Dear Tina,
There’s no question that NBC has been under intense and frankly well deserved scrutiny these last few weeks. You don’t have to spend more than a hot second on Facebook to see how many of your friends changed their profile picture to a stoic image of Conan O’Brien in black and white and flaming orange to show their support. Personally every time I see the picture in thumbnail version I get confused and think it’s an image of one of those troll dolls from the 90s. 
Regardless, I am pleased to see this outpouring of support for Conan who for the last ten years or so was a key player in NBC’s reign over network late-night programming. That is, after all, why they selected him to take over The Tonight Show back in 2004. His physical and self-deprecating humor was adored by his viewers but it was his passion for his work that I found most endearing. Watching him you knew how humbled he was for ever receiving the position of late night talk show host and how thankful he was for doing it as long as he did. Jay Leno is of course trying to salvage any likability he may have left before returning in March as host of The Tonight Show. His first attempt will be through an interview with Oprah airing this Thursday. I imagine it will be a lot like listening to your boyfriend explain his side of the story after you catch him cheating on you. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Enough about NBC’s foibles and onto their fortes, which may be few and far between but they do exist and come in the form of the Thursday night lineup. For the first time in years, NBC has put together comedy programming on Thursday so strong and well written I forgot shows like Joey and Coupling ever plagued Must See TV. Let’s begin with Community.
A show that has been slow to develop a fan base, Community explores the community college experience of seven diverse misfits who come together initially for a Spanish study group and slowly over time (about one and a half episodes) become a family. Diverse may be an understatement for this group as they make the kids from The Breakfast Club look conventional. Although it’s clear that Community is still struggling with what exactly they want their format to be as any show in it’s first season does, the backbone of the program is the comedic talents of the cast. The lead character Jeff, played by Joel McHale, is refreshingly cool and competent, straying from the growing trend of having the star of a sitcom be a lovable boob. Jeff has returned to Greendale Community College to complete the missing credits from his now invalid bachelor’s degree, causing the hot shot lawyer to be temporarily suspended from practicing law. Although Jeff makes it clear time and time again that this college experience is nothing more than a small blemish in his lavish lifestyle, God love him he can’t help but make friends! Every show needs a straight man to make the story relatable for the audience, but McHale blends this role with bone dry sarcasm and manipulative charm. Think Jason Bateman on Arrested Development. 
Chevy Chase is the other shining star of the series, playing Pierce, a diluted older man with a propensity toward failed marriages. In the episode before last, everyone returns from winter break and the group wonders aloud if Pierce became a grandpa in their time apart. A miscommunication caused by Pierce’s attempt to jump on the ironic t-shirt bandwagon by showing up to study group in a “World’s Greatest Grandpa” shirt. An error in judgement that few actors could pull off as sincere without laughing with the audience and at their character. Chevy Chase should teach a class in the art of acting oblivious. I recommend Andrea Barber of Kimmy Gibbler fame as his first student. The actors that make up the rest of the study group have started to ease into the series more smoothly since it has returned in the new year. Initially there seemed to be a layer of anxiety over a lot of their work, a sort of frantic desire to make the show an instant hit. But I see each one becoming the unexpected gems of the show much like the supporting roles on The Office. If none of this peeks your interest, consider tuning in for Ken Jeong as the group’s Spanish teacher. Now probably best known for his role as Mr. Chow in The Hangover, Ken Jeong does a seamless job of making who would realistically be any student’s worst nightmare, one of the finest teachers on television. His comedic timing is much more impressive than Mr. Feeny that’s for sure. There is a lot I could say but I feel experiencing the real thing is much more affective. Enjoy.
The highlight for me in that clip is simply the “ok” that comes after “It is none of your business.” Gets me every time. Before this post becomes the length of a short story, I am resolved to make my ode to NBC Thursdays a two parter. Tomorrow, a look at Parks and Recreation and why I think it’s ok that The Office returned after winter hiatus with a clip show.
30 Rock Quote of the Day:
Liz: I like him. He’s smart. He’s funny. He’s got a job.
Jenna: Yay!
Liz: But I’m going to screw this up. I always find ways to screw this up, and this one was a minefield. Did I mention that we met because I thought he was a baby?
Dear Tina 