Jmunney's Blog

“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?

Next up: Smallville

“The Science of Illusion”

The brilliance of Community is its uncanny ability to weave in every possible cliché pop culture reference and then build the entire show around those references.  The characters of Community, exemplified primarily by Danny Pudi’s Abed, are so steeped in these references that they are essentially reality for them.  This is the ultimate sitcom about sitcoms.  It was no surprise then in terms of what happened during Annie and Shirley’s stints as campus security guards.  As egged on by Abed, neither one of them would allow the other to be the badass in the classic buddy cop scenario.  Thus “The Science of Illusion” reached the pinnacle of the idea of life as clichéd storytelling, particularly when Abed asked someone to hold his spot when he took a bathroom break during Annie and Shirley’s show.  A moment of comic triumph worthy of Jack Donaghy’s therapy session with Tracy on 30 Rock occurred with Abed’s performance as a southern-fried police chief (“Agitating my sciatica”).  Let’s not forget that Chevy Chase is also on this show, and his ridiculousness is suitably hilarious without necessarily having anything to do with all the pop culture references, except perhaps in the sense that Pierce is aware of all the references, but not in any way in which he can keep it straight.  “The Science of Illusion” included the best Pierce-centric storyline of the season, when he donned a wizard suit after reaching a new level in his “Buddhist” church.  If you already watch Community, then you know I don’t need to say anymore.  If you don’t watch Community, then I don’t know how that description couldn’t be enough to convince you to start watching it.

Next up: Parks and Recreation