It’s that time of year again at Greendale! It’s a little awkward watching a Christmas Community episode in May, but keep in mind the delay of the season premiere and the timing starts to make sense again. Jeff hosts the group’s first ‘grown up’ Christmas. I feel like I don’t even need to say shenanigans ensue, but…Shenanigans. A few things from this week:
1. “If there’s a human version of Scrooge McDuck, this guy is it.”
http://thebrittaoftimelines.tumblr.com/
The return of Malcolm McDowell! Professor Cornwallis is back and has given the group a “failing grade,” threatening Jeff’s early graduation. Cue overdramatic hostage situation.
One thing that can definitely be said about this season is that they’ve gone above and beyond in recruiting an amazing lineup of guest stars. Which begs the question, are these the writers’ last desperate attempts to revive the series to what it once was? And even more so, is it working?
2. “This is way better than Die Hard in a restaurant!
Is it? Is it though? This week’s episode channeled Die Hard. Or not. Kind of. Whatever.
A few episodes ago (think the Thanksgiving, Shawshank Redemption almost-a-parody episode) Abed suggested the show was going to parody Die Hard next. I think I can speak for the majority of viewers when I say that my excitement levels reached max at the thought of this. Was this it the Die Hard homage that was promised to me? I’m calling B.S. on this, sir. My expectations were high, sure. I should have realized that based on the season’s track record that I would be disappointed, yeah. But cooome onnnnn. Hey writers, get your head in the game. The human body can’t handle a snapback from stoked to heartbroken so quickly.
3. “Hey, it’s Chang. No, they’re not expelled. I’ll have to try something else.”
Community and Mad Men’s Alison Brie is a flawless individual. Asides from being ridiculously funny and a great actress (can you believe she plays Pete Campbell’s wife on Mad Men?!), she can sing, do the Charleston and do really good impersonations of popular Internet memes. Watch as she imitates Grumpy Cat, Overly Attached Girlfriend and does a little Hadouken-ing of her own.
Hey, Alison! Can we be BFFs already? (Don’t worry JLaw, Imaginary BFF is a tier.)
Crowd sourcing has become an efficient means fund a number of different projects — be it medical bills, video games or a Veronica Mars movie. Now you and your friends can pitch in to make a favourite t-shirt design into a reality with TeePublic.
Launched by Josh Abramson (co-founder of College Humor and Vimeo), TeePublic is making it easier for graphic designers to finally see their designs on a t-shirt. The way it works is anyone can upload their designs and if 30 people in a month (that’s one person a day) agrees to buy your shirt, the company will put it into production and with every shirt sold, $5 per shirt goes back to the designer.
Considering just how creative the internet gets (have you seen the sloth photos?), here are just some of our favourite shirts so far on TeePublic:
1. Best Buds by CorwinWebb
2. STAY CLASSY by jordansoliz
3. RASCAL by Keddie
This week’s episode of Community educated us on the serious reality of what it’s like to live with changnesia—you know, that made up/totally legitimate neurological issue that Kevin/Chang has going on? I know, my head’s spinning too.
The gears start turning when Abed decides to film a documentary in Greendale’s effort to plea to the MacGuffin Neurological Institute for a grant to fight changnesia. Does this mean viewers finally got some answers regarding the Kevin/Chang plot line? Five things from this week:
1) “What are you having?” “None of this!”
This week threw a lot of Chang/Kevin and Jeff stand-offs our way and each one succeeded in delivered in terms of providing hilarious confrontations. From witty word play (“Welcome to Shirley’s Sandwiches where the sandwiches are Kevin-ly!”) down to Chang pulling a Rain Man and reciting a conversation Jeff and Shirley had within earshot verbatim to prove a point. The writing this week in general was pretty fantastic and everyone from the writers to the cast brought their comedic A-game.
Honourable mentions:
“We got ‘em; hook, line and Winger!”
“This needs to be the Hoop Dreams of things people care about!”
2) DAMN IT, BRITTA!
She really does manage to ruin everything. Actually though. The camera stops rolling and fades to black. The scene we see is Shirley in tears, admitting she had “never told that story to anyone before”, asks if the “song was too much” and then walks away, announcing she was dead for three minutes. I’m sorry… WHAT?! Back up!
Britta was supposed to be filming the scene the whole time, but she Britta’ed it up and forced us to miss what could have been one of the best Shirley moments in Community history. To be fair, choosing not to show the scene could really be what makes it so funny; it’s just something about Britta that makes me blame her for everything anyway. That and I’d kill to see literally everything Yvette Nicole Brown said occurred when the camera wasn’t rolling.
3) Partner and Hoolihan.
On this week’s episode, the gang got weird.
It was a milestone for the series as the study group spent Thanksgiving with the family. Jeff finally meets with his father (with Britta tagging along, of course) while the rest of the group spent the holiday at Shirley’s. It was an episode that would have made more sense if it had aired on the scheduled October date and which felt like the darker timeline Abed predicted back in season three.
This week’s guest stars alone may just be what it took to turn the season’s record of disappointing episodes, but even the writing was remarkably better. The slight nod to the Shawshank Redemption was subtle enough to bring us back to seasons one and two style writing and served as a reminder of just how great the show is at doing this kind of thing. Well boys, it looks like we’re finally getting back in the Community groove!
Here are five things from this week, Shawshank style:
1. James Brolin.
Finally, FINALLY the show utilizes the talent that comes to them in a celebrity guest star as Brolin joins the cast as Jeff’s father. Though he has some entertaining lines, his character had a more serious tone. Having a character/actor keep an appropriate tone for the story line isn’t something we’re used to seeing from the show (even with more serious plot lines) and it was refreshing and extremely well done. Brolin’s ability to keep a straight face while informing Jeff that he had nothing to worry about in the bedroom when he got older made him the perfect Papa Winger. It’s safe to say that this week’s guest appearance was a home run for the series.
2. “He’ a Schwarzenegger; I’m a DeVito! I get it!” Read more…
The best relationships aren’t always romantic. Through film, television and literature, we as viewers and readers have come to understand the value of a great bromance. When two bros care about one another, continuously confide in and help guide each other, it is considered a bromance. Okay…by most of the internet it is considered something else, but that is another story entirely.
A story is not complete without a pair of bro’s looking out for one another and vying for each others success. One of the greatest real-life bromances of all time in my opinion is the one between Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Remember when the two won the Oscar together for the script of Good Will Hunting? If you don’t, go YouTube it, because it was adorable.
Other pairs that come to mind when I think of bromances include Frodo and Sam, and Merry and Pippin from Lord Of the Rings. Those who climb trees together and go to Mordor together are bros for life. One does not simply go to Mordor without their bro, durh.
ANDPOP has compiled a list of the 7 best bromances of all time for you and your wild imagination (talking to all you shippers out there).
Cory and Shawn (Boy Meets World)
Nothing beats this bromance that lasted a lifetime. Cory and Shawn have been bro’s throughout their schooling and into their adult lives. Their handshakes, heart to hearts, and epic schemes, place them high on this list of best bromances. Their friendship is one for the decades as they have taught us what it truly means to be a good friend. To love and protect always without judgement.
Phineas and Ferb (Phineas and Ferb)
Read more…
I want to be able to say that Community is getting better—but it isn’t. The only thing keeping me tuning in is the hope that, hey, we’re only four episodes in. There’s plenty of time to turn the season around. That and the fact that show is clearly fighting with everything they have to survive. While the actors and writers are still trying their best, it’s just not working. Usually Danny Pudi or Donald Glover will have lines or a scene that will stand out and save the show for me, but even this week their efforts (and there were a few hilarious moments! – “It’s like a Darren Aronofsky film…”) couldn’t revive this episode.
If you didn’t catch it, here are the five things that happened this week:
1. They’re baaaaack. The Germans, that is.
Remember way back to season two when Jeff and Shirley battle royal-ed for the rights to the foosball table? Yeah. Those guys. The lackluster antagonists return this week to attempt to steal the study room. The best part about this? All the German puns at the writers’ disposal. The bad? They didn’t even bring back Nick Kroll! He was the best one! Although well done to his replacement for the manic evil laughter during history class.
2. Oktoberfest.
In a Hogan’s Hero-style ruse attempt, the group foils the German’s by planning a fake Oktoberfest on campus. It was entertaining for multiple reasons as it referenced a number of German stereotypes. The best part of the scene, though, is when one of the Germans blatantly motorboats a couple of the 99 red balloons in the background. Oh yeah, that happened. It’s right after Jeff says “Ruse? No Ruse!” at 13:08 minutes in. Check it.
3. “It turns out, we’re the Germans.” Read more…
By Meg O’Connell
I had really hoped going into this season of Community that Dan Harmon’s absence would go unnoticed, as if the whole ordeal never happened. I’ve found so far that I’ve been wrong. It just feels different. So far this season (and yes, we’re only three episodes in) it feels like the show has either tried too hard or has fallen a little short.
Here are a few things that did and didn’t work this week.
1. Troy and Britta
Nope. Having none of it. It may be just that Britta has rubbed me the wrong way since the first season; it could be my undying and eternal love for Childish Gambino—er, Donald Glover…Troy. I just don’t feel the chemistry there at all. The episode opening with them in bed together killed me (as I’m sure it did many a woman across their viewership). Long story short, the only upside to this entire situation was Troy’s (however brief) shirtless o’clock moment. Thaaaank youuuu!
2. Getting a bit closer to a Community/Inspector Spacetime/Dr. Who crossover episode: YES
This episode may have been the biggest tease yet. I figured surely, at an Inspector Space Time convention we’d have at least a walk-on moment circa Abed in Cougar Town, but no such luck. I continue to believe that one day it will happen and that this episode was a giant step forward in that direction. Maybe. Please?
3. Famous faces that did make an appearance this week: yes-ish Read more…
If Community’s blooper reels are any indication, Alison Brie loves to freestyle every now and then. The set seems to be musical hot bed as Brie’s co-stars, Donald Glover (or as you may know him by his alter ego, Childish Gambino) and Danny Pudi, made up the Spanish rap from season one.
Brie showed off her amateur skills last night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon where she rapped about Community. She also dished that the first time she dropped a rhyme in public, she got a little assistance from The Roots’ Questlove. Not bad, Brie. Not bad.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I proudly remind you that asides from being February 7th, it is also October 19th, a.k.a. the return of Community.
Contrary to my own beliefs, Community is not the most popular sitcom on television ratings-wise but neither was Tina Fey’s brain child 30 Rock and 30 Rock went on to win multiple awards before it ended its run in January.
While Community did not get the accolades it deserves, it does have a small and loyal fan base that revels in the show’s absurdity, meta-ness and sharp writing. I’d even like to argue that the balance between the weird, intelligence and heart is what makes the show so great. Case in point: using a campus-wide pillow war to illustrate a low point between two friends.
The show’s creator, Dan Harmon, might’ve been ousted unceremoniously last summer but us hardcore Community fans hope that the show’s longtime writers can stay true to the show’s roots. Just judging from the teasers they’ve thrown out so far, it seems like it has.
But just in case you’re still not convinced to tune in, here are just some exceptional reasons as to start watching Community:
1. The cast
Everyone in this cast is funny in their own right but they’re also very good at playing off at each other. The chemistry that exists between all the characters has resulted in the show’s family-like dynamic. I should also mention that Dean Pelton, a.k.a. Jim Rash, is an Oscar winner and the first to jump on the Angelina Jolie leg-bomb phenomena, and Troy Barnes is indeed Donald Glover a.k.a. Childish Gambino.
2. Pop culture references
While it’s definitely possible to watch the show without having to understand all the references, it does help to enhance the experience. In fact, some of the best episodes have stemmed from these pop cultural references. I mean, what other TV show would use Dungeons and Dragons to drive the whole plot? Or have a Quentin Tarantino-esque paint ball episode in the first season? The answer: no one.
And if that doesn’t compel you, tonight’s episode is called “The Hunger Dean.” Interested now? Go watch.
3. Classes we wished were real Read more…
This column is the first of four installments hoping to inspire fandoms everywhere to wear what they love with pride. Because why should you limit your fan experience to your home or the latest con? The answer: THERE ARE NONE.
But just in case you’re unsure on how to break out of the hoodie-jeans-tee combo, I’m going to show you a couple of ways to incorporate some of your favourite fandom-related items into every day life.
We’re going to start a little easy this week with the novelty tee. You probably already have a lot of tees in your closet right now and I’m going to show you how to wear them in a more creative way. Just think of them in the way you would wear a graphic tee—you’re just going to be wearing your favourite band instead of some random illustration.
1. The well-fitted jacket
It’s important to note the t-shirt’s slouchy nature and the fact that it will inevitably stretch out and no longer fit your body perfectly. This quality makes it easy for any outfit to look shabby and the best way to counter is with a well-fitted jacket. That jacket could be a leather jacket (see Ryan Gosling above) or a blazer. You could even try pairing it with a varsity jacket but just be aware that this kind of jacket typically has a baggier fit to it so don’t be afraid to go a size down.
2. The Cardigan
via Alyssa Lau in lookbook.nu
The best kinds of cardigans are the ones that aren’t made of the same material as your t-shirt. I find jersey cardigans to be a little too flimsy nor does it provide enough visual contrast between the tee itself and the cardigan. Try and find a cardigan that has an interesting detail—whether it’s a shawl collar or interesting buttons. You could also try an oversized cardigan but just remember to keep your bottoms fitted as well (a.k.a. if you look like a skater from the 90’s, you’re doing it wrong).
4. Tuck It In Read more…
So we all remember Annie singing that naughty santa-helper song to Jeff in Community’s “Glee” episode right? Even if you didn’t watch (although I recommend you do), who knew that Allison Brie actually has some pipes on her? Brie and her band made their New York singing debut at Le Poisson Rouge in April of 2012 and have had a few performances since then. Brie along with her bandmates Julianna Guill And Cyrina Fiallo are “Alison Brie and the Girls.”
Watch Alison Brie and The Girls perform here
Rich Girl
Call Your Gilfriend Read more…
At a recent photoshoot for Nylon Guy’s November issue, doe-eyed Alison Brie was asked to dougie so naturally, she performed the Charleston instead.
They try not to sexualize her (ahem, Kate Upton).
“Did you say the dougie?” the Community star asked. “I don’t know if I really know the Dougie. You know, the Charleston is like my dance. I haven’t done it in a while.”
Despite her disclaimer, Brie’s Charleston was as good a roaring 20s romp as I’ve ever seen. Do you think she picked up some dance skills on Mad Men? Though the show takes place in the 50s and 60s, Pete and Trudy Campbell showed off some mad 1920s dance skills at Roger Sterling’s wedding bash.
Watch it here
Annie and Pete dance Read more…
In the world of celebrity news, there’s no shortage of hits and misses. This week, Jennifer Lawrence gets in a fender bender because she thought she saw Honey Boo Boo and One Direction calls Piers Morgan stinky.
HIT: Jennifer Lawrence car accident caused by wishful Honey Boo Boo thinking
With each and every uninhabited Jennifer Lawrence interview, the actress continues to give us more and more reasons to love her. This week, The Hunger Games starlet had to explain how she rear-ended a family in Georgia because she thought she saw Honey Boo Boo. On the 0.00001 per cent chance Lawrence reads this, we can totally be BFFs, nerd out on Harry Potter and watch Here Comes Honey Boo Boo together. Call me!
MISS: CNN’s Piers Morgan vs. One Direction
On the heels of the news that David Beckham was leaving the L.A. Galaxy, CNN’s Piers Morgan tweeted, “No serious top flight team would sign Beckham for football reasons any more- he should retire gracefully.” 1D’s Liam Payne and Harry Styles harmlessly replied to Morgan saying that Beckham is their hero. Apparently, that was enough for Morgan to throw in a couple of unwarranted 1D quips of his own, including a suggestion that Beckham should join the group and Harry should grow a pair. Was it a feeble attempt on Morgan’s part to finally get some publicity in America since joining CNN? Maybe, maybe not. But we do know the boys got the last laugh as #PiersMorganisSmelly trended on Twitter.
HIT: Journalists go crazy on 777 tour
Hands down some of the best stories of the week had to be the ones filtering out of the 777 Boeing airplane Rihanna and her crew hired to take her, 150 or so journalists and fans to seven cities in seven days for her 777 tour (see where she’s going with the 7s?). While the singer stayed up till 6 a.m. slinging out shots from behind the bar, some music journalists were going crazy due to lack of sleep and access to the singer. During one airplane ride, a radio DJ from Australia went streaking down the airplane aisles to the delight of his tired and frustrated peers. Another reporter, this time from GQ, somehow managed to keep typing a story out on his laptop even though he was falling asleep. At the end of the tour on Tuesday, Rihanna apologized for her absence and mentioned that she would do it all again (I can hear the invitations being ripped apart now).
MISS: R. Kelly wants to bring Trapped in the Closet to Broadway Read more…
In the world of celebrity news, there’s no shortage of hits and misses. This week, Shailene Woodley might play the iconic Mary Jane Watson in the upcoming Amazing Spiderman sequel and Niall Horyn needs surgery after a brutal squirrel attack.
HIT: Shailene Woodley may join The Amazing Spiderman 2 cast as Mary Jane Watson
According to The Hollywood Reporter, actor Shailene Woodley has been offered to play the iconic redhead Mary Jane Watson in The Amazing Spiderman sequel. This may be the second best thing to happen to her this week after ABC announced they’ll be cancelling The Secret Life of an American Teenager. Since her stunning performance in the George Clooney film, The Descendants, proves she’ll be a worthy third piece in the romantic love triangle between Andrew Garfield’s web-slinging Peter Parker and Emma Stone’s brainy Gwen Stacey.
MISS: One Direction’s Niall Horan gets attacked by squirrels
One Direction’s Niall Horan recently been spotted on crutches. The 1D member told the U.K.’s the Sun Newspaper that the injury was the result of being attacked by a squirrel in a London park. Niall will reportedly have to undergo surgery to fix the ligaments he tore in his leg because of the furry attack. Niall’s injury just adds to my now rational fear of the urban creatures.
HIT: The Mythbusters prove that Jack Dawson didn’t have to die at the end of Titanic
The guys at Mythbusters have finally put the widely debated Titanic dilemma to a rest. Through the use of science, Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater could’ve lived happily ever after if only she made some room on that floating piece of wood. This startling revelation has 1) made me a smug person who wants to yell, “I TOLD YOU SO” to everyone who has ever disagreed with me, 2) given me another to cry at the end of the movie, and c) given me the conviction to boo at James Cameron if I ever come across the famous director.
MISS: Ke$ha will release an illustrated memoir Read more…
In the world of celebrity news, there’s no shortage of hits and misses. This week, Justin Bieber gets a cameo on The Simpsons and Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne are engaged.
HIT: Justin Bieber to get Simpson-fied
The teen heartthrob is the latest celebrity to get himself drawn into cartoon’s most famous family, The Simpsons. Bieber let the news slip after tweeting he just did a voiceover session for the show, which was later deleted. One of the show’s executive producer later confirmed the news that the Biebs will make a cameo on the “Fabulous Faker Boy” episode which is set to air next year. Congrats Biebers, being on the Simpsons is pretty #swag.
MISS: Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne are engaged
Here’s the dirty deets and here are my two cents on the best thing that happened to the internet. One, THEY WERE DATING? WHAT HAPPENED TO BRODY JENNER? Two, please don’t call them the first couple of Canadian music. That’s just offensive to all the Canadian artists who can actually make music. Three, all the face-mash ups are terrifying. Please stop. I like sleeping at night.
HIT: Jolie-Pitt offspring lands a movie role
Vivienne Jolie-Pitt has already landed herself a movie at four-years-old. She’ll be appearing in mom Angelina Jolie’s latest Disney flick, “Maleficent,” as a young Princess Aurora. If this is any indication of things to come from the Jolie-Pitt clan, expect them to be the next Smiths (as in Will and Jada’s multi-talented family).
MISS: Lindsay Lohan questioned in an alleged theft Read more…
In celebration of Bob Byington’s deadpan comedy Somebody Up There Likes Me getting picked up by Tribeca for a March 2013 video-on-demand and theatrical run, some of the stars decided to smoke up in bed and relax. The film is a surreal comedy about the cycle of life.
Offerman, who is a producer and star of the movie, is joined by wife Megan Mullally and Community actress Alison Brie. The three of them also star in the upcoming indie comedy Toy’s House.
While there are so many things that are confusing about this video (Why do they each need their own bong? Why do they bleep out the first swear word from Brie but no the second?), studios should take note — this is how you promote a movie.
Watch it here:
I know we’re all still reeling from the loss of Dan Harmon from the Community credits, and feeling some withdrawal from one of the best shows on T.V. Never fear, dear readers, because a fellow Community fan took it upon himself to recreate “Journey to the Center of Hawkthorne,” the 8-bit video game from this season’s “Digital Estate Planning.”
While the it’s been out for a while, I’ve been waiting until a better version had been released to let you all know the brilliance of it. There’s only three levels so far: the study room complete with hippies, the forest and the town. You can also dress your favourite Community character up in various costumes including the Inspector, Constable Reggie, Batman, etc.
Check out the list of release updates here.
I don’t know what NBC and Sony execs have been drinking these days, but it can’t be good. First, they back-benched Community mid-season, moved it from Thursday to Friday next season, and now have fired creator Dan Harmon from his own show.
How do I feel about this move? Let me explain in .gif form first:
To be blunt, Harmon is the heart of Community. His hand on approach has shaped the comedy into an absurd, meta half an hour of greatness. Yes, there have been some duds in their three seasons, but the good always outweighs the bad. Just think back to the paintball episodes of seasons’ past, and this year’s Remedial Chaos Theory episode. Hell, I was peeing myself with last Thursday’s first of three episodes, Digital Estate Planning. IT WAS IN 8-BIT. WHO DOES THAT?
Dan Harmon does. What a shame that he will probably have zero input in next season’s development according to Harmon’s latest Tumblr post. While he’s signed on to be a consulting producer, it doesn’t mean anyone has to listen to him. How sad because I can’t see anyone being able to shape and mould insane story lines like Harmon can.
#sixseasonsandamovie? While it may be too early to call it, I’d rather they Firefly my favourite show and end it. I’d rather not watch stars Joe McHale, Donald Glover, and friends go down with a sinking ship.
By Galen Simmons
COMMUNITY OVERLOAD. Last night was one of the most exciting nights of television I’ve witnessed since last year’s finale week… funny how that works. As per usual, Community came out swinging with three, count ‘em, three new episodes.
The first episode seemed a little out of place in the community timeline since the Greendale study group waskicked out of school two weeks ago, yet by the end of the episode, Troy and Abed clearly found their way back to the study room. Ignoring that, however, “Digital Estate Planning” made excellent use of thevideo game motif, wherein the study group had to help Pierce win part of his inheritance by beating a video game designed by his father.
The next episode, “The First Chang Dynasty,” saw the collapse of Chang’s reign over Greendale, through a very cleverly-designed heist put together by the study group. Near the end of the episode, the heist went wrong and the study group landed in Chang’s prison, necessitating that Troy forfeit himself to the Air Conditioning Repair Annex to allow for the study group’s release.
In the final chapter of Community for the night and for the season, “Introduction to Finality,” Shirley and Pierce fight over ownership of their soon-to-be established sandwich kiosk (Subway left for some reason), while Vice Dean Leybourne tries to get Troy excited about attending the Air Conditioning Repair Annex, and Britta tries to help Abed come to terms with losing Troy. Long story short, Jeff struggles to decide between defending Shirley in “Greendale Summer Fun Court” or keeping his job at his old law firm, Abed loses his mind and body to “Bad Abed,” and Troy solves the murder of Leybourne and becomes the Truest Repairman. Never fear though, everything we love about Community was Read more…
