Sometimes Community gets so meta it makes my head spin. Ever since the pilot, Community has seemed very aware of the fact that it is a television comedy, complete with familiar sitcom characters. In this episode, Abed (who is the character who breaks down the fourth wall on a regular basis) basically says, “You guys, we are nothing more than tried and true archetypes molded and evolved on sitcoms over the past 50 years. Let me show u it.”
So in addition to seeing that Abed can predict everything his fellow characters say and do, we have Chevy Chase doing what Chevy Chase does best: pratfalls. Pratfalls made him famous, so the only thing surprising about having him fall over his drum kit in this episode is that it took them so long to do it.
Not only do the writers make a reference to Chevy Chase’s early career in this episode, but they routinely make a habit of needling Joel McHale about his other job. Between the fact that they’ve called him “Seacrest” more than once, and the line in this episode about him pleasuring himself to the E! channel, they know that you’re probably watching this show in the first place because you’re a fan of The Soup.
This was one of my favorite episodes of Community so far, but it’s not just due to all of the “wink, wink, nudge nudge” on display. The actual plot was really strong this week; after all, Jeff and Annie totally kiss! That’s kind of huge.
It seems as though every single episode has been about Jeff and Britta. I haven’t always been in love with this storyline, so the fact that we have a break from it this week is automatically a plus in my book. The whole Jeff/Annie thing in this episode is also great because it proves I’m not completely crazy.
Even though Jeff is all in love with Britta, and Annie is like a lost little puppy dog when it comes to Troy, I’ve long felt that there was a weird sexual tension between Annie and Jeff. I thought it might just be me, but this episode kind of proves that it isn’t all in my head, and furthermore, the way they dealt with it was perfect.
Jeff, for all of his failings, isn’t completely sleazy. Mostly sleazy– but not completely. So to his credit, he understands that at 27 years old, Britta is an appropriate mate for him. Little 18-year-old Annie, on the other hand, well that’s just pushing the boundaries of good taste.
Regardless, he’s a dude, and she’s a good-looking lady. So despite the fact that there’s a pretty significant age difference, he does find himself awkwardly attracted to her, so the awkwardness with which he deals with this is absolutely hilarious. I loved watching both of them fight to not let their biological urges overcome their common sense. Nothing is going to happen between the two of them, but it was addressed, and based on Troy’s reaction when Annie kissed Jeff onstage, it looks as though it’s going to lead to some new, fun storylines.
Clacked by Kona Gallagher 
on Nov 16, 2009 @ 11:00 EST5EDT
This was definitely my favourite ep so far this season. I love how meta it was– so many awesome lines. Like you I am so glad they stopped Jeff going after Britta. I forget though.. how old is Jeff supposed to be? (I mean it’s clear there’s an age gap… just wasn’t sure how great of a gap it is.)
The second pratfall Chevy did was classic. Loved it.
I also really liked how even though it seemed everyone was lapping up Jeff’s rendition of “Evil Woman”, (and that that judge had been affected about the situation he posed to her) the judges awarded him no points. Great reality check for Jeff. ;p And I noticed on a rewatch– Simmons’ face totally gives this away– he first was nervous looking when Jeff says: “Let’s talk…etc.” but once Jeff starts singing, Simmons is smirking.
And they did the Spanish rap redux for the ep tag!! :D Love that rap so much…