Community: 10 Best Standalone Episodes
5. Cooperative Escapism In Familial Relations
Season four was definitely a sour spot in the series, but Cooperative Escapism In Family Relations is easily the shiniest diamond in its rough.
It's Thanksgiving, and while Pierce, Troy, Abed, and Annie try to find a way to escape Shirley's awkward dinner, Jeff finally meets his dad with the aid of a very smug Britta. While the parts focusing on Shirley's Thanksgiving dinner are fantastic, Cooperative Escapism in Familial Relations true greatness lies in Jeff's confrontation with his father.
We all know Jeff is an ego driven narcissist. It's kind of his thing. However, we learn here why he is the way he is. In typical Jeff fashion, it all comes down to a simple case of daddy issues. When he eventually decides to finally stop avoiding the messy stuff and gives his dad a solid talking to, it makes for an incredible display of Joel McHale's acting chops and for a moment of genuine emotional catharsis.
If Cooperative Escapism doesn't move you in even the slightest, you might just have a heart of stone.