CineTV Contest # 94: Community: An Out of the Ordinary Television Comedy
In the search for new television series that would make me laugh, I came across Community, a series that proved to be much more than a conventional sitcom. The story and characters in this series are so quirky and unique, I was captivated from the very first episode.
Community takes place at Greendale Community College, a fictional college where a group of very different students come together to form a study group consisting of Jeff Winger ( Joel McHale ), Britta Perry ( Gillian Jacobs ), Abed Nadir ( Danny Pudi ), Shirley Bennett ( Yvette Nicole Brown ), Annie Edison ( Alison Brie ), Troy Barnes ( Donald Glover ) and Pierce Hawthorne ( Chevy Chase ).
There are several recurring characters highlighting Ben Chang ( Ken Jeong ), the wacky Spanish professor, and the college dean, Craig Pelton ( Jim Rash ).
At first glance, this may sound like the typical sitcom premise, but what makes this series so special is the way it strays away from stereotypes and clichés. It is also a very cinephile and even geeky series with many nods to popular culture.
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The series begins by introducing Jeff Winger, a disgraced lawyer who is forced to enroll in college after discovering that his professional degree is invalid. Jeff tries to use his charm and persuasive skills to manipulate his peers, but he quickly encounters a group of unusual and remarkable characters. From Britta, a passionate but unintelligent left-wing activist, to Abed, a pop culture-obsessed film student with emotional connection difficulties, each character brings his or her own perspective and personality to the story.
This television show plays with the conventions of the comedy genre by shattering the establishment and mixing genres. Community is known for its themed episodes, which parody different television and film genres. From documentary-style episodes to homages to action and horror movies, each episode is a surprise with its own style and tone. These themed episodes are not only funny, but also demonstrate the versatility of the series and its willingness to step outside the boundaries of traditional comedy.
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In addition to its innovative approach to storytelling, Community stands out for its clever humor and cultural references. The snappy, pun-filled dialogue is a feast for fans of verbal comedy, while the visual gags and pop culture-referencing jokes have a broader appeal. This series is filled with moments of absurdist and satirical humor, but also tackles deeper themes such as friendship, love and the search for identity.
Ultimately, what sold me on watching Community was its reputation as an offbeat comedy. From its visual aesthetic to its narrative structure, this series feels fresh and original compared to other TV comedies. Each episode is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a world full of over-the-top yet endearing characters, and I can assure you that I never knew what to expect.
Community is a television series that stands out for its uniqueness and its ability to keep the viewer constantly surprised. Its quirky characters, witty comedy and ability to break conventional boundaries make it a comedy out of the ordinary. If we want to see a different but very funny series, I highly recommend giving it a chance to Community partners of CineTv.