A Beginner’s Guide to Community – Season 1
We’re living in unprecedented times. Everyone is struggling through this pandemic in their own way but we all seem to have one thing in common. We’re stuck inside. Luckily, we still have our trusty streaming services to provide comfort and distraction during these dark days, and Netflix just landed one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.
Community is beloved by its diehard fans. And for years, it was a key piece of that killer NBC lineup that included The Office, 30 Rock and Parks & Recreation. And yet if you ask around, most people will say they are far more familiar with the others.
Not surprising, but a shame nonetheless. I love Community and I want you to love Community as well. So I decided to hatch a Jeff Winger-esque scheme to help things along. I’ve rewatched all the seasons. Again. And spotlighted a few of the milestone episodes for you to look forward to.
If you want full on NO SPOILERS, then skip the clips. If you don’t care about a few mild spoilers, then give them a watch. And if you’ve already seen community and still want to get something out of this blog, then give me your thoughts on your favorite episodes @NickRizner.
Season 1, Episode 3 – Introduction to Film
As you make your way through Community, you’ll notice that it goes in phases. Characters develop and evolve throughout the show, there was the strange (but not terrible) fourth season without creator Dan Harmon. Then the return of Harmon for season 5, just to have the whole show migrate over to something called Yahoo Screen for it’s sixth and final season.
But you won’t have to wait long for the show to hit its stride. After a pilot where the characters aren’t quite fully realized and a second episode that was good, not great, “Introduction to Film” was the first episode in the series where you could see the roots of something special. Sharp writing and a strong Abed episode mark the beginning. Strap in because it’s about to get amazing.
Season 1, Episode 12 – Comparative Religion
Community has always put together brilliant holiday episodes. And while this first Christmas episode pales in comparison to the season 2 and season 3 offerings (seriously… get excited for those!!), it’s still a window into the brilliant mind of Dan Harmon.
An absurd plot, grounded by a heartfelt connection within the group, all in the midst of a battle between PCness (haha) and the right to accept each other’s differences. And yet, somehow, the central plot features Anthony Michael Hall, an actor that famously played geeky characters in John Hughes films, portraying the schoolyard bullies that were picking on him in the 80s. Man, this show is fantastic. So many levels.
Season 1, Episode 16 – Communication Studies
Another key aspect of this show – and Dan Harmon productions in general – is how reference-heavy the writing is. Jokes and sometimes full plots are often steeped in pop-culture references that add depth to the comedy for those that are as television and movie obsessed as he is.
Now don’t let that scare you off if you’re not a big pop-culture person. Community absolutely stands on its own two feet. But there is an added wrinkle in each episode for those who do get the jokes. And this episode is a perfect example of both. It’s a good episode on its own. It’s a better episode if you understand the references.
Season 1, Episode 21 – Contemporary American Poultry
Community is perhaps most famous for its fully immersive episodes. The big homages to specific movies or styles of filming. In the case of Contemporary American Poultry, we get our first look at this and our first taste of an all-time classic episode.
It probably lands in the top five for me. I know some critics have it in the one spot. The simple fact that an episode can get that kind of praise in the very first season of the show is a good sign for what’s to come. And if you’ve come this far, it serves as reinforcement for the good decision that you’ve made. I don’t want to dive much deeper into this one because it’s better if you experience it organically. But Contemporary American Poultry really is great.
Season 1, Episode 23 – Modern Warfare
Modern Warfare is probably the single most famous episode of the series. If you only know one thing about Community, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard about some sort of paintball episode. Well this is it. Minor spoiler: the theme was revisited in future seasons but this first paintball episode was the one to kick it all off.
For one, it was executed with perfection. But more importantly, it separated Community from any other show on television at that time. They were willing to take chances and dive into truly off-the-wall storylines and it never felt cheap or forced. This is master level work. And when you look at what these writers and this cast have done after Community, it should come as no surprise that this show was this good.
My season 2 guide is dropping soon. And in the meantime, please enjoy the show.
