You may be happy to see that I have returned from the war but it’s only bad news that I bring. Last night I found out from these two sources that Community, the NBC comedy beloved by way too few, has been taken out of rotation for the mid-season comedy block on Thursday nights. In fact it has been removed completely and won’t be airing in January. Those reporting that are closer to the source of this news are saying that this is by no means a cancelation of the show, it’s just being put on hiatus; an academic leave of absence, if you will.
When I read this I immediately cursed the gods responsible and rent my garments in dramatic biblical fashion. I wanted to ask the question how could NBC be so dastardly as to allow this injustice but that would be unfair, I understand the demands of the bottom line. The question that I asked instead was how we, as a television consuming public, could ignore such a fantastic show as to allow this to happen.
Let me tell you a story about a quaint little show on a not so little network that I will refer to as “Apprehended Advancement.” This little show premiered to gushing reviews from critics. It continued to garner praise throughout its life even winning several awards for its unique comedy. The problem was that no one saw the unique comedy because it was hardly watched. Ratings for it were criminally low and in its third and last season experienced the “schedule shuffle,” a horrible event for any show. A strange thing began to happen after it was canceled, it became a cult favorite. DVD sales began to rise and a lot of people started to watch the show and nowadays everyone likes this show. I’m not talking about many of my friends and a bunch of people I talk TV with, I’m talking about everyone. Everyone absolutely loves this show.
Now, you can probably guess that I’m talking about Arrested Development, one of the most beloved shows of TV lovers. They way Arrested Development became a forgotten oddity to a pop culture legend has always been a mystery to me. I’ll be honest and say that I found the show like I’m sure 75% of other people found the show, on DVD after the fact. I too love that show like I love few others, and I know that might annoy those that were on board at day one. It makes us appear as trendsters, jumping on the trend train when we see everyone else doing it.
This is why I’m reaching out to all of you. I’m guessing, based solely on statistics, that many of you do not watch Community on a regular basis, if you’ve seen an episode at all. I want to convince you to start watching this gem, this diamond in the rough before it’s too late. You think that it will never be too late, “I’ll watch it later,” you say. But do you know what will happen? Community will be canceled and then two, maybe three years will pass before it will become a sensation that everyone starts talking about. You will check it out and will find how amazing it is. In between bouts of laughter you’ll squeal, “Why did they ever cancel this show? It’s so funny!” They canceled it because you didn’t watch it. Do you really want to be that guy? That guy who is once again late to the party?
I am curious as the reasons that people don’t watch Community, very curious. I’m reaching out because I want to help you. Please, help me help you. Tell me what you need; what you don’t understand and I will assist you. Let me promise that you will adore this show if you give it a chance, and right now it needs a big chance. Critics love it, fans who love it love it, and you can too. What more would you like, an invitation? Well here it is,
Dear Sir or Madam,
You are cordially invited to attend a viewing of Community
When: Thursday’s at 8:00 pm
Where: Your place
RSVP’s are not needed
Sincerely,
Life in con.txt
