Season 4 hasn’t started with the same quality that I
praised the show for in earlier seasons, but there are some gems that stick
out, while minor, that are rather interesting decisions to discuss. Take the relationship of Troy and Britta for
instance. We have seen their
relationship become more than platonic over the last couple of seasons, but the
writers have decided to keep that arc in the background. I find this decision increasingly interesting
considering the original conceit of the show revolved around Jeff creating the “study
group” in order to woo Britta. So,
originally, the show revolved around Jeff and Britta’s relationship and whether
or not they would come together. In that
light the relationship between Troy and Britta should be a huge turn in the
show, but the show has evolved enough that the whole study group is
important. They’ve even stated before
that Britta and Jeff would never work out together, essentially killing that
idea and allowing the show to move past that story point. Now, this wouldn’t exactly stop another show
from re-enacting this tired scenario of the love triangle so I find it
refreshing that the writers of “Community” decided to allow their relationship
to grow naturally without devoting episodes to it.
Another nice detail I enjoyed this episode is the
repercussions of the first episode driving Abed’s motivations for this episode. Normally episodic comedies like to tell
stories that are contained within their twenty minute time limit. Mostly this is to allow for more flexibility
when the show becomes syndicated so networks don’t have to air every episode in
order. And comedies have created arcing
stories that don’t NEED to be viewed in order, but I always like to see this
happen.
This episode wasn’t strong, by any means, but I’m tired
of being negative toward “Community.”
Sure, they haven’t been very funny this season, and I am disappointed
that these episodes don’t seem to have the heart of the earlier seasons, but
there were some good moments in this episode.
I like the idea that Troy gets insecure about his friendship when Abed
starts making friends with another Inspector Spacetime nerd. I thought think this a great story
solidifying the friendship between these two characters and explains why they
need each other, or more-so why Abed needs a constable like Troy. I found Britta’s reaction to everything a
little awkward. She understands Troy and
Abed’s relationship so I didn’t expect her to get angry at Troy’s jealousy, but
her eagerness to act as if Troy is a girl having boy problems seems a
strange. I don’t think anybody would act
like that. I would expect annoyance, but
then again this girl is sneaking in and out of a grown man’s apartment because
his roommate wouldn’t be able to handle the news that they are sleeping
together so I guess her actions don’t seem too outrageous. I do like the scene where she buys him the
Inspector Spacetime toy. She obviously
doesn’t know anything about or even care about Inspector Spacetime, but Troy’s
love of the show is enough for her to try, which I find a really redeeming quality. She could have let Troy and Abed go to the
even by themselves while she did something else, but she’s there for him which
is always nice.
I also like how Jeff and Annie end the episode. They are really good for each other in that
opposites attract way. Annie’s naiveté
clashes with Jeff’s up-front personality, but it in a playful way that keeps
Jeff light. A person with Jeff’s view of
the world can easily become a cynical person, which Jeff has been known to be,
but Annie’s brighter view of life keeps him young and happy. The appletini scene showcased this very
aspect of their relationship (and seriously, who can say no to that adorable face? Alison Brie steals my heart).
This episode is still under par from what I expect from “Community,”
but it has its gems and an occasional laugh.
If you are just jumping into the series I would suggest going back to an
earlier season as this won’t draw you in quite as well.
3/5
No comments:
Post a Comment