Some comedies aim only for laughs. Some aim for feels too.
Whether it’s an emotional Dr. Cox episode in “Scrubs” or the entire final season of “Parks and Recreation”, some shows are talented enough to sweep up emotions while making one chuckle.
“Community” creator Dan Harmon has never shied from these types of episodes, and the show’s newest episode showcases that. For 30 minutes, “Queer Studies and Advanced Waxing” borders the line between comical and relentlessly honest. Sometimes both.
The main plot consists of Dean Pelton, long known for a peculiar set of sexual fantasies, is asked to joined the School Board as long as he comes out as homosexual in a press conference. It’s a dark premise, and something so delicate only the most intelligent writing can make it work.
The episode begins by making the other board members, who are only hoping to look good for the public, appear sinister as they treat Pelton’s decision with a cringey Ricky Gervais-attitude and build the hate quickly to one side. It’s fascinating to see these two characters go from buffoons in season three to asinine pigs they are now.
Pelton asks for help from Jeff and new group member Frankie, explaining he wants to be on board but he is “far more than just straight.” According to Pelton, if gay is a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, then he is the neverending handkerchief.
The sequence of events is humorous and far-fetched, but it also sheds light on problems those in the LGBT community suffer from all the time. While talking to the Pelton, Jeff sums it up with a half-whimsical, half-serious statement.
“The sad truth Craig: Anything other than straight is plenty gay for a school board.”
Pelton decides to accept the role and a new homosexual persona, complete with a new rendition of “Jolene” (“Gay Dean”) and Domingo, an actor pretending to be his partner. While his dismissiveness of Domingo is hysterical (“Confine yourself to your role, Domingo”), it becomes clear the Pelton will make little of his own decisions.
Everything culminates with Pelton being forced to remove baby birds Abed and Elroy took care of in a box controlling the WiFi. After a bit of tragedy, he realizes power is only worth it with the right intentions involved.
Pelton calls another press conference, this time denying the homosexual claims and admitting to being a politician, someone who “will say and do whatever he has to in order to acquire and keep his job.”
Jim Rash, who plays Pelton, serves as co-director for the episode. For anyone not named Donald Glover, that’s an incredible display of talent.
The switch to Yahoo Screen means more time to use on the “B” plot. It has turned out to be precisely what the show needed, especially this episode.
Chang and Annie audition for and win parts in a stage adaptation of “The Karate Kid”. Jason Mantzoukas (The League) is tremendous as the acting coach and works perfectly with Ken Jeong’s Chang, who gets berated by the Mantzoukas in hopes he can find acting perfection. The “Whiplash”-esque satire flawlessly complements the main plot.
Hopefully, Jeong will get more chances this season to focus on physical comedy and less on the clinically insane animal Chang has become. Hopefully, this list of guest stars for season six never stops.
Most of all, let’s hope “Community” doesn’t stop making everyone feel. It’s one thing to make someone laugh, it’s another to make someone stop and think.
You can contact Tommy Romanch at @troman_TDR