the best on TV right now. Who else loves it?

[Personamanx]

I have never seen it, but I am a fan of Donald Glover's work on Derrickcomedy.

[Gryphon]

I have never seen it, but I am a fan of Donald Glover's work on Derrickcomedy.

Then you must watch it. He is awesome on the show. and Derrickcomedy have had a couple of cameos.

[Teal_Lantern]

It's the best. And I encourage people to start watching the show. It needs a bit more viewers to keep stable.

[pseudicide]

I've only seen season one but holy hells it's amazing.

Abed = Batman FOREVER

[Teal_Lantern]

I've only seen season one but holy hells it's amazing.

Abed = Batman FOREVER

Favourite part:

"Batman! Are you staying for the party"

*Quickly turns around*

"Where I go, there can be no party"

[Gryphon]

Favourite part:

"Batman! Are you staying for the party"

*Quickly turns around*

"Where I go, there can be no party"

Actually it was,

"If I stay, there can be no party"

[DarkKnightJared]

I remember trying it some time back and thinking it was bland and just the opposite of comedy. But, after hearing SO MUCH TALK about it, I tried I think it was the second episode of this current season (the one where all the character trash the one guy's lawyer party) and it did have some pretty awesome gags (especially the chloroform gag). So either I was not in the mood that time or it's gotten inhumanly better over a season.

[Teal_Lantern]

Poop! I was paraphrasing though :p

The paintball episode was my favourite though, hands down.

[Gryphon]

Poop! I was paraphrasing though :p

The paintball episode was my favourite though, hands down.

That was an awesome episode. They even worked in references to the warriors and predator.

[Gryphon]

It sucks that the show is in danger of cancellation though.

[RobStaeger]

My favorite ep was the Goodfellas/chicken fingers episode. That was spectacular.

[Thequeerjock]

I just watched the zombie episode tonight. "What is up with that cat?! Is someone throwing it?!" is now my new favorite line.

[Gryphon]

I just watched the zombie episode tonight. "What is up with that cat?! Is someone throwing it?!" is now my new favorite line.

I loved the episode except for one thing. I hated that they brought the doctor character from the pottery episode back. I didnt like the character at all. I hope it was just for this episode though.

[scout1279]

I wish I were named Kevin.

[Thequeerjock]

I wish I were named Kevin.

The George Takei vo cameo was awesome because of the sheer randomness. Absolutely nothing to do with the plot, but it was still the best thing ever.

[Gryphon]

The George Takei vo cameo was awesome because of the sheer randomness. Absolutely nothing to do with the plot, but it was still the best thing ever.

It was awesome.

[scout1279]

The George Takei vo cameo was awesome because of the sheer randomness. Absolutely nothing to do with the plot, but it was still the best thing ever.

Thriller had a voiceover and zombies.

[Tommy]

Mamma Mia would have been so much better with zombies.

[Gryphon]

Favourite characters on the show?

[SpecialK]

I wish I were named Kevin.

Ya, I need to find a way to get it onto my phone. Straight recording it from my computer speakers didn't work.

[Ravenwing263]

Favourite characters on the show?

Troy, for sure.

The Troy and Abed dynamic is so excellent.

[Gryphon]

Troy, for sure.

The Troy and Abed dynamic is so excellent.

Yeah, they are great.

[scout1279]

Favourite characters on the show?

Usually Abed, but it can change depending on the episode. They're all great characters.

[Gryphon]

One problem I do have with the characters is that, in one episode they might learn something and grow as characters but in the very next episode, they are right back to where they started. Its a bit distracting, to me at least.

[Gryphon]

One problem I do have with the characters is that, in one episode they might learn something and grow as characters but in the very next episode, they are right back to where they started. Its a bit distracting, to me at least.

Or is it just me who feels that way?

[Matt_Y]

Or is it just me who feels that way?

No. Though I think it's a limitation of sitcoms in general. I can't think of a single one that doesn't have that problem.

[Kevinroc]

Favourite characters on the show?

Abed and Chang. Jeff is also pretty funny. The other characters definitely have their moments (particularly Annie).

[Tommy]

One problem I do have with the characters is that, in one episode they might learn something and grow as characters but in the very next episode, they are right back to where they started. Its a bit distracting, to me at least.

Actually that's one the the strengths of the series in my opinion. Each character functions on two levels, one a multi-faceted dynamic character and one a broad stereotype. This way each individual episode can focus on any particular character's journey, with the rest playing supporting roles. That way across the season each character gets a few episodes about them, rather than the show being strictly Jeff's story of dealing with zany friends.

Shirley can play a hot-headed stereotypical black woman, or a offensive, evangelical Christian. However she can also support an episode about how she is a gossip and an instigator but struggles against those qualities in order to keep her friends.

Peirce can be a befuddled old man desperately wanting to seem cool, but he can also be a man who is lonely and secretly deeply wishes he can get the respect of the group.

While they experience long term character growth it doesn't effect their basic personalities. And they do demonstrate long term character growth. Such as last season's Christmas episode featured Shirley learning the value of ecumenicalism, the rest of the group learned to respect Shirley's religion. Cut to the Abed movie where Britta participates in Shirley's film because Shirley asks her to. Shirley makes no attempts to convert Abed, she's merely upset at the portrayal of Jesus in his movie. And it ends with both Abed and Shirley sharing a moment of bonding over religious principals.

Certainly you can not make the claim that Jeff has remained a static character.

[Ravenwing263]

No. Though I think it's a limitation of sitcoms in general. I can't think of a single one that doesn't have that problem.

Scrubs, maybe.

[Gryphon]

Actually that's one the the strengths of the series in my opinion. Each character functions on two levels, one a multi-faceted dynamic character and one a broad stereotype. This way each individual episode can focus on any particular character's journey, with the rest playing supporting roles. That way across the season each character gets a few episodes about them, rather than the show being strictly Jeff's story of dealing with zany friends.

Shirley can play a hot-headed stereotypical black woman, or a offensive, evangelical Christian. However she can also support an episode about how she is a gossip and an instigator but struggles against those qualities in order to keep her friends.

Peirce can be a befuddled old man desperately wanting to seem cool, but he can also be a man who is lonely and secretly deeply wishes he can get the respect of the group.

While they experience long term character growth it doesn't effect their basic personalities. And they do demonstrate long term character growth. Such as last season's Christmas episode featured Shirley learning the value of ecumenicalism, the rest of the group learned to respect Shirley's religion. Cut to the Abed movie where Britta participates in Shirley's film because Shirley asks her to. Shirley makes no attempts to convert Abed, she's merely upset at the portrayal of Jesus in his movie. And it ends with both Abed and Shirley sharing a moment of bonding over religious principals.

Certainly you can not make the claim that Jeff has remained a static character.

Actually Jeff seems to have regressed a bit in season 2, except for brief spots where he is mature.

[Gryphon]

One thing Ive noticed is that each of the characters has one episode where they basically go psychotic.

[Gryphon]

Scrubs, maybe.

Maybe.

[Matt_Y]

I could see an argument in favor of Scrubs on that point though I'm not sure I would agree with it.

[Matt_Y]

I do think Troy's transition from jock to nerd is being nicely handled.

[Gryphon]

For all talk of character development though, I think its safe to say that this season has far less character development for the most part with a few exceptions such as Troy. The whole show in fact seemes very different from season one.

[Teal_Lantern]

I do think Troy's transition from jock to nerd is being nicely handled.

I would say that he was always a bit like that. It's just that with Abed, he feels more free to let it out once in a while.

I have enjoyed Jeff's development from douche to somewhat caring douche.

[Matt_Y]

I would say that he was always a bit like that. It's just that with Abed, he feels more free to let it out once in a while.

I have enjoyed Jeff's development from douche to somewhat caring douche.

That's true. The entire reason he's at Greendale is because he doesn't want to be a jock.

[scout1279]

For all talk of character development though, I think its safe to say that this season has far less character development for the most part with a few exceptions such as Troy. The whole show in fact seemes very different from season one.

I think that's because in season 1 they had to work to a point where the characters were ones people could care about enough for them to watch every week. They had to build a dynamic and do it rather quickly. Now they're at that point, so we can all simply enjoy it.

[Gryphon]

I think that's because in season 1 they had to work to a point where the characters were ones people could care about enough for them to watch every week. They had to build a dynamic and do it rather quickly. Now they're at that point, so we can all simply enjoy it.

I guess.

[Gryphon]

That's true. The entire reason he's at Greendale is because he doesn't want to be a jock.

Yes, although his accepting his nerdiness has been an interesting development for him.

[Benel Germosen]

This thread needs more Allison Brie.

[Gryphon]

This thread needs more Allison Brie.

Speaking of,

Was the halloween episode hinting at a relationship between Annie and the Doctor?

[Gryphon]

The show needs to be moved to a new time. It cannot compete with the big bang theory, and the halloween episode, which ran after the big bang theory, had the highest ratings for the season. Changing its time slot should help it and should be done.

[Teal_Lantern]

The show needs to be moved to a new time. It cannot compete with the big bang theory, and the halloween episode, which ran after the big bang theory, had the highest ratings for the season. Changing its time slot should help me and should be done.

I'm not too familiar with most of TV timings but if there is a good time slot, I'd say go for it.

And Big Bang Theory blows.

[Gryphon]

I'm not too familiar with most of TV timings but if there is a good time slot, I'd say go for it.

And Big Bang Theory blows.

Theyy should flip it with outsourced. That show has no future. Let community live instead.

[Calvin Government]

For all talk of character development though, I think its safe to say that this season has far less character development for the most part with a few exceptions such as Troy. The whole show in fact seemes very different from season one.

That's not completely true - take the Halloween episode for example. When Britta can't feed herself, Jeff spends the episode following her around, feeding her and giving her a drink on request. Instead of flirting with random women, he hangs out with his friend in a formless costume and helps her out. It's not commented upon - just the two quietly being friends.

By the way - Britta coming as a dinosaur famous for its ineffectual arms in a costume that accidentally restricts the use of her arms is brilliant in its own right. The episode never commenting on it? COMMUNITY is one of those rare shows that doesn't assume I'm a complete moron, and I definitely appreciate that.

[Teal_Lantern]

Theyy should flip it with outsourced. That show has no future. Let community live instead.

What is the appeal of Outsourced anyways? All it seems to be is "Hey look! Aren't all those Indian people funny and weird?!"

[Calvin Government]

What is the appeal of Outsourced anyways? All it seems to be is "Hey look! Aren't all those Indian people funny and weird?!"

Then wouldn't the appeal be that a large portion of Americans agree that Indians are weird? How often does a show or movie based around the lowest common denominator fail?

[FanboyStranger]

What is the appeal of Outsourced anyways? All it seems to be is "Hey look! Aren't all those Indian people funny and weird?!"

There is no appeal to Outsourced. It's awful. They've tried to set up the lead character as a Jim Halpert type, but the actor has none of the goofy charisma of John Krasinski, so he just comes off as a complete douche. The fish-out-of-water scenario only works if you care about the fish.

The rest of it just seems to be playing on American stereotyping of Indian people, their culture, and (especially) their food. I'm surprised they don't start dancing for no reason in the middle of each episode.

Not even the reliable Dietrich Bader can save this show. I wish they would swap it with Community, which I like a lot. Or bring back Parks and Recreation early, as it was the most consistently funny show of NBC's Thursday night line-up last season. (Both 30 Rock and Community had higher highs, but they'd waiver from week to week. P&R was solid throughout. The Office was really showing its cracks last season, but the finale was good and this season has been a lot better, in my opinion.)

[Gryphon]

That's not completely true - take the Halloween episode for example. When Britta can't feed herself, Jeff spends the episode following her around, feeding her and giving her a drink on request. Instead of flirting with random women, he hangs out with his friend in a formless costume and helps her out. It's not commented upon - just the two quietly being friends.

By the way - Britta coming as a dinosaur famous for its ineffectual arms in a costume that accidentally restricts the use of her arms is brilliant in its own right. The episode never commenting on it? COMMUNITY is one of those rare shows that doesn't assume I'm a complete moron, and I definitely appreciate that.

That is true.

[buttler]

Community has edged its way into becoming my favorite show that's on right now. And the Troy/Abed parts at the very end are always pure gold.

[Gryphon]

There is no appeal to Outsourced. It's awful. They've tried to set up the lead character as a Jim Halpert type, but the actor has none of the goofy charisma of John Krasinski, so he just comes off as a complete douche. The fish-out-of-water scenario only works if you care about the fish.

The rest of it just seems to be playing on American stereotyping of Indian people, their culture, and (especially) their food. I'm surprised they don't start dancing for no reason in the middle of each episode.

Not even the reliable Dietrich Bader can save this show. I wish they would swap it with Community, which I like a lot. Or bring back Parks and Recreation early, as it was the most consistently funny show of NBC's Thursday night line-up last season. (Both 30 Rock and Community had higher highs, but they'd waiver from week to week. P&R was solid throughout. The Office was really showing its cracks last season, but the finale was good and this season has been a lot better, in my opinion.)

I cannot understand why NBC is pushing this show so hard. On another network, it would have been cancelled already.

[Calvin Government]

I cannot understand why NBC is pushing this show so hard. On another network, it would have been cancelled already.

Sadly? Probably not. It beats Community in ratings every week, and it tops what P&R used to do, and it beats or matches 30 Rock each week. The only show that gets better ratings that night is The Office.

[FanboyStranger]

Sadly? Probably not. It beats Community in ratings every week, and it tops what P&R used to do, and it beats or matches 30 Rock each week. The only show that gets better ratings that night is The Office.

It also follows The Office, which is pretty much as good a lead-in as you can get on television. Last year, both Community and P&R aired before The Office, so it's not exactly a fair comparison.

There's other factors, too. I know a lot of people who love Community, but would rather watch the ESPN college football game on Thursday night, then catch it OnDemand over the weekend or DVR it. I'm not sure how these things fit into overall ratings.

[Gryphon]

Seriously, NBC needs to move its timeslot to help it get better ratings.

[Calvin Government]

It also follows The Office, which is pretty much as good a lead-in as you can get on television. Last year, both Community and P&R aired before The Office, so it's not exactly a fair comparison.

There's other factors, too. I know a lot of people who love Community, but would rather watch the ESPN college football game on Thursday night, then catch it OnDemand over the weekend or DVR it. I'm not sure how these things fit into overall ratings.

Oh, definitely, but as we learned from the Jay Leno debacle, NBC doesn't believe that lead-ins have any affect whatsoever on anything and consequently doesn't care. Ratings are ratings - if NBC didn't desperately need the critical love this past year, I doubt Parks and Rec or Community would be back this year. Hopefully, that same desperation will hold through next year, too.

[Matt_Y]

So NBC ordered two extra episodes (http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/community-gets-two-extra-episodes).

That's good news.

[Gryphon]

Definitely a good sign.

[Gryphon]

Im guessing its because the halloween episode had high ratings, which may also indicate that there will be a scheduled change.

[Gryphon]

Tonight's episode was freaking hilarious. I could not stop laughing.

[Matthew Brown]

Tonight's episode was freaking hilarious. I could not stop laughing.

(Josh?) was racist? That came out of nowhere!

Or... did it?

[Gryphon]

Abed just had so many funny lines.

[Gryphon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkXtJiLVxlQ&feature

The Human Being unmasked.

[RobStaeger]

"It's going to be a maze"

[Gryphon]

Lots of possible foreshadowing in this episode.

[stealthwise]

When it's on, it's on (i.e. the Paintball episode). When it's not, it's kind of lame at times. I'd put it above the average sitcom, but not on the same level as shows like How I Met Your Mother or 30 Rock.

[Ravenwing263]

Jeff: I'm taking you out for ice cream. My white guilt is doing somersaults.

Troy: WORTH IT!

[Gryphon]

Who else liked the potential foreshadowing of future episodes ( as seen in Abed's robovision)?

[Teal_Lantern]

I would actually put this show above 30 Rock.


Who else liked the potential foreshadowing of future episodes ( as seen in Abed's robovision)?

I didn't really catch that. What did he say exactly?

[Gryphon]

not much, just small things like.

troy's birthday in 14 days


some stuff that might involve a christmas episode,

a possible sequel to modern warfare.

[Gryphon]

FLAW ASSESSMENT
-Out of Style Jeans
-Off-Brand Backpack
-Split-Ends
-Heavy Mascara
-Asymmetrical Nostrils
-Chapped Lips

CURRENT SYNOPSIS:
-Britta, Shirley and Annie make Abed into one of the girls, with zero repercussions. Jeff, Pierce, and Troy learn a lesson about either basketball or remote toys.

MEMOS:
Record Cougartown
Troy's birthday in 14 days

PROJECTED CYCLES:
Annie
11/11/10

BITCH RATING
77%



CLASSIFICATION:
BITCHES

CURRENT SYNOPSIS:
Britta, Shirley, and Annie make Abed into one of the girls, which backfires; Jeff and Troy discover a relaxation secret Confuses and frustrates Pierce

MEMOS:
Get Rudolph for Xmas
Confirm Mom for Xmas
Make Blanket Fort

PROJECTED CYCLES:
Shirley
11/04/10














FINAL SYNOPSIS:
Abed discovers his inner 'mean girl'; Jeff and Troy embrace zenlike spirituality when they uncover a secret trampoline campus; Pierce lands in the hospital.

MEMOS:
Book Starburns for T&A in the AM?

Sell study group on paintball sequel

PROJECTED CYCLES:
Britta
11/15/10

BITCH RATING
89%

TARGETING SYSTEM:
OFFLINE

[Gryphon]

someone wrote that down after seeing it. there was more But I cannot find it.

[Matt_Y]

Just got caught up with this weeks episode and it might be favorite so far this season.

Not even Andy Dick could ruin it.

[Gryphon]

I think it was even better than the halloween episode. Every moment just flowed into the next with this episode.

[Tommy]

So, like the nerd that I am, I watched the entire first season of Community with the commentary tracks. Good lord there are some amazing gems of advice for writing in those really funny commentaries.

But one thing I did walk away from it with, was a completely new appreciation for Britta. I had noticed as the season progressed Britta went from everyone thinking she was incredibly hot to everyone making fun of her. To quote Annie, "We do make fun of a lot of what you do and say." But apparently, they consciously turned Britta into Charlie Brown over the course of the season, the character who is just dumped on.

Also, apparently, Jeff and Shirley are the same age.

[Gryphon]

So, like the nerd that I am, I watched the entire first season of Community with the commentary tracks. Good lord there are some amazing gems of advice for writing in those really funny commentaries.

But one thing I did walk away from it with, was a completely new appreciation for Britta. I had noticed as the season progressed Britta went from everyone thinking she was incredibly hot to everyone making fun of her. To quote Annie, "We do make fun of a lot of what you do and say." But apparently, they consciously turned Britta into Charlie Brown over the course of the season, the character who is just dumped on.

Also, apparently, Jeff and Shirley are the same age.

That is interesting.

[The Xenos]

Did anyone else get major Lost vibes from the secret trampoline garden?

Just got caught up with this weeks episode and it might be favorite so far this season. Not even Andy Dick could ruin it.
Ah. That was Andy Dick. I thought I was seeing things myself. Or that it was the dean in a weird outfit and hair.

[Matt_Y]

Did anyone else get major Lost vibes from the secret trampoline garden?

Ah. That was Andy Dick. I thought I was seeing things myself. Or that it was the dean in a weird outfit and hair.

No Lost vibes but I swear I've heard the music cue that played when Troy found it and it's driving me nuts that I can't remember what it's from.

[Gryphon]

American Beauty?

[Matt_Y]

I don't think so but I haven't seen that movie 10 years so who knows.

ETA: Found this via Dan Harmon's Twitter:

http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg100/scaled.php?tn=0&server=100&filename=fisa.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640

[Gryphon]

Whoa this episode was awesome!!!

[Gryphon]

I don't think so but I haven't seen that movie 10 years so who knows.

ETA: Found this via Dan Harmon's Twitter:

http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg100/scaled.php?tn=0&server=100&filename=fisa.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640

Heh, nice.

[RobStaeger]

No Lost vibes but I swear I've heard the music cue that played when Troy found it and it's driving me nuts that I can't remember what it's from.

I've heard it, too. I thought it was from Shawshank redemption, but it wasn't the track I was thinking of. Could it be from the Secret Garden soundtrack?

ETA; I just checked another Shawshank track, and while it's not a perfect fit, I think it's possible that the Community music is new music meant to evoke this piece from Shawshank: "Brooks Was Here": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtx3vQI1Rk4&feature=related

[Matt_Y]

I've heard it, too. I thought it was from Shawshank redemption, but it wasn't the track I was thinking of. Could it be from the Secret Garden soundtrack?

ETA; I just checked another Shawshank track, and while it's not a perfect fit, I think it's possible that the Community music is new music meant to evoke this piece from Shawshank: "Brooks Was Here": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtx3vQI1Rk4&feature=related

Hearing it now I would say that's last weeks music exactly! Thanks!

Also, too, the pen snatching happened onscreen!

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lbrh5wQT5J1qdlhc1o1_r1_400.gif

Awesome!

[Gryphon]

Anyone else think that the writers are starting to slowly put Jeff and Annie together?

[Matt_Y]

Not really, I think they closed the book on that relationship in the season premiere.

Chang and Shirley on the other hand...

[RobStaeger]

Throughout the ep, I was convinced the pen was hidden in that third papier-mache leg...

Oh, and no one was happier to find that piece of music than me, Matt -- it was driving me nuts!

[The Xenos]

I think I need to see more of Annie's Boobs...

[Gryphon]

Apparently some fans on the net, think there were hints in this episode that Jeff and Britta are having a "benefits" relationship. Based on a few things, one of which was that britta said Jeff usually wears a certain type of underwear, implying she has seen him in his undies more than once, before being cut off by someone else. I dont know if thats what the writers are intending though.

[t.c.johnson]

It was repeated though, so it means something.

Britta: that's not the underwear you usually wear.

Abed: Usually?.....

[Tommy]

I love how the show is being more and more blatant about Jeff and Britta being the "mom" and "dad" of the group while at the same time making Jeff and Britta the most immature and petty members of it.

[Gryphon]

I love how the show is being more and more blatant about Jeff and Britta being the "mom" and "dad" of the group while at the same time making Jeff and Britta the most immature and petty members of it.

That is good.

[I've Got the Monkeys]

If you like the music on the show, it is so worth it to get the soundtrack to the first season from Itunes.

Just the inclusion of Somewhere Out There makes it worth the buy, but the Vaughn songs and Pierce's School song make it so much better.

Also, if you're 30 Rock fans, their soundtrack comes out today as well.

[Gryphon]

Awesome episode.

[FanboyStranger]

Awesome episode.

I loved the "Conspiracy" episode. It did a great job at poking fun at the overly complicated gun scenes in post-Reservoir Dogs cinema, and a guest starring turn by the always excellent Kevin Corrigan. This was probably my favorite episode of this season, and my third favorite overall, after the paintball episode and the billiards episode.

Dean Dangerous: Adventures in Time: The worst sounding book that I'm going to read every page of.

[scout1279]

Yeah, that was pretty brilliant.

And it looks like they are definitely bringing back the Jeff/Annie thing. I don't mind, because I genuinely think it's interesting, but that sort of thing runs the risk of becoming overbearing.

This episode also addressed the previously discussed topic of Jeff Winger's character regression: Jeff Winger never learns.

[Gryphon]

Yeah, that was pretty brilliant.

And it looks like they are definitely bringing back the Jeff/Annie thing. I don't mind, because I genuinely think it's interesting, but that sort of thing runs the risk of becoming overbearing.

This episode also addressed the previously discussed topic of Jeff Winger's character regression: Jeff Winger never learns.

Yea they are definitely bringing it back and Im interested in seeing where it goes.

[RobStaeger]

Won't you take me back to.. Fluffytown! I loved the glimpse of Britta during the chase scene...

[Gryphon]

http://spoilerwatch.blogspot.com/2010/11/first-look-at-communitys-animated.html

A screenshot from the upcoming christmas episode.

[scout1279]

http://spoilerwatch.blogspot.com/2010/11/first-look-at-communitys-animated.html

A screenshot from the upcoming christmas episode.

That looks awesome!

[Gryphon]

Indeed it does. The synopsis looks really cool.

[Tommy]

This episode also addressed the previously discussed topic of Jeff Winger's character regression: Jeff Winger never learns.

Oh ye Gods yes! Perhaps the best part of that entire show was the fact that every single person was attempting to teach the other people a very important lesson to help them grow. Naturally no one grew at all.

As far as Jeff and Annie go, I actually think they work better as a couple than Jeff and Britta. Jeff and Britta are more like brother and sister (yes, that is a little icky of a comparison considering they've slept together). Jeff and Britta are two petty, immature people who bring out the worst in each other. Which is why they are so much fun in episodes like "The Art of Discourse." Jeff and Annie are actually quite different and who need each other to compensate for their weaknesses. Although I think it is a bad idea for anyone in the group to embark on anything other than a fling with anyone else in the group.

Of course the unspoken couple with great chemistry is Jeff and Abed. Both of them have the same issues where they have difficulty empathizing and connecting with others around them. But while Jeff channels his difficulties relating to others into superficiality and manipulation, Abed spends his entire time trying to make sense of the world around him in order to make others happy. Abed's innocence and good nature brings out the best in Jeff, while he grounds Abed and helps him understand others in a way that is not condescending (like Britta occasionally is).

[Gryphon]

I think it might be interesting if they do an episode where Annie relapses into her addiction. It could satirize "very special episodes".

[Gryphon]

Oh ye Gods yes! Perhaps the best part of that entire show was the fact that every single person was attempting to teach the other people a very important lesson to help them grow. Naturally no one grew at all.

As far as Jeff and Annie go, I actually think they work better as a couple than Jeff and Britta. Jeff and Britta are more like brother and sister (yes, that is a little icky of a comparison considering they've slept together). Jeff and Britta are two petty, immature people who bring out the worst in each other. Which is why they are so much fun in episodes like "The Art of Discourse." Jeff and Annie are actually quite different and who need each other to compensate for their weaknesses. Although I think it is a bad idea for anyone in the group to embark on anything other than a fling with anyone else in the group.

Of course the unspoken couple with great chemistry is Jeff and Abed. Both of them have the same issues where they have difficulty empathizing and connecting with others around them. But while Jeff channels his difficulties relating to others into superficiality and manipulation, Abed spends his entire time trying to make sense of the world around him in order to make others happy. Abed's innocence and good nature brings out the best in Jeff, while he grounds Abed and helps him understand others in a way that is not condescending (like Britta occasionally is).

Its definitely going to happen between Jeff and Annie at some point.

[The Xenos]

After watching last Thursday's episode... some friends made.... this...

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/769/communityfort0028873236.jpg

[Gryphon]

After watching last Thursday's episode... some friends made.... this...

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/769/communityfort0028873236.jpg

Awesome!!

[Gryphon]

"Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas"


When Abed wakes up in stop-motion animation, he takes it as a sign that he and the group must re-discover the meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, Jeff and Britta become growingly concerned about Abed's mental health and enlist the help of Professor Duncan. The group undergoes hypnosis to explore Abed's winter wonderland and soon unravel the truth behind Abed's madness.

[Gryphon]

What should they parody next on the show? I saw either, "very special episodes" or musical episodes ( with lots of shots at glee)

[XXXenophile]

I think it might be interesting if they do an episode where Annie relapses into her addiction. It could satirize "very special episodes".

To do that properly, you need cameos from both Mayim Byalik and Elizabeth Berkley.

[Gryphon]

The season one DVDs are 12 dollars right now on amazon.com

[Gryphon]

This is NBC's only show in amazon's top 100 dvd sales, and it is outselling the big bang theory. I wonder if dvd sales will be enough to convince NBC to renew it.

[suedenim]

Is it in danger of cancellation? I've been losing track of ratings this year, just blindly assuming that sheer awesomeness is sufficient to protect a show, even though I should know better....

Thanks for the heads-up on the Amazon deal, btw!

[Tommy]

Is it in danger of cancellation? I've been losing track of ratings this year, just blindly assuming that sheer awesomeness is sufficient to protect a show, even though I should know better....

Thanks for the heads-up on the Amazon deal, btw!

It, along with everything on NBC (and NBC itself), is in danger of cancellation. It is, consistently, the lowest rated program of the night with only four and half million viewers regularly watching. It is also up against the highest rated program of the night "The Big Bang Theory."

But there are many positive signs. First off, NBC was willing to foot the bill for the animated Christmas special. Secondly NBC ordered two extra episodes this year which shows a lot of confidence in the show. They did this last year, and one of those extra episodes was the chicken fingers episode, so they know they might get something golden. Thirdly the DVD sales have been very strong. In fact, it might be one of those series that people gravitate towards watching on DVD.

Right now the biggest competitors for "Community" are "Parks and Recreation" and "Outsourced." NBC has five shows to fit into two hours, so one of those three is getting dumped. "30 Rock" being Emmy bait and "The Office" getting high ratings make them pretty safe. I would love to dump Outsourced (for being terrible).

[scout1279]

Right now the biggest competitors for "Community" are "Parks and Recreation" and "Outsourced." NBC has five shows to fit into two hours, so one of those three is getting dumped. "30 Rock" being Emmy bait and "The Office" getting high ratings make them pretty safe. I would love to dump Outsourced (for being terrible).

They're going to a 3 hour block of comedy on Thursday nights, so I'm not sure that's the case anymore, at least for now.

[Tommy]

They're going to a 3 hour block of comedy on Thursday nights, so I'm not sure that's the case anymore, at least for now.

Really? I did not know that. One thing I have to give to NBC, these past five or six years have seen a creative renaissance from it (at least in this particular time block), something I think is due to their slagging ratings. "The Office" and "30 Rock" really changed how television is done (although both were prefigured by "Arrested Development).

A quirky little show like "Community" would never get on the air anywhere else. Look at how CBS is so heavily relying upon multi-camera and studio audience sitcoms.

In fact, let's do a side by side comparison. Here's a clip from "The Big Bang Theory" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdotqjJiKVU) with no laugh track. The jokes aren't that funny (the audiance laughs at things that aren't even jokes) and the show is so painfully slow. I mean, look at how long Jim Parsons has to hold odd stances and facial expressions. The camera movement is static and dead, and the entire scene is claustrophobic. (I should add that I actually am a fan of "The Big Bang Theory," as much as one could be a fan of it).

Here's "Community" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Lc_irUE5c)

The jokes come rapid fire, if one fails to hit, there's another right away. No time is wasted, and the camera is always moving. And the characters are allowed to be in open, three dimensional spaces, rather than one confined set that can only be filmed from one perspective (seriously, watch them make a near circle in that hallway). Plus you don't have that damn laughter.

[Benel Germosen]

Here's "Community" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Lc_irUE5c)


I'm sorry, I was too busy oogling Allison Brie.

[Duxdoom]

I'm sorry, I was too busy oogling Allison Brie.

ditto

[Tommy]

I'm sorry, I was too busy oogling Allison Brie.

ditto

Annie's pretty young. We try not to sexualize her.

[Ravenwing263]

Oh, do "we"?

[stealthwise]

Annie's pretty young. We try not to sexualize her.

Annie's young on the series perhaps, but Allison Brie is something like 27?

She's also Trudy Campbell on Mad Men.

Edit: Had to include this, IMDB mentions she was in a series of tv shorts called "Hot Sluts."

[Tommy]

Annie's young on the series perhaps, but Allison Brie is something like 27?

She's also Trudy Campbell on Mad Men.

Edit: Had to include this, IMDB mentions she was in a series of tv shorts called "Hot Sluts."

She also describes herself as "the Captain of Coitus" and "the Queen of Copulation." And that story from the STD fair episode about having disastrous sex with a closeted gay man (in a closet) while listening to Madonna's "Erotica" is actually a true story from her life. But I happen to love that quote. (http://topics.treehugger.com/quote/0fGg4b9ep31Mz)

[Gryphon]

Was there an episode in season one where Jeff said his father was an alcoholic?

[Gryphon]

Im looking forward to tonight's episode.

[Teal_Lantern]

I really liked this one. In retrospect, it was also one of the darker episodes of the series. I mean, in between Shirley's dark past and Piers not being able to move, this one just felt a little less happy and a bit more sad. I liked it, it looks like it's going to lead to some great character development.

[Gryphon]

Interesting episode, it was weird seeing troy as the mature one.

[Gryphon]

I really liked this one. In retrospect, it was also one of the darker episodes of the series. I mean, in between Shirley's dark past and Piers not being able to move, this one just felt a little less happy and a bit more sad. I liked it, it looks like it's going to lead to some great character development.

Definitely more character based than humour based.

[Neil C.]

For some reason, the way the show was shot made me think they were imitating some movie or other show. But maybe that's from past episodes that made me think that. This show is definitely up there with "Modern Family," all the characters really click. And Allison Brie is a cutie. :)

-Neil

Definitely more character based than humour based.

[Tommy]

After watching it a second time, I have to say, this episode was amazing. this episode really advanced all the long term character development that has been happening this season. As an episode it opened with standard sitcom plots, but used them to take the characters to an extremely dark place (specifically showing their deepest insecurities), but also show why they need each other and what they get from their friendship.

One of the changes this season has been about exploring who Shirley is and giving her a lot of depth. In the first season she started out as a character who had anger issues, and was pretty petty. But she quickly morphed into a very nice Christian. This season we've been seeing both of these aspects come out and how they interact with each other. In this episode she wants to go to a nice chain bar, because she went through a very dark time in her life and doesn't want to be reminded of it. And more importantly she doesn't want the group to find out about it. When the whole photograph thing is introduced, you know the typical sitcom cliche is that Shirley will steal them until the group finds one. And that's exactly what happens. Except it isn't a joke, Shirley is legitimately hurt. The group actually says to her that they don't see her as a multi-faceted person, to which she responds with some real depth of emotion about who she is and what she has went through. I really feel Shirley is the most underrated character on the show.

Then you have Annie who follows the sitcom cliche of making up a fake persona. Except that as the night drags on the fake persona drags the real stresses of Annie's life into the light. Annie has only two options in life, she can succeed or she can screw up. And she already screwed up once. She actually sees herself as a screw up and thinks everyone else sees her that way. Much like Britta, she isn't a character who hears a lot of positive things about herself.

Abed's story followed the classic, "character does not know they are being hit on" plot, only to twist it so Abed knows he is being hit on almost the entire time. He just wants to talk about "Farscape." Wow, was this a powerful story that hits right at the heart of this character. He will essentially lead someone on just so he can have someone to talk to and more importantly someone who will listen to him. It goes back to episodes like "Contemporary American Poultry," and states that Abed is deeply and profoundly lonely. Even membership in their group isn't abating it, note how Jeff and Britta make out literally on him like he isn't there.

Then you have Pierce. His role was slight but he almost had what could be called an epiphany. Pierce desperately wants to be the one who is needed, such as his overly complicated play with Jeff, his speech advice to Shirley, and his attempt to write a song for Annie. And not the one who has needs. Like Abed, he is a profoundly lonely character, and he thinks if everyone needs him then they won't abandon him. But in the end he is the one who needs help, and even after a horrible trauma, Shirley is still there for him.

Finally you have Jeff and Britta. Both characters originally started off being cool and smart, and then added a weird pesudo-parental aspect to their relationships with the other members of the group. But really, both characters are petty and small-minded. And this episode really cuts them off at the knees. They spend the whole night attempting to mentor Troy in how to be a cool adult, only to at the end be exposed as complete idiots who do not know what they are talking about. And certainly they were not cool.

Tying these plotlines together is Troy who has to step up and be the hero of the night. A role that Troy is increasingly cast in this season. The show opens by regressing Troy to the role he filled at the beginning of season one, an oblivious jock who is too stupid to realize how old he is. But as the night wears on, he steps in and saves the group. First he quickly realizes that Shirley is deeply hurt by her past being brought up, then he sees how the alcohol is making Annie and Abed wallow in despair and Jeff and Britta wallow in their worst natures. He sacrifices his birthday (and his meaningful, personal drink), in order to take everyone home and manages to comfort Annie by telling her how he sees her.

All in all this was a brilliant and moving episode.

[RobStaeger]

That was a really insightful analysis, Tommy. It's one of my favorite episodes of the year.

[Gryphon]

A friend of mine and I were discussing the episode and he said it was interesting that the writers are bringing back Troy/Annie. I said that I dont think thats the case, but rather it was mostly to show Troy growing up and maturing.

[Tommy]

A friend of mine and I were discussing the episode and he said it was interesting that the writers are bringing back Troy/Annie. I said that I dont think thats the case, but rather it was mostly to show Troy growing up and maturing.

Actually they seem to be building towards Troy and Britta. Notice how hurt he was when he found out that Britta and Jeff were making out.


That was a really insightful analysis, Tommy. It's one of my favorite episodes of the year.

One of the things I love about Community is that the more I watch it, the more depths I find to it.

[t.c.johnson]

Actually they seem to be building towards Troy and Britta. Notice how hurt he was when he found out that Britta and Jeff were making out.


I don't think it was that.

As you said, Britta and Jeff have assumed almost parent figures. Part of growing up is discovering your parents aren't these god like figures but just ordinary, flawed human beings. Abed telling Troy that they were makingout was just one more thing to emphasize that Jeff and Britta weren't all that perfect...but this time Troy didn't fly off the handle because he was now a grown up and can accept that.

[Gail Simone]

I guess I'm gonna have to break down and watch this show, dammit.

[Patrick Gerard]

I guess I'm gonna have to break down and watch this show, dammit.

I remember from YABS that the general opinion was that the first few episodes seemed light and like a mean-spirited jab at community colleges but it quickly becomes apparent that they're deconstructing themselves and adding depth.

According to the DVD commentary, Troy was supposed to be a dumb white jock and I gather they really did intend for Britta to be the pure one who redeems Jeff while being grating, a Sam/Diane type thing.

But the actors and writers really jumped in and transformed the show in unexpected ways that Dan Harmon and the writers learned to play with. That and they are obsessed with the internet reaction to the show and intentionally play with online shippers and internet theories about the show. They rarely do what people want/expect but they tease at it and respond to it.

[Gryphon]

I guess I'm gonna have to break down and watch this show, dammit.

Yes, join us Gail....

[Ravenwing263]

I remember from YABS that the general opinion was that the first few episodes seemed light and like a mean-spirited jab at community colleges but it quickly becomes apparent that they're deconstructing themselves and adding depth.

According to the DVD commentary, Troy was supposed to be a dumb white jock and I gather they really did intend for Britta to be the pure one who redeems Jeff while being grating, a Sam/Diane type thing.

But the actors and writers really jumped in and transformed the show in unexpected ways that Dan Harmon and the writers learned to play with. That and they are obsessed with the internet reaction to the show and intentionally play with online shippers and internet theories about the show. They rarely do what people want/expect but they tease at it and respond to it.

Yeah, I know that I saw the pilot last year and I didn't like it all, so I moved on. Next thing I know, everyone was talking about it, so I checked it back out and sure enough, it had turned into something great while I wasn't looking.

[Gryphon]

I am wondering something. Would the fact that the show has been performing very well on dvd and Hulu and the like, have any impact on whether or not it will get renewed?

[DarkKnightJared]

Yeah, I know that I saw the pilot last year and I didn't like it all, so I moved on. Next thing I know, everyone was talking about it, so I checked it back out and sure enough, it had turned into something great while I wasn't looking.

Same here--I remember seeing on of the first episodes (at least from the first season) and found it really boring, but with this new season, it's really coming together. Very funny stuff. :D

When's the Christmas episode coming on again? I'm going to try to actually watch it on the TV this time.

[Ravenwing263]

I am wondering something. Would the fact that the show has been performing very well on dvd and Hulu and the like, have any impact on whether or not it will get renewed?

The DVD thing will absolutely have a big impact, since that's a real revenue stream. It doesn't have the "end all, be all" status that ratings have, because it's so delayed; after all, you're spending money on producing the product for a full year before you start making money DVD money.

Hulu, on the other hand, no one had any idea how to monetize it, so it probably doesn't have a lot of pull.

[Patrick Gerard]

The DVD thing will absolutely have a big impact, since that's a real revenue stream. It doesn't have the "end all, be all" status that ratings have, because it's so delayed; after all, you're spending money on producing the product for a full year before you start making money DVD money.

Hulu, on the other hand, no one had any idea how to monetize it, so it probably doesn't have a lot of pull.

Speaking of Hulu, Community is the only major NBC series you don't get a backlog of access to with a Hulu Plus subscription. That actually swayed me just to drop $12 on the Community DVD on Black Friday and forego Hulu Plus.

Only other NBC show I'd get is The Office and it's not something I need a backlog of. I have the first four seasons of Psych (USA) and will be getting Season 5.

[Gryphon]

Same here--I remember seeing on of the first episodes (at least from the first season) and found it really boring, but with this new season, it's really coming together. Very funny stuff. :D

When's the Christmas episode coming on again? I'm going to try to actually watch it on the TV this time.

Its tommorow.

[Gryphon]

Awesome episode.This was better than the paintball episode.

[Teal_Lantern]

Great episode but man is this show getting depressing.

Which is a good thing. I'm excited to see where they're going with it.

[Gryphon]

Great episode but man is this show getting depressing.

Which is a good thing. I'm excited to see where they're going with it.

They are really peeling back all the layers of the characters and really examining them.

[Gryphon]

BTW, this episode was co-written by Dino Stamatopoulos, the creator of Moral Orel and Frankenhole, and who plays Starburns.

[Tommy]

Great episode but man is this show getting depressing.

Which is a good thing. I'm excited to see where they're going with it.

Me too. In the first season each character was given a superficial explanation of how they wound up at Greendale, now we're really getting into what drove the life choices that led to being at Greendale. It really feels like we are building to some sort of massive group catharsis.

Wow, this was such a dark episode at its core, and yet so heartwarming. I'm sincerely amazed.

[Gryphon]

After rewatching this episode and noting once again the trend of the episodes getting daker, I can't help but feel there will soon be an episode about Jeff having an abusive childhood based on comments from a season one episode where he said his dad was an alcoholic.

[Teal_Lantern]

I'm wondering what's gonna happen with Britta. From seeing this episode, it seems she's starting to crack just a bit, what with the way she actually cried when Abed told her to leave.

[Gryphon]

The next episode should be about her and whats led her to be this way.

[Patrick Gerard]

After rewatching this episode and noting once again the trend of the episodes getting daker, I can't help but feel there will soon be an episode about Jeff having an abusive childhood based on comments from a season one episode where he said his dad was an alcoholic.

I think we're being setup for a glorious bastard moment by Chang that everyone has to rally against.

That Gollum scene of him was intense. He's been lightly scattered through the more recent episodes but the season finale will probably be all about the Son of Chang they've been hinting at.

I also would not rule out Pierce leaving the show. They've made him a lot more restrained in the chair and he, in particular, seems darker this season. Both more introspective and more outright evil occasionally.

Plus, it's a college. They have to start cycling new faces through, especially if they start thinking ahead to what a Season 5 would mean, assuming they get it.

I think we're due for some revelations about Annie's homelife and why she lives in such a dive, which has been hinted at a few times and actually shown last week. If they want to bring the comedy there, I kinda think her dad should basically be an older Jeff, which should creep out Jeff.

They also need to do something with Abed's crush. We know he has a crush on someone in the group although it's only been teased at very, very lightly. I don't think he's asexual, despite rejecting some advances made on him either. I think he does have issues expressing that side of himself and I think, especially with the chemistry between the actors, that we may discover that he has a thing for Annie.

There are tiny cues throughout the series I can see to support this but they're incredibly tiny. And the times when "it should have come up" for another character, it wouldn't have come up with Abed because of who he is. And I think this will throw the Troy/Abed dynamic into just enough jeopardy to rivet fans of the show to their seat because that's the real heart of the show.

[Teal_Lantern]

I can't believe I forgot about Chang. Yeah, there's gotta be some big stuff going on with him.

I can't really see Piers leaving the show. It seems like they're setting something up with him. Besides, I think this show doesn't seem to do changes that are quick. Everything takes a long time to stir.

Annie's dad being an older Jeff would just be awesome.

[suedenim]

Everything takes a long time to stir.


Definitely! I'm watching the Season One DVDs now, and noticed what seemed to be a random bit of weirdness: Abed converses with Pavel, the guy in the next-door dorm room, in fluent Polish. This week we learned why, and it's not that Abed is a language genius (well, not necessarily - he *is* fluent in at least three languages, but doesn't appear to be much more of a Spanish student than any of the others.)

[Kevinroc]

Definitely! I'm watching the Season One DVDs now, and noticed what seemed to be a random bit of weirdness: Abed converses with Pavel, the guy in the next-door dorm room, in fluent Polish. This week we learned why, and it's not that Abed is a language genius (well, not necessarily - he *is* fluent in at least three languages, but doesn't appear to be much more of a Spanish student than any of the others.)

A lot of the characters share a similar background to their actors. Danny Pudi (who plays Abed) is of Polish descent on his mother's side (his actual father is from India).

[Gryphon]

Im wondering if they will follow up on the hints that Troy is attracted to Britta.

[Gryphon]

Unfortunatley this was the second lowest rated episode of the season so far, despite being one of the best.

[Gryphon]

Did anyone notice at the end when everyone was taking the christmas tree from the "faith zone" Shirley went back and took the Menorah?

[Duxdoom]

Has anyone else notice what a big role divorce plays in the show? Abed, Troy, Jeff and Annie's Parents are all divorced, Shirley and Pierce are divorced and we don't really know if divorce plays a role in Britta's life at all (I personally like to think that her parents are overly supportive.)


Did anyone notice at the end when everyone was taking the christmas tree from the "faith zone" Shirley went back and took the Menorah?

I did!

[Gryphon]

And this show gets snubbed again!

[Patrick Gerard]

Has anyone else notice what a big role divorce plays in the show? Abed, Troy, Jeff and Annie's Parents are all divorced, Shirley and Pierce are divorced and we don't really know if divorce plays a role in Britta's life at all (I personally like to think that her parents are overly supportive.)



I did!

According to DVD commentary, Harmon thinks she wears the plushy Halloween costumes because she never got to go to the zoo.

Also, if I had to guess an angle for Britta, it's that she's married to some guy who she met in another country and thinks the marriage isn't valid here. It's the stock plot for somebody like her. That or she's divorced too. She's the kind of character you can reveal those things about abruptly.

[Gryphon]

According to DVD commentary, Harmon thinks she wears the plushy Halloween costumes because she never got to go to the zoo.

Also, if I had to guess an angle for Britta, it's that she's married to some guy who she met in another country and thinks the marriage isn't valid here. It's the stock plot for somebody like her. That or she's divorced too. She's the kind of character you can reveal those things about abruptly.

That would be interesting.

[suedenim]

God, I love this show. Something I noticed in the "They really do think of EVERYTHING" file:

In the "football" episode, they examine the Greendale Trophy case, which has a grand total of one dinky trophy... a "customer appreciation trophy" from the Something Trophy Case Company.

Later, Greendale actually wins a dinky trophy in the debate episode.

In later episodes, the trophy case is occasionally glimpsed in the background... now with TWO dinky trophies. visible via the magic of freeze-frame.

[Duxdoom]

God, I love this show. Something I noticed in the "They really do think of EVERYTHING" file:

In the "football" episode, they examine the Greendale Trophy case, which has a grand total of one dinky trophy... a "customer appreciation trophy" from the Something Trophy Case Company.

Later, Greendale actually wins a dinky trophy in the debate episode.

In later episodes, the trophy case is occasionally glimpsed in the background... now with TWO dinky trophies. visible via the magic of freeze-frame.

They really do think of everything. They and Venture brothers have the greatest sense of Continuity and use of great background jokes. I love rewatching the episodes and looking at the backgrounds, the posters, the writing on boards, the items that Annie's Boobs has collected.

On a sidenote, I really want the Racism Does Not Compute poster that they have around the campus.

Merch. That's what they need. T-Shirts, Posters, Officially Lisenced Wheel Chairs.

[Gryphon]

Levar Burton will be making a guest appearance later this season.

[Gryphon]

According to upcoming wikipedia's synopsis of an upcoming episode Annie gets a new love interest which could be good as long as it isnt the doctor character.

[Patrick Gerard]

According to upcoming wikipedia's synopsis of an upcoming episode Annie gets a new love interest which could be good as long as it isnt the doctor character.


This would be a prime time for my "Britta's husband" plot thread to come in to ratchet things up.

Jeff and Britta are making out (again) and Britta's husband walks into the picture. He wants a divorce, which is a serious buzzkill on that situation.

And then he starts dating Annie, creating a quadrangle. It's not like Britta and Annie don't already have just about identical taste in men and the only thing I could see pushing the Jeff/Annie thing is competition.

Then at the absolute nadir of that storyline, reveal that Abed has a thing for Annie. There are little things you can use as hints at that in retrospect and it would be perfect with Abed because he's so obsessed with pop culture tropes and yet this perfectly juicy quadrangle completely tramples over his friendships and feelings, making him the odd one out and the one guy who doesn't fit into the stock sitcom plot.

That would be a stroke of brilliance because, naturally, the one way he relates to people is pop culture, to a point of near-on delusion as we've seen this season with his Messiah movie and the Christmas episode.

Create a pop culture reference that excludes and alienates him from his friends and you can push him to a poignant and dramatic pinnacle of isolation.

I'd probably then look at making the season (or next year's mid-season) finale "The Death of Abed", metaphorically, pushing him to a very crazy place where all his neuroses compound themselves -- with Chang provoking him -- and have a cliffhanger ending of him in some kind of cocoon like state (ala Babylon 5 Season 1 with Delenn).

And then introduce "New Abed" the next season. You remember his Don Draper impression? Imagine that as a full on break, completely internalizing pop culture rather than commenting on it. Suddenly, he's every leading man, ever. Smoother than Jeff. More popular than everyone else. And only Troy can break through Abed's new outer shell of pure smoothness that borders on being the Lex Luthor/Clark Kent dynamic from Smallville, but funny.

[Patrick Gerard]

I can see it now:

Pierce: "Did he just wrap himself up in a blanket fort?"

Troy: "That's no blanket fort. It's a cocoon... And we have no idea who or what he's going to be when he emerges..."

Pierce: "Cocoon? Is that some sort of old joke...?"

Jeff, uncomfortable, shoos everyone away. Suspenseful closeup on Abed inside his blanket cocoon. His eyes fling open. Blackout.

[Gryphon]

According to upcoming wikipedia's synopsis of an upcoming episode Annie gets a new love interest which could be good as long as it isnt the doctor character.

And it is going to be the doctor character.

[suedenim]

I really don't think there's any need to hide "TV Guide" level blurbs and speculation with black spoiler bars, is there?

[Gryphon]

Ive gotten flack for not putting stuff like that in spoilers before, so I do it now.

[Gryphon]

Apparently some fans on the net think the set up with Annie and Rich will eb a way to get Annie and Jeff together. I dont know about that but what do you guys think?

[suedenim]

Apparently some fans on the net think the set up with Annie and Rich will eb a way to get Annie and Jeff together. I dont know about that but what do you guys think?

I think it'll end up with Annie and Britta together.

Nah, not really, but I love that little sequence from Season One after Jeff makes the observation that the study group is kind of like a family... except that each person in the group is a conceivable sexual partner for any other person in the group. All those little wordless glances and reactions were so hilarious.

[scout1279]

And it is going to be the doctor character.

I was just listening to the audio commentary on "Beginners Pottery" and they were talking about how much they loved that character and actor and wanted to bring him back.

[Teal_Lantern]

I was just listening to the audio commentary on "Beginners Pottery" and they were talking about how much they loved that character and actor and wanted to bring him back.

I think he's gonna make more appearances after his stint on the Halloween special. He's got a lot of potential.

Speaking of, they haven't done much with Chang in a while.

[Forheiszombie]

Speaking of, they haven't done much with Chang in a while.

well, there is the baby plot line over the horizon. The moment when Troy puts the pieces together with the phone call he got from Chang and Shirley's pregnancy tests, may have been the funniest 1 second this season.

[suedenim]

well, there is the baby plot line over the horizon. The moment when Troy puts the pieces together with the phone call he got from Chang and Shirley's pregnancy tests, may have been the funniest 1 second this season.

I think I read somewhere or other that Chang (well, the actor who plays him, natch) has more or less been on a leave of absence for a movie role. So don't be surprised if he returns to prominence.

[scout1279]

I think I read somewhere or other that Chang (well, the actor who plays him, natch) has more or less been on a leave of absence for a movie role. So don't be surprised if he returns to prominence.

Hangover 2?

[suedenim]

Hangover 2?

Could be, that sounds familiar.

[Matt_Y]

This (http://curiousoldlibrary.blogspot.com/2010/12/community-avengers.html) has been out there for awhile so everyone may have already seen this:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5277085488_9022fc0b05_o.jpg
I think the artist missed an opportunity by not casting Troy as Spider-Man (He's still an Avenger, right?) but it's great.

[Gryphon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVuBh-tRzsQ

Jeff in court.

:lol:

[Gryphon]

I found this on IMDB

Eliza Coupe who played Denise on "Scrubs" is set to play a Secret Service Agent interested in Abed on the 16th episode entitled “Political Developments and Uncivil Disobedience".

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/01/07/castle-big-love-community-spoilers/

Enver Gjokaj who played Victor on "Dollhouse" will play Lukka a character who is interested in Britta on the 17th episode entitled ""Custody Law and Foreign Entanglements".

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b219504_dollhouse_s tar_joins_community_cast.html?cmpid=rss-000000-rssfeed-365-kristin

[Gryphon]

New episode tonight.

[Gryphon]

Good episode.

[scout1279]

I thought the end was perfect.

[Gryphon]

Anyone else think Rich is secretly a psychopath?

[XXXenophile]

Anyone catch the Cosby Show shout out?

I missed it completely and when it got pointed out to me, I felt ashamed.

[Matt_Y]

Anyone else think Rich is secretly a psychopath?

Possibly. I seem to remember the pottery episode ending on a particularly Norman Bates like note for him.

[scout1279]

Anyone catch the Cosby Show shout out?

I missed it completely and when it got pointed out to me, I felt ashamed.

Yes, it was great, although slightly ruined by Dan Harmon tweeting about having to find a Cosby sweater for Malcolm Jamal Warner.

[EdContradictory]

Anyone catch the Cosby Show shout out?

I missed it completely and when it got pointed out to me, I felt ashamed.

"Nice sweater."

"My dad gave it to me."

LOVE this show.

[Neil C.]

Liked Abed being called a "brown Jamie Lee Curtis." And me thinks the doctor does have something dark. Or the fact that he doesn't might be the joke! Does anyone else who DVRs the show always find it gets cut off? NBC really screws with its timing on Thursday night; might be easier to watch it on demand.

-Neil



"Nice sweater."

"My dad gave it to me."

LOVE this show.

[scout1279]

Liked Abed being called a "brown Jamie Lee Curtis." And me thinks the doctor does have something dark. Or the fact that he doesn't might be the joke! Does anyone else who DVRs the show always find it gets cut off? NBC really screws with its timing on Thursday night; might be easier to watch it on demand.

-Neil

Uhg! YES! And I thought I had the problem solved by having it record for a minute longer, but then last night it went even later than that. So annyoing!

[Thequeerjock]

Jeff's speech about why they should choose Chang is like seriously the greatest thing ever.

[scout1279]

Jeff's speech about why they should choose Chang is like seriously the greatest thing ever.

In the world of Community, so many criminals must walk the streets because of how well he argues utter nonsense.

[Gryphon]

Possibly. I seem to remember the pottery episode ending on a particularly Norman Bates like note for him.

They should really follow up on this. It would be cool.

[RobStaeger]

Does anyone else who DVRs the show always find it gets cut off? NBC really screws with its timing on Thursday night; might be easier to watch it on demand.

Instead of recording show-by-show, we've found it easier to record pretty much the entire block (minus Outsourced, and we'll be skipping Perfect Couples from now on). We set the tivo for a weekly 2.5 hour recording, starting Thursdays at 8, and set that to record 2 minutes longer. That way we never miss the buttons on the end.

[Patrick Gerard]

In the world of Community, so many criminals must walk the streets because of how well he argues utter nonsense.

There should be an episode where a mafioso Jeff defended needs him as a lawyer again and tries to apply a little "pressure" on the school to graduate Jeff early.

[suedenim]

Such a great show. And I can never get enough of "Troy and Abed in the Morning."

[Ravenwing263]

Troy and Abed together are always gold.

[Gryphon]

Indeed they are.

[Gryphon]

Maury Povich will guest star in an upcoming episode.

[Gryphon]

The ratings were up for this episode. Hopefully a good sign, given what it was competing against.

[Teal_Lantern]

The ratings were up for this episode. Hopefully a good sign, given what it was competing against.

Let's hope we get another season at least.

[Gryphon]

Let's hope we get another season at least.

Hopefully.

[scout1279]

NBC stuck with 30 Rock for it's first few seasons when it got really low ratings.

[Gryphon]

But they own 30 rock. Sony owns Community.

[Gryphon]

Im finding lists on the net of supposed hints that dr rich is supposed to be a serial killer or psychopath of some sort.

[Forheiszombie]

I'm sort of nervous about the fate of Community. One of the funniest shows on TV. I like it better than 30 Rock most of the time, but with the Comcast buy out I feel like there could be a few shake ups...

but I could be wrong after they just threw me the Wonder Woman curve ball. Hopefully they realize how much people actually love and follow the show, rather than friggen outsourced.

[Gryphon]

New episode now,

[Teal_Lantern]

Annie's story just got way more interesting. Did we know about the nervous breakdown before?

[Gryphon]

Actually yes.

[Teal_Lantern]

Oh, haven't been able to see all of the first year.

Still a great episode for her.

[Gryphon]

It was also touched on in the second episode this season.

[Patrick Gerard]

Great episode. Simple premise but it used all the characters' quirks effectively to build and resolve conflict. Troy and Abed were a bit lightly used this episode but still managed to have some of the most memorable moments. Troy, in particular, works great as the punchline guy.

The "stinger in front" and "thanks to not drugs" lines were great.

It also did some necessary clean-up with why Pierce is such a ham, why Annie doesn't have a job (yet), what value Chang brings, and why they can't use Pierce's money to solve problems.

I like that these points get considered, like when Jeff was homeless in S1, Abed moving into the dorms, Troy moving in with Pierce, etc. A lot of classic shows with a strong comedic ensemble will ignore how things work to get to the funny and I think it's refreshing here that they build on the bits of business for drama.

[Gryphon]

http://m.tvline.com/2011/01/renewal-...on-the-bubble/


Michael Ausiello has a 5 level rating system for what shows might get renewed,
Already renewed,
sure thing,
safe bet,
could go either way,
long shot.

Community is listed as a safe bet.

[FanboyStranger]

This episode was a pretty cool metacommentary on the whole series. I've been feeling that Chevy Chase has been wasted this season, and then they come up with an entire episode that focuses on Pierce having no lines and essentially being a prop: "The show isn't about the characters, it's about the message!" "What's the message of the show? Jeff Winger?!?!?!" They never do what you expect on Community. Britta's character, for example, started out as the obvious love interest for Jeff Winger, but now she's on the backburner unless she's getting ripped on by the group. (Expect a Britta-centric episode any week now.) It's such a refreshing show, especially on network tv.

[Forheiszombie]

(Expect a Britta-centric episode any week now.)

I believe next week's episode has her meeting a new friend who happens to be a lesbian, and thinks she is too.

[FanboyStranger]

I believe next week's episode has her meeting a new friend who happens to be a lesbian, and thinks she is too.

Boom. Perfect.

[Forheiszombie]

week after next, sorry. that's the Valentines episode. Next week is an Abed episode it seems.

[Matt_Y]

"Why don't I go get Chang for you and you can tell him yourself."

Awesome. Glad to see they're sticking with the "Chang is completely batshit" subplot.

Also I think I need to start incorporating Dildopolis into my everyday speech somehow.

[Gryphon]

Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking" February 17, 2011 (2011-02-17) 216
When Pierce lands in the hospital, he believes he's dying and gives the study group specific gifts that are actually meant to torment them. Britta wonders what to do with a blank check for "charity," Jeff ponders the idea of meeting his father, and Troy gets to meet LeVar Burton.


Political Developments and Uncivil Disobedience February 24, 2011 (2011-02-24) 217
When the vice president comes to Greendale, Dean Pelton organizes a student body election, which Annie is determined to win against Leonard, Jeff, and Star Burns. Meanwhile, Abed becomes friends with a secret service agent (Eliza Coupe).


The synopsis of two upcoming episodes.

[saintsaucey]

This week is a Dungeons and Dragons episode. btw Gryphon cutting and posting the same comments from one site to other is really starting to irk me. I can't post there but I do read there and I know you don't bother to retype the comments from the community thread there to the community thread here.

[Gryphon]

This week is a Dungeons and Dragons episode. btw Gryphon cutting and posting the same comments from one site to other is really starting to irk me. I can't post there but I do read there and I know you don't bother to retype the comments from the community thread there to the community thread here.

Very well. I can go about this differently.

[Duxdoom]

The few seconds of Chang in blackface from the preview had me laughing hard enough that I can't wait for Thursday.

[saintsaucey]

The few seconds of Chang in blackface from the preview had me laughing hard enough that I can't wait for Thursday.

Yeah and Shirley's response to it. "So we're just going to ignore that hate crime."

[Gryphon]

Ed O'Neill has said he wants to guest star as an ethics professor in an episode. That would be pretty cool.

[saintsaucey]

I wonder how Kitty Pride would feel about that.

[DarkCrisis]

The few seconds of Chang in blackface from the preview had me laughing hard enough that I can't wait for Thursday.

Not so much blackface as drowface.

[Gryphon]

Tonight's episode should be good.

[BriRedfern]

Scud the Disposable Assassin!

[Calvin Government]

An episode of COMMUNITY in which they stage a game of D&D to help make a fat, depressed loser feel better about life? It's like someone looked into my life and said, "How can we make it better?" and then, instead of doing it, wrote a script about it.

[BriRedfern]

Heh.

[BriRedfern]

This is pretty great.

[Calvin Government]

Annie seducing the elf maiden might be the funniest thing I've seen this year.

God, I needed this.

[t.c.johnson]

That made me happy.

[Teal_Lantern]

That made me happy.

God, that was the really my favourite ending this whole season.

[Gryphon]

This was EPIC!! And we got dsome good character development. Pierce's loneliness and feelings of being neglected leading him to act out, Annie's repressed sexual urges shocking Shirley, and Jeff regretting earlier actions and genuinely trying to fix his mistake.

[Neil C.]

Even with Pierce's excuse of loneliness, his character has become more evil and annoying. I'm shocked that no one has kicked him out the group yet.

-Neil C.


This was EPIC!! And we got dsome good character development. Pierce's loneliness and feelings of being neglected leading him to act out, Annie's repressed sexual urges shocking Shirley, and Jeff regretting earlier actions and genuinely trying to fix his mistake.

[saintsaucey]

I love that Annie needed two hands to pull out her huge member. Also that Abed designed the character with troy in mind and shirley had no problem believing that.

[RobStaeger]

Man, that was a great ep... the sex scene was a riot.

[saintsaucey]

Was it just me or was she talking about how many fingers she needed to um.

[saintsaucey]

I started off thinking this was the perfect episode to show my dad to explain why I buy comics at 30 years old and by the time they got into the game I was like there is no way in hell I can show my dad this episode.

[BriRedfern]

Why not just give him a great comic to read? Does he own any pets? If yes I suggest We3. Short, quick, beautiful, gripping, heart breaking.

[Gryphon]

Was this the first episode to hint that Jeff never knew his father or have they implied it before ( I know a first season episode implied he had a neglectful childhood)?

[scout1279]

This episode kind of made me wish I'd played D&D at some point in my life, which is a weird reaction, I know.

I also thought it was one of the best episodes of the series, which is funny since the D&D episode of Freaks and Geeks was the best episode of that, much shorter, series. D&D leads to quality television.

[RobStaeger]

This episode kind of made me wish I'd played D&D at some point in my life, which is a weird reaction, I know.

I also thought it was one of the best episodes of the series, which is funny since the D&D episode of Freaks and Geeks was the best episode of that, much shorter, series. D&D leads to quality television.

Ha, tell that to Tom Hanks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfxXug5ZMdk&feature=related).

[Neil C.]

Ha, tell that to Tom Hanks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfxXug5ZMdk&feature=related).
I think I played D&D once in my youth. I died the first day, so that was the end of that!


-Neil C.

[BriRedfern]

I think I played D&D once in my youth. I died the first day, so that was the end of that!


-Neil C.

So, not Fat Neil?

[Neil C.]

So, not Fat Neil?


No, only slightly heavy Neil. :) I look like Dustin Hoffman from The Graduate, but a little more gray hair.


-Neil

[Tommy]

Even with Pierce's excuse of loneliness, his character has become more evil and annoying. I'm shocked that no one has kicked him out the group yet.

They have kicked him out of the group. But they need him as much as he needs them. Pierce is the most openly honest member of the group, he's also incredibly generous, he has a lot of life experience and oddly enough a lot of wisdom.

This season they have been making him more dickish than last season, but this season they've been pushing all the characters pretty hard (such as the Mixology episode). This is one of the few shows where there is sustained, continuous character development, and I don't doubt Pierce is going to have some sort of catharsis as a character.

[RobStaeger]

I hope they don't, but I wonder if they're planning to write Pierce out of the show. Chevvy Chase is supposedly a hard actor to deal with.