Community Review: Goofballs & Eggheads
Most of the time, when Community goes high-concept - think "Modern Warfare" when Jeff and Britta did it; or the more recent "Pillows and Blankets" when we explored Abed and Troy's friendship - it combines pop culture parody with legitimate character development. Such is the genius of this sitcom.
But such wasn't really the case with "Basic Lupine Urology."
Sure, each character hit his/her regular notes perfectly - Troy and Abed working together; Jeff going from pompous to... less pompous; Britta thinking her psychology major can help solve any situation - but, for the most part, this was a straight-up mockery of Law & Order. And it was downright hilarious.
So without much to analyze in the ways of characters or relationships, let's just list the top moments from the half hour. Please play along and make your own iconic duh duh in between each bullet point...
- Greendale Community College is made up of the goofballs that run around stirring up trouble, and the eggheads that make a big deal out of it. This was one of their stories.
- Abed and Troy can't both do the zinger.
- I was impressed with the Old West color, Britta. But as a psych major, you...
- So close. Starburns almost fell for Abed as the "good cop."
- And he can see and hear everything you're saying, Shirley!
- Poor Pam the Yam. She was about to bloom.
- Uniform!
- Withdrawn!
- You may proceed, Ms. Edison. But do so with caution. Need I remind you: this is NOT a courtroom! | permalink
Overall, an incredible, pitch perfect parody. Maybe not that many laugh-out-loud moments, and it certainly helped if one was familiar with the Law & Order franchise, but, like Shirley, haven't we all been bored at some point and watched some of these crime shows?
Community, you have the right to remain creative and hilarious. Please and thank you.
TV Fanatics, what was your favorite moment from the episode?
UPDATE: Apparently Staburns died in a meth lab explosion. This scene was NOT included in the screener sent to me ahead of time. React now!
Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.
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June 3rd, 2012 12:15 AM
If Alison Brie ever put on a Slave Leia costume, the itenrnet would spontaneously combust. Not that I'm judging. I feel that way about Jeff Winger in a Han Solo costume.
Rank: Guest Star
April 28th, 2012 8:59 AM
I pretty much agree with the reviewer it was a REALLY good law and order parody, But not much more than that. I also didn't "laugh-out-loud" that much but i did overall still find it pretty entertaining.
On the scale of their previous full-on parody's/high-concept episodes i'd rank it at about a little higher than Space-bus; Not as good as Season 1's Chicken Fingers or Modern Warfare but better than the more recent Musical episode and Documentary redux
Rank: Regular Character
April 28th, 2012 2:22 AM
Hilarious! One of the best ever. We need more eps like this. Why couldn't Starburns transfer/go to jail?
Rank: Guest Star
April 27th, 2012 3:58 PM
Law & Ordering more!!!!!
Rank: Regular Character
April 27th, 2012 11:38 AM
When Troy and Abed "switched" I was rolling...sooooo funny!
I thought this episode was great. It was such a spot-on parody that sometimes I had to remind myself that I was watching Community.
April 27th, 2012 10:10 AM
Starburns! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
April 27th, 2012 8:37 AM
Pierce's duh duh made me laugh so hard i don't know why.
And Im just happy that Leonard is not the one who died.
April 27th, 2012 8:35 AM
I'm with Kay - I'm pretty sure I was laughing at loud - a lot. I don't understand why they killed off Starburns. It's a comedy. Couldn't they have just had him transfer? Other than that - perfect episode!
April 27th, 2012 3:35 AM
You wouldnt pay for ketchup its a condiment. Loved when Troy slammed the cabinet, it was hilarious. This was such a good mockumentary and way better than pillows and blanket forts.
Rank: Extra
April 27th, 2012 3:32 AM
Loved this episode!
Troy and Abed clearly have the best bromance on television and I loved that Shirley had some great one liners. Jeff and Annie were adorable and hilarious once again and although Pierce and Britta didn't have much to do, I didn't miss them. Plus who doesn't love the Dean?!
I won't really miss Star burns but he was a good recurring character on the show and I didn't expect his death at all. All in all, another stunning episode of community. By far the most daring, creative comedy out there. Not afraid to push the limits and think outside of the box.