We got to see a little bit more of Annie’s apartment and life this week, and we learn that she is not a girl without her issues. When we first saw her apartment in “Mixology Certification,” the fact that she lived in such a craphole seemed significant. I’m glad they followed up on that and told us a little bit more about her life.
Of course, I do have a little bit of a problem with the fact that Annie is apparently so poor that she’s collecting recyclables out of garbage cans, but she apparently has a never-ending budget for J-Crew separates. Perhaps instead of a dollar, the Period Fairy started delivering cardigans once a month?
Other than that, it was interesting to find out that Annie is cut off from her parents because she wanted to deal with her drug problem and go to rehab instead of sweeping it under the rug like her mother wanted her too. It’s also one of the first times that Annie’s drug problem has been treated as a serious issue instead of just, “ha ha, the valedictorian got hooked on Adderall!” It gives her another layer, which is always nice.
We also learned a little bit more about Pierce’s heartbreak when we saw his father push him out of the spotlight. It makes his Jeff Winger jealousy make a lot more sense. It also explains why having more lines in Annie’s anti-drug play means so much to him. As for Annie, I certainly don’t blame her for rewriting anything — he gave her $5,000. Not bad, as far as payoffs go.
The play itself was, of course, the funniest part. Pierce’s impressive pyrotechnic skills would have anyone chanting, “We love drugs.” Plus, having Chang come in at the end and bringing the crazy was perfect: “I’ll wear your brother’s skin like pajamas!” It was also all the more reason why Shirley’s baby cannot be his. That would be beyond horrifying.
The texting subplot was a little extraneous for me, although I do love the term, “emoti-penis.” Or should I say, I 8=> the term, “emoti-penis.” Also, I never use emoticons, so I’m so glad Jeff explained it. Otherwise, I would have had to break out the laptop to figure it out. Also, for the record, using an emoti-penis should automatically bar you from using your actual penis. That shit is just ridiculous.
Clacked by Kona Gallagher 
on Jan 27, 2011 @ 21:15 EST5EDT
I actually thought this was one of the weaker episodes. It felt like it didn’t have enough of the entire gang without really seeming to focus on anyone specific. (Is it bad that I giggled immediately on hearing 8=>?).
You would think to impress Britta the kid would of thrown in a few more equal signs into that emoticon.
I guess filming on The Hangover 2 wrapped because we have gotten a lot more Chang than usual. He has to be one the most horrifyingly hilarious characters in television history.
As much as I love Chevy Chase on SNL, Caddyshack, Vacation movies, etc. Pierce works best in small doses and this episode had a little bit too of him. Though the overdose of Pierce was worth the “I love you drugs,” from the little girl.