(This is the seventh part in an ongoing series, in which I am writing brief reviews of each and every episode of Dan Harmon's beloved cult- comedy "Community.")
Now this is more like it. While I found the previous episode ("Football, Feminism and You") to be one of the weakest entries in Season One, "Introduction to Statistics" more than makes up for it. It's an absolute blast, and the first true "themed" Holiday episode of the series. And it sets the stage wonderfully for even bigger, better Holiday episodes in the future.
During a "Dia de los Muertos" party orchestrated by Annie (Alison Brie), the various members of the study-group get into varying shenanigans and misadventures, leading to some pure comedy (and emotional) gold. Jeff (Joel McHale) struggles with his attraction to a teacher (Lauren Stamile), causing a rift with his friendship with Annie. Pierce (Chevy Chase) goes out of control after being given drugs by "Starburns" (Dino Stamatopoulos). Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) attempt to get back at Jeff for bailing on Annie's party, leading to revelations about Shirley's past heartbreak. And it all leads to a rather amusing (and even thrilling) climax where all of the stories converge.
The writing here is top-notch. Jokes fly by at a mile-a-minute, with most landing perfectly, and the pacing is tight and concise. Characters and their motivations and development are woven into the story near- perfectly. And the detail of the storytelling is amazing.
There's also a ton of great touches. Don't get me started on Britta's squirrel costume, which may be the single most adorable thing ever. Or Pierce's drug-fueled freak-out, which supplies some of the best belly- laughs of the season.
Directed by action-movie maestro Justin Lin (whom is responsible for several of the "Fast and Furious" films), this is also a very stylish, cinematic episode, and it shows how amazing "Community" can be from a visual standpoint.
I think this is an incredibly strong episode, and it's a blast of pure joy to watch. I give it a near-perfect 9 out of 10.
Now this is more like it. While I found the previous episode ("Football, Feminism and You") to be one of the weakest entries in Season One, "Introduction to Statistics" more than makes up for it. It's an absolute blast, and the first true "themed" Holiday episode of the series. And it sets the stage wonderfully for even bigger, better Holiday episodes in the future.
During a "Dia de los Muertos" party orchestrated by Annie (Alison Brie), the various members of the study-group get into varying shenanigans and misadventures, leading to some pure comedy (and emotional) gold. Jeff (Joel McHale) struggles with his attraction to a teacher (Lauren Stamile), causing a rift with his friendship with Annie. Pierce (Chevy Chase) goes out of control after being given drugs by "Starburns" (Dino Stamatopoulos). Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) attempt to get back at Jeff for bailing on Annie's party, leading to revelations about Shirley's past heartbreak. And it all leads to a rather amusing (and even thrilling) climax where all of the stories converge.
The writing here is top-notch. Jokes fly by at a mile-a-minute, with most landing perfectly, and the pacing is tight and concise. Characters and their motivations and development are woven into the story near- perfectly. And the detail of the storytelling is amazing.
There's also a ton of great touches. Don't get me started on Britta's squirrel costume, which may be the single most adorable thing ever. Or Pierce's drug-fueled freak-out, which supplies some of the best belly- laughs of the season.
Directed by action-movie maestro Justin Lin (whom is responsible for several of the "Fast and Furious" films), this is also a very stylish, cinematic episode, and it shows how amazing "Community" can be from a visual standpoint.
I think this is an incredibly strong episode, and it's a blast of pure joy to watch. I give it a near-perfect 9 out of 10.
