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Cover Story College life: NBC's 'Community' returns with another hilarious season By Shona Dustan TV Media T he little comedy that could is heading back to the small screen in a big way. Despite last year's questionable ratings, NBC has brought back "Community" for at least one more round. So far, thanks to some staffing changes and a lineup of stellar guest stars, the fifth season is shaping up to be one of the comedy's best. Season 5 of "Community" kicks off with back-to-back episodes Thursday, Jan. 2, on NBC. When "Community" premiered in 2009, it quickly stole the hearts of viewers and critics alike. Though ratings for the show have never been particularly high, "Community" has one of the most dedicated fan bases out there. Much of the show's success can be attributed to word-of-mouth advertising, and love and support for the show grew steadily throughout its first three seasons. The quirky comedy chronicles the adventures of an unlikely group of friends, united by a study group, as they bumble their way through their years at Greendale Community College. It's ensemble comedy at its finest — seven very different characters take Centre stage in every episode, while an incredibly memorable cast of supporting characters fill out the storylines. Comedian Joel McHale ("The Soup," "Sons of Anarchy") plays the charismatic-but-egocentric Jeff Winger, who enrolls at Greendale when it's discovered that, though he's been successfully practicing law for years, he's never actually earned a degree. In a harebrained effort to get close to a pretty girl, Jeff unwittingly creates the study group that becomes the Centre of the show. That pretty girl is Britta Perry (Gillian Jacobs, "Choke" (2008), "The Box" (2009)), a serial crusade-joiner who wants nothing more than to stick it to the man — she just can't seem to settle on who "the man" is, and how or why she wants to stick it to him. Annie Edison (Alison Brie, "Mad Men," "The Five-Year Engagement" (2012)) is Britta's polar opposite — a prim and proper young girl, intensely dedicated to being the best at everything. Brie's performance in the show has been praised by critics, and her considerable comedic skills display her range as an actor, especially when compared to her dramatic recurring role in AMC's "Mad Men." Annie's high school crush, Troy Barnes (Donald Glover, "30 Rock," "The Muppets" (2011)), is also a part of the Greendale study group, a sweet and simple jock with a big imagination and a sincere love of trampolines. Troy's best friend is Abed Nadir (Danny Pudi, "Greek," "Gilmore Girls"), an intense and imaginative young man with an undisclosed mental condition (it's strongly hinted that Abed has Asperger's syndrome, but it's never been confirmed). Abed and Troy's friendship is one of the most endearing qualities of the show, and most episodes end with a "Troy and Abed" gag, often a clip from their make-believe morning talk show, "Troy and Abed in the Morning." Rounding out the current headlining cast is Shirley Bennett (Yvette Nicole Brown, "The Island" (2005), "(500) Days of Summer" (2009)), a Godfearing mother of two who puts her maternal skills to work on those around her. She's a strange mix of intensity and kindness, and it's often her influence that makes the group feel like a family. Pierce Hawthorne, a crotchety old man with family money who's been in school for decades, will be conspicuously absent from the study group this year. Played by legendary comedian Chevy Chase ("Caddyshack" (1980), "Christmas Vacation" (1989)), Pierce is a character you love to hate — he dishes out racism, sexism and lots of other "isms" in every episode, and his shortcomings tend to make the other group members seem normal in comparison. Chase has had some issues with his character over the years, though, and has opted not to return for a fifth season. Speaking to "The Hollywood Reporter," series creator Dan Harmon said: [Chevy is] a befuddled old man, but he's also the guy who calls you to A/Crossroads Church 1/32 pg 2 • December 29, 2013 - January 4, 2014 Jonathan Banks and Joel McHale as seen in "Community" his trailer and shakes the script in the air and says: 'I'm not a befuddled old man! I'm sexy! I could be the star of this show!' ... I'd say to him, 'Do you understand that what you're saying is funny and it makes an interesting character?' He would kind of blink and stare at me and go, 'Whatever, I just don't think it's funny.' " Chase isn't the only one whose role in "Community" is coming to an end. Glover's Troy will be making a slow departure this year, too. Set to appear in only five episodes, Glover's departure will be difficult for fans and co-stars alike, but will also offer an opportunity for the show to grow in unexpected ways. "We're going to charge in," said Harmon, "we're going to make eye contact with the tragedy that is his departure. We're going to turn it into a story, and we're gonna feel the feels and laugh the laughs." With its creator back in the driver's seat, "Community" is whole again and ready to make comedy magic. Tune in Thursday, Jan. 2, as back-to-back episodes kick the fifth season into high gear on NBC. Med Plus 1/16 pg Communities listed D - Danville V - Veedersburg H - Hoopeston O - Oakwood TVWeek V - Veedersburg Ca - Cayuga Co - Covington W - Westville

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