Community - Episode 5.03 - Basic Intergluteal Numismatics - Review

This week, I thought it would be fun to collaborate with my best friend, J. Michael Davey. (He’s the one who introduced me to the show.) Our comments at the bottom.

This week’s episode starts with Shirley cutting the ribbon on her restaurant expansion. Her sons then sing an acapella version of Radiohead’s ‘Creep’ as the first strike of the ‘Ass Crack Bandit’ occurs.

“He should be called the run-on sentence man.”

The dean gives a press conference. Afterwards, Pelton gives the now Greendale Six the letter which Britta reads aloud. Professor Duncan is brought in to help with the case by working up a profile. Annie brings up the fact she was trying to get this investigated two years ago. (It was brought up as part of Annie’s campaign speech in 2x17.)

Annie briefs Jeff on the fact the ACB must have a shortcut. Jeff is typically noncommittal.

Troy calls Abed asking what Annie bought for dinner and becomes the latest person attacked by the “ass crack bandit,” lured in by a teddy bear on the floor.

Dean Pelton attempts to ban change from the campus. Annie finds another note. Pelton dismisses her. Jeff offers his help on the way down-low.

Every vendor on the school has banned loose change. Professor Duncan and Britta attempt to analyze the evidence and, well, Britta it. Pelton asks if Abed can stand in the middle of the crime scene and analyze it. After a highly sarcastic mocking of television procedurals, Abed walks out. The dean moves on to the Criminology professor who is less than helpful. They compile a list of teachers who also like Dave Matthews.

At a demonstration, another attack occurs….

Annie and Jeff track down a botany professor, whose only crime is growing plants. Pelton, unhappy that they have destroyed school property suspends Annie and moves Jeff over to coaching water polo. The Dean is perturbed that Jeff and Annie feel the need of tracking down the bandit and thoroughly theorizes that Jeff is only doing this investigation to please her. Of course, they deny. The three get a phone call from the ACB. Tracing the call takes them to the stables where Starburns (last seen in the season three finale) is discovered and promptly arrested. Jeff tells Annie this doesn’t add up.

In talking to Professor Duncan, Annie discovers her faculty member fan of Dave. After dropping her keys and picking them up elaborately, Annie makes her escape to present her findings to Jeff. Duncan then is attacked, disproving their theory.

In searching for the actual ACB, Shirley tells Annie and Jeff that Pierce is dead. Annie and Jeff talk about the case. No official conclusion is given to the Bandit, but a cryptic montage after Jeff declares the case to be opened shows that anybody could be a suspect...

Robin Smyth: I particularly liked that this episode was funnier than last week’s episodes and I thought the death of Pierce was brought in realistically. The thing I’m looking forward to most though is the guest appearance of Walton Goggins in next week’s episode.

J.Davey: The parody was extremely well executed. I thought the Hannibal references were good, especially Abed deleting it from the DVR. Less focus on the rest of the group though... Also, I think Hickey is gonna be a semi regular as seen in the last ep and this one

Well, those are our thoughts, what did you think?

About the Author - Robin Smyth

Robin Smyth is an avid watcher of television; her favourite show is Justified. Her current focus is writing her novel, working on justifiedfansite, and working towards a doctorate in English.