10 Iconic Community Episodes That Must Be Referenced in the Upcoming Movie!

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As a die-hard fan of the hit series “Community,” I eagerly anticipate the upcoming film, which promises to be a delightful reunion of our beloved characters from Greendale Community College. There are undoubtedly several iconic moments and episodes from the show that would be remiss not to pay tribute to in this cinematic adventure.

Though the exact release date for the “Community” movie remains uncertain, one thing is certain: our cherished study group will reunite once more, fulfilling the long-awaited prophecy of “six seasons and a movie.” Each of the six seasons of “Community” boasts episodes that are ripe for recognition in the forthcoming film.

Some episodes from “Community” are highly acclaimed as among the series’ best, while others have become notorious for various reasons. In other cases, they’re just unforgettable due to their meme-worthiness, rich storylines, or characters departing the show. No matter the reason, certain “Community” episodes are legendary, and it’s guaranteed that the movie will acknowledge these iconic moments.

10. “Basic Intergluteal Numismatics”

Season 5, Episode 3

It seems quite plausible that the enigma surrounding the “Community” character known as the Ass Crack Bandit will be brought up in the upcoming movie. This is because the fifth season’s episode titled “Basic Intergluteal Numismatics” departs from the usual “Community” format, taking a darker turn and reintroducing the elusive Ass Crack Bandit. Prior to this episode, there had only been a fleeting reference to the character, with no further exploration of the concept until then.

Even though Star Burns was initially accused, the true identity of the “Ass Crack Bandit” remains a mystery within the series ‘Community’. There’s talk of multiple bandits and Dan Harmon hinted during a 2020 reunion call that it could be Annie, but this has not been officially confirmed. The upcoming movie might shed some light on the matter by possibly revealing who the real Ass Crack Bandit is.

9. “Cooperative Polygraphy”

Season 5, Episode 4

In the upcoming movie, I anticipate that we’ll find references to the episode titled “Cooperative Polygraphy,” given its connection to the events surrounding Pierce’s character’s departure from our beloved show, Community. Since Pierce’s demise leads to Donald Glover’s character, Troy Barnes, leaving as well, it seems inevitable that we might see some acknowledgement of Chevy Chase’s exit before season 5. However, one specific aspect from this episode that I believe will be referenced in the movie is the gifts that Pierce leaves for the study group, as these items not only reflect his character but also have a significant role in how he passes away.

Pierce distributes a cylinder of his sperm to each group member, and unfortunately succumbs from exhaustion during the process. Among other presents, he bequeaths Hawthorne Wipes stocks to Troy (should he circumnavigate the globe with his boat), and the tiara featured in the season 2 episode “Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking” to Annie. It’s unlikely that the group won’t bring up Pierce’s outlandish lie detector test or the bizarre gifts, even if Chevy Chase or his character are absent.

8. “Geothermal Escapism”

Season 5, Episode 5

In the third straight episode of Season 5 from the series “Community,” the one that logically comes to mind is titled “Geothermal Escapism,” which is where Troy decides to leave. A key requirement for Troy to obtain Pierce’s shares in Hawthorne Wipes involves sailing around the world on his deceased friend’s boat. However, the will stipulates that this was something Pierce’s father made him do at a similar age to teach him how to become a man. Despite Jeff’s attempts to challenge this condition, Troy consents. Before departing from Greendale, Abed, however, organizes a school-wide game of Hot Lava.

In “Geothermal Escapism”, Abed channeling all his feelings into the game as a way to sidestep his friend’s departure and Troy’s actual exit (alongside Levar Burton, notably), there are numerous scenes that the Community movie could delve into. Additionally, Community season 6 hints at Troy disappearing during his journey, and it is hoped that the film will shed light on what transpired for him during this period.

7. “Modern Warfare”

Season 1, Episode 23

It’s quite probable that the film will reference various paintball episodes from the TV show “Community”, but I believe it’s particularly plausible that the standout one, “Modern Warfare”, will be mentioned more frequently than others. This initial paintball episode occurs in season 1, where a fierce competition among students for priority registration for the next semester results in Greendale being severely damaged. Given how seriously they take their school-wide games at Greendale and since “Modern Warfare” set off this tradition, it seems unlikely that the movie would overlook mentioning it.

Although specifics about the plot of the Community movie are yet to be revealed, it’s plausible that a paintball game could significantly feature in the storyline. This particular paintball match signified a turning point in season 1 of Community, as it was when the study group truly solidified their bond and began functioning effectively as a team. Additionally, this episode saw the commencement of Britta and Jeff’s on-again, off-again relationship, an aspect that might be revisited in the Community movie.

6. “Emotional Consequences Of Broadcast Television”

Season 6, Episode 13

Despite “Community”‘s last episode, titled “Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television,” not being the series’ best, it would feel unusual if the upcoming movie doesn’t acknowledge it. In the series finale, Abed and Annie move on to new roles as a production assistant and an FBI intern, respectively. Elroy accepts a job with LinkedIn and promises to return after the summer. By the end of the episode, only Britta and Jeff remain as original members of the study group, but they’re not alone, as the Dean, Frankie, and Chang are still around.

Regardless of whether Annie and Abed have continued on their chosen career paths or not, these aspects are bound to be mentioned given their significance in wrapping things up. As several key actors departed from Community throughout its run, there comes a point when a TV show can’t afford to lose too many characters before it’s time to call it quits. Fingers crossed that the movie will delve into the amusing and self-referential board game ending sequence as well.

5. “Pillows And Blankets”

Season 3, Episode 14

Many people find themselves constantly drawn back to ‘Community’s’ episode titled ‘Pillows and Blankets,’ which revolves around the epic conflict between Troy and Abed’s fortresses made of pillows (Pillowtown) and blankets (Blanketsburg). Although this story unfolds over several episodes, it is the climactic ‘Pillows and Blankets’ episode that stands out. This installment is both heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s hard to believe that a simple playtime activity between Troy and Abed could escalate into a school-wide event, but it’s equally intriguing to witness how this predicament affects their friendship.

Additionally, it’s exciting to imagine the Community series making a nod to the time when Troy and Abed had their disagreement regarding a possible Guinness World Records event. The bond between these two characters is crucial in Community, and things are never quite the same after they become separated. Although there might not be space to incorporate all references to the show in the Community movie, this particular moment should definitely be remembered.

4. “Paradigms Of Human Memory”

Season 2, Episode 21

As a movie critic, I must say that “Community’s” “Paradigms of Human Memory” is a clever and witty take on the TV clip show format, and one of the most self-referential episodes this series has ever produced. Instead of rehashing scenes from previous episodes, this installment ingeniously satirizes the trope by presenting never-before-seen clips that are bafflingly nonsensical or require a deep understanding of “Community” lore to fully appreciate. Yet, they’re all undeniably funny and distinct, with an impressive 70 new scenes gracing our screens throughout the episode.

Essentially, “Paradigms of Human Memory” serves as the origin of the “Six seasons and a movie” joke. In one episode, Abed surprises Jeff in the cafeteria wearing a cape. When he accidentally knocks over a tray and runs off, Jeff claims that “the show will last three weeks,” to which Abed responds with the memorable line as a rebuttal.

3. “Remedial Chaos Theory”

Season 3, Episode 3

In the film, it’s crucial to include the concept of “Community’s” Grimmest Scenario, a term that should be explained. The Grimmest Scenario is initially presented in the season 3 episode titled “Remedial Chaos Theory,” a memorable episode where the characters experience disastrous outcomes due to choosing among seven individuals. When Jeff tosses a die to determine who will fetch the pizza from downstairs, this action leads to the formation of six distinct timelines, with the Grimmest Scenario being the most catastrophic of them all.

In the TV series “Community”, the fourth season’s episode titled “Advanced Introduction to Finality” concludes the Darkest Timeline plotline, though some might argue it was not handled well. However, this provides an opportunity for the “Community” movie to revisit this storyline and offer a more satisfying conclusion. The Darkest Timeline is one of the most memorable running gags in “Community”, and among all, it seems fitting to readdress it in the movie due to its coherent narrative.

2. “Intro To Felt Surrogacy”

Season 4, Episode 9

Introduction to Puppet Mediation” could be an apt rephrasing for the episode in question.

In this episode, things get surreal and peculiar, featuring some unusual musical segments. Yet, given the gas leak scenario, it all somehow fits together coherently. Essentially, Community season 5 subtly acknowledges the gas leak incident as a metaphor for the challenges faced during season 4, which were primarily caused by questionable narrative choices and Dan Harmon’s dismissal. This term has gained notoriety in the television world, so it would be fitting for the Community movie to reference the year when Greendale’s students behaved erratically due to a gas leak.

1. “Advanced Documentary Filmmaking”

Season 4, Episode 6

In the TV series ‘Community’, the bizarre tale involving Ben Chang, or his alias “Kevin”, a condition called Changesia stands out as one of the most preposterous storylines. Following Chang’s imprisonment for kidnapping the Dean, he vanishes for a short while. However, “Kevin” reappears unexpectedly in “Alternative History of the German Invasion,” claiming to have forgotten his past and any wrongdoings.

Of course, this is all a deception, a rather implausible one at that. The episode titled “Advanced Documentary Filmmaking” delves into Changesia through another of Abed’s documentaries.

In this documentary, they strive to secure additional financing for Greendale School, allowing them to delve deeper into Changnesia – a rare condition that, as luck would have it, affects only one individual: Ben Chang/Kevin. Later on, the Changnesia incident is brushed aside by the characters in Community, an act of forgiveness that’s quite extraordinary, even for a sitcom. Yet, I believe this intriguing plotline will be revisited in the Community movie.

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2025-06-01 00:49