“Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design”

The thing about poorly constructed conspiracy-laden stories is that as the conspiracy unravels, the story becomes less and less compelling.  The truth is revealed, and that truth is that the way in which the conspiracy was wrapped up in itself was the only interesting thing there ever was about the story.  The writers of Community get this concept, and thus they crafted an episode about a conspiracy that was about a conspiracy, which kept having more layers and tangents added to it until it could no longer really be considered a conspiracy, but instead just “random crap.”  As Jeff attempted to convince Dean Pelton of the validity of his fraudulent independent study, “Professor Professorson” burst out to declare that cliché bon mot, “One man’s lies are another man’s truth.”  Despite the meaninglessness of that line, it was filled with depth and charisma, as Professorson (really Woolery) was portrayed by supporting player extraordinaire Kevin Corrigan, who elevates whatever he appears in exponentially.  In the role that he is probably best known for – Uncle Eddie on Grounded for Life – Corrigan seemed like he was in a completely different show than every other character.  Such an acting style was profoundly apt for the role of Professorson, and a microcosmic representation of Community as a whole.  Here is a show that is so beautifully wrapped up in itself.  Blanket fort town, anyone?

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