Joel McHale Shirtless!

Thanks to the power of the internet I finally got to see the first episode of Community on NBC and I was actually pleasantly surprised. So here is my review of the pilot.

For some reason, after watching the preview video’s I wasn’t sure it was going to all that funny, but fortunately I was wrong and I really enjoyed it.

Let’s look at the characters in more detail.

Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) – At first it seemed as if Joel was just playing himself named Jeff, but as the episode went on I started to really like his character, especially in the softer moments when he realizes that he isn’t just going to get everything his way. He didn’t get the girl, he didn’t get the test answers and all of a sudden it’s like he finally knows that he is screwed. It’s this tender moment that I actually started to like Jeff and thought Joel did a great job here.

Professor Duncan (John Oliver) – Booyah! Ok so he’s not a regular cast member and has only signed up for two episodes so far but I loved this character. I loved his environmental car, his book cluttered office and his english accent. But most of all I loved that he knew what was best for Jeff and showed he was a true friend by giving him what he really needs, even though that was not want he wanted. Again I say – Booyah!

Pierce (Chevy Chase) – How can I say anything bad about Chevy Chase, this guy is a legend! We still haven’t seen enough of Pierce yet, but I can definately see the character developing as the show progresses. My favorite scene was when he made a hotdog but then put it back in the food tray – LOL.

Britta (Gillian Jacobs) – Britta, who I will now call Bitter, is my least favorite character. I don’t get her. At one stage she’s like ‘don’t talk to me’ ‘I’m really smart’ but then she believes Jeff’s lies about being proficient in Spanish when it’s so obvious he’s up himself. Then in study group she plays hot and cold – one minute she’s oh so cool the next she’s looking all puppy dog eyes at Jeff. She doesn’t seem consistent. And I hope the show never get’s Jeff and Britta together – I don’t ever see that she would be interested in him (and he is only interested in himself) – please NBC – don’t do it.

Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) – While I liked the acting and can see that she is going to provide some funny laughs down the road, we still haven’t seem much of Shirley or know much about her character yet. I’m still on the fence with her – although I think I will like her more as I get to know her.

Abed (Danny Pudi) – Hilarious! I’m sure Abed is going to be one of my favorite characters – good acting, good comedy timing and strong character to boot. I particularly liked that even though the other characters underestimate him, he actually seems smarter than them all. Love him.

Annie (Alison Brie) – Annie is my favorite female character so far. I liked how neurotic she was which really worked in this setting. While I still don’t understand how these characters all joined up to come together since they are all so different – apart from taking the same Spanish class of course – I can definately see how Annie would find the study group and be defiant enough to show up even if she thought she wasn’t invited but yet be so insecure about it. I hope she never becomes confident. Her personality right now is so funny.

Troy (Donald Glover) – So far I like Troy but I really hope they give him some more depth than just the former dumb jock. I particularly liked how disinterested he was when they first got to study group while the other characters where talking. Playing him against the other members is going to be interested to watch.

Overall I’m looking forward to see how the show develops and thought it was surprising refreshing and funny. While I still don’t know many of the characters well enough yet to love the show – I can’t wait to see how they progress and how the show will play out over the upcoming episodes.

Well done NBC – You’ve got me to want to watch again.

Tags: nbc community

So NBC’s Community has just aired across the US and now I want to know what you think! Was Joel McHale any good? Which characters did you like / not like? (I’d give you my own opinion but because I’m in Australia I haven’t seen it yet).

I’ve read all the TV publicity reviews that all seem to give it a thumbs up, but now I want to hear from you – the real viewers at home.

Could this be the best thing that Joel has ever done or is it doomed?

Comment below.

Tags: nbc community