Community – The Greendale uprising

Is it just me or does Greendale have more student uprisings than a 1970s high school? From paintball to pillow forts, to the “worst wake ever,” when doesn’t Greendale riot? Like a university campus, Dan Harmon raged against almost everything in this episode: the UC Davis pepper spray incident, people allowing fear to lead them to martial law (i.e., our current social state), and then a commentary on institutions stealing ideas/sucking the life out of people? (Was that a covert swipe at NBC, Dan Harmon?)

Like the Quibbling Siblings stated, the show definitely feels off since its return. Dan Harmon stated that although he wrote the post-hiatus episodes in anger, once we hit Starburns’ death, we’d see more light through the darkness. But, damn, man, all I can see is darkness.  Yet, no matter how dark things become, I still live for Community‘s endings, where the gang consistently comes together. I loved Troy telling Britta about her awesomeness (preventing her from throwing herself on another loser). I loved the reference to “Remedial Chaos Theory,” and the gang’s subsequent rejection of alternate universes in favor of staying together. I loved the open with the Annie-Abed-Troy trio. I love how Troy is consistently becoming the voice of reason (especially concerning keeping ashes in his house).

In a way, getting the gang expelled ruins the need for a fourth season. Dan Harmon almost gives NBC an out, if they want to cancel Community. But, if they did, let’s be honest, a riot would break out.

Even if the writing isn’t at that breakneck, mind-blowing, genre-imploding speed of earlier in the season, the ending is still awesome. And, we still have kickass episodes like the past three weeks. And, even when it’s off. Community is still on.

Notes:

• Loved Britta’s burning puppy visualization exercise.
• They’re just blatantly making abed wierder — did you see his blink-less stare in the first scene after the cold open?
• They’re also trying to make Jeff more of a member of the group in the beginning. Shirley and Pierce took a back seat this week, but I still love them when they appear.
• I loved the star urn, the wooden stars, and the RIP star affixed to the podium. Rest in peace, Starburns. Rest in peace.

Quotes:

“To my ex-wife, Magda, I leave herpes.” – Starburns

“He’s in a better place now.” – Annie (on Starburns’ passing)
“Yea, the Blu-ray shelf.” – Abed

“Starburns is a good man. He barely sued me that time I ran over his foot.” – Shirley

“As a psychologist.” – Britta
“Student.” – Jeff
“I hereby offer my licensed services.” – Britta
“Unlicensed.” – Jeff

“This is a community college, not an inner-city high school.” – Dean

“Who wants to dance?” – Dean to his clothes

“Our school flag is an anus.” – Annie
“You were the ones who drew it.” – Dean

“Worst wake ever.” – Dean

“I regret giving you that unasked for adult backrub when you were asleep that once.” – Dean

Clacked by An Nicholson
on May 03, 2012 @ 21:57 EST5EDT