NBC's Community - Episode 5.07 Bondage and Beta Male Sexuality
Duncan tries to seduce Britta with Jeff's counsel; Britta runs into some old friends and realizes that they have moved on from their shared anarchist views of the past; Abed accidentally damages some of Professor Hickey's drawings; and Chang finds himself performing an impromptu one-man show for a ghostly audience.
"Bondage and Beta Male Sexuality" really is this great character study about the core qualities of Jeff, Britta, Duncan, Abed and Hickey. With those five character, this episode does a lot of meaningful work. Annie and Shirley get cast aside for a bit - which also gets one pretty big meta joke. I'm confused by the entirety of the Chang subplot but the rest of the episode was so strong I didn't detract much because of it."I've been defining myself through the reactions of other people. Now I feel worthless just because I'm worthless in relation to my friends. Which means they're not my friends." -Britta
This season has been a true return to roots for Britta. Yes, the show will still make the occasional Britta'd joke but they remember that she used to be an anarchist. Duncan's flirtation with her has been played with all season too. So it's nice to see that come to a head here while also giving a pretty great moment for Gillian Jacobs. Having her old friends first recognize her and applaud her for it only to turn and think of her as the only one without something to lose was a big turning point for that character. It brought out a vulnerability that isn't always seen with her. When she says the quote above to Duncan, it's meant in all seriousness. Even though, she has found great friends in the study group, it still has to hurt that her past friends would treat her like that.
And it all was leading up to the revival of the Jeff and Duncan friendship - which is the thing that brought Jeff to Greendale even though it has never really been used since. The characters themselves even forget that the two have known each other for longer than any of the them. By the end, they actually start acting like friends - which could be a very welcome development for the season.
Additionally, the Abed and Hickey story was excellent as it forced both characters to deal with their own personal shortcomings. The two are such polar opposites which also happens to be the best thing for both of them. They both say things the other needed to hear. Their friendship could be very beneficial as the two learn more about themselves in the context of the group as the season progresses. Hickey isn't meant to be a replacement for Troy but it's also a friendship that could prove to be really interesting for Abed.
Some more thoughts:
- "Bondage and Beta Male Sexuality" was written by Dan Guterman and directed by Tristram Shapeero.
- Duncan: "Jeff, we've known each other for a long time and you respect me." Jeff: "Sure." Duncan: "Well, it's time to stop."
- Annie: "And we agree, teachers should get a 10-minute head start at the job fair."
- Hickey: "He is a duck!" That phrase will never not be funny. Ditto to "Publishers are interested!"
- Jeff: "Something about everyone liking her turns me on."
- Duncan: "The stupid stirring wheel is on the wrong side of the car."
- Shirley: "I almost feel left out." Annie: "Well, we've had our share of focus lately." Shirley: "Speak for yourself."
- They made a remake Kickpuncher!?!?!
