Top 30 Best Community Episodes
Exploring the genius of Community's character relationships and its enormous heart an entire decade late.
Remember when I said I would be making posts about tv shows, movies, and video games? Maybe I should start doing that.
I’ve written a lot about the music I’ve listened to this year, but I’ve consumed just as much TV. In some ways, I’ve learned more from it than listening to music. It makes sense why, as I’m currently making my own original series through comic form. These shows teach me how to not only pace my plots but how to develop my characters and make them likable and relatable to the audience. As I watched all of these shows, I realized that I tend to gravitate towards shows with character-driven stories. Where the plot is dependent on character relationships and how their decisions and feelings impact the story. Sure, I enjoy stories that follow an exciting journey, a focus on world-building, or use suspense to entertain the audience, but I need to latch on to the characters and like them before I can fully immerse myself in the story. They’re the ones who go through this journey in the first place. I kind of have to like them or at least understand them in order for me to stay invested. Sometimes, I end up caring less about the actual plot and more about the relationships they build with other characters. That’s probably why I’ve really gravitated towards a lot of modern sitcoms like Brooklyn 99 or Parks and Recreation. While they’re both funny shows with a lot of serious and heartwarming moments, the reason I always come back to them is that I love the characters and I love seeing them work out their issues or go out on goofy adventures. As much as I love both shows though, I don’t think any of them capture the true importance of character relationships quite like Community.
It’s weird to say, but this might be my favorite sitcom of all time? Part of me hesitates to say that because it’d be competing with Brooklyn 99 for that honor, and as of yet Brooklyn 99 hasn’t had a bad season. Unlike Community which has a notoriously bad season, and even if it regained its footing the next season, it still lost a lot of what made the show so special. Still, when this show was good, it’s genuinely incredible. It’s constantly replayable, always funny, endlessly creative, and it’s a great showcase on how to build your characters from their worst selves to the potential they were always capable of. Even with its lull period in season four, by season six they found a way to wrap up everyone’s story and deliver a really satisfying finale that made me proud of making it through the end.
Part of me wanted to pay tribute to this show with some analysis of something it does right, but you can find a lot of those on Youtube. The show has been talked about so much that I really don’t have anything new to say about it. If there’s any show I want to write a thinkpiece about, it’d be Parks and Recreation, but I’ll save that for another time. For now, I guess the easiest thing to do is to just list my favorite episodes of the show. Figured a Top 30 is just about enough to cover the episodes I REALLY love. And hey, every season gets represented here! Yes, even the fourth one! You’ll see!
30. Environmental Science (S1E10)
I’ll be honest, there are parts of season one that kept me from fully enjoying the series at first. The episodes weren’t bad at all, I can always give leeway to the first seasons of a show as it learns to walk and get to know its characters, but I remember really early on being kind of frustrated with it. The main reason why was Jeff Winger, who for a good while was the worst character in the cast. I couldn’t find a good reason to really root for him. His smug, manipulative, sleazeball attitude didn’t lend itself to that many good jokes and his constant pursuit of Britta at the start was irritating to watch. You need the audience to be on board with its main character. Otherwise, the show as a whole will never live up to its potential. “Environmental Science” is the turning point for me coming around on Jeff. Even if he exhibits some of his manipulative behavior, the episode makes it a point that even when he tries to be his scummy lawyer self, his heart always comes through in the end as he helps Chang reunite with his wife and break out of his destructive behavior. Not for Jeff’s own sake, but for Chang and the rest of the class. My favorite part of the episode is the sequence set to Troy and Abed singing “Somewhere Out There” while the Celtic folk band tragically named Green Day provides background music. The scene cuts between Troy and Abed singing, Shirley giving her presentation, and Chang dancing with his wife. It’s such a beautifully composed and edited sequence that lets both the show’s creativity and heart burst onto the screen. It’s a great payoff for two subplots that at first just kinda seemed like distractions, but gave way to a great moment between Troy and Abed and even showing Pierce’s supportive side beyond his tasteless humor.
29. Wedding Videography (S6E12)
Season six kind of felt like a different show to the original Community run. Maybe most of that had to do with half the cast dropping out and being replaced with one-off cast members, but the whole atmosphere felt way different now that the study group had evolved into a task force built to keep the school afloat. Even the pacing and humor felt noticeably different. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing, as it still has the witty writing and snarky, but caring heart that the show had always embodied. “Wedding Videography” is a great example of how the show is both different to the old show and one in the same. The group is a bit more dysfunctional this time around, but that just leads to some great comedic moments where all the characters find themselves at their most obnoxious. It’s pretty obvious that all of them are kind of bad for each other, but in a way, that’s what makes them good for each other. They bring out the best in one another, even if it means letting out their worst selves for a moment. I really love Frankie and Annie’s conversations, in particular. Both of them are on the same page with organizing their lives and keeping chaos under control, but Frankie is more aware of Annie’s tendency to crave that chaos in her attraction to Jeff. Or how Britta has slowly learned to embrace herself and not care about what others think of her, showing a lot of growth from the uptight buzzkill she used to be. Even Chang gets a shining moment at the very end with his speech about love and unity prevailing over whatever setback that may befall Garrett and Stacy’s marriage (even if that “setback” happens to be incest). But I think above all else, the episode is hilarious. So many great little character moments like Britta’s complaining over cleaning the apartment and Frankie’s extreme awkwardness over bonding with the other girls. My favorite joke of course is probably the most iconic scene of season six, Elroy’s addiction to encouraging white people. All culminating into his legendary quote, “And now, this is a man who knows how to marry his cousin!”.
28. Basic Human Anatomy (S4E11)
Season four wasn’t good. It’s not terrible. The actors and writers tried their best to live up to the previous seasons, but losing Dan Harmon was crippling for the show. It lost its balance of snarky, cynical comedy and its earnest, begrudging heart. There’s an abundance of problems I have with the season, but my biggest one is the disappointment I felt over Troy and Britta’s newfound relationship. This wasn’t anything new, as the previous season hinted at the possibility of a relationship between them, but that building chemistry was so much more interesting and exciting in season three. The writers had no idea how to pair the two together, and them being a couple was essentially a footnote in every episode they were in. Which is a shame, because there is so much that the writers could have done with their relationship. Troy being the more optimistic and unwound of the two while Britta stands a firmer ground while still understanding Troy’s need for attention and support. Hell, maybe even have them bond over their shared stupidity and feeling like no one ever takes them seriously because of it. This is a long-winded way to say that even though Troy and Britta were mostly boring and unremarkable in season four, “Basic Human Anatomy” somehow did the impossible and made it all seem kind of worth it? There are still issues with the episode, but it’s still an impressive show of acting from Donald Glover and Danny Pudi as they adopt each other’s mannerisms and show how truly in-sync Troy and Abed are as friends. Where they can be as honest with Britta and Jeff about Troy’s doubt in his relationship as they would be had they been just themselves. I also love how Abed’s role in their relationship plays out here, as a confidant of Troy’s and trying to help him navigate such a stressful situation while not understanding why he’d even want to go through with it. But it’s the ending monologue from Troy to Britta that makes this the one season four episode as good as the other seasons. It’s exactly the kind of honest, confused, but lovely sentiment that Troy would have over dating Britta. He loves her as a friend but is unsure of their status as a couple. He wants to keep their bond strong and inseparable but taking it to a romantic level will only hold them back. It’s a beautiful moment, and that last hug right before the credits bit made me genuinely emotional for the relationship I wish they had. Also, the payoff for the “routine light switch check” gag is golden.
27. App Development and Condiments (S5E8)
Community is a fantastic example of how to do parodies and homages without either mocking the source material or being so closely tied to it that it loses its originality. These episodes are enjoyable not just for the recognizable tropes and fun scenarios that the show puts its characters in, but they also build a story around it that’s engaging and really funny! “App Development and Condiments” takes the dystopian dictatorship stories you’d find in things like The Hunger Games and bases it all around school popularity. It’s so fun to watch where each of the characters end up and how they try to “make it” in the unrelenting hierarchy of Meow Meow Beanz. Lots of great jokes, really inventive set design as the school turns into a whole civilization that segregates the poor and rich, some fun costumes. The whole thing takes itself so seriously that it turns around and becomes genuinely engaging and funny! I also appreciated how this episode centers around Jeff and Shirley, one of my favorite dynamics in the whole show. Jeff is always desperate to control the group to the point where he forgets to be more considerate of his friends, but Shirley gets her control through that consideration and manipulating people into being nice to her to avoid being seen as a lesser person. It’s a great look at the crippling flaws of both characters, but still shows their humanities once both of them end up at their lowest point. But my favorite part of this episode is how its arc with Britta, who initially is seen as the rational one who recognizes the power imbalance and inequality in the school, but gets her morals twisted when bringing the upper class to their level results in swapping roles, and Britta becomes the very thing she fought against. I’d imagine this was a sobering moment for Britta, as for all her righteousness and calls to action, she fails to recognize her own complacency in the system when it finally starts benefitting her.
26. Comparative Religion (S1E12)
I mentioned earlier how Jeff in season one was pretty easily the worst in the cast and at times hard to root for. Every character in the series is flawed, but Jeff was insufferably shitty at his worst, to the point where I’d get really annoyed with the show whenever he went on a particularly heinous rant or treated a character like shit. I say this because Shirley acts similarly in “Comparative Religion”, but it’s done in a way that I actually find really fascinating. In theory, Shirley should annoy me as much as Jeff because of her passive-aggressive mistrust of other religions and inherent selfishness. In a way she almost takes control of the group like Jeff does, making them wear bracelets that celebrate Christmas and standing her ground against Jeff trying to fight a bully who picked on Abed. But at least here the show acknowledges that her selfishness and need for validation comes from a place of hurt. This is the first Christmas she’s having without her family since the divorce, and considering that the study group has been her support system this whole time, she wants them to celebrate her favorite holiday the way she’s used to. But her caring motherly nature ends up blinding her from realizing being part of a support system means you have to do your part, even if someone in your group is acting out in a way you don’t agree with. It makes Shirley less of a difficult character to like, and if anything more sympathetic. I just wanted her to understand where Jeff and the rest of the group are coming from so she can embrace her new family for who they are, not who she wants them to be. What elevates this even higher on the list is that this is the point where I felt the group really did come together as friends. Having Jeff’s back in the hilarious battle, being there for Shirley’s party even after they’re all bruised and exhausted, Jeff finally getting that humbling moment where he embraces the group as his friends and stops being the dirtbag he came in as, it’s actually really beautiful. But maybe the gorgeous Christmas decorations around the school help with that. Gives it that nice, comforting feeling you get around the holidays.
25. Investigative Journalism (S1E13)
Turns out the following episode is even better! Though this one is more for just being one of the funniest episodes of the series, almost entirely thanks to Jack Black. The guy is such a magnetic presence in every role he’s in. Doesn’t matter if the movie or episode is bad, he’s just always going to be a delight. The kind of actor who always plays himself, but that role is so good that it fits into any episode or movie he’s in. Buddy is such a great character as a spoof of forced new characters (something the show ironically had to actually do later). He has a lot of personality, and even a bit of charm to him, but he hasn’t found his chemistry with the group yet. Most of his jokes when hanging with them just center around what he contributes, and how his personality can take up the episode. That’s why the “new character in the group” trope never works with long-running shows. When you have that built-in character group, you gotta know how the new character can play off of everyone else. Community understood this very well when they had to replace Pierce and Troy with characters like Hickey, Frankie, and Elroy (Duncan to an extent as well, but he was already in the series beforehand so his interactions were built-in). That’s probably why Buddy as the eager, but awkward new addition is so funny to watch. Because the other characters genuinely don’t know what to do with him, and the only person who does is Jeff. Jeff’s development in this episode is pretty great too. You can tell he resents how shitty he was in the first semester and wants to make it right, but when Buddy takes it too far, he finds a lot of that old self leaking back in frustration. Only this time, he’s learned how to use it when putting his foot down with the group instead of using it to manipulate and belittle them. Arguably you can say Abed works with Buddy too, but that’s mainly because Abed is the one person who understood Buddy from the start. Honestly, had Buddy continued being a cameo character, I think they would have played off each other really well!
24. Advanced Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (S5E10)
I don’t have a lot of hot takes for this series as you can tell, but I do have one that may raise some questions: “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” isn’t on this list. I considered it, I was really close, but in the end, as much as I love how it acts as a turning point for Pierce’s character and how it gives an otherwise overlooked side character a great moment to shine, I’m just not as high on the episode as everyone else. In fact, I prefer its sequel “Advanced Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” more. I think a large part of it is just that I got more invested in the journey. Now that they got one Dungeons & Dragons episode under their belt, they’re willing to play around a bit more with the episode’s presentation to really immerse us in the adventure. The cinematography is more creative, the characters and what they do feel more real, Abed as the dungeon master is especially entertaining, but most of all I think it’s a banner episode for Buzz Hickey. He, unfortunately, got rotated out after season five, but I loved his time on the show that season and this is easily his best episode. Mostly because this is his episode, trying to reconnect with his estranged son after being excluded from his grandson’s birthday party. The chemistry between David Cross and Jonathan Banks is so entertaining, especially because for as much as Hank wants to separate himself from his father, he carries that same cynical snark that Hickey has. Hell, he even responds to a fist bump the same way Hickey does on “Geothermal Escapism”. So the back and forth between the two feels like a battle of equals, and their sense of pride is the only thing in the way of the two fully embracing each other. This episode is also a lot funnier than “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons”. Which I realize is kind of an insane claim, but I just remember so much more from this episode. Hickey’s interrogation of the hobgoblins is easily his best moment in the series. It captures his character so perfectly and even shows a bit of the father/son relationship he occasionally has with Abed. Plus, the scenes with the Dean playing up being Jeff’s son in-game always leaves me in hysterics. He takes the role-playing so seriously to the point where Jim Rash’s dramatic acting is kind of incredible. Even if he’s doing it to a penis-rubbing joke.
23. RV Repair & Palmistry (S6E10)
I surprised myself by deciding this was my favorite episode of season six. I didn’t even think this would be among my favorite episodes on the show, but the more I came back to it, the more I admired its humor and very frank admittance of the group’s tendency to be very vindictive and mean. “Wedding Videography” showed how the group could be insufferable together, but that was more at the expense of everyone around them rather than the group itself. “RV Repair & Palmistry” is actually a really intense episode, probably the most intense in the series. Other episodes like “Cooperative Calligraphy” and “Horror Fiction In Seven Spooky Steps” have the characters holding knives up to each other’s throats, but that was mostly played for laughs rather than serious tension. Not that this episode doesn’t have its funny moments, of course. I especially love Elroy’s seething hatred for the group for draining the battery of his RV charging their phones, and I honestly think the “extra thick straps” bit is on par with the best of seasons two and three! But I think the real fascinating parts of this episode come with the Dean and Abed. The Dean had always been treated kind of as a joke by the series. Sure, he was someone you loved and root for, but you can chalk up 90% of his humor down to his flamboyance and ambiguous sexuality. But I felt like this time around, they really honed in on his insecurities regarding how seriously people really take him, whether that’s as a dean or as a person. Him lashing out at the group for getting mad at him felt almost too real to be part of a comedy routine. Like he’s frustrated that the group would isolate him and demean him when he works so hard for a school that never shows its appreciation back. Meanwhile, Abed’s refusal to take the situation seriously by trying to structure this situation like a TV show makes for his most frustrating episode to date. His anxiety over not being able to fix a dire situation gets so overwhelming that Jeff slaps him in anger and causes him to nearly spiral over it. I don’t think enough people talk about that slapping scene. For as many letter-pushing moments as the show has, that was the one moment that genuinely shocked me. It felt like both of them hit a boiling point that freaked the group out to the point where Frankie had to intervene. But ultimately, it takes understanding both Abed and the Dean for the group to finally calm down and break the tension that had been building up between all of them. It made the heartwarming moment at the end honestly worth it, just so the show and the audience can breathe a sigh of relief.
22. Basic Rocket Science (S2E4)
I can pinpoint “Basic Rocket Science” as the exact episode that got me REALLY into Community. On first glance, it’s nothing special. Just a fun episode with wacky hijinx that plays with a genre like the show usually does. But unlike other episodes, it doesn’t have the over budgeting and ambition that would characterize seasons two and three. Instead what we get is a fun adventure with the group as they try to free themselves out of this runaway spaceship simulator. The constant bickering among one another as the stress of being in an enclosed space and being driven incredibly far away is hilarious and consists some of the best banter of the entire show. Pierce’s claustrophobia is an especially great moment for him, especially when he starts feuding with the 8-bit head of Colonel Sanders in his distressed state. And while this episode also has some good heart, like Annie being honest about loving her school even if no one else in the group does and Troy being respected as the spaceship captain, it’s that homage that makes the episode so engaging for me. The way Abed plays the role of the communicator, guiding the team through the spaceship as the cinematography mimics space movies like Star Wars to give it that cinematic, adventurous feel. The score especially deserves to be recognized. It has that sweeping triumphant music that makes space adventures like this so engaging to watch. The best scene in the episode by far is the ending, when they drive the ship back to Greendale and they mock the post-war scene where everyone gets off to the adoring crowds and they all celebrate a job well done. It’s so incredible how they get even the most minute detail of these scenes down so perfectly. The slow-mo as everyone climbs out of the ship smiling and laughing, the random interactions like Troy hugging a random woman like he hasn’t seen her in years and Abed being in the audience with his big proud face. The exchange between Jeff and Troy is also so perfect. The “proud friend” trope where the leader finally impresses the cool rebel and the cheesy line that cements their admiration for one another. It’s so stupid. The episode ends with a close-up of their anus flag. And I love every moment of it.
21. Horror Fiction in Seven Spooky Steps (S3E5)
I tend to really latch on to episodes that cycle through the main cast and explore how their minds work through certain situations or ideas. It’s a fun character exercise that really makes the writers get to know the characters and learn something new about them. It’s one of those fabled “bottle episodes” where the group is in an enclosed room and simply talk. And by talk, I mean Britta tries to find out who in the group is the sociopath that her psych test determined was mentally unstable. I really love Britta and Jeff’s chemistry in this episode! After they got over their “will they, won’t they” subplot from the first season, the two end up a really fun duo with snarky banter that’s always fun to watch! But they also have a mutual respect for one another that keeps it from being venomous. I also just love seeing how every character approaches a horror story. Like how Abed is too fixated on the plot holes of horror stories and ends up playing one so completely straight that it ruins the tension. Or how this episode reveals Annie’s odd taste for gore and even sprinkles in a bit of her toxic “I can change him” attitude with Jeff, even if it’s never outright said. Troy’s sounds like it was written by a little kid and their best friend, which honestly is kind of adorable. Pierce’s story is laughably bad and a little too revealing of how he views the other members of the group. But Shirley’s is probably my favorite. Easily the funniest one with its absurd depiction of sinful teenagers and the Dean playing a flamboyant devil, culminating in my favorite out-of-context scene in the show. “GAAAAY MARRIAAAAAGE!!!!!”. I’m always mixed on how the show gradually starts treating Britta more like a dumbass. I think it works in this episode because Britta is trying to keep up her appearance as the smart psychology major, but she gets way in over her head and panics when she turns out to be wrong. She takes herself so seriously that she lashes out whenever the group calls her out on it. It gets to her more than she lets on, which is probably why the vision of someone murdering the group one by one freaked them out. It’s like that pent-up frustration is causing her to go off the deep end. In that way, it’s actually kind of sad, especially because it turns out Britta did make a mistake in the test results. Admittedly I do wish the episode lingered more on this realization instead of concluding that they’re all insane minus Abed. Either way, this was a pretty pivotal moment for Britta that I always found fascinating on top of just being a funny episode.
20. Modern Warfare (S1E23)
Of course, the paintball episodes were going to make an appearance here. Well, at least the early season ones. Nothing against “Modern Espionage”, that’s an honorable mention, but it just doesn’t hit in the same way as the first two installments. Also, the less said about the embarrassing season four finale, the better. “Modern Warfare” doesn’t have the flash that “A Fistful of Paintballs” and “For A Few Paintballs More” did, but it still has a lot of fun with the concept by having the entire school turn into a battlefield with their own strategies and team-ups. I really like how the group went up against other teams like the Glee club and chess club. They had their own unique ways of drawing out opponents and attacking them when they least expect it. Not to mention the action itself is shockingly good, even for a silly paintball battle. The main focus of the episode is more on Jeff and Britta finally relieving their intense sexual tension and hooking up during the game, but that’s more of a payoff that had to happen to kick off the season’s ending arc rather than the true meat of the story. It’s just a lot of fun, topped off by probably my favorite Chang moment in the series. Chang is probably my least favorite of the main cast, but that has more to do with the show never having a concrete idea of where they want to take his character. I like how “Modern Warfare” balances his cocky nature and his genuine insanity, making him the ultimate villain with dangerous (if poorly used) weapons and a maniacal laugh that’s as funny as it is genuinely haunting. But again, the reason these paintball episodes are so good is very simple: They’re just fun!
19. Origins of Vampire Mythology (S3E15)
I mentioned earlier that I was disappointed in how season four handled Troy and Britta’s new relationship, and I think it’s because of the potential I saw in this episode. What makes Troy and Britta such a great idea for a couple is how Troy seems to be the only person who takes her seriously. Even if he joins in on the teasing, you can tell he truly does admire her and wishes she thought more of herself than she does. “Course Listing Unavailable” isn’t on this list, but that moment near the end where Troy tells Britta, “You’re not the worst. You’re the best.” is so genuinely heartwarming that I really wanted to see the show finalize the two as an item. But then again, I don’t think that need would have come up had it not been for “Origins of Vampire Mythology”. Britta is at her lowest, desperate to rekindle an old flame that she really shouldn’t be trying to reignite. Her crippling obsession paired up with Annie’s experience in recovery makes for some really fun hijinks between them, and some of the funniest moments for Annie in the show. I still crack up when Britta tries to call Blade and in order to imitate him, Annie makes a really goofy dumb laugh before hanging up. I also really liked how Jeff’s playboy personality is challenged here, being fascinated by a man who is so clearly a disaster, but still has that shameless allure that draws women like Britta to him. Yet, his realization as to why Blade is so irresistible is also a wake-up call for him, realizing that if he really wants Blade’s “glory”, he’d literally have to give up his humanity. A realization that snaps Britta out of her infatuation and makes her finally see Troy’s true feelings about her. Which, yeah, that’s all fun and always makes for a great rewatch, but it’s Troy who makes up the episode’s heart. Donald Glover’s acting is really excellent in this episode, as you can tell without words how bothered he is the entire time Britta’s pining for Blade. He gets snappier and easily frustrated, he has his brows furrowed and stays mostly quiet during the movie, and his solemn reaction to what Britta thinks about his message is tragic. You can tell this journey of self-love is as much of a journey for Troy as it is for Britta, done worse by his subject of affection not taking to it right away because of her own self-hatred. But again, unlike Britta, this is never said. It’s only implied by the text and his understanding of what Britta looks for in men. Even when everything is resolved, he doesn’t really drop his attitude or apologizes for how he reacted. He just learns to accept that it’s who he is, regardless of if Britta accepts him or not. And by the quiet glances she shares with Annie upon realizing what Troy wrote, it turns out to be for the better.
18. Cooperative Polygraphy (S5E4)
Much like Dan Harmon’s feelings on Chevy Chase, my feelings on Pierce as a character are very complicated. At first I was kind of endeared by his naive old man shtick, but the more he was flanderized into the token racist, sexist, homophobic friend the less I found him to be all that funny. It’s hard to root for a character with built-in prejudice when you’re given little reason to actually root for him. It felt like the show didn’t know how to keep Pierce likable and in touch with the characters when they let those tasteless jokes go on for too long. But “Cooperative Polygraphy” is an excellent send-off for the character. It’s a huge testament to how well the writer and director knew these characters that you can feel Pierce’s personality through these questions, even when Chevy Chase isn’t there to act it out. The seeds he plants by revealing little secrets about the group and throwing off-balance the group’s stability is so perfect for how little shame Pierce had in his life and for his friends. And the way the characters react to every new fact they learn consists of some of the funniest writing of the show. Such great little moments like “If I wanted the government in my uterus, I’d fill it with oil and Hispanic voters”, “In a CHURCH, Britta!? For shame! It’s where Jesus gets his mail”, “When any of you chew gum, I wanna punch you. You may as well have submachine guns in your mouths. It vibrates my skull”. It’s another one of those episodes where the way these characters play off each other is nothing short of comedy gold. Not surprised this was the episode they chose to revisit for the quarantine reunion stream. But what puts it over the top for me is that for as much as it makes fun of Pierce, it also does respect him a big deal. It examines his role in the group and how even if the characters want to believe otherwise, he was always on their same level. He was just more honest, whether it was for better or worse. The last few questions reveal how much Pierce really understood everyone in the group. I believe this episode was the moment Britta started undergoing her final piece of character development, realizing that Pierce is right about how harsh she is on herself and that she should take life less seriously if she wants to be fulfilled. Or how his relationship with Shirley developed from a problematic attraction to a genuine admiration for her character. I do wish they fleshed out his closure with Jeff a little more rather than leaving it on another gay joke, but I think his ultimate closure with Troy made it all worth it. Wanting him to be the best person he can be in the areas where he failed. It feels like Pierce had an epiphany after leaving Greendale and decided to give his friends the chance to be better people, even when it’s too late for him. Though, I wish he was given a more dignified death than dehydration from ejaculating into those sperm vials. Even if it did lead to Pedro Pascal struggling to read the lines from laughing too much at the table read.
17. Beginner Pottery (S1E19)
I’m not sure why I love this episode so much. It’s not really the funniest episode of the series or the most heartfelt. Hell, it’s a pretty standard episode for Community all things considered. Yet, whenever I get the urge to rewatch the series, I always gravitate toward this one. I think the simple answer is just that it’s really enjoyable to watch. Jeff’s journey to learning to accept that he can’t always be good at everything and some people just have talents in places he doesn’t is again, standard, but I do think it reels in Jeff’s arrogance without making him insufferable. Plus, him going insane to the point of “Goldbluming” is hilarious. A great moment in Joel McHale’s acting. But the subplot with Shirley and the boating class is also a lot of fun! I like the creative way they teach the class even without a body of water, and it leads to a really great scene in the end where Shirley decides to save Pierce and letting the “storm” destroy the boat. I guess if I had to pinpoint one scene that puts this above the other “standard” episodes is how both conflicts get resolved through Pierce. His speech about accepting failure as a part of life and not letting it get to him is really touching and genuinely wise. Part of why I like early series Pierce so much is because he lets himself be the butt of the joke, even if everyone around him doesn’t take him seriously. Obviously he has moments where he takes that lackidaisiness go too far, but in this episode it just makes him humble. It helps Jeff realize he was being irrational and to accept his lackluster pottery skills. For once, Pierce comes out the victor.
16. Pillows and Blankets (S3E14)
Dan Harmon himself admitted that “Pillows and Blankets” was the result of having to control the show’s budget after constantly exceeding it for the ambitious episodes. It’s actually kind of brilliant how Harmon countered the network’s complaints with overbudgeting by making an ambitious episode that just happened to be mostly a slideshow and voiceovers. It continues the subplot from “Digital Exploration of Interior Design” but portrays the “war” as a Ken Burns style documentary, complete with narration from Keith David three seasons before he joined the actual cast as Elroy. His deep narrative voice is perfect for taking the pillows and blankets war seriously while still having the dry wit to keep the show’s humor intact. I love little moments like him describing the conflicting room names or jeering Britta for being a bad photographer, but I still love how his narration actually makes it feel like something you would watch in your history class. And that’s what most of the episode is. A hilarious homage that captures a silly battle between friends, but still takes it seriously enough to realize the damage it did to Troy and Abed’s friendship. Jeff’s role is especially important to this war, seeing as how he refused to take their fighting seriously until they started saying hurtful things to each other in retaliation. Once he did, he knew exactly how to get them to make up and even learned a bit about allowing people to be a bit childish, if only so they can understand one another better at the end of the day. It’s actually a really touching ending in its own unique, Community way.
15. Virtual Systems Analysis (S3E16)
I’m not sure what the consensus is on Abed as representation for people on the autism spectrum. They get a lot of things right about how his way of thinking and mannerisms affect his relationships with others, but I also know some of it is likely exaggerated for comedic effect. Plus, the show could have been better in tip-toeing the humor in how “weird” the other characters find him. But “Virtual Systems Analysis” is a big exception. As trapped in his own little world as Abed can be, he’s the smartest person in the entire group. When he views things through his own lens, namely through role-playing and meta pop culture, he can really understand other characters and their motivations. But when Annie tries to make him shift focus into viewing people through a more empathetic lens, Abed panics and imagines a world where people don’t need or want him. He knows it’s make-believe, but when he overhears Annie make an off-handed remark about how everyone panders to him, that world starts to become a reality in some ways. Hence why he’s so worried about Troy and Britta possibly dating or why he believes Annie is pairing them up to subconsciously follow a similar path with Jeff. It isn’t until Annie starts seeing things through Abed’s point of view where she finally understands his insecurities and why empathy is so hard for him. The worst thing you can do with an autistic person is to overwhelm them with something that’s different. You have to have the patience to guide them through it lest you risk them lashing out or retreating back into their shell. But I also appreciate that Abed isn’t completely innocent either. He learns as much as Annie that he can’t force the world to be in a linear, understanding path because that’s not how the world works. Sometimes you have to accept that the world is unpredictable, and learning to adapt to that change will be better for you and your friends in the long run. I love Annie and Abed’s relationship, and this is the best it is in the entire show. The two of them navigate each other’s state of mind and reach an understanding that marks a major stepping stone for both characters.
14. Physical Education (S1E17)
By far one of the funniest episodes of the series. One that I honestly don’t have that much to say about. I feel like every character gets at least one moment to really shine in this one, even if most of the best moments went to Jeff and Abed. I mentioned how “Environmental Science” turned me around on Jeff, but I think this episode was the first time I truly loved him as a character. His ego over his appearance and the insistence of the teacher for him to wear unflattering shorts is so simple but still leads to great outbursts from Jeff. It culminates into the final showdown where he embraces the shorts and plays the teacher in a game of pool, showing off his confidence and ego in a way that’s less of a drag and more fun and charming! That last scene especially cracks me up. It shows off Jeff’s playful side in a way that the show hadn’t quite showcased until now, and seeing them slowly rip off their clothes as they prepare their final moves is hilarious in both the intensity of the scene and the reaction of the crowd around them. I enjoyed Abed’s subplot as well, especially the scene where he imitates Don Draper from Mad Men in order to practice on Annie (who adorably falls for him). I think what I liked most about that subplot is what it says about Abed as a character. The group wanted things to work out between him and Jenny, but Abed is comfortable in his own skin without the need for romantic companionship. He likes being himself, but he’s also willing to change for the sake of his friends. His speech is actually very admirable in terms of self-love and understanding. Being able to embrace your flaws and perks without worrying about how other people see you. Who knows you better than you? I also like how this quietly plays into Britta’s character arc in the series, who still struggles to embrace her flaws without feeling insecure. Her pronouncing bagels as “bah-gles” is hilarious, but she still kinda feels bad about being laughed at for it. I like that contrast between her and Abed a lot!
13. Basic Lupine Urology (S3E17)
I’m putting “Basic Lupine Urology” this high for how unbelievably impressive it is as a parody/homage. The episode itself is fantastic, but I’m mostly just amazed at how perfect the execution is from everyone involved. Not just in the way it’s shot, but in its writing and how the actors so perfectly capture the kinds of characters that make up the world of Law & Order. Troy and Abed’s not-police banter is excellent of course, but I also love the arc that Annie and Jeff go through as they wrestle between finding the truth or chasing the win. It goes off in so many unpredictable places that’s not only hilarious for those who love the source material, but also a genuinely engaging mystery where every minor character who takes up the roles of witnesses and suspects shines their brightest here. This is definitely the best Todd episode, and certainly a great (at the time) sendoff to Starburns, but I also have to give major credit to Michael Kenneth Williams as Professor Kane for an excellent performance balancing the dry snark but respectful authority of his character. It’s an incredible episode all around. One of the best tributes of the show hands down.
12. Foosball and Nocturnal Vigilantism (S3E9)
I mentioned earlier that Jeff and Shirley is one of my favorite dynamics in the show, and I feel like it’s almost entirely because of this episode. I do like the side plot with Annie accidentally breaking Abed’s exclusive The Dark Knight DVD, but the main reason I come back to this episode so much is that I love the way this builds upon Jeff and Shirley’s relationship. It’s a usual Jeff storyline where someone shows him up and he feels the need to prove himself, but this time he has the help of Shirley, who has a history with foosball and is unexpectedly great at the sport. Even just visually it’s fun to watch the different ways the two play the game and how genuinely intense it could get. Especially when both characters have a competitive side that allows them to let out funny quips and great back and forths between one another. It really escalates though when it’s revealed that Shirley and Jeff had already met as kids, with Shirley being a rude child with anger issues who took that anger out on foosball, and Jeff happened to be the kid who got it the worst from her. The scene where Jeff realizes Shirley is the girl who ruined his life and completely altered his persona all those years ago really sticks with me. Not just because Jeff’s reaction is hilarious, but the way both of them respond to recognizing each other with horror is actually kind of tragic. Jeff lashes out at the person Shirley used to be, but Shirley being confronted with the person she hurt the most was just a painful reminder of who she might truly be beneath her optimism and kindness. Not to mention their confrontation in a game of foosball where the show suddenly becomes a Dragonball Z-esuqe animé is so jarring and unexpected, but still hilarious in showing the years of catharsis and anger within them. And when it’s all said and done, the two understand that they aren’t who they used to be and one moment from their childhoods won’t be enough to change how they feel about each other. I was really moved by having the ending be young Jeff and Shirley walking arm in arm. It was really sweet. Also, side note, but the first time I heard Nick Kroll’s character’s accent, I laughed because it immediately reminded me of Professor Poopypants from the Captain Underpants movie. I’d like to think the casting director for that movie picked Nick Kroll to voice him specifically because of this episode.
11. Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas (S2E11)
I expected this one to end up higher. Then again, I didn’t expect to fall in love with this show enough where a classic episode like “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” could barely miss the Top 10. It’s already very ambitious by having the entire episode animated in stop-motion. The characters have the exact movement to really sell the charming imperfections that you’d see in specials like Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer. That in itself makes the episode really charming! Seeing how all the characters translate into their stop-motion selves, how the sets depict Abed’s interpretation of Christmas, the fun ideas with the creatures and the lands that Abed comes up with, evem the songs are also pretty great in capturing that whimsical, Christmas-like atmosphere while having enough of that twisted sense of humor to remind you this is a parody. On pure presentation alone it’s an excellent episode.
But the real highlight of this episode is its heart. In fact, I’d call it the most heartwarming and sincere episode of the series. The group is initially dismissive of Abed viewing the world through stop motion, but the moment they realize it’s an escape over realizing his mother will no longer be a part of his holiday tradition, the group comes back to give him the family he was needing at that moment. I always loved how Annie, Troy, and Pierce specifically stuck with him until the end. Troy and Annie are willing to put up with anything if it meant Abed would feel better and giving him the kindness and support to work through his feelings show that they’re more than just a comedic duo or a childish pair. Plus, I always found Pierce coming back after claiming he was just here for the cookies is genuinely sweet and shows how much he truly values the group as his only support system. Watching them all come back to push away Duncan’s attempts to sell out Abed’s trauma is probably the one heartwarming moment of the show that can make me tear up even now. Plus, I actually love the idea that the meaning of Christmas is that Christmas has meaning at all. It’s too easy to say the true meaning of Christmas comes from your faith or being about family or sharing something with the world in gratitude, but all of those reasons have their own special meaning for every different person. And that in itself is what makes Christmas beautiful.
10. Contemporary American Poultry (S1E21)
The best episode of season one, and probably the turning point of Community as a whole. Up until now, Community was a pretty standard sitcom. One that had its own unique, referential humor, but it hadn’t quite hit its stride with creative episodes and super in-depth looks into its characters quite yet. That is until we got to Contemporary American Poultry. The first time the show actively parodied a specific movie or genre, in this instance Goodfellas. The best part is, it didn’t need elaborate sets or an especially precise aesthetic. The homage came in Abed’s narration, the score, and the cinematography. It’s done so simply that it’s honestly kind of perfect. It stays within the confines of Community’s world while still having the cutthroat, dangerous world of Goodfellas in a way that feels made out of love rather than mockery. And as much as I love seeing a hilarious homage to one of my favorite movies, what really makes this episode so special is how it explores the dynamic of the group itself.
I’ve had a lot of experiences with how dynamics in friend groups can shift, especially when someone feels like they have their own “role” within them. Jeff is the kind of person who knows what he contributes to the group, while Abed is the one who feels more lost or not taken seriously. But once he starts getting the control that Jeff had, there’s a rift that causes the dynamic to change. Especially as the group starts slowly trying to gain control of Abed and taking advantage of his status. It’s especially interesting to see how this plays into Abed’s social struggle, finally getting the attention and respect he wanted but also realizing none of it is because of him, just the symbol. All he wants is to “understand” people, be as natural to communicate with others like Jeff. That last part especially guts me, as it’s an insecurity that I’ve always had in regards to my social anxiety and Aspberger’s. It leads to a really heartwarming exchange between Jeff and Abed, where they reach an understanding of each other that maybe doesn’t give them exactly what they want, but acts as a good starting point for both of them. All this over chicken fingers? Actually, speaking as someone who did work in college cafeterias, that might be the most accurate thing the show has ever done.
9. Mixology Certification (S2E10)
There are countless video essays about what the “best” episode of Community is, but I think the one I like the most is this one from TheCookFilms, where he gives a unique opinion that the show’s best episode is actually “Mixology Certification”. I already considered “Mixology Certification” one of the best episodes of the series, but it took me watching this essay to really understand why. I definitely recommend giving it a watch, but if you can’t I’m happy to give you similar reasons as to why this episode is excellent. It’s probably the most revealing episode about a show’s characters I’ve ever seen. One that shows all of their ugliest flaws, their most unfortunate sides of themselves, but also their most human selves. Again, I was never into the sexual tension between Jeff and Britta, but I think it’s at its best here because it shows both characters at their most insufferable and uptight. Arguing about which bar is the coolest and how annoying each other are in terms of taste and how they present themselves, and yet it’s those differences that draw them to each other. That bar they argued about all night turns out to be the exact same bar, and after bickering with each other the entire night, they impulsively make out with each other because they’re more alike than they want to admit.
And that’s the brilliance of this episode: Adults are disasters. They always think of themselves so highly, with the younger generations looking up to them for guidance, but everyone in this scenario is stupid. Pierce is too proud of himself to ask for help until he literally can’t move. Shirley hides the mistakes she made from others because it breaks the persona she’s been trying to keep up in order to move past it. Even the younger characters like Annie end up facing her fear of the future and how much of her life she’s already wasting, while Abed’s disability prevents him from truly making friends or noticing when people are taking advantage of him for their own desires. But Troy is the obvious star of the episode. His journey into “manhood” isn’t one of cementing his territory or becoming someone new, it’s facing the fact that life never gets easier, and to be a “man”, you have to accept that you’re still as stupid as you were when you were younger. But at least this time, you’ll have the insight to build yourself into the person you want to be.
8. Paradigms of Human Memory (S2E21)
This is without a doubt the best use of a clip show episode I’ve ever seen. I don’t think anyone out there gets all that excited when a show decides to cut corners and dedicate an episode to remembering other episodes. It’s just a slideshow of scenes we’ve already seen, and why bother settling for a glorified highlight reel when you can just watch the actual episodes? Community switches it up by outright not doing that. Instead, it throws the audience off by revealing that the characters have had moments and “episodes” that happened off-screen, all structured as if the episodes actually existed. Right away, we’re told of the group having an adventure at the saloon, complete with cowboy costuming and a whole set made entirely for at most two minutes of the episode. There’s actually an insane amount of prep work that went into making this episode. Not just in making entirely new scenes for hypothetical episodes that happened off-screen, but in recording bits from other episodes that weren’t in the original. Particularly when it was revealed Jeff and Britta had been secretly hooking up the entire season. It actually adds a lot of interesting new context to some of the previous episodes on season two, with little bits of dialogue hinting that this had been planned since the beginning.
So not only is the planning and dedication to this episode absolutely brilliant, but it’s also just an insanely funny episode. These little scenes are great bits, each feeling like they could have been fully formed episodes no matter how stupid or ridiculous the plot is. I also love how the show makes fun of its own story structure, showing how quickly the characters have to forgive each other no matter how many arguments get heated. But I do like the revelation in the end that being able to get through those arguments and find a solution is what makes this group so strong. They can’t stand each other, but they understand each other. So why wouldn’t they stick it out? It’s not toxic, they’re just figuring life out with everything it throws at them. Or maybe that’s Harrison Ford’s testicle-eradicating satellites talking.
7. A Fistful of Paintballs (S2E23)
I expected to put this episode together with its follow-up, “For A Few Paintballs More”. Both follow the same storyline, they’re just different homages and one wouldn’t exist without the other. But watching these episodes back to back again, I think there’s enough of a difference between them, both in content and quality, that I can separate them just fine without keeping them too far apart from one another. “A Fistful Of Paintballs” is only the weaker of the two by default. I still adore the Western aesthetic of this episode. The way it’s shot and the way that compliments the lighting gives the episode such a specific feel that even if it didn’t have the costuming, it’d be pretty easy to assume this was a Western homage. Plus, the action is of course, incredible. The show takes this game as seriously as the characters, and the choreography has taken a huge step up in terms of not just gunplay, but stunts and even the dialogue that always feels confrontational. At any moment, someone could get you out of the game, and you feel that tension in the air between every interaction.
This is a highlight episode for Annie too. She plays along with the aesthetic perfectly as the femme fatale who doesn’t take shit from anyone, and her confrontation with Pierce especially is such a great moment between the two. Of all the characters, she’s the one who gives him the most leeway and understanding, hence why she’s also the only one who doesn’t want to kick him out of the group. Still, when she feels betrayed, you see how much that affects her, and that final standoff between her, Pierce, and eventually the Black Rider is excellently played, even with the anti-climactic resolution. Still, the only reason this episode isn’t as high as “For A Few Paintballs More” is that this feels more like the setup for that episode. A fantastic setup, but still, mostly a setup. We’ll come back to this.
6. Epidemiology (S2E6)
Definitely one of the most fun episodes of the series, and also my favorite holiday special of the series! Which again, kinda weird to say since “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” is a classic, but I honestly just go back to “Epidemiology” a lot more. It’s such a simple concept: The Dean is too stupid to notice that the “taco meat” he bought at the store is radioactive chemicals that get people sick enough to turn into zombies, and the group has to survive a literal zombie apocalypse as they’re trapped in the school. I absolutely love the banter in this one, from Jeff taking the leadership role but still being uptight and arrogant about his looks, to Troy trying to overcompensate his nerdiness to impress essentially no one, to just the incredible aesthetic of the episode that’s washed up and dark enough to depict a real Halloween movie, but still has the lighthearted colors to remind you its a silly Halloween party gone wrong.
And while I love watching the group get picked off one by one as they try to escape the zombie invasion, what sells it to me are the actions scenes where they run through the horde and try to escape, all the while the soundtrack consists entirely of upbeat, cheesy ABBA songs. Having grown up with a mom who LOVED Mama Mia!, hearing these songs in the context of a zombie apocalypse is one of the funniest things the show has ever done. That moment at the end where Troy suits up in his Ripley costume and walks towards the zombie horde while the beginning of “Mamma Mia” plays in the background is comedy gold, and it alone puts this episode way up my personal favorites.
5. Geothermal Escapism (S5E5)
It wasn’t really a contest when deciding the best episode of the later seasons. As much as I’ve grown to love seasons five and six, even if they’re not as good as the show’s golden years, Troy’s send-off was always going to be the later season episode that resonated with me the most. It’s not even just for his goodbye either! The episode itself is one of the most fun and exciting homages of the entire series. The aesthetic of the post-apocalyptic costumes and the red-orange lighting make it feel exactly like something out of Mad Max while still having the intense stakes and incredible action for what’s such a silly premise. There’s so many great moments like how Chang leads this gang of locker campers or the contraption that Hickey rides and it plows anything in its path, and of course, Shirley Island which acts as a universal base and secret weapon. The set design of this episode is incredible, and the action is exhilarating to watch. It’s almost like this was from the directors of the best Marvel movies or something.
But for as fun and exciting as this episode is, I don’t think it’d be among the absolute top tier of the series if it wasn’t for how they concluded Troy’s character. It’s one last ride as Troy prepares to leave for his voyage, but the only one who hasn’t let go of him yet was Abed. He orchestrated the game as a reflection of his own point of view. The inevitability of Troy leaving and Abed left alone without his other half is akin to falling to his death. Thus, he never wants to fall into the album, lest that mean Troy finally leaves for good. Troy and Abed are the heart of the series. Without them, the show wouldn’t be beloved in the same way it is now. Hell, without them, the show wasn’t the same from then on. So I’m really glad that they took the time to really give this duo the swan song they deserved. And hey, some leftover Britta and Troy chemistry doesn’t hurt, especially as Britta herself learns to understand that allowing yourself to grieve isn’t as easy as doing what you’re supposed to do. Some people grieve differently, such is always the case with Abed. And that final scene where Troy says his final goodbyes to each character, leaving to the soundtrack of “Come Sail Away” by Styx (in an INCREDIBLE callback to a throwaway joke from the first season), it’s the most emotional the show has gotten me in any episode. And while I enjoyed the rest of the series from then on, it acted as a satisfying series finale for me.
4. Studies In Modern Movement (S3E7)
Part of me wants to leave it at the scene I linked above and call it a day, but there’s more to this episode that I adore than just that moment. I won’t lie though, it is a HUGE factor as to why I find this one of the funniest and most entertaining episodes of the series. I find it kind of hard to write about “Studies in Modern Movement” because the reason it works is really simple: it’s an excellent showcase of just how good the chemistry between every character is. Pretty much everyone goes out in pairs, with the story mainly focusing on Annie, Troy, and Abed as they help her move into their apartment. Troy and Abed by themselves are obviously the best dynamic of the show, but Annie feels just as welcome as someone young enough to indulge in their goofiness while still being the most mature and responsible one of the group. I love how that dynamic shines most in this episode, with Annie getting increasingly frustrated with them but immediately falling for their charm when they show just how much they care. And yeah, Troy and Abed are a little frustrating in this episode. I like how the writers make them just annoying enough that their “quirkiness” can’t fully make up for it. But still, what makes Troy and Abed so special is that they have a lot of heart, and they just want what’s best for Annie, even if they’re stuck in their own little world sometimes. The subplot with Jeff having to go on a “date” with the Dean out of blackmail is also a blast, and I like how the two share genuine chemistry beyond the Dean’s obvious one-sided crush.
I wasn’t joking when I said the “Kiss From A Rose” scene makes this a Top 5 episode. It’s a lot like the “Somewhere Out There” scene in “Environmental Science” but more memorable with the way every instrument involved blends into each other. It’s also funny enough to keep you laughing, but also endearing in a way that watching it just makes you feel nice. Jeff and the Dean are at their happiest together, Annie is feeling more and more confident in her choice as Troy and Abed give her a shadow puppet show, Pierce is dangerously high on paint and might die, but at least he’s playing piano next to some beautiful dancers! The only subplot I’m not all that wild for is Shirley and Britta’s encounter with the homeless guy who believes he’s Jesus, but even then it leads to one of my favorite Shirley lines, “No, because he looks stinky :(“. This also has maybe my favorite end card of the series, which is a weird pick considering how many iconic ones the show has. But something about Jeff getting so invested in the puppet show that he cries over the death of Horsebot 3000 kills me every time.
3. For A Few Paintballs More (S2E24)
And we’re back to the two-part finale of season two. Again, I considered putting this and “A Fistful of Paintballs” together, but upon rewatching this episode, I realized just how much more I preferred “For A Few Paintballs More”. It drops the Western aesthetic and reverts back to the usual setting, but it’s still set up as a homage to rebellion-type movies, namely Star Wars. It’s actually kind of amazing how subtle the homage is even without the visual aspect. In the way it’s shot, in the dialogue, in the pacing, everything about it calls back to war movies and gives it the best action sequences in the series. And that action isn’t even that complicated. Again, it’s just paintball, but like a movie such as Star Wars, you get so invested in the cause and the characters that every moment glues your eyes to the screen. The direction of this episode and “A Fistful of Paintballs” is incredible. I joked earlier how the director of “Geothermal Escapism” (same director as these two) directed the best Marvel movies, but I think you can make a genuine argument that these two paintball episodes were what eventually lead to “Captain America: Winter Soldier”, which in itself set the bar for Marvel movies and got Joe and Anthony Russo to direct the legendary final installments of “Avengers”. To the point where several Community actors have made cameos in the MCU whenever Joe and Anthony Russo are directing.
There are endless great moments in this episode I could name off the top of my head. The butting heads of Troy and Jeff trying to take the leadership role, Magnitude’s sacrifice, Shirley’s struggle between fighting for the school or just giving up to go back home to her newborn, Abed’s Han Solo bit and how it actually causes Annie to fall for him, every single scene Leonard is in, it feels like every character gets a moment to shine here, even the minor characters! But Pierce is the one who especially shines, being the final survivor right at the end and even acknowledging his own faults as a person while still learning to move on from the group. This episode is perfect from front to back. Jam-packed with action, great character moments from everyone, a chance to let the minor characters play a role in the story, and it’s an exciting finale to one of the best seasons of television of all time.
2. Remedial Chaos Theory (S3E4)
I had this as my favorite episode of the series for the longest time. In all fairness, I’d still say it’s really close, but it’s not a surprise this is usually people’s default choice for the best episode of Community. It has the series’ most iconic scene, it’s a fantastic roundtable of every character and how their relationships with one another work, it’s concept is exactly the kind of brilliant fantasy grounded in reality that the show is known for, and it even has a lot of the heart that makes this series so incredible. There are countless video essays dissecting what every timeline means and how it relates to the members who leave or stay, but you can gather all that from just watching the episode. That’s what’s so brilliant about “Remedial Chaos Theory”. You don’t need to come up with theories or stretch for context in order to get this episode. You can just watch it and understand exactly why this group is functional and dysfunctional all at once. There are so many great individual moments between each character. It’s probably the best exploration of Jeff and Annie’s relationship. Two characters who admire and even love each other, but any time they actually return each other’s feelings, you kind of realize that seeing them as a couple is a little bit uncomfortable, maybe even wrong. Cuz it stops being a mutual appreciation and more an unbalanced relationship where the age gap between them is VERY noticable. I also like how the episode explores how Troy and Britta are a good match for each other! Both don’t get the respect they wish they had, but they recognize each other beyond their perceived “immaturity” and even bond over their earnest respect and love for one another. This is probably Pierce’s best ever episode because it more than ever exposes how much of his lashing out and shitty behavior just stems from wanting to be accepted within the group. Troy moving in with Abed makes him feel abandoned, thus him lashing out by gifting Troy the evil troll doll. But when Troy shows him that respect and appreciation for what he’s done, suddenly he realizes this gift for Troy will only alienate him further and keep them apart as friends. I even love Shirley’s strange mini pie arc, similarly concerned with being accepted in the group and feeling like she needs to fulfill some kind of role within it. Especially since she shares no sexual or romantic tension with anyone in the group. None of these timelines reach the same conclusion, but they all have the same interal problem.
Everyone at this table has deep-rooted insecurities that they keep from one another and sometimes end up pushing each other away because of it. Especially when Jeff, the one everyone in the group looks up to, makes them hyperaware of those insecurities. So when Abed catches Jeff’s trick of making everyone except him get the pizza, causing him to leave and be unable to stop Britta from singing along to “Roxanne” by The Police, all of that insecurity just washes away. And the group unites together just to dance and sing along to this fantastic song. Does this mean Jeff is the one bringing the group down and causing all the tension? Not necessarily. Mostly because that in itself is Jeff’s insecurity. Feeling like he needs to keep things in line and control the group from making him look bad. But when he sees the group all happy and joyous together, laughing at his misfortune after hitting his head on the ceiling fan, you can tell something clicks within him. He realizes that sometimes, people are just people. Who’s to say you can’t be shameless and happy together, regardless of if anyone is watching or not? So he lets them sing their hearts out, watching them be themselves. It’s one of the most humbling and beautiful moments of the show. One that exposes all of its flaws to you, but still feels the love within itself to share it.
1. Cooperative Calligraphy (S2E8)
As much as I adore “Remedial Chaos Theory”, its creativity, and its many memorable moments, ultimately what makes Community special to me is its main cast. A group of failures who have hit rock bottom, but find solace in one another and the strength to be better people. Whether that’s through personal growth or finding a career that really inspires them. But these people are still disasters, and all of them have their own flaws and insecurities that make them especially vulnerable to the worst sides of each other. Even if they’re great friends, they’re always at each other’s throats. Is that because they’re bad people? No. It’s because they know everyone in the group can be better. They know that they themselves can be better. Otherwise, none of them would be going to Greendale.
What makes “Cooperative Calligraphy” my favorite episode of the series is that it’s the funniest episode of the series. It really is that simple. But the comedy is rooted in the characters themselves, and how the audience learns to understand them, and their reaction to being cornered. It’d be easy to look at this group and consider them outright toxic and hostile. They’re all antagonizing each other and digging into their deepest insecurities. And for what? A missing pen? A missing pen that had the potential to completely destroy a group of friends because none of them knew a monkey named after Annie’s boobs had been stealing it this whole time? Well, yeah, it’s a little unreasonable. That’s what makes the episode hilarious. Annie being so concerned about the missing pen that she literally SHRIEKS until the group agrees to stay and look for it is hilarious. Troy clearly not being the pen thief because his backpack doesn’t even carry any school supplies is hilarious. Britta going on a political rant and comparing the group asking to search her bag to literal dictatorial fascism is hilarious. Whether you’ve watched the series or not, the episode does such a great job at showing every character at their worst while still making you sympathize with their gripes over being targeted. But over time, it stops being funny and it starts getting more and more uncomfortable as the reasoning is more understandable. Yes, Britta’s rant and Troy’s backpack are hilarious, but then you get to Abed and the discovery that he tracks the girls’ menstrual periods to avoid conflict with any of them. You can tell his heart is in the right place and the accuracy of those charts as pointed out by Shirley is a great bit, but you also know what an insane invasion of privacy this is (ironic considering Britta was the one going on about personal privacy only to shoo Abed away when she starts reading his personal journal). But you know it’s not out of malice or hatred. Abed just struggles with his autism and connecting to people on a “normal” basis. This is his only way to do it, and though he’s generally stale in his delivery, you can feel the frustration in realizing he hurt the girls after trying to help them be better friends with him. Or when they force Shirley to empty her bag and learn that she not only had a pregnancy scare, but she got back together with her ex-husband which is a hard sell to a group of people who previously knew him as a cheater (Also the first hint that the baby might be Chang’s by showing Troy’s reaction is hilarious). After a while, you start to see the cracks in this group and how their desperation to find someone to blame for the missing pen reflects all of their fears of being ousted from the group for something they didn’t do. Annie yelling “It’s just a pen!” after Jeff starts causing property damage was a breaking point because then that tells the whole group that their anxiety and arguing was for nothing. It really wasn’t a big deal, and yet, Annie claimed it was at the start.
But the ending where after stripping down to their underwear, they tear off Pierce’s cast and still find nothing is where the episode’s heart comes in. By now, both the characters and maybe even the viewers are exhausted by the infighting, which leads to the ultimate conclusion that maybe nobody took it after all. Maybe it really was a ghost. Stupid as it sounds, it’s more realistic than anyone in the group maliciously taking a pen and letting all this bullshit happen without once coming clean. Even though they all showed themselves at their worst, with Jeff’s anger, Annie’s uptightness, Britta’s deflection, Abed’s difficulty understanding social cues, Troy’s stupidity, Shirley’s internalized prejudice, and Pierce’s outward prejudice, they also know that all of them are better than that. Difficult as it is to be around each other, they have that built-in trust that makes even a tiny incident like this an issue. They trust each other so much that the idea of one of them being vindictive and uncaring of the others is unreal to them. So even the slight hint that someone doesn’t belong makes them panic and expose the parts of themselves that got them into Greendale in the first place. I’ve grown really sick of the term “problematic”. Mostly in general, but especially within fictional characters. A character wouldn’t be as good as they are without flaws, because at the end of the day they’re human. Does it excuse those flaws? No, not necessarily. But it’s human to learn from those mistakes and teach yourself to be a better person, which is what everyone in Community has learned to do. Jeff was a complete dirtbag at the start of the season who only ended up in the study group because he wanted to bang Britta. Well, he did it, but he still stayed in the group and things with Britta just… fizzled. He learned to care and help others find the best parts of themselves. And in turn, those people helped find the best parts of himself. That level of friendship is why Community has quickly become one of my all-time favorite shows, and why “Cooperative Calligraphy” is its best episode. Because it shows the characters at their worst, which in turn, shows them at their best. And also because it’s just really really funny.