Community - A show that began in 2009, follows a lawyer who had no degree and a group of outcasts who become friends while attending a community collage.
It's a comedy and it has quite a cast. But the question remain, is it a great show? One of the best ones ever?...
I'm a huge comedy fan and one of the best formats for it is the sitcom, those 20 , 30 minutes of episodic comedy television. And as such, I had seen a few episodes of this show back in the day... Not sure, but maybe season 1 and a bit of season 2 at most.
It's possible it was while it was being made and I just lost track. I remember I taught it was ok, but it had a few moments I didn't love. Comedy can be quite subjective. But that was always my posture: It's ok, but it could be great if only changing a few details.
But as time went on, I saw many people praising it like there was no tomorrow. People who have similar top shows to myself, like Arrested Development, SEINFELD, It's always sunny in Philadelphia...
So, I saw the show on that big streaming platform that starts with an N and ends in IX. And decided to give it a go.
First a few words on the cast:
It stars Davy Chase, so that's something already. Also the Asian guy form the Hangover movies.
A secondary character is the dean of the collage, but the guy playing it, just kills it and it keeps getting more and more screen time. John Oliver pops in sometimes as well. "It's pronounced Aluminium" - he says after being electrocuted. heheh
Also, It made me a fan one of the girls. Realised she was in Mad Men as well.
Good stuff.
As I was watching the first season, I did noticed just a few moments, I would cut out... but all good. Think the humour is very good, smart a very meta.
One thing I must really say is: The creators and people must REALLY get A LOT of respect for the effort they put into this. Never the cheap episode or season... never the easy route, never repeating the familiar... Bravo, bravo.
The first season couple seasons have a "regular vibe to it"... Meaning it does follow the people in the collage experiences... there is a love interest... it all starts as a scam to get a date out of it.
Talking about originality. Season one ends with a paintball competition and season two as well, but they really worked in a way to make it all fresh and credible and not forced at all.
Then from season 3 on... it really picks on... I would say it becomes not only a good show, but a rather unique show. Also, to see that someone gave this artists such a freedom to explore and take risks.
There are all kinds of episodes within it. And I do mean, all kinds. From caly stop motion to a "law and order" ... anything.
One of the characters is on the altruistic spectrum I would say and sees the world with a tv show/ movie filter. And is a film student. Making it extremely meta, but again, not cheap meta. And making it a peral to any movie buff.
The references sometimes are a bit direct a bit less obvious and I think there's even business inside jokes in there. I think this is a show that film makers enjoy and while made for everyone and film buffs, I believe it's also made for filmmakers... several levels.
I haven't finish it, I'm half way in the last season. And let's talk about seasons and the creative work and care, that have gone into this.
Like the y never repeat or milk the show in any capacity... they only did 6 seasons... and it al fits. The 4 of the years of collage, so things like graduation come up. And they do adress "all the questions" one might have.
And they make changes as they need to get made. Including cast changes and all... A work of craft until the end... or t least until near the end, where I am.
With so many "catch phrases" kind of creations out there... It's quite something to see all the creativity and respect for the audience and experimentation on a sitcom none the less.
Just one last example: You know those cheesy episodes that many shows do, including huge shows. Where, "do you remember that" and the episode is cut backs to old clips...
You know that very lazy kinda episode... well, just as an example on community, one time the kinda did the "do you remember" gimmick... But to my pleasant surprise, they did not made one... instead all the cut aways where all new stuff that was not on any episodes. In short, they made a fresh episode, disguised as the cheesy "let's fill in 20 min"... Very meta, very funny, very crafty and again... I think this is an inside joke and a finger to those episodes.
Again, max max respect to the people behind this show. It's unique and made with care... And maybe I'll put it in the exclusive A list of my sitcoms.
Have you seen it? Did you like it? Will you see it?
Photos from the marketing of the show and a couple freeze frames.
As always, thank you for reading.
Photos from the marketing of the show and a couple freeze frames.
Here's my letterboxd in case you want to say hello.