Community finds its heart

Tonight’s keyword is community, the noun, and Harmon’s incorporation of the fellowship of diverse individuals.

For the past three years, I’ve always turned on Community without fail, regardless of exhaustion. But, after watching the post-hiatus episodes 11, 12 and 13, which hinted at the initial fragmentation of the Troy and Abed relationship, the coming of the Chang dominion and the fulfillment of the trailer prophecy, I skipped last week, unable to take the pending darkness. And, this week, for the first time ever, I turned on The Big Bang Theory. (Side note: Seriously, Big Bang Theory? Consider plot variation much? I watched that episode already and STILL couldn’t remember I watched it.) Unsurprisingly, after a few minutes, I returned to Community‘s warm embrace to discover what I loved the most: communal support (and a shameless, brain-damaged douche called Blade).

I know Chevy Chase doesn’t like the show’s shift into brilliance from the staid, two-dimensional template of the initial few episodes. However, I loved the carnival’s candy-colored, sumptuous cinematic gloss, as well as the simultaneous evolution/de-evolution of Pierce and Chang’s relationship. In some ways, they’d clearly make perfect friends. But, in other ways, I hesitate to watch the show pair two alleged outcasts together. That could potentially fragment the group (and cast) relationships. Does the gang (and the show) need Pierce? Abso-freaking-lutely. You can’t have everything sugar and sweet all the time. We need Pierce’s salty dose of reality in the group.

That’s why I enjoyed this episode so much. Community no longer stands for community college, but actual community. I loved watching Annie text-douche Britta to break her carnie habit (the second time they used Britta’s phone inappropriately). I loved watching Jeff’s obsession with the carnie vendor, spending 300 dollars until he discovered his secret. But I don’t know how I feel about this season’s Jeff. I love watching the show break away from the Jeff-as-leader template. Yet, I feel uncomfortable seeing his vulnerability without the snarktastic confidence laid on top. I enjoyed the Dean’s pajama appearance in the group’s apartment (a covert reference to blanket-gate 2012), showing that he’s a natural part of the group, even as everyone wonders why he’s there.

Dan Harmon does naturally what other shows (Boy Meets World, Sabrina, Dawson’s Creek, Buffy, Beverly Hills 90210: The Original) struggled to do when the students hit their final year: transition to the real world through a focus on community. However, he doesn’t edge out the school; he just intermixes it with their lives.

The heart of the story came when poor Troy sacrificed hiding his feelings to save his friend from douchery. Honestly, I never bought the Troy and Annie relationship. But, Troy and Britta? That feels like something real. And, seeing Troy continue to step up in quiet ways? Impressive.

Most of all, I loved the final five minutes of silence. Although I missed Shirley’s presence, I enjoyed watching the group crowd around while silently communicating with each other.

All in all. Fantastic job, Dan Harmon. Fantastic job.

Quotes:

“Her pain unifies us.” – Pierce on Britta

“A real carnival? Is the company called Red Beard’s Amusement?” – Britta
“That rings a bell. But, with me that could mean anything.” –Dean

“I have an ex-boyfriend that travels with a carnival.” – Britta
“I’m sorry, Britta. Some things are funny because they make no sense. And that is not one of them.” –Annie

“Well, it looks like my news has incited some doings. And if that’s not my job, what is?” –Dean

“She invoked friendship to undercut the laugh. But, we’re still laughing. That’s how funny it is.” – Jeff

“His name is Blade. Is that legal? Shouldn’t New Line Cinema be suing him?” –Abed

“So, what Britta. You’re in love with a guy named after a kickboxing vampire movie?” – Jeff

P.S. If you didn’t see Abed as Seinfeld, check it out.

Clacked by An Nicholson
on Apr 13, 2012 @ 10:32 EST5EDT