It's a locomotive that runs on US!"

Man, there were so many jokes in tonight's Community, "Paradigms Of Human Memory", that I almost don't know where to begin.

Let's start with the concept of this episode, an obvious riff on the classic sitcom flashback trope. For decades this has been an easy way to get through an episode in the late season lull - you construct the loosest of plots, and then use it as an excuse to show clips. The disappointment felt as a viewer when one thinks they are sitting down to a new episode, only to discover it's shit they've already seen before, is something I am quite familiar with. Community, to my delight, made a flashback episode wherein the flashbacks are stories and incidents we've never seen before, like a trip to an old ghost town. So we're given these new glimpses into the the year these characters have had (like Pierce thinking that making an eagle sound will distract Abed enough that he can steal his fries); instead of tired reminders, we get insight. The characters all act true to themselves, but we catch glimpses, like Shirley's sneaky makeup sale, that enhance our perception of them even further.

That is not to say that there aren't references and call-backs galore. The entire "loose plot" revolves around Chang discovering Annie's Boobs' stash in the vents and then Abed is a computer and figures out that Jeff and Britta have been hooking up and the flashbacks begin. We don't only get new settings, we also get continuations of previously-seen scenes, like Halloween or Christmas (it was awesome to see Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas from the others' point of view). Community is one of my favorite kinds of show, the kind (like Arrested Development) that rewards the dedicated viewer while still providing a high level of enjoyment for those who may not have the time to watch every episode twice and pore over details.

I thought the way they handled the Annie and Jeff perception issue was great - especially because it brilliantly skewered the 'shipper videos that crazy people on YouTube make (excellent music choice). I AM disappointed that no mention was made of more Troy and Britta (although I did love how he throws the thing on the table and rolls up his sleeves when he hears about the post-St. Patrick's Day adventure), but we'll see where that goes, I am not yet devoid of hope as I am with Dan and Blair, RIP the last good thing about Gossip Girl. At this point I could care less what happens with Jeff and Annie, I just love this show so much and am willing to stick with it through a hell of a lot. They would have to work really hard to get me to stop watching.

And ultimately, I guess that's the point "Paradigms Of Human Memory" was trying to make. They've been through a lot, and even though there are rough moments and they may fight and argue, there are good reasons why the group stays together. They love each other, and, in a weird way, fit well together. Even if the episode's title is forshadowing towards some sort of group split up, we know that's never going to last. And, also, I guess, that even being punched by a monkey can seem awesome when viewed through the fog of memory.

Notes & Quotes

Two great faces: Jeff's forehead insecurity, and the monkey's recognition of Troy.

"Is that a new stereotype?"

"It's like a reverse cow birth"

"That dude was hardcore racist - like 1800s Disney style"

"We won like 70 awards!"

Barber school!

Britta and the chapstick is maybe my favorite scene of the whole thing.

"Feast your ear-tongues on these memory pops!"

"I'll be a living god!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Six seasons and a movie!"

"Those are just stories about us being cute"

Double dutch team? Ok.

"Flat BARoque" Really, the whole Dean montage was amazing. Jim Rash is an incredible comedian - and the ending cartoon was just fabulous. Jeff's southern accent! Yes.

Troy freaking out NEVER gets old.

"El corazon del agua es verdad"

"Yes, Troy, like The Traveling Wilburys of pain"

"It's you."

"I just think there maybe could be repercussions, yo!"

Images via SpoilerTV