Community's Season 2 Premiere: The Game-Changer That Cemented Its Status as a Classic

Summary

Community season 1 lacked comedic execution, sticking too closely to typical sitcom tropes and focusing too much on Jeff's character development.

The season 2 premiere, titled "Anthropology 101," marked a departure from Jeff's narrative and showcased the incompatibility between Jeff and Britta, opening the doors for a more varied and humorous series.

By shifting its emphasis and giving every cast member a chance to shine, Community delved into various genres and offered viewers side-splitting parodies and intriguing glimpses into each character's psyche. This choice not only rescued the show but also paved the way for an eagerly awaited film.

Content was at its peak, Community was one of the funniest shows of its time, but the season 2 premiere changed its trajectory and solidified it as a classic. Today, it is recognized as one of the 2000s sitcoms that has aged surprisingly well. The comedic genius of Dan Harmon, combined with the high production value provided by the Russo Brothers, made Community one of the funniest modern satires. However, for those who watched the entire show, it was evident that it stumbled at the beginning. While season 1 was not terrible, it was far from great, despite having all the ingredients of a hilarious sitcom.

As time went on, the show began to come together towards the end of its first season. However, the shift in direction was noticeable, causing the show to signal to viewers that this new path was superior to the previous one. While there were better episodes before, it was Community season 2's premiere, "Anthropology 101," that confirmed the show's new direction and ultimately saved the series.

Community Season 1 Hadn't Figured Out What The Show Was Yet

Community's first season had moments of great comedy, including standout scenes such as The Duncan Principle, Chang's introduction, and Pierce writing Greendale's iconic new song. While the show demonstrated its potential, season 1 felt somewhat lacking, primarily because it adhered too closely to traditional sitcom tropes. Despite the talented cast, there was a sense that Community didn't fully embrace its comedic potential due to its adherence to these familiar guidelines.

The issue can be attributed to the focus on Jeff as the central character in season 1. While Joel McHale delivered an exceptional performance, making Jeff's character development the main storyline limited the show's comedic depth, as it relied heavily on a common TV trope. Towards the end of the season, Community began to find its footing with episodes like "Contemporary American Poultry" and "Modern Warfare," which showcased the show's funniest and most rewatchable moments. However, the continued emphasis on Jeff's personal growth as the A plot didn't quite mesh with the humorous parody episodes.

Community Season 2's Premiere Changed Everything

Jeff's relationship with Britta in season 1 received ample screen time as it symbolized his personal growth. In the season finale, "Pascal's Triangle Revisited," Britta confessed her love for Jeff, only for him to kiss Annie, leaving viewers on a cliffhanger. However, the season 2 premiere, "Anthropology 101," revealed why Jeff and Britta were not a good match and highlighted that despite his personal growth, Jeff was still flawed.

Initially, it seemed like Jeff and Britta would become another iconic will they/won't they TV romance. However, this changed when Jeff's wrongdoing involving both Britta and Annie was exposed. This decision showcased that Jeff was far more flawed than the typical leading man portrayed on TV. It also indicated that the show would shift its focus away from Jeff's character development as the primary storyline. While "Anthropology 101" may not be considered one of the show's best episodes, it marked a turning point for Community. Additionally, the brief appearance of the legendary Betty White in this episode solidified her as one of the show's most memorable characters, despite only appearing once.

Why The Change Was Necessary To Save Community

By shifting the focus away from Jeff, Community successfully avoided the dreaded slump that typically occurs in the second season of a show. This change allowed the show to explore a wide range of comedic possibilities, including alternate realities, mockumentaries, and homages to beloved films. Additionally, delving into the satirical aspects of the show provided insights into the psyches of each character. Interestingly, Joel McHale's portrayal of Jeff improved once the show reduced its demands on his character and spread the focus more evenly among the ensemble cast.

As the show progressed, Jeff's growth as a person became intertwined with his acceptance of the study group as his chosen family. However, the initial decision to heavily emphasize his storyline proved to be a hindrance, as it prevented Community from fully embracing its true potential. Nonetheless, the show eventually found its stride and this strategic shift in season 2 ultimately set the stage for an eagerly anticipated movie in the future.