So basically, this show can do whatever it wants. Documentary sitcom, check. This was, I think, maybe the second-most impressive of all the (now-many) genre experiments they've done. Because not only was it shot differently (obviously) but the actors had to play their characters a lot more low-key with different beats, and they even had to write different kinds of jokes to fit the talking heads and cuts between footage style. Additionally, I think the format of this concept actually made it even more emotional and character-driven than usual, when the complaint is usually the opposite when they do these types of episodes.
It's surprising how almost irredeemably evil Pierce has become between this and Dungeons & Dragons and the drugs play, but it's also the most I've enjoyed Chevy Chase on this show.
Here's one of the better conversations anyone has ever had:
This was really great - Troy tearfully singing the Reading Rainbow song in the bathroom was maybe the best, or maybe it was Brita and Jeff's parental roleplay - but it's hard to figure to figure out why Pierce is in the study group. From "drugs" to Dungeons and Dragons to this, he's a man who totally earned punches to the face. I can't understand Jeff or Troy wanting to spend time with him any more after this.
I really liked this episode, but the show is becoming much more hit and miss than the constant "brings the funny" it was there for a while.
Originally posted by thecubsfan...but it's hard to figure to figure out why Pierce is in the study group. From "drugs" to Dungeons and Dragons to this, he's a man who totally earned punches to the face.
This is my biggest gripe with this season so far. I really liked the way in which they developed Pierce last season, but lately he's just been a prick. I'm guessing they'll blame it on the pills, but regardless - Chang as the group's foil was a lot more fun (although Change was terrific in the Dungeons & Dragon's episode).
And I'm also starting to wonder when these people actually GO TO CLASS. I miss the classroom humor of last season.
Originally posted by Matt Tracker"More sushi for Kente" almost crippled me.
Originally posted by thecubsfan...but it's hard to figure to figure out why Pierce is in the study group. From "drugs" to Dungeons and Dragons to this, he's a man who totally earned punches to the face.
This is my biggest gripe with this season so far. I really liked the way in which they developed Pierce last season, but lately he's just been a prick. I'm guessing they'll blame it on the pills, but regardless - Chang as the group's foil was a lot more fun (although Change was terrific in the Dungeons & Dragon's episode).
Agreed. Chang has been totally underused this season while Pierce has gone from curmudgeony racist to outright ass. Why they keep him in the group and why he wants to be in the group is unclear.
I know you're a feminist and I think that's adorable, but this is grown-up time and I'm the man.
The way they were setting it up, I was expecting Pierce to turn out to be Jeff's father, and given the fact that Jeff's father is still an unknown quantity, I don't suppose we can entirely rule that out. Although that would make the Jeff/Pierce dynamic even stranger.
Was something different about Jeff's hair in this episode. It seemed... flatter.
I never want to meet Donald Glover in person. I only want a signed photo.
I'm disappointed they haven't gone back to the Jeff/Richard dynamic since he ran to his apartment saying he wanted to be a better person.
You believe me, don't you? Please believe what I just said...
Originally posted by LeroyI really liked this episode, but the show is becoming much more hit and miss than the constant "brings the funny" it was there for a while.
Originally posted by thecubsfan...but it's hard to figure to figure out why Pierce is in the study group. From "drugs" to Dungeons and Dragons to this, he's a man who totally earned punches to the face.
This is my biggest gripe with this season so far. I really liked the way in which they developed Pierce last season, but lately he's just been a prick. I'm guessing they'll blame it on the pills, but regardless - Chang as the group's foil was a lot more fun (although Change was terrific in the Dungeons & Dragon's episode).
The tidiest suggestion I saw was that at the end of the year Chang would finally snap and follow through on his Gollum-style promise to destroy the group, and Pierce would redeem himself by saving everybody.
Pierce needs validation and attention. He never got it as a child. Five wives left him. He's a rich man, who's very poor emotionally and socially and he realizes he's getting to the end of his life and he doesn't have the social skills to express himself or to make real world friends.
All that aside, absolutely solid in every way. For me this is right up there with the paintball episode as the best they've done.
I'm late to this party because I'm a DVR viewer but this episode was awesome. Best biblical circumcision references in a sci fi show ever. Great opening scene that was not a dream? Check. Cromartie: They don't have faith in you like I do. Ellison: