We need a Wikipedia page for Fat Dog.
This is an incredibly entertaining episode of Community, and it’s nice to see the show get down to the basics again. Sure, it can pull off the big emotional moments and the concept episodes nicely, but sometimes, we just want to see good ‘ol Community.
The episode was hyped up for Nathan Fillion and a bunch of other guest stars, and for the most part, they’re utilized well. Surprisingly, it’s Fillion’s role that’s a bit disappointing, but hey, when you’ve got a bunch of other fantastic actors lined up for the episode, you’re fine. Granted, the episode does suffer from a bit of overstuffing, and at points, it certainly feels like the show’s trying too hard to integrate all these people smoothly.
However, I have to say that my two favorite cameos are Brie Larson’s and Katie LeClerc’s. They both interact really nicely with Abed, and although I admit I didn’t miss Troy one bit during this episode, you can tell that his absence is causing his best friend to start reaching out and looking for other forms of emotional connection. The show segues nicely into the scene in which Abed walks by Rachel–one of the best aspects of season 4–and asks her out to dinner, and it’s a sweet reunion for a relationship I hope we can see more of.
Elsewhere, we have the “coming up with a theme for the dance” plot, which brings us some of the funnier moments in the episode: Chang teaching everyone the “Fat Dog”, the whole “bear down” (too soon, I know) conversation, and some great Duncan-Jeff-Shirley interactions.
Finally, Annie and Hickey’s plot is great, accurately reflecting the true nature of bureaucracy and the inherent depression that comes with it; it also ties in nicely with the party decoration plot. Of course, on a more surface level, it’s just insanely fun to watch Jonathan Banks interact with the rest of the cast members. Can we make him a series regular next season?
GRADE: B+
OTHER THOUGHTS:
-“They really get the incest right.” Fantastic Duncan line.
-“I detonated a mollusk.”
-Everyone, please watch Short Term 12. Brie Larson is transcendent there, and in fact, she’s transcendent everywhere. I love her.
-Robert Patrick, Kumail Nanjianai, and Paget Brewster also show up.
-“Welcome to the Labyrinth, kid. Only there ain’t no puppets or bisexual rock stars down here.”
-“BREAKING NEWS: Levar Burton and non-celebrity companion captured by pirates in the Gulf of Mexico.” Blink and you’ll miss it.
-There’s also an obvious Game of Thrones-spoiler parody situation going on with Britta and Abed, and it makes for some fun moments.
-Abed and Rachel watched Rick and Morty during their date.
-“Chang, your last idea was murder.”
-“Man, that got Sorkin-y.”
-Well, we’re off for The Olympics. See you afterwards.
Photo credit: NBC, Community
Polar Bears Watch TV 
Brie Larson is amazing, she was my favorite part of “United States of Tara”(a short lived show on Showtime about a mother with DID). It’s all on Netflix. You should check it out, it’s very good.
Thanks, I’ll definitely check that out. I’ve heard of it, but I didn’t know she was in it.
There are three seasons, it’s pretty good. Brie’s character in particular is great, it’s got Toni Collete in it as well.
I’m looking at the cast list right now on IMDB, and it’s really solid…Patton Oswalt’s there. Nice! I also like Toni Collette.
And Seth Gabel shows up for a bit too, which is great.
Yeah, Seth Gabel shows up late in Season Two which is where I am right now. The shows a nice break from some of the darker series on television. Definitely an enjoyable show.