'Community' Watch: "Heroic Origins"

Abed's done some unassigned history homework.

It's been quite some time since I've done a recap of Community be it because of school, coaching, laziness, or a combination of all 3 but I'm tired of working on my political science essay & thought "Heroic Origins" was one of the more interesting episodes of the show this season so I'm hopping back in the saddle to review the penultimate episode of Community's fourth, & hopefully* not final, season.

*Against all odd "Community" has a roughly 50% chance at renewal, which is honestly more than anyone could've hoped for. Of course some would argue it's better off being cancelled & doing so would allow budding stars Donald Glover & Alison Brie to star in their own sitcoms or make more online videos with their douchebag boyfriend (I kid, I actually quite like Dave Franco), but is that worth Danny Pudi & Yvette Nicole Brown being cast off into stereotypical minority roles? I think not. 

If I Ran the Emmys: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Emmy voters can have the Modern Family ladies,
just leave me ALISON BRIE! & Gillian Jacobs.

For the last two years I've attempted to give my thoughts on who was deserving of Emmy nominations for the 10 major awards (Supporting Actor/Actress in a Comedy/Drama, Lead Actor/Actress in Comedy/Drama, Best Comedy/Drama) but ultimately I've failed to ever publish more than my thoughts on 3 of the aforementioned categories. This year I vow to do them all though!

Before i get to my thoughts on our first category, Supporting Actress in a Comedy, it bears mentioning once again that Emmy voters are people who work, or worked, in the industry (actors, directors, writers, etc.) hence many of them don't have the time to watch a broad variety of shows. I, on the other hand, have plenty of time! So while their choices may get tons of publicity, including here, I'd argue mine may well be more valid. Of course really I think TV critics should be in charge, since it's their job to judge television, so here's a professional's opinion.*

I freely admit that I'm ripping off Alan Sepinwall's Emmy gimmick. As for the similarities between many of our picks, as will be extremely evident in the next category, I would merely say we both watch a lot of TV & have good taste.

It's important to also not that like actual Emmy voters I'm restricted by whether or not an actor submitted themselves & where they chose to do so, so while I may think someone's a lead character if they submit in supporting I'm bound to honor that (I'm also not nominating anyone from shows I didn't watch at least a few episodes of, sorry Downton Abbey). Click here for the actual Emmy ballot. As for the actual Emmys two years ago the voters & I agreed on two of the nominees & the winner, last year we agreed on two again, this year however we have not one common nominee. You be the judge of who did a better job.

My (faux) Emmy Ballot: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Alison Brie: Beautiful? Check. Hilarious? Check. Emmy worthy? You bet.

With the Emmy nominations being announced Thursday I thought I’d give my thoughts on who/what should be nominated in the major categories. Considering I watch more television than the majority of Emmy voters (who in their defense are busy making television) I’m actually more qualified than they are to decide who/what is deserving of recognition. For example they gave “The Wire,” considered by most critics one of the two best dramas of all time (“The Sopranos” being the other), only two nominations (& zero wins) in 5 seasons. That would never have happened had I been in charge.

Our first category will be Supporting Actress in a Comedy (For a look at a professional’s thoughts go here, & for my picks last year click here). Out of all the female categories this was the hardest to narrow down for while they’re may be a general lack of good lead roles for women comedically, be it on television or in film, there are a number of fine roles out there for women in complimentary roles & the women filling them are more than up to the task of making us all laugh (click on their names to see one of their highlights from this season).

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Like the Emmys the Joeys feature 6 nominees (nominees also up for the Emmy are italicized) & I will also predict the winner of each category for the Emmys. Without further ado...

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy:

Alison Brie (Annie, "Community")-Brie more than held her own comedically against the rest of the hilarious cast, especially when Annie sprayed herself in the eyes with pepper spray. In addition her chemistry with Joel McHale allowed for a fantastic season finale cliff hanger.

Jenna Fischer (Pam, "The Office")-This was definitely the weakest season of "The Office", but of all the lead actors Fischer was the one who best acquitted herself throughout the season. She was at her best showing Pam's insecurities about the wedding & becoming a mother, as well as frustration & anger at Michael for first dating & then breaking up with her mother. Not to mention as long as "The Office" is on Fischer's getting one of my nominations.

Jane Lynch (Sue Sylvester, "Glee")-"Glee" had an up & down season (up for most of the first half, down after returning in April), but Lynch's Sylvester was always hilarious. She gave a needed break from the sometimes overbearing melodrama with uproariously inappropriate comments the best of which addressed the great deal of hair product in Mr. Schuester's hair. Lynch also was fantastic in her few dramatic moments involving Sue's mentally challenged sister.