Quick Take: Community, “Geography of Global Conflict”
“Maybe at the Peace Summit we can discuss the possibility of opening a portal to Earth-Two... Earth-Two is out there! Can’t ignore it forever.” - Abed
Review: Community, “Geography of Global Conflict”
(S0302) Everybody has a counterpart in this world – a yin to their yang, if you’ll indulge the cliché – whether it’s your evil Asian doppelganger, or just an evil Asian. Annie and Britta both encounter their respective foes this week in another Greendale political battle royal. The “showdown in the auditorium” plot has been a staple in Community’s previous seasons, but there’s always something new on the line to shake up the formula.
After having her idea for a model United Nations committee stolen by Annie Kim, Annie forms her own United Nations with the study group in order to prove herself the better Annie. Troubled by the story of her captured friend in Syria, Britta excludes herself from the group’s political movement and sets out to reignite her rebellious side on campus, finding creepy affirmation in Chang, who is determined to prove himself in his new role as a Greendale security guard. Realizing that she’s not actually willing to do anything illegal, Britta throws a brick through a window and stages a weird, costumed protest at Annie’s United Nations competition instead, which is quickly brought to an end by Chang and OH MY GOD WHO GAVE HIM A TASER?
Jeff has been struggling with his feelings for Annie since she kissed him in season one during – coincidentally – their debate against City College in the auditorium. He’s trying to adapt to Annie’s growing older, but he continues to treat her like a child in order to distance himself and ends up being just as creepy as Chang carrying a convulsing Britta in his arms. When Jeff’s flatulence jeopardizes Annie’s chances of winning, she throws a tantrum and storms out, leaving Abed to save the day with his vast knowledge of sci-fi story staples while Jeff restores the balance between him and Annie.
The referee for the United Nations battle royal is Annie’s political science teacher, Professor Cligoris (guest star Martin Starr) – either pronunciation works. His unshakable idolization of the first man to create a model United Nations eventually allows him to see through Annie Kim’s selfishness, and awards Annie’s “united” United Nations the win for demonstrating the symbolic but empty gestures that the United Nations represents. It's his appreciation for the theoretical science behind opening portals to identical Earths in parallel dimensions, however, that really opens the door for Annie to bring it home.
Also, I’m happy to announce that Troy and Abed are once again up to their usual antics during the closing credits. This week, they’ve ingeniously made Pierce their human board game, playing Operation with his watch and glasses. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time until “Troy and Abed in the Morning” makes its way back to greet us farewell throughout the season.
Community + Martin Starr = extreme awesomness :-)
The episode made me super-nostalgic for Freaks and Geeks. Hopefully he doesn't wind up being a one-time guest - the writers are usually pretty good with giving side-characters a definitive send-off.