Community: Season 6, Episode 7: Advanced Safety Features
How is it that this is the only show that is willing to poke fun at the media. I would say it’s because it’s online, but it was doing the same thing for five seasons before it got there. Why would NBC cancel such brilliance? I mean, the viewership dropped, but it was still regularly watched by millions in the fifth season. I suppose that means they were afraid of what might happen if the show continued to have internal issues and personnel departures.
The show has done an amazing job of keeping its tone and brilliance. Very few shows stay the same post cancellation/resurrection. Look at Family Guy, Futurama and Arrested Development for examples (go Fox!). Community has stayed true to itself and even gotten a little stronger since it doesn’t have to follow the rules of network television anymore.
They did a wonderful job of poking fun at product placement before, but they have taken it a step farther with guerrilla marketing. They even used the same character: Rick, who was formerly known as Subway. Of course Britta falls for him again and even joins in on the guerrilla marketing until she sees that he can’t help himself and would rather sell Hondas than lead a normal life.
There are a couple of small pieces scattered around here and there. Jeff’s attempts to befriend Elroy were hilarious and Franky trying to avoid telling Dean Pelton how stupid he is was a stitch. Chang’s powerpoint presentation was fitting for him and there was a really nice mention of Troy here. That acknowledgement of the past and appreciation of their actors and characters helps to keep this show intelligent.
Jonathan Thomas Jones is a speculative fiction author and founder of geekhavenreviews.com. He has been passionate about all things geek for his entire life. See more about him at jonathanthomasjones.com and follow him on twitter @jtgloryjones.
