Chevy Chase Unleashes Blunt Critique: Why Community Failed to Tickl

Summary

In a new interview on Marc Maron's WTF podcast, Chevy Chase says was not happy with the writing of his character on Community and felt constrained by the show's humor.

Chase adds that he did not enjoy being on set.

Chevy Chase's relationship with Community creator Dan Harmon was strained, and Chase refers to Harmon as "kind of a pisser."

Chevy Chase is frank about his experience on Community, the NBC sitcom in which he portrayed Pierce Hawthorne. During his time on the show, Chase frequently clashed with creator Dan Harmon, refused to participate in certain scenes, and was known to make racist jokes while filming. The situation reached its peak in season 4 when Chase used a racial slur on set, upsetting his co-stars and leading him to temporarily walk off. Although he returned to film a few more scenes, Chase ultimately announced his departure from Community.

During an interview on WTF with Marc Maron, Chase openly discussed his exit from Community. The actor candidly shared his thoughts on his time on the series, his co-workers, and his relationship with Harmon. In reference to his character's writing, Chase expressed his unhappiness, stating, "I found more contentment in solitude. I simply didn't want to be surrounded by that group every day at the table."

The show didn't quite tickle my funny bone enough. I felt somewhat restricted, as though everyone had their roles and they performed them well. However, it simply didn't pack enough punch for my taste.

The character didn't bother me much. I just found more joy in solitude. I didn't want to be constantly surrounded by the same group of people at that table every single day. It became overwhelming for me.

“I have no idea if [Harmon and I are] OK. I’ve never been not OK. He’s kind of a pisser.”

How Community Wrote Off Pierce Hawthorne

Pierce makes his final appearance in Community during the season 4 finale, where he graduates from Greendale. In the season 5 premiere, Chase later appears as a hologram portraying Pierce, due to a lawsuit that resulted in Pierce being banned from Greendale. By the third episode of season 5, it is revealed that Pierce has passed away. It is unlikely that Chase will reprise his role in the Community movie. Despite his absence, the group mourns his loss, yet his impact continues to be felt.

In the following episode, the group undergoes a lie-detector test to prove their innocence in Pierce's murder. Before departing, Pierce gives thoughtful gifts and words to his study friends. Notably, he leaves Troy with the remaining shares of his lucrative moist towelette company, valued at $14 million. However, there's a condition: Troy must embark on a worldwide sailing journey. This sets the stage for Donald Glover's departure from the series.

Despite the negative circumstances surrounding Chase's exit, Community effectively handles the character's departure by propelling the story forward and exploring new directions for the remaining characters. Striking a delicate balance, the decision was driven by the dissatisfaction with the actor's presence on set.

Source: WTF with Marc Maron