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Community – Ocean’s Chang-leven

The Dean is Dean-napped, Chang has gone mad with power and the only people who can save Greendale Community College is the best gosh-darn Spanish/Anthropology/Biology study group in the world. Elaborate heist? Elaborate heist?

- Season 3, Episode 21 - "The First Chang Dynasty"

I like to think that in Jeff’s mind, he specifically chose this disguise so he could show off his hard-earned abs. He got super into that character, didn’t he? Did anyone imagine in early season one that Jeff would be the one encouraging these sorts of shenanigans?

With the Dean-o-ganger/Dopple-deaner/Dean-o-changer still in a seat of pseudo-power with Chang pulling the strings, the Greendale 7 pull an Ocean’s Eleven-style elaborate heist. They don’t say that it’s Ocean’s Eleven until towards the end, but as you saw the film’s iconic transition wipes, the intricately timed maneuvers, the disguises … it was very obviously specifically Ocean’s Eleven. Oh, and don’t forget the twist-where-you-think-the-protagonists-are-losing-but-they-really-planned-this-all-along moment. Yep, that was there too.

After last week’s episode, it was nice to see them show their appreciation for the Dean’s adoration (yeah, that rhymes. What of it?). It’s funny how a man touching another man’s arm could have such meaning … and can also make a man orgasm instantly. Oh Dean Pelton! You are simply the best when it comes to costumes and covering up the school’s many indiscretions.

I am curious what they’re going to do with Chang next season. How will they get him back on campus and around the group? He’s probably my least favorite of the main cast, which might be why he worked best throughout this year in tiny doses. That being said, nice call back with the sarcastic claps. He was so close to getting it right this time.

Troy’s sacrifice for his friends’ lives and his school was very sweet. Of course we saw it coming when he met with the AC repairman earlier in the episode, but that foreshadowing didn’t make it any less meaningful. Britta’s goodbye was sweet while Troy’s goodbye to Abed was heartbreaking. Troy’s AC calling is a storyline that had been building early in the season, and I’m glad to see it’s getting time in this episode and the next episode to be resolved.

Oh, and I’m ashamed to say I laughed like crazy when Jeff stressed to Britta that this is the only time she is ever allowed to seduce a minor online. Because … it’s Britta.

All the best quotes:

“Don’t be so dramatic, Troy. The answer is simple. We just have to plan an elaborate heist!” — Jeff
“Great, I’ll get my turban.” — Pierce
“Everyone except Pierce has to plan an elaborate heist!” — Jeff

“Fires can’t go through doors, stupid! It’s not a ghost!” — Chang

“Which wire do I cut?” — Abed
“There’s only one.” — Troy
“… God hope I’m right.” — Abed

Photo Credit: NBC

One Response to “Community – Ocean’s Chang-leven”

May 17, 2012 at 11:15 PM

Thank you!

Note: Jim called the Greendale 7 the “Ocean’s 11 gang” during the conference call.

Also, if I may, I will include a mini letter to Joel McHale’s abs below.

Dear Joel McHale’s Abs –
Never quit. Just stay as rock hard as you are.
Love,
A lifelong fan.

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