Community

[Reply #320 on:]

I will admit that there were a number of episodes last season that were subpar by Community standards, but I thought there were also still several that stood up to the rest of the series. Paranormal Parentage, Conventions Of Space And Time, Cooperative Escapism In Familial Relations, Economics Of Marine Biology, Herstory Of Dance, Basic Human Anatomy, and Advanced Introduction To Finality were all good in my opinion.

[Reply #321 on:]

Season four was a bit of a step backwards, but there's been inconsistencies with the show since day one, so I'm not sure how Harmon got billed his godlike status

[Reply #322 on:]

I too enjoyed season 4, and hope my last post didn't insinuate otherwise.
As for the importance of having Dan Harmon on the show, I'd imagine it would be like Futurama without David X. Cohen. The formula is there, but the show is kinda stagnated throughout the season.
Intro to Felt Surrogacy was one of my favourites from last season, as was Advanced Introduction To Finality, but although well written, I didn't care for Basic Human Anatomy and Heroic Origins.

[Reply #323 on:]

Well, I for one thought that season 4 was a big bag of shite.

The only episode that was up to Community's standards was "Basic Human Anatomy", which could just about pass for a bad episode from seasons 1-3.

Still, season 5 is looking great, so far.

[Reply #324 on:]

I'm watching season 4 for the first time now. I'm up to Advanced Documentary Filmmaking and I don't think it's a terrible season so far, but it feels off.

If I were Dan Harmon, I would probably hate season 4 even if it were the best season ever, though.

And, yeah, I'm really looking forward to season 5 after seeing the trailers that have been posted in this thread.

[Reply #325 on:]

I still don't think season 1 is all that great, aside from a few obvious choices (ie. Modern Warfare). It sticks in very comfortable, sit-commy territory for the most part, even though it's largely doing it ironically, and while I can understand the disdain for having too many "gimmicky" episodes bundled together, I think Community's at its absolute best when it goes high-concept. I'd probably rank 1 and 4 alongside one another in terms of quality.

The stand-outs for season 4 for me would be Conventions of Space and Time, Herstory of Dance and Basic Human Anatomy.

[Reply #326 on:]

I'm only really in it for the high-concept episodes, but season 1 was never awful - it just was merely alright mixed with incredible.

None of the high-concept stuff in season 4 came close to working, for me, unless you count that Freaky Friday one.

[Reply #327 on:]

The only truly awful episode of season 4 for me was the finale. The rest was all largely middle-of-the-range, much like how I feel about season 1.

[Reply #328 on:]

The biggest problem with season 1 is they really overdid the "this is a show" jokes

[Reply #329 on:]

As opposed to the rest of the show, which is totally free of meta humour.

[Reply #330 on:]

The finale was an annoying one because it was so close to working. But it just didn't.

I thought that "Economics of Marine Biology" was particularly awful. "History 101", "Paranormal Parentage", "Conventions of Space and Time", "Cooperative Escapism in Familial Relations", "Advanced Documentary Filmmaking", "Intro to Felt Surrogacy" and "Intro to Knots" were all pretty poor, too.

I could cope with "Alternative History of the German Invasion", "Herstory of Dance", "Basic Human Anatomy" and "Heroic Origins", although I'd say they were all bad by the show's usual standards. Season 1 was largely made up of episodes not hugely better, for me, but it had a few amazing episodes such as "Modern Warfare" which really boosted my opinion of it. Season 4 didn't have any greats.

[Reply #331 on:]

This site has Daybreak playing in the background waiting for the new episodes
http://wrestling-network.net/various/community-season-5-premiere-live_wn4274

[Reply #332 on:]

Repilot kind of sucked. I liked the setup for the new season, but it felt like they just couldn't get any decent jokes in there, and it definitely didn't help that pretty much nothing happened at all. It felt dragged out and forced.

Introduction To Teaching was a hell of a lot better, still not amazing but good enough that I'm excited for the season. The Nicholas Cage stuff wasn't that inspired but I still enjoyed it, especially the dig at Johnny Depp being "good in a bad way," Abed's freakout in class, and the revelation that Shirley is a Hellraiser fan. I was also glad to see Garrity back, and Jonathan Banks is a good addition. I'm looking forward to see more of Jeff as a teacher and definitely can't wait to see John Oliver on the show again.

[Reply #333 on:]

Come on, Josh. Abed's mental breakdown was so amazing I nearly pissed myself.

That being said, the first episode was pretty unimpressive for exactly the reason that JD being a professor at Sacred Heart sucked (I loved that reference).

[Reply #334 on:]

I did mention the breakdown as something I liked, did I not? I was just saying that the Nicholas Cage riff has been done before, they weren't really breaking any new ground...that said, it still worked for me here.

I just remembered Troy's cryptic references to leaving the show. Namely "After everything Scrubs did for him?!" and "I'm sadder than all of you...I'll figure out why later!"

[Reply #335 on:]

I really liked both of the episodes. I liked the references to the pilot in Repilot (Hurr, JD's voiceover wrapup at the end). I really wasn't expecting Pierce's hologram cameo which was kinda cool. I loved Abed's Cageout in Introduction to Teaching.

Plus, they both kept me laughing quite a bit which I guess is always a good thing in a sitcom and all.

[Reply #336 on:]

(not from the episodes but I made it anyway)

I stayed up and watched the new ones, I liked the 2nd one more, Abed as Nic Cage was great and I liked Mike from breaking Bad drawing a duck comic.

[Reply #337 on:]

"Repilot" wasn't amazing, but it was solid and I can forgive it for not being hilarious seeing as it had to get the show back on track. It was about on par with "Basic Human Anatomy", the best episode of season 4.

"Introduction to Teaching" was a lot better. Miles better than anything from season 4. Abed's Nicolas Cage breakdown had me laughing out loud. Again, it felt very much like an episode lumbered with a lot of transitional things to deal with, and as a result, I'm anticipating some great things from this season now that it's basically all set up and good to go.

I'm very glad to have the show back to its former quality after such a pitiful season.

[Reply #338 on:]

I laughed so hard over the course of those two episodes I actually can't recall any highlights to post about that haven't already been covered. A stellar return indeed!

[Reply #339 on:]

 Just watched these, and Repilot felt like a total letdown until Pierce appeared. I'm kinda hoping that shows some of Chevy's past interviews were exaggerating how he feels about the show.
 In retrospective, when they explained why the characters all had quit school and the episode ended, it did feel a bit like the original pilot. There was a need for a set up.

 Introduction to Teaching was a good Community episode. I agree that it is a step up from season 4.
Oh, I liked that they were acknowledging some things from season 4, such as Changnesia, while simultaneously having a dig at it (you can't blame it all on the gas leak).

[Reply #340 on:]

All the advertisments for this show turn me off, but they actual show is good. Season 1 is my favorite

[Reply #341 on:]

In case you thought Abeds Cage-out was over the top...
If anything he kept the Cageness, caged!

[Reply #342 on:]

In case you thought Abeds Cage-out was over the top...
If anything he kept the Cageness, caged!

Oh, wow. Words can't even describe what I just watched.

[Reply #343 on:]

I just read this article:
‘Community’ Season 5 Shocker: Dan Harmon Explains the Surprise Premiere Cameo

Now I don't know about the credibility of that site, but it says some interesting things, notably:

Show spoiler

We don’t mind telling you that the season 5 premiere certainly won’t be the last time Chase’s presence is felt over the coming run of episodes

It could mean anything, but since the cameo was kept secret for so long, I'm reluctantly getting my hopes up

Also, the original article has this to say:

IGN: Well we do know Star-Burns is alive from the end of Season 3, so I you still have that in your pocket for whenever you want it.

Harmon: Yeah, yeah... He'll probably be involved. [Laughs]

One last thing, it seems Joe Russo is returning to direct an episode.

[Reply #344 on:]

Now I don't know about the credibility of that site, but it says some interesting things, notably:

Show spoiler

We don’t mind telling you that the season 5 premiere certainly won’t be the last time Chase’s presence is felt over the coming run of episodes

It could mean anything, but since the cameo was kept secret for so long, I'm reluctantly getting my hopes up

I believe this is a reference to Episode 4. The current synopsis online is only very brief, but I'll spoiler it anyway just in case:

Show spoiler

Cooperative Polygraphy
A man called Mr. Stone (Walton Goggins) who has connections to Pierce administers a lie-detector test to the study group.

[Reply #345 on:]

I believe this is a reference to Episode 4. The current synopsis online is only very brief, but I'll spoiler it anyway just in case:

Show spoiler

Cooperative Polygraphy
A man called Mr. Stone (Walton Goggins) who has connections to Pierce administers a lie-detector test to the study group.

Yeah I figured it could have meant something like that 

[Reply #346 on:]

I've finally had time to watch the first two episodes. RePilot reminded me why I'm not a huge fan of the actual pilot because it's dour and lots of talking. Which isn't necessarily bad, but it was reminiscent of the several "sad" moments from last season. But I really liked the following episode a lot more. I'm relieved because it looked and felt like a return to the show.

PS: I LOVE Professor Garrity (aka Professor Professorson).

[Reply #347 on:]

(aka Professor Professorson).

He is never to be called anything else!

[Reply #348 on:]

"For homework drink a glass of cognac in a bathtub..."

[Reply #349 on:]

Hopefully the reveal at the end will lead to a decent follow up episode/arc. Aside from that, I feel like tonight's episode could  fit in seamlessly with last season

[Reply #350 on:]

I was texting a friend after the episode and he mentioned how this was a weaker version of the Law and Order episode (one of my favorite episodes ever). I agree but I still liked it, there was a flare of David Finch in it and the lines made me laugh. That's where I'm at currently, season 5 is at least funny to me whereas season 4 more often than not often left me with nothing to laugh at.

[Reply #351 on:]

I don't recall any particular laughs in this episode, but it was at least challengingly dark (in a second half of season 3 way) and seemed to be setting up an arc. And Starburns!

[Reply #352 on:]

Ehhh, this episode was not as side-splittingly, pee-in-pantsingly funny as the Caging one. It was definitely interesting though, and Starburns and his Cat Car were amazing.

Starburns will save the WORLD one day!

[Reply #353 on:]

That was a really weird episode.

I liked it, but I'm just left with a strange sense of "What?".

[Reply #354 on:]

So.. this episode was.. indescribable. Perhaps I should rewatch it. It was totally different from last weeks two establishing ones.
I just feel that the reveal at the end was unnecessary - if they don't get an interesting story out of it.
At first I thought it was some kind of distraction.

And the end tag - although a bit funny, felt out of place.

This episode currently has the season's best ratings and all three episodes has had more viewers than the average season 4 episode had.

[Reply #355 on:]

I laughed (Troy getting out of the wheelchair and slapping Starburns!) but yes the last act was bit jarring.

[Reply #356 on:]

I loved the whole scene in the Dean's office ("this means trace the call!"), it was probably what I got the most laughs out of.

I have to assume reveal at the end is setting up an arc what with this episode

Show spoiler

Cooperative Polygraphy
A man called Mr. Stone (Walton Goggins) who has connections to Pierce administers a lie-detector test to the study group.

coming up, but the ending did leave me a bit confused.

Aso seeing both Starburns and Duncan again made me happy.

[Reply #357 on:]

Show spoiler

Cooperative Polygraphy
A man called Mr. Stone (Walton Goggins) who has connections to Pierce administers a lie-detector test to the study group.

Show spoiler

I'm guessing he is going to be a lawyer, testing the group due to something in Pierce's will. I hope they don't take the cliché route and make it all a hoax, especially since we have Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking.

[Reply #358 on:]

Show spoiler

I hope they don't take the cliché route and make it all a hoax, especially since we have Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking.

Doubtful. I admit I'm not as knowledgeable as others in this thread, but didn't Chevy Chase rage quit?

[Reply #359 on:]

Apparantly, it was "a specific agreement with Sony in which the terms of his departure were contractual and there was an agreement on both sides"

I just read this article:
‘Community’ Season 5 Shocker: Dan Harmon Explains the Surprise Premiere Cameo

It seems like they don't want to break each other's necks at least.

I knew Chevy would be on-board because he’s an arch character, but I know that at the end of it all he always loved doing the show and would be more than willing to come back. He’s very passionate about making people laugh. So I texted him, and he said, “Absolutely, I’ll do it.”