Community‘s third season’s been quite a serious one, with quite a lot of dark undertones (homicidal glee club leader anyone?) and heavy character moments. ‘Basic Lupine Urology’ (for the first 20 minutes, at least) takes a break from everything going on at Greendale for a one-off homage to Law and Order in yet another example of why Community is one of the most versatile sitcoms in history.
Everything from the opening music to the camera work and plot structure, was a dedicated, meticulate nod to the classic NYC cop drama that lived on the peacock for over a decade. I could get into all the character parallels, but we’ve all seen an episode of the show at some point in our lives. After a sabotaged biology experiment threatens the study group’s final grades, an unofficial investigation is launched, with each character settling into their respective roles in order to play out the case. Writer Megan Gantz (one of my favorite writers on the show) really did her homework: there are almost too many pitch-perfect parodies of scenes, it’s almost impossible to choose from. I’m going to go with Fat Neil’s “I’m too busy to look at you while I give you important case information”, with a close second going to the low-angle tracking shots used in the ‘interrogation’ and Troy’s Adnarim rights: “you do not have to be quiet. Nothing you say or do can be used in a court of law. We can’t make you come with us, but we’d really appreciate it if you did. Please and thank you.”
There’s a number of twists and turns, and one of my favorite ridiculous L&O standards makes an appearance: going back and forth from suspect to suspect multiple times, until someone comes out of left field to cop to it. An elaborate biology lab trial (“This is NOT a courtrom”) ends with Neil admitting to boiling everyone’s yams so Vicki could pass and he could get laid.
But even with all the light-hearted fun of Troy & Abed as detectives, Annie as the hot D.A., and Britta as the totally inept forensics nerd (“Look, it’s black and white!”) ‘Urology’ ended on a heavy note, with the death of Starburns. We all have heard the rumors of who was going to die, and considering the actor (who only made the appearances originally as a favor) wasn’t really interested in pursuing the character. He goes out in kind of a weak fashion (any Starburn appearance without a ‘My name is Alex!” or a weed joke is not a top-notch one), his death a service to the one running gag not part of the main plot line.
And while ‘Urology’ was a fucking awesome execution of another concept episode, it was a little too content on simply being an homage episode to a former network great. It didn’t have an encompassing theme that related to the characters at this point in the overall story. There’s nothing wrong with doing a one-time concept like this (and do it so well), but it’s missing that little piece that always makes the greatest Community episodes so special. Still a great episode, certainly one that will be remembered.
Overall: A-
Other thoughts/observations:
– Todd continues to feel like an awkward out of place character. We get some weird family stuff, Annie making him cry, and a whole lot of war veteran jokes. In the few episodes we’ve seen him in, his boring personality just sucks the life out of every scene. Not a fan.
– Garrett’s hot dog stand!!!
– we FINALLY got Omar-meta moment we’ve been waiting for: I shouted with glee when I heard Michael K. Williams say “A man’s gotta have a code.” One of my favorite moments of the season.
– Hilarious tag to finish the episode, with Troy and Abed bunking the study room. The dean’s sleepytime song to them was beyond perfect.
– “We have no time to get one [a case]… all we have time for is justice.”
What did you think of ‘Basic Lupine Urology’? Feel free to leave your thoughts/comments below!
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I thought it was a brilliant episode, and as you say the meticulous homage to Law and Order were brilliant, but as ever with the great Community twist on them. I too shared a glee of joy at hearing the Omar Little reference. Also, loved the Michael Ironside appearance.
I loved this episode. I used to watch Law & Order when there was only one of them (YEARS AGO) and this was such a spot-on parody of the show, from the credits to the surprise announcement of a death at the end. It also had some great character moments here; we see Troy and Abed learning to share by switching “good cop/bad cop” roles, we see underneath Annie’s perfect and sweet exterior to a glimpse of something that was a little bit cruel, and of course, Jeff showed more growth.
This episode had SO many perfect moments, but one of our favorites (also being fans of The Wire, just like Miller, above) was the Omar Little line being stuck in there. So perfect. Thanks again for the review, it was great!