TV Review: Community Concludes in a Galaxy Far Far Away

City College Conspiracy!  Star Wars references that I (embarrassingly) only half-get!  Meta-analysis of the show and the group dynamics!  Must be finale time at Greendale Community College. 

And this episode delivered in true Community fashion.  We got an epic conclusion to the paintball war, lots of laughs, and some genuine chaos. 

Things I loved:  the “epic” score throughout the battle sequences; every joke involving Leonard (“I’ve been in several actual wars, but this is the most terrifying”); the smoothness of the motif switchover; Annie and Abed (wtf?); Pierce saving the day in a twist that felt straight out of a cheesy action movie; and so much more.

No shockers like last season’s conclusion, but some lingering questions.  Is Pierce really done with the study group (my money’s on no, but we’ll see)?  Will Annie and Abed pan out, or are we going to be treated to more of her acting like a whiny high school girl next season?  Where was the Troy and Britta payoff (or even additional tiny hint) that I’ve been waiting for?  Why is Shirley not home with her baby (I did love that they poked fun at that)? 

I liked that the show ended on a note that it’s spent most of this season on.  It didn’t leave me on the edge of my seat for next week, but it delivered a lot of unexpected laughs, and I can go into the season three premiere in September ready for more of the same.

TV Review: Community's Western Cliffhanger

Loved the opening, and the performances all around.  I appreciated how willing they were to really go all out this time, and it really felt like a different show.  But that's the appeal of Community-- you get a fresh take every week.  I don't always like when they go for the straight up parody, but this time it worked really well.  The flashbacks particularly were really a great touch.

And of course, guest appearance by one Josh Holloway, last seen on LOST?  Phenomenal.  Although I am wondering whether he is capable of playing outside the rugged cowboy persona (not a complaint, merely an observation).  I loved his showdown with the gang, though, and the sheer volume of references to Sawyer was fantastic. 

I agree wholeheartedly with Abed's assessment:  Annie was "pretty awesome today."  Seriously though, I really appreciated them allowing her to step into the badass spotlight, especially since she's spent most of the season in the little girl role.  On a separate note, should Shirley really have been running around like that?  She just popped out a kid, guys.

Overall, "A Fistfull of Paintballs" really kept the sweeps streak going, particularly after last week's quieter, more dramatic installment.  I loved the ending, which really felt like a film for which I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel (especially with the epic-looking trailer for the next episode).  There's a conspiracy afoot, and I for one can't wait to watch it unfold next week.