I watched this late because my stupid DVR didn’t record it, so I read a little bit of the reaction online before I actually saw the episode. Many people seemed to be saying that the writers were trying to make the whole Jeff/Annie thing happen again, which was not something I was looking forward to at all. Now, having watched the episode, I’m relieved because I don’t think that’s what happened at all.
Sure there were all the makings for a romantic rendezvous: an emotionally fragile Jeff, a heated debate, a broom closet. But what resulted was more in-line with the two of them actually being friends instead of star-crossed lovers. I was expecting to be extra grossed-out after Jeff referred to himself as an adult and Annie as a kid, but there was no sultry, “Oh, I’m not a kid, Jeff Winger,” followed by a passionate kiss. Instead it was a friendly hug, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
Abed having a girlfriend wasn’t something I thought this show needed until this episode. I would love to see Eliza Coupe come back as Special Agent Robin Vohlers and start a weird little relationship with Abed. Although I find the idea of Abed in a relationship to be very intriguing, I mainly want it to happen just so I can see Troy’s reaction. You saw his face after he realized that Abed has side adventures; can you imagine what will happen if Abed gets a girlfriend?
After the past few episodes in which Pierce being evil was a central theme, it was nice to back off of that a little bit and get a less-angry episode. Sure, Evil Pierce was still around, but we got him in a small dose, which is always better. His appearance at the broom closet was well-timed and hilarious, instead of just unrelentingly mean.
As much as I enjoyed Jeff’s 1997 Real World audition tape and his weirdly outdated George Michael impression, the top comedy moment for me was the Dean’s costume reveal. It was done in such a way that we got a new surprise every time the camera pulled out. First it was the tiny hat, then the low-cut front, then the shorts, and it was all topped off by the red shiny boots. That cracked me up to no end.
Did you catch any of the news-posts scrolling at the bottom of the screen? My favorite was “Reports continue of ‘Mysterious Air Vent Monster’.”