Episode Commentary: Basic Genealogy

This week probably had one of the funniest episodes of “Community” to date, as nearly the entire ensemble cast had a chance to shine through brilliantly funny lines. Although the show has been consistently rising in terms of quality, this particular installment genuinely serves to raise the bar on its production of laugh-out-loud moments.

It’s “Family Day” at Greendale Community College and each student must bring a requisite relative in to class and a barbeque. Needless to say, newly-single Jeff (Joel McHale) is flying solo.

Pierce (Chevy Chase), on the other hand, is lucky enough to have a (former) step-daughter played by the lovely Katharine McPhee. Unfortunately, Amber – a child of one of his many ex-wives – is more intent on fleecing her ex-step-father for cash than any actual bonding.

Britta (Gillian Jacobs) didn’t bring anyone, either – but Troy (Donald Glover) did, and Nana Barnes has a decidedly old-fashioned style of discipline. So after several failed attempts at sucking up, Britta has been sent off to find a switch, which she gleefully delivers – a combination which leads to one of the funniest scenes in “Community” yet.

Meanwhile, after utterly failing to bond with Amber, Pierce asks Jeff to be his wingman, which surprisingly works – until Amber decides that the young and morally growing former lawyer is a far more entertaining prospect than an evening with her mysterious step-parent.

And this is precisely what leads to that aforementioned scene.

But enough about that – other characters are present, as well. Señor Chang (Ken Jeong) brings his Rabbi brother (who apparently thinks that “Señor Chang” sounds absurd) and Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown) brings her two boys. Abed (Danny Pudi) brings his father again, as well as a female cousin.

Overall, this episode is fantastic. The chemistry between Pudi and practically everyone he encounters continues to sizzle in a decidedly awkward but refreshing and appealing manner. Having seen the impressive acting chops he expresses in “Community,” it would be interesting to see him tackle an entirely different kind of character.

But he’ll most likely let McHale take center stage yet again next week in “Beginner Pottery” next week as Jeff expresses an unprecedented interest in pottery class.

And to be perfectly honest, more of the “Soup” star is always a good thing.

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