After brainstorming ways to get viewers back on their side — “Should we do an episode where Alison Brie is naked the entire time?” “Don’t think the FCC would be cool with that, those tightwads.” “Well, how about one where Chevy Chase is brutally murdered on-screen?” “Again, the whole FCC thing.” “OK, OK, I got it: HEROIN, everyone shoots heroin…” “JESUS TERRY, DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT THE FCC IS?” — the writers of Community have settled on their most fan-friendly concept since last season’s video game episode: puppets.
An all-puppet episode featuring extensive use of the performers in puppet form will air in April and include a cameo from Jason Alexander (though not as a puppet). As the panel closed, the cast mates brought out their puppet lookalikes to revel in the moment…Earlier, new show runners David Guarascio and Moses Port focused on this Thursday’s episode that finds the introduction of James Brolin in a recurring role as the long-estranged father of star Joel McHale’s character, Jeff Winger. The installment also features Fred Willard in a cameo, and he was also present during a table read that opened the panel. (Via)
Many live-action shows have briefly employed the use of puppets (30 Rock, with Kenneth; MST3K, with Joel’s freaky catfish creature), but few have dared to challenge us to look within ourselves and ask the age-old question: is it weird to find a puppet attractive? I mean, the Dean’s felt head is BEGGING to be touched.
Anyway, here’s a clip from TV’s best puppet-heavy episode, “Smile Time.”
![[avatar]](http://p.uproxxcdn.com/photo/679/thumb)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/abed-happy-college-show-650x365-150x150.jpg)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/chris-thumbs-up-650x364-150x150.jpg)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/dancing-chandler-150x150.gif)
![[image]](http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2013/05/evil-annie-150x150.png)
Still the best puppet-related thing ever.
Thank you for reminding me to watch this 1,000 more times
In theory, I love this.
In practice, we shall see.
My feelings are identical to yours.
I agree with you — in theory. In theory, communism works. In theory.
Bingo. I did love the Angel shout out as well, so I know it can be done with fantastic results. Whether it will be fantastic, we shall see.
I’m sure we’ll get at least one laugh from the episode. More than that? We’ll see.
Agreed, it’s the same stance I’m taking to the season as whole.
Do you guys think we’ll see? I’m not so sure, but we’ll see.
i love this show so much that I’m getting through this season simply by being happy I get to watch it every week. I can’t say it sucks, but it KINDA sucks. I didn’t think Harmon would leave this big of a gap behind him (no fat joke intended).
I realize now that I am addicted to Community, thanks to being surrounded by people who aren’t afraid to actually tell me just how awful this season is. Obviously that won’t stop me from enjoying this puppet episode, but at this point I’m probably the 10 billionth person to finally accept that this show is no longer good, and that it’s toast. It breaks my hear to admit that.
It’s not just Harmon, they’ve also lost Chris McKenna, Dino Stamotapolous, Neil Goldman, and Garrett Donovan as well as the Russo Brothers. I’m not saying the show would be at the level it’s at now if Harmon were there, but I don’t think it would be as good as the first season.
Whedon did it first. And pretty well actually.
[www.youtube.com]
Ah, let the “This is a great idea, but isn’t going to be as good as it would if Dan Harmon did it.” begin.
“This is a great idea, but isn’t going to be as good as it would if Dan Harmon did it.”
Unless Megan Ganz writes it, then I have some faith.
Sorry, but through the last four episodes, Ganz has proven that her presence alone cannot save the show from utter, utter shittiness…
@Ralph
So you would really use the term “shitty” to describe the last 4 episodes?
The one episode she wrote wasn’t shitty
Just when I’m ready to let go, Fred Willard pulls me back in.
“Troy and Abed in a puppppet”. hmm.. doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.
Less puppets, more muppets, says I.
Hooray…more gimmick episodes…
To quote Abed from this year’s Halloween episode- “I remember when this used to be about a community college”.
When every episode becomes a gimmick episode, the whole novelty of gimmick episodes gets lost. Maybe if they focused on the episodes being about 7 people trying to get their college degree again, the show would be doing better…
Oh, and I’ll be the first to say it- Annie’s puppet isn’t showing enough cleavage.
There, I said it…
Mustn’t forget Craig Ferguson in all this puppet shenanigans:
[www.youtube.com]
If James Brolin is playing Jeff Winger’s dad and he just played Castle’s dad on Castle, does that mean Jeff Winger and Castle are related?
BRAAAAAAAHHHHHMMMM
Reminds me of that great Big Train sketch about the ventriloquist dummy. Hilarious stuff from the writers of Father Ted.
[www.youtube.com]
Loved the Angel reference but still would they be a reason as to why exactly they are puppets?