*Spoilers Ahead*
Much of my last review was spent talking about the lack of emotion being displayed in this season of Community. So, I was overjoyed to see this week’s episode go for some genuine emotions.
Britta has been a problematic character for a lot of fans of the show, personally, I love her. It’s clear, however, that out of all the original group still around, Britta is the one who is still the most screwed up. At this point in the season she’s gotten more emotional development and story than most of the cast, you could even argue that she has become the lead of the show.
Now, if that’s the route they actually plan on going, I’d be fine with it. Jeff has run his course, he’s evolved as far as he possibly can without leaving Greendale behind for good. Britta, for all intents and purposes, is the only character left who hasn’t changed her life for the better and if Britta being the lead means episodes like this week’s I’ll happily welcome it.
This week’s episode focuses on the return of Rick, better known as the literal face of food chain, Subway. Rick assumed the name of Subway and became their personal advertising machine until he and Britta’s torrid love affair got him fired. Now, Rick is working for Honda and has been tricking people into buying their cars simply by talking them up in conversations. He’s a salesman who is never off duty.
I was a little worried about Rick’s return, he isn’t a particularly beloved character and it seemed like it could be very easy to fall into the same basic story from the last time he was around. Instead, Rick’s boss (Billy Zane) recruits Britta into the fold and allows the two to date. But it isn’t long before Britta feels stifled by having to conform, in this case by accepting that Avatar is a good film.
Meanwhile, The Dean has been constantly buying Hondas and Honda merchandise in a desperate attempt to connect with Rick. When Frankie discovers this she is so shocked that she can’t stop the flow of words coming from her mouth as she call Pelton stupid. It’s a hilarious scene and might be Paget Brewster’s best work on the show to date. Eventually, Frankie manages to catch Rick when he decides it’s time for one last Honda pitch before he and Britta quit the game. Rick’s refusal to change leads to his arrest and leaves Britta heartbroken. It’s an oddly poignant moment, one of the things Community has always been good at, mining emotion from absurdity.
Over in the B-plot, the group tries to get closer to Elroy and it leads to Jeff getting the impression that Elroy dislikes him. Jeff tries to get on Elroy’s good side by hiring super 90s rock band, Natalie is Freezing. It turns out that the lead singer, not named Natalie and played by Lisa Loeb, is Elroy’s ex. The plot feels a little undercooked as things move along a bit too quick for us to feel the right beats from the story. It does, however, offer Elroy a story that makes us genuinely care about him.
It’s telling that when Community gives us some emotional stakes regarding it’s characters it delivers one of the best episodes of the season. Here’s hoping that trend continues as the season marches along.
Bits ‘n Pieces
- It was great to see Britta’s parents back! I hope we see more of them.
- Seriously, props to Paget Brewster. Frankie doesn’t get much to do this episode but she still made what she had count. I wasn’t sure about what she’d add to the group but she’s the perfect straight woman to all their antics.
- “Can the CRV not take what life throws at it?”
- “The windows are fogged over are you napping heavily?”
- “Would you describe me as a Level 7 Susceptible?”
“No….Because why would I? Because that’s moon-man talk.”
If you’d like to give me feedback or just chat about Community you can email me at theSuperAlbino@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter @JesseSwanson