Ep 12. Basic Story

As the study group prepares for their winter break, Abed decides to tell them a story that he has been working on, with each one of the members getting a role in the story. The show then follows Abed's imagination as the characters navigate through various clichés of a classic fantasy adventure.

The episode starts with the group arguing about being stuck at Greendale Community College, even during the holiday season. Abed convinces them to stay positive and presents them with a story he has been working on for months, a fantastical journey called "Basic Story" that will take them on an adventure they'll never forget. Abed needs the study group to be a part of this fantasy world to help him create a story he’s happy with, and so the group jumps at the opportunity to play along.

The premise of the story is a classic one, there’s the handsome prince, the valiant knight, the noble queen, and the scheming wizard. However, each member of the study group has their own spin on their respective characters. Shirley becomes the noble queen, Jeff becomes the valiant knight, Annie takes on the role of the blonde "damsel in distress," and Britta becomes a potions mistress. Troy and Abed share the role of the handsome prince, and Pierce transforms into a wizard.

As Abed starts telling their story, the story within the story starts. The group enters a fantasy world, where they are caught in the middle of a war against the dragon. Each member of the group has their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses, which come into play throughout the story. Along with various creatures and mythical beings, the group faces daunting challenges, such as solving riddles, battling dragons, and navigating around obstacles.

As the story progresses, Abed starts to question whether he has given each character a satisfying conclusion. He begins to doubt his own storytelling abilities as the characters in his story take on lives of their own, building their relationships and taking on their own adventures.

This episode is a visual feast. The sets, costumes, and special effects are all intricately planned and executed. The colors are bright and bold, and the attention to detail is impressive. The show manages to make a world that exists purely in Abed's imagination seem real. Along with the impressive designs, the show also adds some classic fantasy elements, such as a castle, dragon, and a catapult.

One of the highlights of this particular episode is the chemistry between the ensemble cast. Each cast member perfectly understands the personality of their respective characters and plays it to perfection. The humor undoubtedly comes from the portrayal of these characters, and the episode is filled with hilarious, tongue-in-cheek moments.

Overall, "Basic Story" is a perfect example of why Community was such a beloved show. The writing is sharp, the performances are brilliant, and the humor is spot-on. The episode is an entertaining tribute to fantasy tropes and storytelling. Moreover, the episode highlights the fundamental theme of Community, which is the importance of friendship and acceptance, no matter how different people are from each other.

In the end, Basic Story is an episode that breaks the fourth wall. It’s a combination of the show reflecting on itself as a community of people telling stories, as well as Abed telling a story within the show. It’s ethereal, magical, and a little mind-bending. Furthermore, it's one of those episodes that Community fans will never forget, embodying everything that the show stood for.