Community, created by Dan Harmon, is an incredibly inventive and clever television show that has captivated audiences with its innovative humor and unique storytelling. The ensemble cast, including big names like Joel McHale and future stars like Donald Glover, brought life to the series, which ran for six seasons. Exciting news for fans is that a movie based on the show is currently in production, bringing their dream of “Six Seasons and a Movie!” to fruition.
One of the standout aspects of Community is its integration with pop culture. Each episode is filled with references to various media, creating a delightful smorgasbord of entertainment. From Star Wars to cop procedurals to puppet Christmas specials, the show pays homage to different genres and even dedicates entire episodes to emulate them.
However, despite the abundance of Community content available on streaming services, astute fans may have noticed that one significant episode is missing. “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons,” a beloved Season 2 episode, has been pulled from multiple streaming platforms. This particular episode is highly regarded and talked about among fans and even cast members, despite its removal.
What makes “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” so special? The 14th episode of Season 2 follows the study group as they gather to play a game of Dungeons & Dragons in an effort to uplift a depressed classmate named Neil, who had been tormented due to his weight. Led by the Dungeon Master, Abed, the group immerses themselves in the world of tabletop role-playing. However, their game is interrupted by Pierce, the problematic member of the group, who proceeds to bully Neil. Surprisingly, Pierce’s actions inadvertently empower Neil to stand up against bullying, turning the episode into a masterclass in storytelling.
The episode’s brilliance lies in its realistic portrayal of a Dungeons & Dragons game among friends. The gameplay is as silly as it is serious, with the study group engaging in shenanigans while navigating the rules of the game. Instead of relying on visual action sequences, the episode adopts a “theater of the mind” approach, allowing viewers to use their imagination as the players describe their actions and the scenes unfold through Abed’s narration. Prior to the rise in popularity of D&D-related content, “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” was considered one of the best mainstream representations of the game.
Despite its acclaim, the episode faced controversy due to a joke involving Ben Chang’s cosplay as a dark elf. This led to the episode being removed from streaming services, following the removal of other episodes featuring characters in blackface from shows like Scrubs and 30 Rock. The makeup worn by Chang drew comparisons to blackface, although the intention was to portray a dark elf. Some members of the Black community, including Yvette Nicole Brown and Khadija Mbowe, have spoken out about the removal, suggesting that it may have been an overreaction. They argue that the episode dealt with the issue in a self-aware manner, with Shirley explicitly calling out Chang’s appearance before his character was removed from the game.
The debate surrounding the episode’s removal becomes even more complex when considering the larger issue of racist undertones in fantasy media. While Chang’s portrayal as a dark elf may not be outright racist, it raises questions about the portrayal of dark-skinned fantasy races and the history of racial undertones in the genre. The Dungeons & Dragons community has begun addressing these issues, acknowledging the need to challenge racial stereotypes in fantasy races such as orcs and drow.
Ultimately, the fate of “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons” on streaming platforms remains uncertain. While some support the decision to remove the episode due to the controversial joke, others, including cast members, see it as an excellent example of storytelling and a valuable exploration of bullying. The ongoing conversation about the episode and the broader issues it raises serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful representation in media.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
