Community: History 101 Review

Okay, I only got into Community recently on the advice of a friend, watched all three seasons in one weekend, fell in love with it, and then found out about all the behind the scenes drama that's happened. And even though I don't usually review comedy, this was way big a deal for me not to.

Spoilers follow.

Okay, so the episode started off and I was genuinely concerned due the whole sans Dan Harmon thing, and when it started off like a cheesy, multi-cam sitcom with a laugh track, I was really worried. But then it was okay because Pierce was the guy from Anchorman, and because it was all just part of Abed's happy place, where the study group is going to be in Greendale forever. And then I laughed.

It was basically the new showrunners' way of saying "we know you guys are worried, but don't fret, this is still Community, not Two and a Half Men." That and I really appreciated the whole bit of Pierce being played by someone else, what with Chevy Chase leaving the show and all. I personally think they revisited it a few too many times (did they really need to use it for the ending gag?), but I still laughed the first time.

Anyway, this season picks up at the start of the study group's last year at Greendale (a good way to acknowledge that this season is probably it), Jeff is only one history credit away from graduating, and he wants the whole group to take History of Ice Cream with him. Cut to the Dean- whose entire office is now Dalmatian- hosting a Hunger Games spoof for spots in the class, where "New" Jeff is competing to win spots for the whole group. Abed looks on in terror whilst Pierce tries to come up with the perfect ball gag. Jeff's competing, especially against Leonard and Annie Kim, was funny, as well as the Dean's cross dressing antics. Say what you will about the character having lost all subtlety, which he has, it was still funny, as was his reaction to his stapler being moved and Jeff's to the Dean moving in next door to him. I'm genuinely shocked he didn't give a big no.

Abed's coping mechanism, which, like I said up top, got old after a few visits, was revived by something very strange indeed: imaginary Abed going to his happy place, a cartoon world where they're all babies a la Baby Looney Tunes. I laughed. Hard. Right up until the point where cartoon baby Jeff begins giving one of his Jeff speeches that addressed both Abed's fears and the fandom's, continued by fake Jeff in multi-cam world, reassuring Abed. (Abed: Nice speech Jeff. Jeff: What speech, I just walked over here? Abed: You gave it in my head. Nice job).

As far as Troy and Britta and their relationship, if you can call it that much, went, I was entertained. The scenes at the fountain, and Donald Glover's delivery in general, were priceless. Heck, I'm genuinely curious to see where it goes.

The only real let down this episode was Annie and Shirley's prank on the Dean, which felt tacked on and undercooked. Plus, it appears Annie may've taken a step back in terms of development. Not good.

And lastly, I was very happy about Chang's cameo at the end (why does he think his name's Kevin?! And Changnesia?!).

All in all, this was a welcomed return to Greendale. Best season opener ever? No. Best episode ever? No. Funny and entertaining? For the most part, yes, and it's still to early to say that the show's best days are behind it.

Final Rating: 83%