This is a bizarre episode that I wasn’t expecting to work as well as it did. There are several swing-and-a-miss moments throughout, but overall, it’s able to end up as a consistently funny half hour with some solid character moments. It’s a more intimate look at the group than we’ve had in recent memory, highlighting not only the endearing, entertaining side of these individuals, but also the darker side that can come out. As fun as they are to watch, Jeff, Britta, Annie, and the rest all have flaws, and some of those flaws can be attributed to the idea of the group itself.
Community “Modern Espionage” Review (6×11)
19 MayCommunity‘s first two paintball episodes were comedy classics, episodes that brought both humor and poignant emotional beats as they paid homage to a considerable number of action movies. They were the show at its best, and although “Modern Espionage” doesn’t quite capture the magic of those two episodes–what can?–it’s still my favorite episode of the new season. It’s an entertaining ride from start to finish, and it still manages to stay fresh and fun.
Community “Basic Sandwich” Review (5×13)
17 Apr“I’m sorry. The point is: this show, Annie, it isn’t just their show. This is our show. And it’s not over. And the sooner we find that treasure, the faster the Jeff/Britta pilot falls apart.”
This has always been a show about a community, as expected: a living, breathing group of friends whose school is an essential aspect of all their beings. “Basic Sandwich” emphasizes that fact nicely, serving as a sweet, funny ending to what is most likely the penultimate season of the show.
Community “Advanced Advanced Dungeons and Dragons” Review (5×10)
20 Mar“Advanced Dungeons and Dragons” was one of the all-time greatest Community episodes, showcasing the best the show had to offer and beautifully summing up what Community is about; there’s just no use trying to rehash greatest hits, and thankfully, “Advanced Advanced Dungeons and Dragons” is able to maintain a sense of uniqueness as it delivers a flawed, yet entertaining, 21 minutes.
Community “VCR Maintenance and Educational Publishing” Review (5×09)
13 MarWhen Vince Gilligan shows up as a cheesy, western VCR host, you know you’re in for something hilarious. Watching the four try to figure out the game is already funny, but when Annie and Abed really get into it, spinning and shooting and moving their way through the ridiculousness, you have comedy gold.
Community “Bondage and Beta Male Sexuality” Review (5×07)
27 Feb
Community is fundamentally a comedy, but that comedy is rooted in a deeper understanding of our characters; yes, these people are attending a community college and all feel varying levels of unfulfillment. There’s a time in which they all have to stand back and take stock of who they are, and this episode explores that idea in depth.