I rarely give new television shows a fleeting chance. I'm ridiculously guilty of waiting until a show has an acclaimed season under its belt before I turn my attention towards it. "The Office," "24," and "Family Guy" each had to pass the test for the viewing public before I truly sank my teeth into the enjoyment I've had with all three of those shows.
That's not to say I haven't attempted to embrace a fresh series or two in the past. I sat through every episode of Seth McFarlane's quickly canceled "The Winner" on FOX just because I was pulling for it to become my new favorite gut-buster. But alas, it was not to be.
This year though, I decided to give NBC's newest comedy "Community" a try. NBC, for all the jokes about its occasionally floundering line-up, still packs a major punch in the comedy department, and "Community" is no exception.
Joel McHale, of E!'s "The Soup," shows up as the cocky, endearing, and quick-talking Jeff Winger, a lawyer who cheated on everything in his life (including getting a fake bachelor's degree) and now is thrust into the world of Greendale Community College, where he must succeed or face life-long exile from the bar association.
The cast, which is full to the brim with fresh and emerging faces (with the distinct exception of comedy legend Chevy Chase), serves to bring not only a culturally diverse face to the program, but a comedic one as well. The writers have developed an early knack for mixing the cast amongst each other for new dynamic one-on-one relationships every show so far, which makes for some very fresh comedic exchanges. As with any great show, every character is completely believable, even in their most absurd moments.
As to the plot of the show, this would seem to be the first time any major production seems to have taken on community college as its primary setting. I have heard some early rumblings from across the media-scape that some community colleges are taking umbrage to the notion that a show would poke fun at their atmosphere, but I ask, "why not?"
Community college is one of the most unique amalgamations of unique individuals from all walks of life with completely varying intentions. Sounds like a goldmine for comedy to me! And thus far, it is.
In all seriousness, the only reaction I've had to this show's impact on my notions of community college is a desire to actually go to one! In its own hilarious way, "Community" opens up my mind to the notion that community college doesn't have to be about dull classrooms or socially-void experiences. It can actually be an awesome way to enjoy your world, the people in it, and yes maybe even get an education.
"Community" has served up a handsome array of laughs in front of my television, and if you'd give it a half-hour at 8 p.m. on Thursday nights, you may hear yourself deliver a few of those laughs.
For your viewing enjoyment, I've added a great moment from the first few episodes:
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