Every week, I gush about the wondrous creation that is NBC’s Community in my recaps. I’m barely able to contain myself, trying to squeeze in every hilarious one-liner and often surpassing a reasonable word count just so that I can talk about each glorious and often tiny detail. Why so much love? If you’re a fan of the show you probably understand, but I’m focusing on those who’ve yet to experience the awesomeness. Fans of the show are so emphatic about how great Community is, but it’s hard to know why without diving into at least a few episodes yourself. With that in mind, perhaps I can tip the scales and make the decision to fall madly in love with this unique sitcom that much easier with a guide to one of the best (albeit sadly underappreciated) shows on television.
“There is a time and a place for subtlety, and that time was before Scary Movie.” – Troy
Yes, there are many shows that have a knack for pop culture references, and I’m not here to downplay their accomplishments, but when it comes to movie and television references, Community is king. The writers don’t just throw in witty quips that exhibit their extensive knowledge (we’re talking to you, Gilmore Girls). Nope. They don’t just insert their characters in wacky recreations of iconic movies scenes (Family Guy, you do this cleverly most of the time but let’s face it, Community kicks your ass). Creator Dan Harmon’s abnormal sitcom feeds off of pop culture references, taking the films and television shows the writers love and combining it with a ridiculous sense of humor to create something that pays homage to its source while still creating something completely unique.
Here’s an epic scene from the most well-known and action movie reference-heavy episode of the show, “Modern Warfare.” When I say it’s epic, I mean E-P-I-C. Enjoy.
“And that was it. It was that simple. At that moment we stopped being a family and started being a family …in italics.” – Abed
The integral piece of the pop culture element is one of Community’s best characters, Abed (which is saying a lot because I couldn’t banish a single character from the show if I tried). He’s your run of the mill confuses-TV-with-real-life character with an almost robotic ability to absorb and recite detail from life and film and television – oh, you’ve never heard of that character trait? Exactly.
On one level, he provides context for the unending film and TV references and brings a metaphysical element to the show by constantly referring to the fact that the characters are taking part in episodes and storylines in his normal character dialogue. On a much simpler level, but one that provides infinite entertainment, is the fact that Abed’s nature makes him a bit odd, to put it lightly. He’s not one to laugh normally with everyone else and his birdlike awkwardness is entertaining in itself. This base character takes those moments where he fully commits to his spur of the moment and spot-on impressions and movie reenactments from good to uproarious.
“To be blunt, Jeff and Britta is no Ross and Rachel. Your sexual tension and lack of chemistry are putting us all on edge…” –Abed
Season one was a little lighter on this concept, but the switch to season two made this point all too clear. Basically, Jeff and Britta are the leading man and lady of Community – at least as much as two people can be on an ensemble show – but unlike the flawed but ultimately lovable small screen couples like Jim and Pam or Ross and Rachel, Jeff and Britta are awful, dysfunctional people.
Now before I anger anyone, just know their bad qualities are what make them so awesome; it’s this sick relationship that keeps the Jeff/Britta connection from spiraling downward into sitcom mediocrity. Their terrible qualities are what tie them inextricably together and create constant angry, power-driven sexual tension while still letting them act as the antithesis of the on-again off-again relationship that seems to plague every sitcom. Even when the natural progression of the show drives them together, watch as Jeff and Britta have almost allergic reactions to the story pop culture has determined they must follow.
“I hope I get multiple personalities. I get lonely in long showers.” –Troy
Now the beauty of Troy Barnes is not just the show’s apt take on the typical dumb, self-centered yet completely lovable jock. The reason Troy (who mostly acts as a supporting character) should single-handedly motivate you to watch Community is that he’s played by one of the funniest comedians out there: Donald Glover. I’ll spare you all the details about his time as the youngest writer for 30 Rock and the fact that he’s actually a pretty decent rapper, and stick to the content at hand. Glover’s comedic delivery is uncanny and, as far as I can tell, unmatched. He brings his own brand of joyous, spastic voices and movements to everything he does, and if he doesn’t make you laugh there’s probably something wrong with you. Glover is also known among the cast for adding witty improvisations to the writers’ already hilarious lines, taking his well-crafted character to a whole new level of funny. Check out this scene where he takes what could have been an amusing plot twist and turns it to something absolutely hilarious. Just try and tell me you don’t love this guy. I dare you.
“I’m Doctor Doogie Seacrest. I think I’m better than everyone because I’m 40.” -Troy
Just as with any episode of Community, you can’t end without a great tag. Usually Troy and Abed treat us to a mini-episode of their bromantic relationship, so without further ado, enjoy the one that started it all.
Community returns with new episodes this Thursday night at 8 p.m. on NBC.
