Dammit, this show is going to get canceled. I loved last night’s episode, you guys; it was completely insane. But there’s no way a sitcom on a fourth-place network can survive doing what basically amounted to a live-action Treehouse of Horror. Two and a Half Men would never have an episode like that. Why? Because dark, cinematic zombie-filled sitcom episodes don’t buy lucrative syndication deals that keep the stars neck-deep in hookers and blow at the Plaza hotel.
It’s unfortunate, though, because Community is probably my favorite comedy on the air right now. However, the ratings aren’t really holding up — even Outsourced is beating it. But let’s not lament the ratings. Instead, let’s focus on how amazing this Halloween episode truly was.
Since my DVR is constantly overflowing, I often sit down to watch a show only to realize after nothing makes sense, that I only had a partial recording. I kept on checking to see if that had happened last night, because they really just plopped us right into the action. It was clear from the beginning that this was not going to be your “typical” episode of Community.
One atypical thing about this episode is that it wasn’t that funny. I don’t mean that as a criticism at all; it’s just that they were playing everything a little bit differently, which I found fascinating. However, there were some definite funny moments: Britta’s (much appreciated) non-sexy costume and her little T-Rex arms, Troy and Abed’s costumes, and of course Senor Chang as Peggy Flemming (not Michelle Kwan, you racists!).
Speaking of costumes, Troy’s toilet paper Dracula was hilariously nonsensical, as was Shirley’s Glinda the Good Witch costume, which I totally call B.S. on. If she didn’t want to be called Miss Piggy, then she shouldn’t have been wearing a Miss Piggy wig! Everyone knows Glinda is a redhead. Come on!
Shirley deserves nothing but our sympathies though, because OMG SHE TOTALLY DID IT WITH CHANG. I don’t blame her of course — things naturally get a little crazy during zombie attacks. I blame Dan Harmon. I’ve been waiting all season for Shirley to get a love interest, and instead of the Old Spice Guy, she gets Chang? Weaksauce. Just for that, Shirley should not only get the Old Spice Guy, but they need to have a crossover episode with The Event, and Blair Underwood needs to give her some damn roses.
On a positive note, I have to commend the makeup artists who did an amazing job making everyone look like zombies. also, Annie was terrifying. When she was in the library at the end, she looked like she was straight out of a Japanese horror movie. In fact, she was so terrifying, that she was almost as scary as the Dean dressed up as Lady Gaga.
What did you think of the episode? Did you like the Treehouse-of-Horrors approach, or was it a little too off the wall for you?
Clacked by Kona Gallagher 
on Oct 29, 2010 @ 14:00 EST5EDT
I thought this episode was GENIUS. Right up there with the paintball episode from last season for me. I just can’t believe you didn’t think it was funny. I was laughing through the whole thing!
Zombies and Abba? Come on!
The cat in the basement? Hysterical play on horror movie cliches. (“Is someone throwing it?!?”)
“What big fists you have… in your face!”
So good.
*POST AUTHOR*
I loved the episode, and it was definitely funny, but I guess I was so fascinated by the format that I didn’t laugh out loud as much as I usually do.
I’m still freaked out by Don Glovers Abs and Sixpack. He seems to be on the way to become the next 50 Cent…
Seriously, Outsourced is beating Community in the ratings!? That’s really sad. I can’t get a laugh out of that show at all.
As for Community, I’m with you. It has turned in to one of my favorite comedies out there. And yes, Allison Brie looked really scary. And yeah, Jeff is even cool as a zombie. And the homemade alien costume was awesome.
And the cat bit was done so well. As soon as you thought it was done, another toss! Ha!
*POST AUTHOR*
Oh my god, I forgot about the cat. You’re right. I loved the dialogue in the cat scene. “Seriously. Is somebody throwing it?”
This show is amazing, and after Spooks (UK spy show), Community is the first show I watch during the week. Its comedy works on many levels, and I suspect, like Better Off Ted (which I loved), my adoration shall also result in its cancellation.
Why can’t they get rid of Outsourced instead?
This episode ties Modern Warfare as the best 30 minutes you can spend watching TV.
It would take me about two pages to describe the bests parts of last night.
Glinda the witch from the movie had red hair. But Glinda from Wicked the musical is blond. Maybe that is what she was going for.
I hope Community doesn’t get canceled. It really is a great show.
Just awesome…
It’s a sad world when the best comedy on TV can’t get even halfway decent ratings, and laughtrack-fueled tripe is succeeding.
Oh god. I hope Community doesn’t get cancelled. It’s seriously my favorite show on American TV, and the panel at Comic Con was crazy popular.
And plus, this episode. Freaking genius the whole way through.