Community - Brought To You By The Letter S, As In SNAP!

The most important idea I want to portray in my review of the first and what had been released of the second season of the satirical, historical, and all around fun TV series "Community" is that a while back I watched an episode and was thoroughly unimpressed. I spend a lot of time on the web sites Pajiba and Unreality for my daily dose of movies, TV, pop culture, and many other random aspects of life. Both of these sites continuously praise "Community", and because their recommendations have yet to totally steer me wrong, much like my friend mentioned in my "Mr. Show" review, I decided to check it out. I wasn't really into it, so I cast it aside and went on with my life, but the continuous praise I was hearing day in and out from these websites and soon other random pages I came across urged me to give it one more try. And boy, that was a great idea. "Community" has now vaulted itself up to one of my favorite TV series, and while I go on to tell you about it, remember that even if you didn't like it at first, please please please give this show another chance. I promise you won't be disappointed.

What you get in "Community" is one of the most well written comedies to every grace the television since, dare I say it, "Seinfeld". Yes, one day while watching the amazing brain child of Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, I found myself thinking, 'Wow, this content reminds me so much of Community'. A story about a disgraced lawyer who was fired from his law firm because of a fake college diploma (Joel McHale) who has to enroll in the local community college, Greendale, to earn a real diploma and return to work. Here he meets a blonde firebomb (Gillian Jacobs), and in an attempt to woo her, forms a fake Spanish study group. However, word gets around and a motley crew of community college cast-outs come together to form one of the most memorable comedy casts in recent history.

As a start, Joel McHale is hilarious in "Community". As a lawyer, he has many long winded speeches focused on getting what he wants from a certain person or situation, whenever he opens his mouth you can expect something witty, scheming, and side-splitting. However the supporting cast is phenomenal, and because of them "Community" is a top notch comedy. The connection between the characters is flawless, built on an unsteady combination of friendship, sexual tension, and borderline racism. Because of this, every episode is laden with controversy, however you always know they will make up in the end and strengthen their bond.

I won't go into detail about all of them, but mark my words this show would be so much worse if any of the supporting study group cast were not a part of it. I will describe two of my favorite characters, Abed (Danny Pudi) and Pierce (Chevy Chase). Abed is a pop culture quoting, robotic Indian student who was raised on TV and film. As an avid movie lover, his attempt to connect real life with sitcoms and cult classics is hysterical, and you can always expect a well written pop cultural response to any event happening. Pierce is an old, washed out heir who is enrolled in the college to prevent himself from fading into the background and more likely Alzheimers. He is racist, oblivious, and attention seeking, however there is still a part of him that is genuine. I have to applaud Chevy Chase on his performance, and I am happy that he finally a part of be genuinely funny in again. However, most of his humor is either at his or his character's expense, and after many years of ripping him apart for his fall from comedic grace, you kind of feel bad laughing at him. In addition to the study group, the surrounding college cast is also invaluable. The recurring characters of professors and the dean are always funny, and Ken Jeong has yet to do something I haven't liked. He is equally laugh out loud funny in "Community", and I hope his more expanded role in this and hopefully future seasons bring me more joy.

Even with a spot on cast, "Community" wouldn't be great without its flawless writing. The entire series is highly satirical, from each episodes overall plot arches to the one liners cleverly applied by the characters. No one and nothing is safe; they crack jokes at the Oscars, drug use, Modern Warfare, zombie movies, everything. You can always expect the unexpected outburst of laughter, and the absurdity and ballsyness of the satire. The writing is not just laugh out loud funny, either; it is cleverly interwoven and masterfully executed in the funniest way possible. And, while you spend the entire episode laughing, you can always expect an overall message and that fateful "awwww" moment.

Overall, I couldn't recommend "Community" enough. The combination of the hilarious cast, clever writing, and excellent satire makes it one of the most enjoyable shows I have watched religiously in a while. I haven't watched a comedy series since I faded away from "The Office", and I hope that community will stay strong for the next few years (I'm assuming they'll stop at four season because that is the usual time spent at at college, but who knows). Please go watch it, you will not be dissapointed.