You really REALLY have to give the show credit for not being afraid of anything, most writers/producers/directors shy completely away from D&D (or take the p**s) but not only did The Community jump into the metaphorical water feet first, they managed to pull it off in style.
During the course of the show, they explore the affects of name calling & potential suicide (with a REALLY strong and sensitive performance from Charley Koontz as the unfortunately nicknamed "Fat" Neil), strong and unexpected emotions (Britta developing a sincere relationship with a dying NPC Gnome), racism (Señor Chang made up as a Dark Elf, and Shirly mistakenly thinking its a "hate crime"), role reversal (Annie and Abed playing out a sexual encounter was a hoot - just watch her hand gestures LoL), and all sorts of good natured jabs at geekery and those who simply fail to understand it.
Pierce is once again the "baddie" of the Episode, and I have to say Chevy Chase is still as funny as he was when he was younger. But if he was playing in MY Campaign, he would get SUCH a slap for cheating LoL!
I have to say I found it to be a triumph not only of television, but a REALLY sensitive and realistic portrayal of a Game of AD&D - not since The Gamers (2002), and The Gamers: Dorkness Rising (2008) - have I seen anything so well done and enthrawling - Bravo!
Tightly scripted, well acted (as usual) - The Community goes from strength to strength; and this episode shows how bloody strong and versatile the Actors on this show are.
Well Done my friends, and Well Met!
Somehow I find it hard to digest that Clark W. Griswold plays D&D.
ReplyDeleteI have to see this episode online sometime.
ReplyDeleteTotally agreed, it was a fantastic episode and made me (and I'm sure many others) want to play DnD despite never haveing played before.
ReplyDelete@ Warduke - yea, LoL.
ReplyDelete@ Wonder Woman - its REALLY worth searching out!
@ Barnaby - It's a REALLY positive look at RPG's, and actually how it helps people and creates supportive groups.
@ All: It was good. You can watch the whole episode for free at NBC's website.
ReplyDeleteIt's also on Hulu:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hulu.com/watch/212754/community-advanced-dungeons-and-dragons
I kept laughing at nearly every part of the episode. I'm also working on my own character sheet despite never having played the game.
ReplyDeleteAs a gamer I loved that episode - even if there was some minor quibbles with rules etc. It still rawked.
ReplyDeleteSaw this ep when it came out and maybe watched it 10 times since. Your commentary is spot on - as someone who grew up with D&D (37y.o.) this ep really clicked with me. Man, I hope this show gets another season or two.
ReplyDelete