Inharmonious

So after waiting practically a year, new Community last night.  The study group is in its fourth year and it looks like when they graduate the show is done.  But the main question is what will these (almost certainly) final thirteen episodes be like without fired creator Dan Harmon.

Early word wasn't good.  The New York Times panned the new version of the show and stalwart fan Todd VanDerWerff at the AV Club said it felt a little hollow.  Alas, I agree.  The show still has the look, the rhythm and the characters, but not the content.  It was reasonably enjoyable, but not special.  Community has always been variable in quality, but this first Harmon-free episode is one of the weakest I can remember.

The plot has the gang getting back together after summer break, trying to get into a course about the history of ice cream. Winfer is being very helpful, and it's discovered new Jeff acts this way because he's taken summer courses and needs this history class to graduate, so wants them group with him one more time.  So he's still old, selfish Jeff.

Soon the Dean gets involved, requiring games of skill and strength to gain a seat in the class.  The plot promises a parody of the Hunger Games but it's dropped surprisingly quickly.  The real action is all in Abed's mind. He's having trouble adjusting to changes, like the potential breakup of the group, and after Britta has taught him to go to a happy place when he feels anxiety, gets stuck in a sitcom (complete with laughtrack) within his mind. (Actually, he gets stuck within a cartoon within a sitcom within his mind).

The concept isn't bad, but it does't sparkle like past episodes.  Is this the new Community?  I've come this far, so I wouldn't give up anyway, but I sure hope things improve next week.