History 101 (Community)

Plot

The episode opens in "Abed's Happy Community College Show," an imaginary version of Greendale created in Abed's mind, parodying sitcom cliches with a multi-camera format, laugh track, and Pierce portrayed by guest star Fred Willard. Abed uses this as a coping mechanism for fear of losing the study group after graduation. In reality, the group attends a new History class ("History of Ice Cream") but finds it overbooked due to forgery. Dean Pelton organizes "The Hunger Deans," physical challenges to award seats.

Troy and Britta's relationship becomes strained, while Annie and Shirley prank the dean. Jeff, after upsetting the group by revealing his plan to graduate early, participates in the games to earn seats. Abed retreats further into his mind, creating "Greendale Babies," an animated infant version of the group. The group eventually helps Abed; inside his fictional show, Jeff delivers a speech implying the group will always be friends, allowing Abed to accept graduation.

The group fails to get into the class. Later, Dean Pelton moves next to Jeff, and Greendale must offer another history class or lose grant money. Chang, naked and delirious, approaches a mailman with a note introducing himself as "Kevin" with "Changnesia."

Reception

The episode was seen by approximately 3.88 million viewers, making it the highest-rated episode since "Urban Matrimony and the Sandwich Arts." Eric Goldman of IGN rated it 8 out of 10, expressing cautious hopefulness. Emily St. James of The A.V. Club gave it a B grade, noting the show remained often hilarious and well-acted but felt emptier. Aisha Harris and Abby Ohlheiser of Slate found the episode "stumbled" but withheld harsh judgment given it was Guarascio and Port's first episode.

Did You Know?

• New showrunners David Guarascio and Moses Port served as executive producers for the fourth season.
• The episode was directed by Tristram Shapeero, who became an executive producer and primary director for the fourth season.