Britta, don't be so hard on yourself.  With an ensemble as impressive as the Community cast, not every character can be the funny, goofy one.  We need the buzz kill!

Okay, well we really don't but at least we're proud of Community for acknowledging its boring character and trying to explain her role in the meta way only this show could.  Of course, earlier in the season, the show has already acknowledged how unlikeable its lead was and that Abed needed to tone down the pop jokes.   We appreciate the honesty.

Anyways, this week's episode, "The Science of Illusion" was easily one of our favorites in the series' brief history.  Shirley and Annie stole the show as the main protagonists this week as they attempted to solve the crime of Britta's prank-gone-wrong.

Alison Brie (Annie) really had fun with her character's persona, embracing every cop movie stereotype, while Yvette Nicole Brown (Shirley) stuck much more in character.  Overall, Annie was the funnier of the two, but both leading ladies had us laughing.

However, riding backseat, Abed's candy-eating commentary and stepping in to reprimand the ladies in the Dean's place as a stereotypical African American Police Chief character was the true highlight of the episode to us.

There were plenty of moments during this episode we were glad we could have a DVR just so we could go back to catch the jokes.  The story line felt very un-Community because it took place primarily outside of the classrooms, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.  Just proof this show has lasting-potential.

We're going to leave you with two things.  The first is a question: why would a Community College with no medical school have a cadaver on campus?  Second are our favorite Community quotes from the episode.  Those are after the jump.

Jeff: Britta, why waste your time envying my gift for levity when there's so much you could be doing with your natural talent for severity? | permalink

Troy: You're more of a fun vampire. You don't suck blood, you just suck. | permalink

Britta: Knock, Knock. Who's there? Cancer. Oh good, come in. I thought it was Britta. | permalink

Annie: Mornin' boys. I'm Annie Edison, but people call me Psycho because I had a nervous breakdown in high school. My partner's a Christian housewife. | permalink

Eric Hochberger is the programmer of TV Fanatic, so please forgive his mediocre writing. His programming is far better. Follow him on Twitter and/or email him. Just don't request threaded comments. They're coming.