tv thoughts: Community S04.E01 -- History 101

[orangerful]

"As Abed and his friends deal with the fearful reality of being seniors, Jeff works to ensure an early graduation"



So, I just finished watching the latest episode of Community. The first episode of the season is always a little rough (they are hardly ever my favorite of the season) so I choose to not see this as a sign of things to come. For me, it felt like a note to the fans. To calm down, to understand that change happens - and to not overestimate Dan Harmon's contribution to the show (looking at the writing and directing credits, he's not mentioned as often as I thought).

There was a LOT going on in this episode. So many things that I will use BULLET POINTS to break down my feelings about them! BEHOLD:

• Abed's "happy place" Inception plot
: We open with this plot, purposely meant to send the fans into a panic mode when we hear the dreaded laugh track. I know I winced every time we went into this "reality" on the show because it just made me realize how much I hate those kinds of comedies...which was obviously the point. The writers were cleverly showing us that, if nothing else, they know what we don't want. We don't want a dumbed down laugh track kind of show. We want our clever pop culture references that go by so fast, you only really get them when blogging about them later.

Also the fact that Chevy has already been recast in Abed's "happy place" makes me LOL. If you didn't already know, Chevy said he was leaving the show, though if I understand it correctly, the entire season was pretty much done when he announced this.

Greendale Babies was my favorite part of this entire Inception homage because any reference to Muppet Babies is made of win.


• Jeff's "Hunger Deans" plot
: The most publicized plot line and probably my least favorite so I am really happy it was sorta kept as a side joke. It seems like this entire plot was an excuse to have ridiculous production photos to post on the official Facebook page. I like the Dean well enough, but he is starting to go into Chang territory and wear out his welcome as a fun side character. The "twist" at the end where he turns out to be Jeff's neighbor has me worried but I'm not calling "shark" yet. (I am sick of his crossdressing though, but that might just be my personal baggage).


• Troy and Britta and the wishes
: I do not ship Troy/Britta. They don't really work for me and I think the scene at the fountain showed that the relationship is pretty much doomed. I did laugh though, especially when she was choking him during the fight and Troy said "why does this feel good?" LOL. This bit worked for me in a weird this-isn't-going-to-work kinda way.


• Pierce trying to think of a "balls" joke
: Throw back to my favorite gag from Season 1? Maybe. But at least it kept Pierce quiet, off to the side, and playing with balls.




• Annie and Shirley's prank "spree"
: My favorite part of the show. Because I adore Annie and her attempt at being rebelious and feisty. Probably because I over-identify with her LOL. I love that her idea of a prank was just moving the stapler. I loved watching her retrace the Dean's steps when he arrives to work.

(Also, that is the SECOND popcorn-in-the-car reference I've seen recently. Happy Endings also did that gag in the Marry Prankster episode this season...I know the writers are friends, I guess they are also brainstorming together...and I don't mind).


• Changesia!
: I don't even know. If this means they are going to tone Chang back down to his season 1 self instead of the over the top character he had become, I am fine with that. I'm also predicting this will lead to some kind of homage to amnesia movies episode.

So, yeah, not the best episode but not the worst. Just like in every season of BtVS, Buffy tries to escape her slayer destiny, so does Jeff have to try to escape Greendale only to be pulled back in again! And then the rest of the season can go on.

Bring on next Thursday!