Apparently, the infamous Community feud — contentious genius showrunner Dan Harmon vs. contentious genius performer Chevy Chase — dates back a bit longer than fans might have thought. Although the animosity between the pair only became public around the beginning of this month, Chase has had a problem with Community for some time now. Celebuzz has gotten hold of a phone conversation between Harmon and Chase, during which the latter rants on about his displeasure with the style of comedy presented on the NBC sitcom.
“There’s a disconnect somewhere … I don’t know who is doing the editing, and making the choices that count the most. But … obviously, you don’t get my humor at all, or what it is I do that’s funny, that actually makes people laugh,” he said.
Chase goes on to refer specifically to the Season Two episode “Cooperative Calligraphy,” with which he takes particular issue: “I don’t appreciate a great joke, like the cast being ripped off my [legs], and pointing out all the funny things that are in my cast that I’ve tried to scratch [myself with] — and it’s just cut. It’s just cut out. There’s just one line about some kind of thing I eat that was in my cast, when you had big laughs.”
Although there is no confirmed date of this conversation, it seems to have taken place no later than Dec. 2, 2010, the air date of Community‘s Season Two episode “Mixology Certification.” Chase refers to elements of the episode in the following remark: “Tonight, I’m doing s*** in that f**king place in a wheelchair that is cut down, down, down, down. So that what? So that people call follow the f***ing storyline between Joel [McHale] and Gillian [Jacobs]? And love affairs, and kissing? Come on, man, you’re missing the f***ing point. This is not my kind of comedy. I thought you hired me for what I can do that’s funny. You’ve got to give me some range.”
Heated though his words may be, Chase has expressed an appreciation for his costars’ talent, and even expresses a fondness for Harmon and his talents in this newly revealed call: “I really like you. I think your writing is great. I think everything you do is great.” However, Chase does go on to pinpoint where he thinks the problem originates: “But the problem is, Dan, that you’re not there when we shoot. And you’re not there when they edit. And if you want me on this f***ing show again, I’ve got news for you: I don’t want it. It’s just a f***ing mediocre sitcom.”
Considering the suspected date of the phone call, fans should not worry too much about Chase’s threats to leave the show. He did eventually sign onto Season Three, and will hopefully do so again if a fourth season does come to be. Although Chase might not see what some others do in Community, he is an invaluable part of the cast makeup. Hopefully, the brunt of the Harmon-Chase feud is in the past, and fans can look forward to greener dales. Rather, pastures.
More:
Community Season Finale: Eight Clues From Joel McHale’s Day in the Life
Chevy Chase’s Community Boss Apologizes for His “Unclassy Move”
Community Recap: Pillows and Blankets
[Celebuzz]
