I’d seen most of the TV series Community (2009 – 2015) quite some time ago, but apparently gave up when it became obvious that it had jumped the shark by the start of the fifth (of six) seasons. And one shouldn’t wonder, with the title “Repilot” leading off season five. That’s got, “we’re going to jettison everything you ever liked about the show and replace it with crap” written all over it. Throw on top of that, Donald Glover’s departure just a few episodes into the season and…well.
But maybe not. Maybe “Repilot” was the right way to describe it. And actually, with the departure of Glover (as well as Chevy Chase and eventually Yvette Nicole Brown), the only quirky strength left was Danny Pudi’s “Abed.” If you know him, then going with a TV as alternative reality theme beginning with a “Repilot” was the right way to go after all.
Quickly then: the first three seasons were solid. I love clever writing more than anything, and the cast delivered very well. The fourth season was passable. This was the season the show’s creator (Dan Harmon) got dropped, and it seemed there were a lot of recycled themes. I didn’t think it was overly noticeable, but apparently the direction was enough that they brought Harmon back for season five.
And like I said, that’s when I thought it started to go (and by the sixth season? Well, I’m just happy they limited the show to 13 episodes for the last two seasons. There were quite a few that were absolutely cringe-worthy in spots).
But wait. Upon further reflection, I think it may have redeemed itself in some respects. You just had to get into the spirit of “Repilot” and change your expectations. While there were indeed cringe-worthy moments, there also was a lot of redemption. Tension that had built up through what seemed to be an awful arc was usually released with a happy twist or two; and honestly, there’s no better way to go out than with some kind of hope that everyone is going to come out alright in the future lives that we don’t get to see any more.
So in the end, maybe it didn’t really jump the shark after all…