The Best Episode of Community: Mixology Certification
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- čas přidán 27. 06. 2020
- I take a deep dive into, what I'd call, the best episode of Community. The episode in question is season 2, episode 10, Mixology Certification, in which things get real when the study group goes to a bar.
What is your favorite episode of Community? Modern Paintball? Advanced Dungeons & Dragons? Remedial Chaos Theory? Let me know in the comments below! Also, please like and subscribe for more movie and TV-related content. Thanks for watching!
Twitter: / justincook_ - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Personally, I love the one where the Dean tries to make a commercial and goes insane in the process.
then Jeff goes insane as the Dean, its just *chefs kiss
Haha same
"You ever see heart of darkness? WAY better film."
*LIGHTS...CAMERA...DEAN!*
"stop calling me different"
I love that this episode is basically saying that becoming an adult isn't something arbitrary like drinking alcohol or owning an apartment, it's realizing that adults are just as clueless as you
And also sometimes sacrificing the things you want because it's the right thing to do, like with Troy and his drink
@@SingingSuperstar28 i don't think Troy even wanted HIS drink. He just wanted to hang at the bar with his friends. Yet he had been doing that all along - but in the Study Center
His epiphany that the place doesn't matter - it's the company - is something we eventually learn as adults
(I had my bar years but it no longer matters.)
i'll be 21 in april & becoming an adult is soso scary but this episode is so weirdly comforting to me. i think it's because my siblings are 29, 30, & 36 and i've always looked upto them as so old and mature,, but the older i get the more i realize that they've always been just as lost as me.
@@lyndsay369 did you go to the red poets society or douche street for your 21st?
@@SingingSuperstar28 I never got t impression it was a sacrifice for him to not drink. Abed could have driven since he had apparently been nursing that one beer all night. And for that matter Troy could probably have driven after only one 7&7.
I always thought Troy didn't drink it because Jeff and Brita made getting fucked up look fucked up.
I love that this show let's Troy become a man on his own terms. In any other sitcom when Troy walked Annie to her door there would probably be a kiss but instead there is only a genuine desire to protect. This show is okay with saying that manhood can be about principle and doing the right thing. This is also a real game changing moment for Troy from a character development standpoint. Troy came in as a character who was traditionally masculine but insecure. The jock character however just never felt as genuine as what Troy would ultimately grow into. After Troy turns 21 he becomes far less concerned as a character with how others perceive his masculinity and more concerned with how older characters still perceive him as a child. Edit: Grammer and typos.
This is an awesome point. A great example of how the show subverts the "dumb jock" archetype and how, by doing so, we get a character arc that's so much richer and more thoughtful than most shows are willing to give to their characters. In general, I really like how this show deals with masculinity. Jeff almost follows a similar path (although he probably remains more traditionally masculine throughout), but the show really does do a lot of work in deconstructing his very traditionally "TV leading man" persona. By the end of the show, I'd even argue that Jeff is still coming to grips with the increasing "uncoolness" of his confident, cool guy facade.
Plus, right off the bat I see that they set this up by making him way more like able than the stereotypical jock character
Community did a great job of putting together a group of misfit stereotypes and getting the audience to empathize with them and break down stereotypes. For example, the black jock can also be a masculine yet caring with a pure heart. The old racist guy who is misunderstood and had daddy issues. The naive girl who wants to change the world but lived a sheltered life. The guy approaching 40 who's still trying to figure it out. The nerd that no one understands but understands more than you think. Even that episode where that explored what it's like to be an Asian actor in Hollywood through Chang playing Mr. Miyagi. Or the storyline with the prisoners and how society treats them.
@@snowballandpals from your examples, I recognize Troy Jeff Annie Pierce and Abed’s “stereotypes”. So I’m wondering what do you think is the broken stereotypes for Shirley and Britta.
Isn't Britta the "naive girl who wants to change the world but lived a sheltered life" ? Annie would be, maybe, type A personality discovering her vulnerable side...
Couple Notches Above? Do u mean streets ahead...
If you have to ask you’re streets behind.
Hehe, notches
@@yahertzel ab mentions...
Stop trying to coin that phrase lol
@@griffc9696 Coined and minted! Been there done that!
The quality of this video is crazy for a channel of this size.
Thank you so much!
INVEST
Agreed
At first when I saw this comment I thought "well maybe this guy is just exaggerating. This channel must be OK. Look at the content. Must be close to 120k".
Little did I know that at the time of this comment it's close to 6k.
Awesome content my friend. Subscribed.
For real. I was expecting like a hundred times as many subscribers
Can't believe you didn't even mention the line:
"Abed. No one likes a tattle tale."
Haha, I actually originally had a little tidbit in the video about that line, but then I saw I was already clocking in at 14 minutes, so I cut that guy out. Another great line though. Goes along well with the whole Troy as an "adult" theme in this episode, seeing as how he's almost scolding Abed like a parent would to a child (in a nice way, of course).
TheCookFilms but the ad revenue
@@thecookfilms2143 The fact that he made/cut this video for the love of community and not for the ad revenue, makes me love the real community of the Community show!
I love the way alcohol is treated in this episode, so easily Community could have run with its eccentricity and I have no doubt it'll have been great but they decide to tell a more realistic story of a night we've all had, when alcohol makes it worse.
Finally, the algorithm gives me something good
Haha, glad the algorithm worked in your favor this time. Thanks for watching!
I also agree.
@@thecookfilms2143!! 7778
Agreed... :)
Great video, although I think i disagree with the point that Shirley's plot is left unresolved. I think when she is leaving and sees Peirce being pathetic stuck in the entrance and he asks "Can you please help me, pretty please?" She realises there is nothing wrong with being vulnerable in front of your friends and asking for help. Sure there is no resolution with Jeff and Britta laughing at her but I don't think that was the real issue, Shirley had to come to terms with her own view of herself.
My head canon is Jeff and Britta apologize the next time they see Shirley. Especially after the lucid apology Jeff made to Troy in the car.
I love the Annie and Troy moment. Is so wholesome
Oh, it's wonderful! One of my favorite Community moments.
It’s one of my favorite scenes in the entire series. Just a nice, honest moment between people that love and care about each other. I love moments like that or when they’re on the train in the stop motion episode.
This episode hits so hard. Drinking is so miserable so much of the time and this episode portraits it perfectly.
Then you're doing it wrong lol
more comedies should take the characters this seriously.
Hey you shouldn’t sleep on the episode “The Politics of Human Sexuality”, the one with the STD fair, jeff realizing “he can do better”, changes brittas name in her phone. Abed teaches troy a lesson about competitiveness. pierce has actual insight. It’s my personal favorite episode. Whole thing leads up to that fratellis track and Abed telling students not to use condoms over the intercom. Great writing, great character development, great episode. Probably my favorite in the series and one of the most overlooked
"Don't eat the crab dip! YAEH YAAEEEEHHH"
GREAT episode! I also love the unconventional female empowerment when Annie says she is 'comfortable being uncomfortable' with her sexuality. Though it's great that we're moving in a sex-positive direction, I like how they included that not all women should be pressured to explore their sexuality in college, and they're allowed to embrace that uncomfortability. Shirley and Britta cheering her on made it even better.
OMG, I do love that episode, too! What I love most about it is the background story that begins in that episode. When Abed is on the loud speaker and says not to use the condoms, there's a guy and girl in the background of the cafeteria and the guy throws the condom away and starts kissing the girl. Probably 8-9 episodes later, you see that same couple in the background arguing with Abed and the guy is really mad but we're never told why. Then, finally, in the episode where Britta & Annie have a mud fight, throughout the episode you see Abed with that same couple. The girl is pregnant and he ends up delivering their baby in the back of a van. ALL of that is in the background!! I love it!!
@@ameliacisna3868 yesss that episode stuck out to me on that part too
@@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460 I'm pretty sure that the episode where they fight and the episode where he delivers the baby are the same one, season 2 episode 2. It aired 9 months after the STD fair which is even better, AND it actually has an effect on the story later as it's how Abed got the experience he used when delivering Shirley's baby (he mentions delivering a baby in a van earlier in the year).
I don't know why but I get really sad when Abed gets the drink thrown in his face
It's his complete lack of surrpise that hits me. Like this happens when he tries to reach out.
That part resonated with my the most. I live my life in the moment of fun conversations with little to interest in sex. I've been on Abed's end before. I just like the conversation. Sex is not always what I'm looking for. It can be sad thinking about the other person who it can seem you are deceiving.
It's one of my favorite Abes scenes because it hit pretty close to home.
I thought Troy looked around at the end and he saw that everyone was drunk so no one could drive. I thought that this made him leave his drink so he could get his friends back home safely
in the end the newest adult was the only adult.
Troy leaving the group, starting a rap career and TV show, winning awards and being the most successful of the group after Community is the ultimate storyline.
Fun fact: the dude Abed talks to in the bar is the actor that voices Mr Peanutbutter in Bojack Horseman - which Alison Brie (Annie) is also in.
Honestly blown away by how well presented this video is. An essay worthy of the show it's covering. Great job, man!
Thanks so much for these kind words! Very appreciative of you giving the video a watch.
This video actually helped with my fear of getting older,
Haha promised myself I wouldn’t make it past 40 😌💅
I'd say wedding videography is in my top five. Something about the chaotic energy and short quips gives it great rewatch value.
Now this man knows how to pick a favorite episode!
Now this is a man who knows how to marry his cousin!
We’re getting this one to a million views baby
Everybody let's pile on the view train, choo choo
And then regionals!!
What’s regionals?
@@laluenbaires what are regionals??
@@benni8928 they are this close!
I don’t think cooperative polygraphy gets enough credit. It’s one of my favourites and quite possibly the funniest episode
but it's literally the one the cast decided to live stream
Here's my top 5:
1.Epidemiology: I honestly think that this episode is underrated. I wouldn't say that it is the most deep one, character-wise, but it's amazingly well done. There's an ambiance that really gives goosebumps while still being funny. Plus, the soundtrack is ABBA's best hits, so it couldn't get better. Also, I think Troy and Abed's relashionship moves forward in this episode
2.Remedial Chaos Theory: Everybody knows why this episode is awesome. It shows us how smart, original, funny and deep character-wise Community can be
3.Mixology Certification: You defended it very well. I think it's the episode that has the most heart, and gives Troy a moment to shine and grow.
4.Pillows and Blankets: I love Troy and Abed relashionship, and this episode finds a way to give us a closer look to it, but in a great original way. I was really feeling like I was watching a real documentary on a real war.
5.Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas: Abed is a character that doesn't seem to have many layers, but he does, and this episode shows it. He copes with his problem by bringing all his friend in an imaginary place with him, trying to hide his feelings, but also trying to find them
I love abed’s uncontrollable Christmas!! :))
Just watched it thinking that someone had to talk about how great this episode was. Good timing
Yeah, hopefully with Community being released on Netflix and reaching a wider audience and all, more people recognize the greatness of this episode.
Same here
Mixology Cert is also my favourite episode but I think you articulated why far better than I could. And it's interesting because it's precisely one of those episodes which is so hard to explain the appeal of; there's no gimmick, no twist, no gotcha - but it communicates on a deeper level. I think part of it too was that after the first half of Season 2 you go into this episode expecting a wild, crazy, magical birthday adventure for Troy, and we don't get it - but it's precisely the lack of payoff which is the entire point. We build up all these milestones and expectations for arbitrary things like 21st birthdays and when they come there's no hope of meeting the version we had in our heads - but the best we can do is to be satisfied with what we do receive.
I know that people usually hate on Season 4 but I think the next episode which comes close to doing this successfully is the Jeff side of Cooperative Escapism of Familial Relations. Or maybe Origins of Vampire Mythology. But I always hoped that Community would return to these slightly-philosophical concept episodes but they never really brought it back to the same level.
The best part about the episode is that Pierce was basically absent but not replaced.
The kids were allowed to have fun without being watched by an authority figure or have to put up with the “friend” they just let come along.
I really like talking about Community.
This show is incredible. It is my favorite comedy. The casting was perfect, the writing was incredible, and the premise is perfect
I remember the first time I watched this episode I thought, “Wow. What a different episode. But I really like how much it focused on Troy and showed he can step up when needed.”
I do absolutely love this episode it's one of their more low key episodes but my favourite is remedial chaos theory because the concept is perfect to show what each character adds to the group whether positive or negative
I hear ya! Remedial Chaos Theory is so well-deserved of being number one - it was definitely my favorite at one point, too (my favorite Community episode really is changing all the time). I honestly think it's up there as the most clever half-hour of TV I've ever seen. It's a pretty perfect episode all around.
Nice essay on a not so popular best episode choice! Also a good case for GI Joe too. In my personal opinion my favourite (maybe not best) is Documentary Filmmaking: Redux, but my essay is pretty short on it.
Jeff-Dean and almost every line is hilarious. And then Luiz Guzman actually appearing with Abed saving the day :)
Thanks a lot! Appreciate you giving it a watch. Documentary Filmmaking: Redux is a great pick. It might be the most laugh-out-loud funny episode in the show's run. I mean, Luis Guzman, c'mon lol. My favorite quote from that episode is when the Dean's on the phone with Luis, snapping at Annie, "Mr. Guzman, Luis, thank you. And can I just say, I loved you in… in… IMDb." Classic stuff.
i clicked on this thinking “what?! there is no way this is the best episode” but after watching this, i realize how right you are. very well said and, unrelated but, the production quality is amazing
My top 5 are
5. Cooperative Caligraphy
4. Documentary Filmmaking: Redux
3. Remedial Chaos Theory
2. Modern Warfare
1. Advanced Dungeons and Dragons
What are your thoughts on Advanced D&D being removed from streaming and syndication?
These are great picks! Some of my favorites listed here too, you really can’t go wrong with any of these. Modern Paintball was the episode that got me into the show, so it holds a special place in my heart. Watched that one more times than I can count when I was younger. Thanks for watching the video!
And that’s a good question. As for the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons removal, I do think this particular case is an overcorrection, and a fairly performative decision at that. For Netflix and Hulu, as companies worth billions of dollars, their energy would be better spent continuing to put dollars behind Black voices and making more diverse hiring decisions in general, as opposed to removing an episode that I don’t imagine anyone was offended by. In fact, I think controversies like this one end up diverting attention away from the real important issues facing Black communities. Really, I don’t have a dog in this fight, maybe it’s not my place to chime in, I love the episode and could always find it online somewhere if I want to watch it again. What do you think?
@@thecookfilms2143 I completely agree, Advanced D&D was the episode that REALLY got me into the show as well, pretty much what you're saying about Modern Paintball. And plus, Chang wasn't impersonating a person, he was wearing Elf makeup which is to me the same as a character such as Mystique in the X-Men. While with some shows like 30 Rock I can kind of understand the removal (even though in that case it was obvious satire), I think instead of censorship, companies shouldn't try to erase the past but instead try and create a better future. Maybe by putting warning labels before these episodes, or having someone introduce it with a monologue they can help try and prevent things like this from happening again. Thanks for your two cents, this video was a very entertaining look inside one of my favorite and most underrated episodes that doesn't get talked about as much as it should. Probably in my top 10 for sure, definitely a unique and character-driven episode, which I can appreciate :)
I had no idea they removed D&D from Netflix. Is it just for the "blackface" thing? I swear, cancel culture is ruining all forms of entertainment. It's literally 10% human rights activism and 90% attention seeking.
IhateU43 I 100% agree. Yes, it was just the “blackface”. My favorite episode is now removed from Netflix and Hulu, and the DVD prices have soared :(
I argue that if you are going to do a spoof on blackface don’t actually do it, make fun of it verbally.
I've always thought that the episode that this episode and the one that came before it [Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design] provided a perfect two-part thesis statement about adulthood. Early on in 'Conspiracy Theories', we see Troy and Abed be mocked for being childish and wanting to build a blanket fort. They, of course, ignore that criticism and go on to create a magical blanket world that the entire campus (including Britta) embraces. In 'Mixology Certification', as you pointed out, Troy decides that he doesn't want to become a drinker, even if doing so is considered by some to be a rite of passage into adulthood. The message I get from pairing these two episodes together is that becoming an adult is much more about taking responsibility for others than it is about adopting and abandoning certain cultural touchstones. Don't feel pressured to drop the parts of your childhood that make you happy and don't feel pressured to include elements of adulthood that don't. Be someone that others can rely on.
This is one of the best episodes.
i’ve been saying forever that this is a top 5 community episode
Mixology Certification stans unite!
this is a hot take hey, one of the best most underrated episodes. I like the moment where troy tells abed not to be a tattletale, one of the first moments of Troy acting as a stern older brother/adult in his and abeds relationship. I liked that its played jarringly straight
And that caused Abed to feel bad, even summoning an "Evil Abed".
This is my favorite episode along with you, but my I loved it so much bc of Annie’s arc that felt so raw and real. And then Troy’s arc and then his talk with Annie is so genuine and heartfelt. That’s my favorite scene in the whole show. Probably bc my top two characters are Troy and Annie.
I'm with you there. Troy and Annie's talk is such a well-earned, wonderfully heartfelt moment. You really get the sense that it's one friend picking up another when they're feeling down. Helping someone else to see what makes them so great because you genuinely care for them and understand and relate to their struggles.
"A character that I'd argue is the heart of the show"
The beautiful thing about the show is any fan could make the same statement about any of the main characters...
And most of you would be wrong because it's Annie.
Wrong it's Troy Troy the wonder boy
Personally I don’t know how that could be argued for Shirley and pierce to be honest. The rest of them maybe but those two never felt like the core of the show.
No. It’s Abed.
Maybe I could Chang your mind
Didn't dan harmon say it's troy
My personal favourite would probably have to be Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design
"If you conspire with everyone then youre just doing random things"
I like Professor Professorson a lot in that episode
"Is that him playing the trīdeksnis?"
_Would that this hoodie were a time hoodie_ - Dean Dangerous.
Well, guess what? Annie's got a gun!
It's my favorite episode too.
I genuinely love Community. That’s coming and from someone who wants to just hate everything because its easier. I’ve seen it in it’s entirety at least 3 times and I just wish I had the depth and range to articulate my love for the show as you do in this video.
This episode made me fall in love with the show. The bar joke between Britta and Jeff is one of my favorite parts of the show of all time
Not sure if it's my favorite episode, but this is definitely the one I re-watch the most. I just find it so comforting.
Arguably one of the most underrated episodes in the whole series. I've always had an appreciation for how grounded this episode is while still being Community at its heart.
This episode has always been my favorite. It’s mature and toned-down, while still having the charm of community’s characters and writing. It feels like a realistic day that could actually happen while also feeling like an important day for both Troy and Annie. The scene after they leave the bar might be my favorite in the entire show. I don’t know how to describe it, it’s just that feeling you get when you’re sad and happy at the same time but instead of freaking out you’re just calm, like a sigh out after a long day.
Cooperative Calligraphy makes me so happy because of the linguistic humor they are forced to exert. It’s something that as someone who adore the study of language makes me so happy because as strange as the concept is being stuck in such a small space they can’t go all out with the bizarre notes. All of Community has such strongly written jokes revolving around linguistics but CC I think showcases it so well. I ended up writing a 7 page paper about it cause i think how the episode covers humor is so amazing
That's really interesting. I've taken note of some of the ways language is used on the show before, but now I'd really like to rewatch that episode with a particular focus on how it uses linguistics. Would love to read that paper if you ever dig it up! Thanks for watching!
I’m so glad you made this. I always felt it was one of the few overlooked episodes that rarely gets mentioned in the upper echelon with Chaos Theory or Modern Warfare. The scene between Annie and Troy towards the end having that heartfelt conversation was great with the “Greendale is Where I Belong” theme playing in the background
Great video! This episode seems to get slept on a lot, and it's definitely one of my favorites!
Also, you touched on the "hurricane" exchange, and this isn't necessarily relevant to the point you were making, but it serves as an early hint of Troy's attraction to Britta. Say what you want about the actors' chemistry or the way the writers took that relationship, but it certainly had ample setup throughout the first two seasons.
Anyway, some of my favorite episodes that I haven't seen brought up in my not-thorough skim through the comments:
Conspiracy Theories & Interior Design: This is pretty much strictly comedy, but it's just so smart, so well-acted, and packed full of great bits. The way the two main plot threads come together is brilliant. You have "maybe I'll blow off talking language," "did you just mispronounce etcetera?" Britta finding something "more adult" to do, the Latvian Independence Parade, and the "I don't know!!!!" scene (probably my favorite scene in the entire series).
Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking: Using the documentary format to explore characters while roasting the use of that format to explore characters! Like Mixology, this one does a lot of peeling back and examining characters' flaws, and still manages to be hilarious throughout. And like Mixology, this one doesn't get talked about quite as much as I'd expect. Favorite little moments: the parade of "bequeath" variants spoken throughout the episode, and even in the middle of his ruse, Pierce being unable to resist insulting Jeff's masculinity: "You look too much like your mother!"
Studies in Modern Movement: I admit, the Kiss from a Rose montage does a lot of heavy lifting in this episode's winning my love. Like Mixology, it's an opportunity to see the crew interacting in a mundane, non-school, Craigular setting. It doesn't get as heavy as Mixology, but that's okay. Annie's struggles with having to accommodate Troy and Abed's quirkiness is a superb character beat. While Britta and Shirley's fight to morally one-up each other is smaller, it's still nicely played out in a comedic, but not overly cliched way. But yeah, that montage! And HorseBot 3000.
Wedding Videography: Another fun chance to hang out with the group outside of school, Elroy's greatest bit (and one of the best bits in the history of the show), Chang gets a moment with actual pathos, and a reveal that just keeps shifting between hilarity and drama (and keeps going into the end tag). Give Season 6 a fair shake (just speaking to Community viewers in general)!
Thank you! That is true - loved seeing those little hints at Troy and Britta's romance threaded throughout the series upon a rewatch. That "hurricane" exchange is definitely a great example of that.
These are some really great favorites that I don't see brought up all the time! Conspiracy Theories & Interior Design is a killer episode. Kevin Corrigan as Professor Professorson is still one of my favorite guest actors the show has ever had and the bonkers double-cross after double-cross, plot-twisty ending always gets me. It’s funny that you mention the “I don’t know!” scene - it’s my favorite ‘cut to a commercial break’ moment in just about any show ever (not that I keep a running list of that lol). Such a great first act hook.
I quite enjoyed going back through season 6, and it was A LOT better than I remembered. Wedding Videography, Intro to Recycled Cinema and Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television definitely in the upper echelon of episodes in the series for me. Especially the latter two of those, which have some genuinely downer, emotionally resonant moments.
As for Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking always loved Abed’s line on ending an episode, “You can always wrap it up with a series of random shots, which, when cut together under a generic voiceover, suggest a profound thematic connection. I'm not knocking it. It works.”
The “Kiss from a Rose” scene in Modern Movement is so sweet and funny and unexpected, damn such a good moment too.
Wedding Videography may just be my favorite, because they're at their absolute worst getting shit faced and fucking up the whole episode lmao
Pillows and Blankets is probably my favorite, the comedy was just on another level
I totally agree.
With its simplicity and wholesomness, it’s one of the best episode for me, just 6 friends hanging out to the bar, exactly like us common viewers
I like adv. dungeons and dragons but I do love the beginning of remedial chaos theory
TROY AN ABED NEW AAAPAAAMENT
*Abed’s smile intensifies*
I also like Basic Rocket Science that the episode where they are trying to launch a simulated space program for the school
"Yeah it's a sticker"
"Troy is giving me LIFEFORCE".
Ive rewatched this show twice in the past year. My favorite episode i think is remedial chaos theory but every time i watch it new things stick out to me. This episode really stuck out to me on my most recent watch through. Any abed or troy centric episodes really pull at my heartstrings.
Oh nice, twice in the past year. That's definitely true what you said about new things sticking out on each rewatch. So many gems of episodes that maybe aren't as memorable as an episode like Modern Paintball, but are equally as clever and wonderful. Yeah, this one really caught me off guard too. I had barely remembered watching it about a decade ago. I guess that's the fun of revisiting a great show you haven't seen for a while.
Finally, someone made a "best episode of Community" video that talks about the ACTUAL best episode of Community.
Just doing my part - thanks for watching!
Comedy and emotion......a great mix.
Usually the times we hang out of the nothing and get out of our way for a couple of hours until it's time to go back home.
I’m still only partway through season four, but so far my top five are Mixology Certification, Remedial Chaos Theory, Epidemiology, Horror Fiction in Seven Spooky Steps, and Cooperative Calligraphy in that order. I also really like A Fistful of Paintballs, mainly because everything about Annie in that episode is amazing and I love Annie, and Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas is also up there. But yeah, this episode is my absolute favorite.
I'm jealous, you have a lot of great episodes ahead! While, generally, season 4 is considered the worst season of the show (it's still pretty decent), seasons 5 & 6 definitely reach the comedic heights of the first three seasons. Glad to hear that you like Mixology Certification too. It just hits different, doesn't it? The other ones you mentioned are also classics. Epidemiology is an episode I've probably seen 10 or so times over the years lol. Enjoy finishing up the show!
I love how (at least for the first three seasons) every episode has so much content. Every episode can be talked about at length, and each one has special, favourite moments. Ang yeah, this episode... no cliche, but still tells a powerful form of the classic "coming of age" tale. It's like the indie movie of sitcom episodes.
Oh my, I started watching Community on Netflix this year during the quarentine, and it quickly became my favorite TV show. I've turned 21 on April 14, just about the time I've started the show. This episode hit hard in a lot of different ways and is one of my absolute favorites, I always cry when i watch it... and I cried during the video, thank you!
My favorite underrated episode is the one where Abed and Troy switch bodies- a la Freaky Friday. We all love episodes that highlight the connection between Troy and Abed, but that one feels special to me for some reason!
As a person who shares many of Annie's traits and flaws, the speech at the end always makes me tear up.
I spent a long time hating that overly driven part of myself and hearing Troy simply say, "That's cool." Well... it felt good.
Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking is my favorite and in my opinion the most underrated episode. It’s not only hilarious and the dialogue is genius, but it does (I think) the best job of utilizing the documentary medium, and it really highlights every character and forces them each to face their own insecurities both individually and as a group. In the end it shows more than anything Pierce’s insecurities, it shows that he listens, it shows that he doesn’t want to die alone surrounded by the walls he puts up. It further highlights his parallels with Jeff. The fact that it has emotional payoffs in season 5 with Annie’s tiara and Troy sailing of with Levar Burton is the icing on the cake.
This is an excellent video. You opened my third eye by pointing out all the roles Troy serves within the group (helping abed relate to the group, balancing Jeff's character, surrogate/proxy son for Pierce), I never quite made the connection. Now I can put into words why the show felt so wrong with him gone. Waiting on that "worst episode" video!
I've only seen community once, but when I watched this episode, it immediately stood out to me. Really loved it
Yeah I've never been able to put my finger on it but this episode has always been my favourite. Thank you for doing this!
I personally love the episode with Shirley and Jeff playing foosball. For one it's where we get to see a good amount of Shirley, as well as having a hysterical conclusion, but I also love it because of how I can relate to both of them. I was bullied as a kid but I was also desperate enough that if I could get under your skin, I got under your skin.
So with that I understood the rekindled wrath that Jeff feels and desire to get back at Shirley because it's the one chance he could for his younger self. I also understand the remorse Shirley felt as well as the need to lash out as a kid, but her pride in understanding that she is not her 12 year old self and she deserves self-forgiveness.
personally I identify with Troy, Abed and Annie the most because I am around their age, and I've learn to let things go that happened to me in grade school as it really isn't my life anymore. so I think that's my favorite episode
also the other side plot was great.
First time I watched this show was when I was 21 and this episode resonated with me hard. I basically was Troy, trying to do things the 'right' way. It's really freeing to realise that you forge your own path, and I often think about this episode when I find myself getting anxious. Glad other people love it too, it makes me kind of sad that a lot of people think of Community as 'the parody show' when it's so much more than that.
This vid is amazing ngl I teared up cause I'm on that phase in life now too, becoming an adult. Existential crises is so hard but you brought a new light to this episode that I now hold dear. Definitely rewatching the ep and rewriting my favorite Community eps
So glad to finally see this episode get the credit it deserves! Easily a top 4 episode. The perfect blend of the shows emotional depth, character development, and humor
My friend put this episode on when I was tripping on acid for the first time and now
I’m a huge community fan and love other episodes but this episode is always gonna be my favourite episode ever and I find comfort in it every time I watch it.
I just finished Community for the first time and I was feeling pretty sad and empty, but this episode lifted my spirits and made me more happy
So I haven’t done a rewatch like you have, Mr. Cook. The episode I’ve long held as my favorite is Remedial Chaos Theory because of its gimmick, the running jokes, and just the overall joy I get from that episode. I don’t recall watching this episode, but damn, you give this one a great pitch. I’ll take a barebones, character-driven episode, and you know what, maybe after I watch this, this will also be my favorite episode. And also: Go Troy!
Can't go wrong with Remedial Chaos Theory. It's one of the most brilliant half hours of TV I've ever seen. Doing a rewatch of the show that episode holds up just as well as it did back then, maybe even better, but Mixology Certification just snuck up on me. There are so many gems of episodes that I forgot about that just hit me all over again with this rewatch though. Season 6 was so much better than I remembered it being. I had as good a time going through the series as just about any I've ever cycled through for a second time. Tell me what you think of this episode when you watch it again!
Critical Film Studies(if I remember the name of it properly) is my favorite. It’s just simple and easy to understand, but you also get a lot of different emotion.
Mine too really under appreciated the acting of Danny and Joel was brilliant
Finally someone covering this episode! It's one of my favourites but it's so under-represented in the fandom (maybe because it's relatively 'normal' as far as premises go). It's such a great display of all the characters and I love seeing them interacting outside of the college setting. Plus it's a really nice message over all.
I think your favorite episode is particularly thoughtful and I can see why you like it so much. My favorite remains the floor is lava episode for predictable reasons - the fluffy feelings. Though the second paintball match has a nice character arc for my fav insecure girl who is gaining her own footing as an adult who doesn’t need to be perfect 👌
Thank you! The floor is lava episode is wonderful. I'm a Troy loyalist lol, and it does such a skillful job of bringing an end to his arc on the show while also giving us insight into how Abed copes with Troy leaving.
@@thecookfilms2143 Gambino is such a talent ugh, he brought so much to Troy as a character, especially since in the beginning I genuinely just thought he'd be some jock dumb boy stereotype - that pivot is masterful
I don't interpret the moment of Troy leaving his drink as him realizing that alcohol makes his friends miserable but more because of the realization that all of his friends have been drinking and that he has to show responsibility and drive them home, despite it being his birthday which, for me, feels like a very adult thing to do.
this is my favourite community episode, and it made me cry the first time i watched it. Thank you for giving it the spotlight!
You explained the heart of the show really well, definitely made a great case for the episode. My favorite episode is probably either the 2nd paintball one, cause I love the paintball ones, or the one where britta and troy go to lunch and abed shows annie the dreamatorium. it really focuses on the two of them, which isn't what I'd want from every episode, but is nice every now and again. I especially like the message in it, when annie tells abed that worrying about fitting in is normal. Something I think community does really well is show that sometimes you need a specific person to help you with a problem, because everyone has different strengths and perspectives.
This is my favorite episode. Troy was my favorite character and I feel like they weren't always sure what to do with him so it was nice to have him carry the episode.
I saw it at a similar age and situation as Troy was in. Young guy trying to find what type of adult to be with maybe not the best immediate role models.
Absolutely brilliant video-essay, at the end of the road that's what Community is all about, personal growth and becoming self-aware of it. Episodes with Messages like this is why this Tv show changed My life. Great video man, cheers!
One of the reasons I love the show is because there really is something for everyone. You have the insane, ambitious concepts that test everything you know about television and media, then you have normal sitcom-ish episodes that can be just as good. Mixology Certification is not a standout for me, but thematically it works extremely well. Some of my all time favorites are Aerodynamics of Gender (trampoline episode), Wedding Videography (Garret marries his cousin), Conspiracy Theories and Interior Design, Pillows and Blankets, amongst many others. Another great thing about Community is that re-watches can totally change your perspective on certain episodes. I didn't like the first half of season 6 when I first watched it, but upon a recent rewatch it has become one of my favorite seasons. This is definitely my favorite TV show of all time.
I think you made a perfect point about the latter seasons of the show and I think that's one of the reasons there are some people who think they are not "as good as the earlier ones" because they remind us that time is passing by. Now that I watched this video, it all became clear in my mind. That's why the ending episode lands so well. They grow up and that's okay.
My all time favourite is studies of human movement 🙌 the karaoke/paint trip/hitchhiker song was legendary
I like the episode where somewhere out there plays at the end. I love it cause it shows the characters truly becoming friends
This episode brought me to tears when I watched this because it’s beautiful
Same here, my friend! The Troy and Annie scene 😢
I love this episode too because I found Troy's journey in the episode very relatable.
I hope you'll make more community videos.
Loved the in depth take on this episode. So interesting to hear how other people understand episodes of shows you watch
This really is one of the best and most under-rated episodes of the show. It really gets into the nitty gritty of each character and really shows us, the audience, their fears. I love Community for its gimmick episodes. They're amazing and iconic and stick with you. But the show doesn't get enough love for its smaller, more intimate episodes. Those episodes, in my opinion, are what allow the gimmick episodes to shine. They elevate them to bigger heights. A Fistful of Paintballs is a great episode with ingenious writing, amazing sets and costumes, and awesome moments. But what makes the episode really work is the underlying point of the episode, that the group no longer feels comfortable with Pierce whilst Annie tries to defend him. And that moment only means so much because of the build up the show has over season 2. Mixology Certification does a lot to deepen our understanding of the characters we love, and without it exposing their fears and flaws and facades, the later episodes wouldn't have as much to stand on. It's crucial to the entire show, and I'll stand by the statement that it might be one of the most important episodes in the show.
I personally love this episode and it has stuck with me through the years, especially now as I'm around the same age as Troy (a couple years older) and while I already have a personal comprehension of the idea being conveyed through the episode, it makes me feel somewhat comfortable about growing up knowing everyone is just as lost as I am. It's kind of heartwarming really.
By the way, great work on the video, you should have so much more views on this!
Incredible explanation of an episode I clearly have not appreciated until now. Will have to rewatch Mixology asap. The beauty of Community is that not matter how many times I watch it, I am constantly seeing new things. Great video. Thanks for posting!
Paradigms of Human Memory is my absolute favorite episode of the show. As someone who lives for making fun of tropes in TV and film, making a clip episode entirely of clips that were never in the show and in completely nonsensical situations is one of the most genius ideas for an episode I've ever heard. Although now I really want an episode about the Mexican Cartel about to shoot Pierce
The gut punch at the end with Troy realizing he doesn't need to drink to be happy is nice
You absolutely nailed it with the best episode. Mixology Certification is hilarious, unique, and touching. Every character has an arc. One of the things that helps this episode stand out is that is never repeated. There's no sequel. There's nothing quite like it on this show or any other.
found this in my recommended. CZcams recommending good things? that's new.
This has been one of my favorites for a while and I never really put a finger on why, but this video puts it into words. thank you
Holy shit honestly I always thought of this episode as middle of the road but looking at it through all these new layers has really changed my entire view of it
This is such a painfully underrated episode
Dude great video. I started watching this show a couple months ago and gone thru every episode three times now so this is all fresh. And I’m grateful to know I’m not the only one who looks so deep into the nuance of every episode. Well done.
I always liked, but not loved, this episode while watching and re-watching, but after watching this video, I have a newfound appreciation for it. Most of what you said was stuff I may have already known, but never really thought about. Great write up and great video.
Identify and changing of the self is a recurrent theme of Community
It's honestly amazing how many "Oh, wow," moments this video gave me! I felt like I had a pretty solid understanding of this episode, since I had thought this episode was fairly underrated, but the presentation of this video truly made so many more things clear. This is definitely one of the more captivating videos that I've seen about Community, and I truly think that you explained it perfectly. Awesome video, man!
The last episode of community for me was the episode where the floor is hot lava. All episodes after that is missing something. I just started watching it in 2020 on netflix and still haven't watched the rest of all the episodes after that previously mentioned episode.
Watch the rest the final season is quality community