So with Season 5 out yesterday I quickly purchased it and binge watched the whole thing in one day. Not that I really intended to, but I had nothing going on so I figured what the hell. And then today since I had even less going on I went back through the entire thing, this time listening to the commentaries. Season 5 to me is a mixed bag, one that I ultimately enjoy though. the 13 episode season really hurt Harmon (he explains as much in the commentary) and the whole story-line of Jeff being a teacher never really gets explored as much as it could, though 'Intro to Teaching' is a great episode, it's just too bad we couldn't have gotten more of what it promised. The high concept episodes work great for me, I love both 'G.I. Jeff and the Lava episode." Both having great poignancy being that one is Troy's final episode and the other deals with Jeff confronting his age. The one episode I was most worried about rewatching was "App Development and Condiments" just because I felt it got too far away from reality. But the second viewing I accepted that the whole school just let things go too far and I enjoyed it on that level, plus it's a strong episode for Shirley, who unfortunately doesn't get an awful lot to do. The two part finale is another favorite of mine, though I can understand why people dislike it. It does kind of stretch credibility a bit to suggest there's a portion of the school that no one knows about. Ultimately I enjoyed it and part of it is the Jeff/Annie moment (I admit it, I'm a shipper) which is a nice subtle nod to their ongoing "thing" without being overt about it. It's great to have Harmon back, and knowing we're getting a Season 6 I can overlook a lot of my criticisms I had (because he had them too) so knowing that I have every confidence in him to not make those mistakes again and deliver a much stronger Season that will (hopefully) lead into the movie.
I see the two part finale as the show making fun of itself. Like, they start off with the idea that they fixed the show and made it less crazy, meaning they accomplished everything they wanted to do with the 'Save Greendale Committee', and we see Abed trying to find a fun story in what's become a normal school. Then, they find out the school is going to be sold off. Jeff and Britta start to accept it and move on, accepting normalcy, and right at that moment Abed and Annie come in yelling "TREASURE!!!!" And it turns into probably the most absurd story we've seen in the show. It sort of comments on the way the show can be equally comfortable being realistic and being ridiculous.
Like I said, the moment where Jeff's feelings for Annie really go a long way to sell the episode for me. Plus I love the song that plays when the secret door is opening, and I love the School board guy thinking he has ESP and trying to read Hickey's mind. Ah hell you know what? I'm just going to say I love the finale, especially Abed's fourth wall breaking moment telling everyone that the school is going to be destroyed by an asteroid if there is no season 6.
News about Season 6 is still slow going in these early stages, but at least one piece of news has come out and it's awesome, apparently the Russo's will be returning to direct the Season 6 opener: Full story here. Also there is a small (but vocal) part of fandom that is convinced Alison Brie won't be returning. I personally think they're making a mountain out of a mole hill, but some people will read something into anything (incidentally the reason these rumors are gaining traction is because Alison is pretty aloof when it comes to be talking about the sixth season of Community).
While I'm not exactly believing that I am fully ready to believe it. Alison Brie is arguably a bigger star at this point than Donald Glover, so after his departure she was always going to be next. I think in an earlier season commentary Chevy said she was "the only real film star" out of the young cast members and...he's probably right. She's gorgeous and talented and I'm not sure her career would want to move over from Network TV to Yahoo Screen. On the flipside though, her departure would irrevocably hurt the show. Donald leaving "hurt" Abed, but being a former loner who found a best friend who then left was a character arc that brought Abed full circle. Alison leaving robs the main character of his love interest, which me being a Jeff/Britta shipper wouldn't have minded but the last episode's finale hinged on Jeff's love for Annie, so her just not being there is going to do some real damage.
I still believe Alison will be back, because she does have a contract through season 6 and really loves the show. I know Yahoo was talking about a seventh season but I just don't see that happening.
Alison is quoted in this article as saying it's hard to get details right now...so I'm guessing the rest of the cast isn't quite aware of what is going on or haven't been given scripts yet to read. http://arts.nationalpost.com/2014/0...ommunity-its-hard-to-get-details-from-anyone/
Losing Annie would be a huge blow to the show. I would agree with Chevy she is the best actress on the show and crucial chemistry for almost every main character. I think since she is under contract she will be black but given the Troy situation I think Harmon would also not stand in the way of her career goals.
Why are people even trying to imply that she has no interest in returning to the show? Have they never seen her outside the show? She clearly has a blast with it, loves most of the cast, and has no reason whatsoever to not want to return. Money would be the only issue, and I doubt it's something she would concern herself over as opposed to her agent. Hell, it's not even similar to Donald Glover who had an entire other career he was more interested in getting back into.
Because people need something to be outraged over so they create these false rumors. And then when the actress doesn't feel the need to dignify the rumors with a response the people get a chance to shout "Aha! I told you so!"
The difference between Glover and Brie is she is contracted for Season 6. Glover renegotiated his contract a while back for a year to year basis. That was why he was able to say he didn't want to do anymore and not be in breach of contract.
Well Shirley won't be returning now Yvette Nicole Brown is focusing her time on taking care of her ailing father now: Full story here.http://tvline.com/2014/09/30/yvette-nicole-brown-leaving-community-shirley-not-returning-season-6-yahoo/
Yikes. How are they going to put together a season with only four of the original seven characters? Sure they did a great job last season sliding Annie into Troy's role as Abed's best friend. And I'm sure Harmon has some great theme ideas. As much as I love the show, it'd be nice to see the fans just say that seasons 1-3 were so good, we could have just let them be the show's legacy and been happy with that. Ever seen the movie Pet Sematary? Community: The son The Fans: The father
I think Season 5 is just as good as anything from the first three seasons. Hampered by the fact that it was only 13 versus 23. I think Harmon has learned from that though and will better construct a season that isn't all "high concept" episodes like Season 5 was. As for Shirley leaving, it's a huge blow, but I'm not as devastated as if it was Annie not returning. Also they are casting for two new charterers so perhaps they'll slot in some interesting high profile names to carry some of the dead weight of the cast members not returning. All that said though, considering the cast is dwindling with each new year, I'm perfectly happy with Season 6 being the final season, and ending with a possible movie (where I could see everyone agreeing to return).
But it seems that she will be on the CBS show... I feel it's she is sick of community and her dad is sick so she can do a part time stupid sitcom and help her dad. But boy just end the show! Season 5 is funny and stupid and silly, time to move on.
She explains that in a different article. Apparently working on a three camera sitcom requires less commitment than a single camera comedy. Plus her role is only recurring, so she won't need to be there all the time.