In the movie Beetlejuice, Michael Keaton’s titular character showed up when people said “Beetlejuice” three times in a row. In “Community,” characters have said the word “Beetlejuice” once in each of the show’s three seasons. And on the third utterance (in 305, “Horror Fiction In Seven Spooky Steps”), Beetlejuice walks behind Annie (Alison Brie) in the background (video below via Reddit).
This is the kind of Easter egg that’s become common in the show — remember when Abed delivered a baby in background scenes last year? — and makes fans of the show swoon while non-watchers shrug. Idiots dismiss it with, “What’s the big deal? I don’t see what’s funny about this.” Well, it’s not funny, you clod — it’s a sign that the show, not satisfied with merely telling a story punctuated with jokes, is operating at a different frequency than your average set-up/punchline sitcom. It’s TV’s first comedy for an internet-savvy audience, and it deserves every bit of fawning fanboy worship it gets — regardless of what NBC does with it.
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As someone who was 16 years old when Beetlejuice was released, I can’t even explain how much I appreciate this.
If (when…?) there’s a fourth season, I hope Community gets Michael Keaton to guest star. He could probably use the money. Those residuals from Jack Frost just aren’t cutting it anymore.
Also, I feel like this is the first time Alison Brie’s been featured on Warming Glow and not been (oh-so-justifiably) objectified by Matt.
Beetlejuice is one of those movies that seems to be universally adored by people of my generation (I’m 32). I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t like that movie.
And you’re right, Matt–part of what makes Community such a great show is that it’s not content being just another sitcom. It openly challenges its audience to appreciate a higher level of comedy and challenges itself to deliver that comedy every week.
I love naked Brie/Jacobs, even if only a little naked.
I’ve seen Beetlejuice so many times (originally in the theater as a teenager – right there with you, UU) and I still giggle every time when Keaton dances into Dante’s Inferno Room.
Wow. This is one of the reasons I’m such a foaming-at-the-mouth Community fan. Re-watchability.
Now go to the bathroom and say “Candyman” three times!
Awesome.
And now I’m going to have this song stuck in my head for the rest of the day.
DAY-O! DAY-O!
It would have been better if Beetlejuice lifted up Allison Brie’s skirt with a stick.
I’ve seen this clip about 167 THOUSAND TIMES! AND IT KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER! EVERY! SINGLE! TIME I SEE IT!!!
I have a confession: I am one of the derelicts. I haven’t kept up Community at all–but not because I don’t find it funny. Simply because I am lazy. I’ve been largely indifferent on the whole affair, but now I am ashamed. “This, THIS is what made you see the error of your ways? One ridiculous joke?” you might ask. Yes, this. I am a sucker for this.
I think AD was TV’s first show for an internet-savvy audience, which is why the internet worships it. “Community” has taken up that mantle with aplomb and, shockingly, the CBS-watching Charlie Cheese-steaks out there continue to look the other way.