Community: 10 Best Ben Chang Episodes
3. Applied Anthropology And Culinary Arts
The majority of Ben Chang’ role in Community could be
summarised as slapstick comedic side antagonist, who often stands in the way of
the study group’s goals. “Applied Anthropology and Culinary Arts” adds a rare layer
of empathy to his character and allows him to make a positive contribution to
the story for a change.
In this episode, Shirley goes into labour. The child she will give birth to could be her husband Andre’s, or it could be Ben Chang’s. The way in which Shirley treated Chang as the potential father to her child was bordering on cruel up until this point, but in “Applied Anthropology” she finally lets him into her life, albeit briefly.
Chang manages to reassure Shirley that the baby will be fine as Chang babies are resilient and strong. The glimpses of Chang’s maturity and desire to help Shirley are balanced with typically bizarre pregnancy instructions. Inevitably, the baby will turn out to be Andre’s and Chang is left to revert to his old self.
But what’s so funny? Nothing will ever be funnier than “Ben
Bennett”