Episode 'Community' Season 2, Episode 23 - 'A Fist Full of Paintballs' Recap

Ladies and gentlemen, I have witnessed the greatest half hour of television ever shown, and it is called "A Fist Full of Paintballs."

Okay, so maybe "the greatest half hour of television ever" is an overstatement, but last night's episode of "Community" was a sight to see. When we learned a few weeks ago that we not only would we be getting another paintball episode, but it would be inspired by Sergio Leone-style westerns, I was jumping for joy. If there's one thing "Community" does perfectly, it's comment on genres.

We're thrown right into the action this time around, but the background to the conflict is revealed through flashbacks: an ice cream company was present for a theme picnic put on by the Dean, and they announced a paintball game with a prize of $100,000. Instant mayhem, plus a game in which everyone is in costume. Perfect!

Annie is the star of the show this time around, which is great to see. Not only has she been under-used lately, but she was eliminated from last year's conflict much too quickly. Now, she's a total bad-ass and has is totally lone-wolfing it...plus, her skills with a six-shooter are alarmingly sharp.

As Abed notes, "She's pretty awesome today."

Pierce is not as awesome, as his villainy over the course of the season continues to play out. He has turned the cafeteria into a refuge, though, so that's kind of awesome.

It's not long before the gang runs into the Black Rider, played by "Lost" alum Josh Holloway. We still only learn part of his secret by the end of the episode: he is a student there (he takes an online class), he was hired by the mysterious ice cream company to win the tournament, and he's really just average-looking but with a big chin...or so Jeff says.

Holloway does his stuff well, and there are plenty of sparks between him and Annie. She even gets a Sawyer-style nickname! The action is great, and not only is Annie a badass, but Abed once again seems to fit in perfectly.

The guys behind the camera did an amazing job with this episode as well: there's a noted effort to make it more cinematic (including brand-new opening credits!), some hand-held camera work, and other effects that give it an epic, western feel.

If you missed this one, make sure you watch it and tune in next week for the second part of the episode. If you watched it...WASN'T IT AMAZING?!