Community: 10 Best Concept Episodes

Digital Estate Planning is a fantastic episode that few shows could have pulled off, telling the majority of the story through a pixelated RPG with mic chat. However, the episode has since become infamous as the major catalyst for the Chevy Chase/Dan Harmon feud.

The shoot was already running long due to the complicated nature of the episode, when Harmon wrote a short coda which would see the virtual Pierce and his late father playing catch. However, Chase refused to stay any longer than necessary, leading to their eventual explosive fallout.

On screen, however, the episode is an absolute delight, managing to give every character a chance to shine in their own way. Jeff is frustrated that he can’t break the rules, Abed thrives in such a binary world, Annie starts off sweet then flips to competitive in an instant... it’s an episode fully in tune with the cast.

What’s particularly great about it is the inclusion of Gilbert, meaning Pierce can actually be part of the group for once instead of being wedged in as an antagonist.

Digital Estate Planning fully commits to its idea, and manages to bring fresh characterisation to the table too.