In a departure from their tradition of naming episodes after classes, Community returns to one of its best episodes and pays homage to old school westerns. I know I’ve been a little lax with my Community reviews lately, but I have to review this one! Westerns are really growing on me and the original paintball episode was brilliant. Combined with some real interesting character developments and a intriguing cliffhanger “A Fist Full of Paintballs” was ridiculous Community at its best.
During the western themed ice cream festival the Dean announces another paintball competition. He states that this time paint ball wont get so crazy because the prize won’t be so spectacular. Instead of priority registration the prize will be… $100,000! Of course the school goes crazy and breaks down into the lawless west. Forming a pose Annie, Jeff, and Abed team up and encounter a mysterious “Black Rider” eliminating players. Pierce establishes a boarder town, complete with saloon dancing girls, and deputies. But all is not well as it seems that Piece may be plotting against the group.
The episode was non stop fun. Annie is the central focus, of most of the drama and action. Immediately we see she’s taken about 5 levels in badass, gunning down Fat Neil and a few others. Whereas we normally see her as a goody two shoes here, we’re treated to a tough take no prisoners Annie. The group has decided to vote Peirce out, but that can only happen if it’s unanimous. Annie is the only hold out. When it turns out that Pierce is still scheming tough Annie needs to lay down the law.
The thing I love about Community is that you can’t just write the characters’ disfuctionality off as a quirk of their personality. The group members have gone through legitimate character development, and there seems to be definitive fallout for their actions. Pierce, as it seems is on the chopping block for group admission due to his “villainous” behavior this season. Between me and you if I were a student at Greendale I would have kicked Pierce’s ass long ago. He tried to ruin a suicidal Fat Niel. He manipulated Annie by giving her money. He faked a reunion with Jeff’s father. He even ruined the trampoline paradise. Everything mean, and insensitive he does can call be traced back to his need to be involved and fear of exclusion. As much of a dick as he is I do feel a little bit bad for him. Pierce has become a self fulfilling prophecy. He does have a point he is being excluded. It’s surprisingly deep character development for a sit com.