Grade: 4/5 
Callbacks can be a tricky and delicate thing. Use them too much and you can ruin a character or joke.
But use them just right, and a good episode can form.
This week’s edition of “Community”, titled “Advanced Safety Features”, features the return of Subway, the walking advertisement and former flame of Britta. Now named Rick, he now works in a guerilla marketing campaign for Honda, showcasing the affordability and versatility of the CR-V and Fit.
Rick’s intentions are simple yet in utter contrast of each other — a need to get back together with Britta but a commitment to selling Honda incognito. They try to both work for the marketing company as a couple, but this goes about as bad as you may imagine.
Meanwhile, Jeff becomes irked when it seems Elroy doesn’t appreciate him as much as everyone else in the group. He’s more infuriated when Abed and Annie’s ploys to be appreciated by Elroy work. Watching the show’s titular character unravel never becomes old, and Annie and Abed’s dynamic has become surprisingly entertaining.
Meta references to Abed’s former partner in crime can be found, culminating in Frankie to confront the group on “what made Troy so special.” It’s amusing to see the writers still reference such a memorable character.
It’s interesting, because it’s something Troy reveals in season two episode “Mixology Certification” that is apparent throughout this episode — Britta and Jeff may be older and more confident than other characters, but in reality, they’re as scared and mistaken as anyone else.
Jeff can say he’s fine with people not liking him and proclaims “playing it cool” as the best way to acquire friends, but his insecurities are obvious after more than five seasons. The slightest indication that someone doesn’t appreciate him, and he comes apart.
This time however, the one Jeff has problems with has problems of his own. Elroy, someone described early in the episode as “still finding his role”, comes to grips with an old relationship of his own. It’s a rite of passage he must experience before fully accepting other members of the group
And poor Britta, the lost soul who’s still only a yellow belt at her dojo. She’s desperate to give Rick a chance, willing to commit to Honda and forgive him multiple times throughout the episode. But every time, she’s punished for her susceptibility.
“Everyone is in such a rush to protect themselves from each other.” Britta said to Elroy at a bar, just before taking Rick back a final time.
The quote ruins her, but inspires Elroy to find closure with his own demons. It’s a gloomy example that sometimes, even when doing the right thing, someone can get hurt.
Maybe it’s her new bartending job, maybe it’s the transition to online, but Britta’s personality has definitely seen maturity recently. If she keeps at it, then she’ll find a guy who chooses her over a lawnmower.