10 Best Community Episodes
4. Documentary Filmmaking Redux
The main cast of Community is full of talented comedic actors, but perhaps the most purely funny actor is Jim Rash as Dean Pelton. No one is able to juggle weirdness with heart quite as well as the Oscar winning writer/performer, and “Documentary Filmmaking Redux” is one of his finest showcases.
The episode takes its cues from the Apocalypse Now documentary Hearts Of Darkness (name checked throughout), but the fly on the wall format is primarily an excuse to watch the Dean spiral into his own hilarious (but often quite moving) creative breakdown.
Tasked with filming a simple commercial for Greendale, Pelton immediately lets the power and responsibility go to his head, and the simple shoot turns into an ordeal, documented by Abed. The Dean falling to pieces is made hilarious, and then later touching, by the brilliant, invested performance.
Elsewhere this is a gag heavy ensemble piece, with Annie and Jeff both getting the chance to come apart at the seams themselves. Throw in a special guest appearance from the oft-mentioned Luis Guzman and the episode is a highlight of the third season.