Community Review: Advanced Introduction to Finality

Summary:

Overall Advanced Introduction to Finality is chaotic, over ambitious, and ultimately flat. It’s disappointing that the episode feels like a let down especially when it’s dealing with something as big as Jeff’s graduation. The return of paintball and the darkest timeline is admittedly a fun and humorous experience but neither captures the spirit that made their original episodes so worthwhile.  On paper the ideas within the episode are great but would have better served as two episodes instead of one rushed experience.

Community’s finale is finally upon us and with the unfortunate possibility that this could be last it’s hard to say that the episode was quite up to snuff. As I write this things are looking optimistic for a fifth season of Community but nothing is set in stone. It’s a shame that Advanced Introduction of Finality missed the mark, especially when it handled something as big as Jeff’s graduation!

The episode opens up with Jeff negotiating the terms of his new job at his friend’s law firm. Conflicted, Jeff is worried to move on from Greendale, fearing that his new job will only lead him to return to the shallow person he was before Greendale. Meanwhile, unexpected visitors from the darkest timeline make an unwelcomed visit and attempt ruin Jeff’s plans for the future.

It’s somewhat fitting that this episode ends much like the season began, chaotic, over ambitious, and ultimately flat. On paper the way the episode is handled seems like a great idea but the quick pace and rushed feeling only hurts the episode. The episode does have an overall fun vibe and everyone seems to be firing on all cylinders. Pierce’s exit from the show is fitting but it’s just about as pertinent as his presence this entire season. Overall the biggest disappointment is the anticlimactic feel of Changnesia.

When last week’s episode ended with Chang telling Dean Spreck that he was done with their evil plan I was assured that the plotline they’ve been slowly revealing would finally take center stage in the finale. However, Advanced Introduction to Finality says to hell with Changnesia and ultimately drops it in favor of bringing back the darkest timeline. For as much time as they spent on Chang and City College this season I can’t help but feel let down for the way they ended this story with a simple phone call. It makes it feel as though a portion of this season is ultimately pointless.

I’m still conflicted on whether or not I enjoy the return of the darkest timeline. Admittedly it provided a lot of fun and humorous moments for the episode but the way it was handled felt so flat. Tying the darkest timeline with a “way to make paint ball cool again” doesn’t capture any of the spirit that made their original episodes so wonderful. The paintball fights between the study group and their doppelgangers are incredibly lame and are nothing more than the darker versions of themselves just standing directly in front of their counterpart just to get shot. Having the darkest timeline represent Jeff’s insecurity with graduating is great but pairing it up with the actual graduation only takes valuable time away from both stories leaving an underdeveloped feeling.

Everything has been leading up to this moment for the series and half the episode is dealt within a dream sequence. Luckily the darkest timeline is only a figment of Jeff’s imagination preserving the very thin line of reality and wackiness. The episode works best when we are dealing with the study group in reality and focusing on Jeff’s graduation. It’s handled in a very Greendale fashion and provides a very tender moment for the group as a whole. Don’t get me wrong, the episodes ideas are great but would have served better as two separate episodes. If it is a series finale it does well bringing Jeff back to his full circle but there’s ultimately a hollow feeling of satisfaction.

Overall Advanced Introduction to Finality is chaotic, over ambitious, and ultimately flat. It’s disappointing that the episode feels like a let down especially when it’s dealing with something as big as Jeff’s graduation. The return of paintball and the darkest timeline is admittedly a fun and humorous experience but neither captures the spirit that made their original episodes so worthwhile.  On paper the ideas within the episode are great but would have better served as two episodes instead of one rushed experience.

Interested in writing reviews or news posts for Thinking Cinematic? Contact me at ThinkCinematicReviews@gmail.com! You can also send your guest reviews there too!

Connect with me at:
Twitter: @Treyrs20o9

Twitter: @Think_Cinematic
Email: ThinkCinematicReviews@Gmail.com

Community Review: Heroic Origins

Although it seems like we just started it’s finally the penultimate episode of community. Unfortunately due to time constraints this will be an abridged review and I apologize in advance. So here are my quick thoughts on Heroic Origins (4.12).

The episode opens up with the group trying to study for their last history test of the semester. Abed reveals that he’s been slowly tracking the groups origin and discovered that the group were destined to meet and that their stories have always been interwoven. Meanwhile Chang’s evil plan to expel the study group and shut down Greendale starts to come to fruition.

As a whole I’m conflicted with the episode. The idea that the study group was destined to meet by fate sort of tramples over the premise of the show. This group was suppose to be an unlikely band of misfits who by random chance met and melted together into a family they never had. On the other it was a guilty sense of pleasure wanting to delve deeper into the group of characters that I have grown attached to over the years. For the most part the episode works as a whole with a very series finale vibe to it. Barring a few minor plot inconsistencies, the episode felt like a love letter from the writers to the fans. The jokes work well and the references they manage to squeeze in are amusing.

I really liked the running gag with the Star Wars prequels stabs but it comes away as been there and done that. My favorite moment was probably the origin of Magnitude which I will leave undiscussed for you to enjoy on your own. I was actually surprised that the episode was able to deal and salvage Chang in a way that I thought we would never see again. I think the biggest breaking factor for this episode is the fact that these stories try so hard to intertwine that it becomes too convenient and really hard to suspend disbelief.

Overall the premise of the episode is very pleasing and can be seen as a love letter to the fans from the writers, barring a few plot inconsistencies that is. The make or break factor of the episode is the fact that it tries so hard to intertwine each others stories that it comes across as to convenient and almost impossible to suspend disbelief. There are great moments regarding the origins of side characters as well as a great sense of redemption for Chang. As a whole the episode is enjoyable but the fact that it sort of messes with the premise of the show is a bit of a hard pill to swallow.

Community Review: Basic Human Anatomy (4.11)

Summary:

Basic Human Anatomy brings the familiar Community charm by inserting a wacky theme while still keeping it grounded in reality. The episode touches on the awkwardness of the romantic relationship between Troy and Britta and gives more depth to it in one episode than they have all season. There is a nice flow between the plots that makes great use of the study group and their fast paced banter. The joke density is high in this episode and we see a lot of strong story pairings between the group.  Overall the episode finds the perfect balance between emotional depth and crazy humor.   

All season I have been waiting for an episode of Community that would be the stand out episode for the season. I have been on board with season four of Community since the get go but I do acknowledge that there seems to be something off. There have been a few gems here and there but nothing that seemed to hit on all cylinders. Though we still have two episodes to go, last night’s Basic Human Anatomy (4.11) made a really strong case as the standout episode for this season.

The episode opens up with the gang as they’re discussing their last history project for the semester. Annie and Shirley are both concerned with the group’s effort due to their neck and neck race with becoming valedictorian, while Jeff is content with a doable and passable grade. Meanwhile Troy and Abed celebrate their three-year anniversary of the first time that they watched Freaky Friday by accidentally swapping bodies.

Basic Human Anatomy marks the first episode written by Oscar Winner, Jim Rash (The Descendants), aka Dean Pelton. Rash is able to capture the spirit that seemed to be lacking in season four while still maintaining the new tone and direction. One of the things that I liked most about this is episode is the fact that it was able to make use of the group without feeling like anyone was particularly isolated, save for Pierce but that’s a different story. The joke density is solid and is probably one of the more quick-witted episodes this season. The fast pace banter around the study room is back and provides a lot of great laughs.

The episode works to the strength of the cast and we see the return of some nice pairings. The competitive nature between Shirley and Annie has always been delightful to watch on screen, and even more so now that they introduced the race to be valedictorian.  Troy and Jeff also get some nice screen time and we Jeff acting as a father like mentor to Troy.

One of my complaints this season has been the romantic spin that the writers have placed on this season, in particular with Troy and Britta. Although last season saw the two pair up, it never really developed into a full relationship and often felt out of place. Not only does this episode acknowledge this but it gives depth to a relationship that has been so flat all season. It’s amazing how many emotional chords this episode is able to hit despite its wacky body-switching theme.

I was apprehensive to say the least when I heard that this episode would be tackling a Freaky Friday homage. This season has proved that the new crew hasn’t quite figured out how to nail high concept episodes yet, and I was worried that it would fall flat. However, the Community charm shines bright in this episode and it’s able to insert a wacky idea like Troy and Abed switching bodies and still keep it grounded in reality. We see so much emotion from various characters in a scenario that is easy to roll your eyes at but the talent, and the writing are able to make it work. It was very reminiscent of Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas from season two. It’s episodes like Basic Human Anatomy that proves a fifth season would be worth it, especially if they give Jim Rash more episodes to write.

Basic Human Anatomy brings the familiar Community charm by inserting a wacky theme while still keeping it grounded in reality. The episode touches on the awkwardness of the romantic relationship between Troy and Britta and gives more depth to it in one episode than they have all season. There is a nice flow between the plots that makes great use of the study group and their fast paced banter. The joke density is high in this episode and we see a lot of strong story pairings between the group.  Overall the episode finds the perfect balance between emotional depth and crazy humor.

Interested in writing reviews or news posts for Thinking Cinematic? Contact me at ThinkCinematicReviews@gmail.com! You can also send your guest reviews there too!

Connect with me at:
Twitter: @Treyrs20o9

Twitter: @Think_Cinematic
Email: ThinkCinematicReviews@Gmail.com

Community Review: Herstory of Dance (4.08)

Summary:

Overall Herstory of Dance feels like it fits right in the comfort zone of this season. Once again there’s an imbalance of comedy and tender moments. The episode does end on a heartwarming note but having one week to week begins to take away from the effect. The episode further delves into the study group’s romantic relationships, more so with Abed and new girl Rachel. Brie Larson brings a wonderful personality to Rachael that serves as a great on screen counterpart to Abed. The chemistry is great and it’s nice to see the writers create a romantic interest for Abed that’s not just a female version of him. With only a handful of episodes left Herstory of Dance seems like a weak foot to start on in this final stretch. 

Community returned last night from its one-week break with the airing of Herstory of Dance (4.08)! We’re down to the final stretch of episodes and there’s still a lot of ground to cover between now and then. Unfortunately last night’s episode didn’t feel like a step in the right direction.

The episode opens up with the group in the study room as Pierce is discussing his new love for the American version of Inspector Spacetime. The Dean interrupts the gang announcing that there will be a Sadie Hawkins Dance where the women will be the ones to invite the men. Offended by the sexist undertones Britta vows to throw her own gender equality dance to upstage the Dean. Meanwhile, Annie and Shirley decide to set Abed up with dates for the dance but Abed has plans of his own in mind.

This is the first episode of the season that really didn’t do anything for me. I was more forgiving in the earlier part of the season when the episode weren’t able to provide a steady stream of laughs but after eight episodes it’s concerning that episodes are still having a balancing issue. The episode does end on a heartwarming note but after so many of those tender moments week to week it begins to feel so formulaic. There are chuckles here and there but overall I didn’t find myself bursting out laughing. It’s still enjoyable given the wonderful talent and my interest in these characters after so many seasons.

I feel like the B plot with Annie and Shirley was a rehash of an earlier episode in season one when the gang tries to set up Abed with a mystery girl despite Abed’s reluctance. It seems redundant that the gang would try and do this again especially when Abed clearly stated he has no problem hooking up with girls, he just prefers when they approach him instead.

Strangely enough this plot line was the strongest aspect of the episode and I actually liked the pairing of Abed and Rachael, played by Brie Larson. The chemistry between the two worked really well and it was cool to see them create a character that shared enough interests without just making a girl version of Abed. I wouldn’t mind seeing Brie Larson becoming a regular for a while to flesh out this relationship a bit further, especially since after this season the group will be minus one due to the departure of Chevy Chase. More on that later.

One of my biggest worries after watching the first few episodes of season four was that Community would return to romantic driven relationships that dominated season one and it seems as though my prediction may have come true. Although the relationship between Troy and Britta may be on the back burner it seems as though the writers are trying to heat things back up again with Jeff and Britta. These two have way more chemistry than Troy and Britta but it’s a bit uneasy to watch the two flirt with each other without a mention of Troy. I like the idea that this group is a family and undercutting each other like this ruins that dynamic. They did it once in season two and it was quickly resolved. The relationships within the study group are messy and personally don’t do much for me but if this is the route the writers are going I hope that they can clear some confusion relatively soon.

A few positives this episode. Pierce returns to his wise old man status that has been dearly missed since season one. Going out of his way to help Britta with advice and support is a great change of pace for him and watching him put Jeff in his place was refreshing. It’s such a bummer to watch these last few episodes with Pierce knowing he’ll be gone after this season but I’m glad they’re giving us a great Pierce to remember before he leaves.

Pairing Shirley and Annie is always a fun experience though it does seem that the two didn’t reach their full potential this episode. Watching Britta’s struggle through the dance preparations was an easy way to connect with her this episode and the eventual payoff was rewarding. It was also nice to finally see her taking action against using her name as a verb to indicate something bad happening. It always felt like that slipped in uncontested from Britta. The episode also felt like it didn’t know what to do with Troy but the small gags he was in were chuckle worthy.

Overall Herstory of Dance feels like it fits right in the comfort zone of this season. Once again there’s an imbalance of comedy and tender moments. The episode does end on a heartwarming note but having one week to week begins to take away from the effect. The episode further delves into the study group’s romantic relationships, more so with Abed and new girl Rachel. Brie Larson brings a wonderful personality to Rachael that serves as a great on screen counterpart to Abed. The chemistry is great and it’s nice to see the writers create a romantic interest for Abed that’s not just a female version of him. With only a handful of episodes left Herstory of Dance seems like a weak foot to start on in this final stretch.

Interested in writing reviews or news posts for Thinking Cinematic? Contact me at ThinkCinematicReviews@gmail.com! You can also send your guest reviews there too!

Connect with me at:
Twitter: @Treyrs20o9

Twitter: @Think_Cinematic
Email: ThinkCinematicReviews@Gmail.com

 

 

Community Review: Economics of Marine Biology

These past three weeks of Community have seen a rise in consistent quality and it seems that the new staff has finally found their stride. Economics of Marine Biology is a simple episode but it easily feels like a season one era episode.

The episode opens up with the gang, minus Pierce, in the study room as they’re discussing the possible recruitment of a new wealthy student.  If they can land the metaphorical whale, Greendale will be financially set to fund its other classes. Meanwhile Shirley and Troy attend their first P.E. class only to find out that things aren’t what they seem.

Economics of Marine Biology featured a very steady stream of jokes per minute that kept the episode very fast paced. I found myself bursting out with laughter more in this episode than I have in the other six. All of the comedic timings were on point and the jokes they made were landing. It had a nice season one vibe that focused a lot of the story on campus. The episode starts off great and only gathers steam from there.

Plot wise things were very simple and somewhat silly. The lengths at which the Dean and Annie go to ensure that the new student enrolls is funny but it the premise seems a bit stretched. It’s always nice to see the Dean and Annie working together though and the two actors more than make up for the silliness.

Season two and definitely season three began the separation of Community from Greendale and with it meant less class focused episodes. Economics of Marine Biology brought us right back to the classroom with Troy and Shirley. The two enrolled in a P.E. class only to find out that the class was actually a Physical Education Education class. This premise screams season one of Community and led to some enjoyable performances from both Yvette and Donald. The resolution was a bit cringe worthy though, ending in a montage and song that just didn’t do it for me.

Pierce and Jeff get some much needed story time, something that hasn’t been touched on for quite sometime. I always liked the idea of Pierce becoming the father Jeff never had but it seems like the plot has been ditched over the years. Pierce’s comedy does seem to rely a little too much on racial humor, which kind of took me away from the story. However I liked the overall direction of their story and it definitely made me remember the Pierce I’m going to miss after this season’s over.

Overall, Economics of Marine Biology had a very season one vibe flowing throughout the episode. The episode has very steady stream of jokes per minute, something other episodes this season have lacked. The Dean and Annie’s plot of ensuring the enrollment of a wealthy student is funny but the premise feels a bit stretched. Jeff and Pierce also get some great screen and helped remind me of the Pierce I’m going to miss.

As a future note, next week’s episode of Community is a rerun so there will be no new Community review next week.

Community airs Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC! Check out last night’s episode here on Hulu!

Interested in writing reviews or news posts for Thinking Cinematic? Contact me at ThinkCinematicReviews@gmail.com! You can also send your guest reviews there too!

Connect with me at:
Twitter: @Treyrs20o9

Twitter: @Think_Cinematic
Email: ThinkCinematicReviews@Gmail.com