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{{episode
 
{{episode
 
| title = Introduction to Film
 
| title = Introduction to Film
  +
|color = 1
|seasoncolor = #00BFFF
 
 
| season = One
 
| season = One
| number = Three
+
| number = 3
 
| image = 1x3 Main phot.jpg
 
| image = 1x3 Main phot.jpg
| airdate = October 1, 2009
+
| airdate = 10/1/2009
 
| writer = [[Tim Hobert]] and Jon Pollack
 
| writer = [[Tim Hobert]] and Jon Pollack
 
| director = Anthony Russo
 
| director = Anthony Russo
 
| previous = Spanish 101
 
| previous = Spanish 101
 
| next = Social Psychology
 
| next = Social Psychology
| summary = Britta interferes with Abed's relationship with his father while Jeff tries to pass a class by "seizing the day".}}{{Compact TOC|reception=no|production=no|trivia=}}
+
| summary = Britta interferes with Abed's relationship with his father while Jeff tries to "seize the day".}}{{Compact TOC|reception=no|production=no|trivia=}}
 
==Plot==
 
==Plot==
 
{{MainQuote|Seize the day Jeff, for real! Go running naked in a hailstorm, kiss a girl in the middle of the day, fly a kite, but do it for yourself! Or you won’t just fail my class. You’ll fail life!|Professor Whitman}}
 
{{MainQuote|Seize the day Jeff, for real! Go running naked in a hailstorm, kiss a girl in the middle of the day, fly a kite, but do it for yourself! Or you won’t just fail my class. You’ll fail life!|Professor Whitman}}
  +
 
{{Paragraph
 
{{Paragraph
 
|image=Seize_the_day!.png
 
|image=Seize_the_day!.png
  +
|backgroundcolor=1
 
|caption=''"SEIZE...THE...DAY!"''
 
|caption=''"SEIZE...THE...DAY!"''
|text=[[Jeff]] attends an accounting class and confirms the rumor about it being easy is true after meeting its teacher, [[Professor Whitman]]. His class is less about homework and tests and more about his own philosophy of "seizing the day". In [[Group Study Room F|the study room]], the [[Study group|group]] is annoyed at [[Pierce]] who cannot properly operate his cell phone. Jeff then arrives excited about the blow off class he just found. He suggests to the group that they sign up too, but [[Abed]] declines, explaining that his dad won't allow it. When [[Britta]] hears this, she gives Abed the money to pay for a film class he actually wants to take which annoys Jeff. He suggests that they all get back to studying but is subsequently distracted by Troy's funny sneeze.}}
+
|text=[[Jeff]] attends an accounting class taught by [[Professor Whitman]] which is less about learning and more about the philosophy of "seizing the day". Over in the [[Group Study Room F|the study room]], the [[Study group|group]] is irritated at [[Pierce]] who cannot operate his cell phone. Jeff then arrives excited about the blow off class he just found and suggests the group sign up too. [[Abed]] declines, explaining that his dad forbids him taking any class that won't help him run the family falafel business. [[Britta]] decides to give Abed the money to pay for a film class he actually wants to take. He suggests that they all get back to studying but is subsequently distracted by Troy's funny sneeze.}}
 
{{Paragraph
 
{{Paragraph
  +
|backgroundcolor=1
 
|image=ITF_Living_in_the_moment_by_standing_on_desks.png
 
|image=ITF_Living_in_the_moment_by_standing_on_desks.png
 
|caption=Living in the moment means standing on your desks.
 
|caption=Living in the moment means standing on your desks.
|text=The study group-minus Britta and Abed-join Jeff for Professor Whitman's accounting course the following day. After Shirley introduces herself to the class, Whitman encourages her to have an emotional breakthrough regarding her husband. He congratulates her for having '''seized the day''' and then commands Annie and the rest of the students to stand on their desks. After one of the students is injured when she falls off, he gives out their homework assignments and dismisses them. He asks that Jeff stay behind and tells him he believes his motivations for taking the class are insincere. If by the end of the week he doesn't try to genuinely '''live in the moment''' and '''seize the day''', Whitman will fail him.}}
+
|text=The study group-minus Britta and Abed-join Jeff for Professor Whitman's accounting course the following day. After Shirley introduces herself to the class, Whitman encourages her to have an emotional breakthrough regarding her husband. He then commands Annie along with the rest of the students to stand on their desks. After one of the students gets injured when her desk collapses, Whitman gives out their homework assignments and dismisses them. He asks that Jeff stay behind and tells him he believes his motivations for taking the class are insincere. If by the end of the week he doesn't try to genuinely '''live in the moment''' and '''seize the day''', Whitman will fail him. Later, Jeff is complaining to Britta about Whitman's ultimatum.}}
 
{{Paragraph
 
{{Paragraph
  +
|backgroundcolor=1
 
|image=ITF_it_was_difficult_talking_to_him_before_now_wehave_this_between_us.png
 
|image=ITF_it_was_difficult_talking_to_him_before_now_wehave_this_between_us.png
 
|caption="He was difficult to talk to before. NOW WE HAVE THIS BETWEEN US!"
 
|caption="He was difficult to talk to before. NOW WE HAVE THIS BETWEEN US!"
|text=Later, Jeff is complaining to Britta about Whitman's ultimatum. She is uninterested in his problems and more concerned with Abed who approaches the pair while filming them with a video camera. She asks him how his class is going, and he mentions that he is working on a documentary. It is then that [[Gubi Nadir|Abed's father]] shows up and confronts Britta. He tells her that he is the one responsible for Abed and doesn't need her help in raising him. The two begin to argue, and when it becomes physical, Jeff steps in to separate the two. Jeff tells Mr. Nadir that Abed is an adult now and can make his own decisions. Fed up with the situation, Abed's father responds that Abed is their responsibility now and leaves the campus.}}
+
|text= She is uninterested in his problems and more concerned with Abed who approaches the pair while filming them with a video camera. She asks him how his class is going, and he mentions that he is working on a documentary. It is then that [[Gubi Nadir|Abed's father]] shows up and confronts Britta. He tells her that he is responsible for Abed and doesn't need her help raising him. The two begin to argue, and when it becomes physical, Jeff steps in to separate them. Jeff tells Mr. Nadir that Abed is an adult now and can make his own decisions. Fed up with the situation, Abed's father responds that Abed is their responsibility now and leaves the campus. The next day in the [[cafeteria]], Britta runs into Jeff who is dressed in a ridiculous outfit and waiting for Whitman to arrive for his [[Hot & Brown|morning coffee]].
  +
}}
 
{{Paragraph
 
{{Paragraph
 
|image=ITF_Shazbot.png
 
|image=ITF_Shazbot.png
  +
|backgroundcolor=1
 
|caption="Sorry, Mr. Winger. These won't cut it."
 
|caption="Sorry, Mr. Winger. These won't cut it."
|text=The next day in the [[cafeteria]], Britta runs into Jeff who is dressed in a ridiculous outfit and waiting for Whitman to arrive for his [[Hot & Brown|morning coffee]]. She has accepted the role of Abed's provider and is trying to calculate his expenses for the semester. Abed arrives with an expensive new camera bought with Britta's money. He continues to film his documentary, casting [[Jeff and Britta]] in the roles of his parents. Distracted by Abed's wasteful spending, Jeff fails to notice Whitman's arrival. The professor disapproves of Jeff's outfit before ordering a birthday cake from the [[Hot & Brown]] coffee shop . Meanwhile in the [[student lounge]], Pierce offers to teach Troy how to sneeze strongly and with intent.}}
+
|text=She has accepted the role of Abed's provider and is trying to calculate his expenses for the semester. Abed arrives with an expensive new camera bought with Britta's money. He continues to film his documentary, casting [[Jeff and Britta]] in the roles of his parents. Distracted by Abed's wasteful spending, Jeff fails to notice Whitman's arrival. The professor disapproves of Jeff's outfit before ordering a birthday cake from the [[Hot & Brown]] coffee shop . Meanwhile in the [[student lounge]], Pierce offers to teach Troy how to sneeze strongly and with intent. Elsewhere, Jeff decides concocts a more elaborate scheme to impress Whitman.
  +
}}
 
{{Paragraph
 
{{Paragraph
  +
|backgroundcolor=1
|slideshow=<gallery type="slideshow" crop="true">
 
 
|image=ITF Whitman's verdict.png
ITF Stalking his prey.png|Waiting for the target
 
  +
|caption=Verdict: Not amused.
ITF Target aquired.png|Target acquired.
 
 
|text=He lies in wait for the professor to appear in the campus courtyard and launches his plan. Whitman witnesses the entire charade and gives it a disapproving thumbs down. He tells Jeff to sincerely try to seize the day, or he will not only fail the class but life as well. Overhearing their conversation as she approaches, Britta arrives and gets a flower from Whitman before he leaves. She asks Jeff to talk to Abed about his behavior as she just learned he hasn't been attending the film class she paid for. She pleads with Jeff to talk to Abed since he refuses to talk to her. It is then that they both notice Abed filming them for his documentary.}}
IFC Commencing operation Sieze the day.png|Commencing Operation "Seize the Day"
 
IFC Part 1 Let's go fly a kite.png|Part one: Fly a kite.
 
ITF part 2 double dutch.png|Part two: Double dutch.
 
ITF Whitman's verdict.png|Verdict: Not amused.
 
</gallery>
 
|text=Jeff decides to concoct a more elaborate scheme to get a passing grade from Whitman. He lies in wait for the professor to appear in the campus courtyard and launches his plan. Whitman witnesses the entire charade and gives it a disapproving thumbs down. He tells Jeff to sincerely try to seize the day, or he will not only fail the class but life as well. Overhearing their conversation as she approaches, Britta arrives and gets a flower from Whitman before he leaves. She asks Jeff to talk to Abed about his behavior as she just learned he hasn't been attending the film class she paid for. She pleads with Jeff to talk to Abed since he refuses to talk to her. It is then that they both notice Abed filming them for his documentary.}}
 
 
{{Paragraph
 
{{Paragraph
  +
|backgroundcolor=1
 
|image=IF_Filming_Mom_and_Dad.png
 
|image=IF_Filming_Mom_and_Dad.png
|caption=Abed filming Jeff and Britta as his parents
+
|caption=Abed filming Jeff and Britta as his parents.
 
|text=Later in [[Group Study Room F|the study room]], Abed is treating the group to pizza using Britta's money. Britta again urges Jeff to talk to him about his recent behavior. When Jeff confronts Abed about cutting class, he replies that working on his movie project is much more important. When a delivery man arrives with lattes, paid for by Britta's money, she immediately loses her cool. She starts to get hysterical and demands that Abed explain himself. Abed refuses to give her any answers and instead suggests to her that this is the scene where she leaves. After Britta leaves upset, Abed turns to Jeff for his reaction. He calls Abed weird before leaving as well.}}
 
|text=Later in [[Group Study Room F|the study room]], Abed is treating the group to pizza using Britta's money. Britta again urges Jeff to talk to him about his recent behavior. When Jeff confronts Abed about cutting class, he replies that working on his movie project is much more important. When a delivery man arrives with lattes, paid for by Britta's money, she immediately loses her cool. She starts to get hysterical and demands that Abed explain himself. Abed refuses to give her any answers and instead suggests to her that this is the scene where she leaves. After Britta leaves upset, Abed turns to Jeff for his reaction. He calls Abed weird before leaving as well.}}
 
{{Paragraph
 
{{Paragraph
 
|image=IF_Abeds_film.png
 
|image=IF_Abeds_film.png
  +
|backgroundcolor=1
 
|caption=Abed shows his finished film to his father, Jeff, and Britta.
 
|caption=Abed shows his finished film to his father, Jeff, and Britta.
|text=The following day, Jeff tricks both Britta and Abed's father to come to [[Group Study Room F|the study room]]. Abed is there as well, editing his movie on the computer. Jeff gathered them all for meeting to hopefully resolve the situation. However, Jeff's efforts are futile as things become heated again between Britta and Abed's dad. Abed cuts through all the arguing with an announcement that his project is finished. He gets the other three to sit down and watch the film. Britta and Jeff are unsure what they are watching and are surprised to see the movie upsets Abed's father, who is crying. He tells Abed that he never blamed him for what happened to his marriage.}}
+
|text=The following day, Jeff tricks both Britta and Abed's father to come to [[Group Study Room F|the study room]]. Abed is there as well, editing his movie on the computer. Jeff gathered them all for meeting to hopefully resolve the situation. However, Jeff's efforts are futile as things become heated again between Britta and Abed's dad. Abed cuts through all the arguing with an announcement that his project is finished. He gets the other three to sit down and watch his film "[[Six Candles]]". Britta and Jeff are unsure what they are watching and are surprised to see the movie upsets Abed's father, who is crying. He tells Abed that he never blamed him for what happened to his marriage.}}
 
{{Paragraph
 
{{Paragraph
  +
|backgroundcolor=1
|slideshow=<gallery type="slideshow" crop="true">
 
 
|image=IF JB First kiss.png
IF You should kiss me now.png|"''You should kiss me now.''"
 
  +
|caption=Day seized!
IF JB First kiss.png
 
 
|text=Abed's father turns to Britta and Jeff and says that if film making is a way for Abed to express himself and be understood, then he will pay for the classes. After he leaves, Britta realizes that Abed planned this all along and tells him it was a poor way to treat his friend but Abed is unapologetic. Meanwhile, Pierce and Troy are walking behind Shirley, and Troy tests his new sneeze, leaving Shirley impressed. Later outside the [[library]], Britta is bothered by the fact that she's now in Jeff's debt. She asks Jeff to kiss her, and he eagerly complies. When the kiss ends, Professor Whitman shouts out his approval of Jeff seizing the day. Britta tells Jeff that they are now even and walks off. Whitman further congratulates Jeff and tells him that the kiss just earned him a passing grade in his class.}}
IF Day seized.png|"''Day seized!''"
 
IF Now we're even.png|"''Now we're even.''"
 
</gallery>
 
|text=Abed's father turns to Britta and Jeff and says that if filmmaking is a way for Abed to express himself and be understood, then he will pay for the classes. After he leaves, Britta realizes that Abed planned this all along and tells him it was a poor way to treat his friend but Abed is unapologetic. Meanwhile, Pierce and Troy are walking behind Shirley, and Troy tests his new sneeze, leaving Shirley impressed. Later outside the [[library]], Britta is bothered by the fact that she's now in Jeff's debt. She asks Jeff to kiss her, and he eagerly complies. When the kiss ends, Professor Whitman shouts out his approval of Jeff seizing the day. Britta tells Jeff that they are now even and walks off. Whitman further congratulates Jeff and tells him that the kiss just earned him a passing grade in his class.}}
 
   
 
==[[Community end tags|End tag]]==
 
==[[Community end tags|End tag]]==
Troy and Abed try to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krumping Krump] before being joined by [[Jeff]] who tries to show them how it's done.
+
Troy and Abed try to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krumping krump] before being joined by [[Jeff]] who tries to show them how it's done.
   
 
==Recurring themes==
 
==Recurring themes==
===[[Continuity]]:===
+
===[[Continuity]]===
  +
{{Continuity
*'''First appearance''': [[Professor Whitman]] and [[Abed]]'s father [[Gubi Nadir]] make their debut in this episode.
 
  +
|narrative=
*'''History lesson''': Shirley fills in more details about why she's at Greendale when she reveals she was left by her husband who cheated on her and now wants to get what's hers. Through Abed and Gubi's relationship, Britta's own relationship with her father is hinted at.
+
*'''History lesson''': Shirley fills in more details about why she's at Greendale when she reveals she was left by her husband who cheated on her and now wants to get what's hers. Through Abed and Gubi's relationship, Britta's own strained relationship with her father is hinted at.
*'''Googly eyes''': Jeff and Britta share their first kiss in this episode although Britta explains it was only for Professor Whitman's benefit and to make things even between them.
+
*'''Googly eyes''': Jeff and Britta share their first kiss in this episode although Britta explains it was only for Professor Whitman's benefit and to make things even between them for him helping her out with Abed.
*'''School uniform''': [[Troy]] is still wearing his letterman jacket, and Pierce tells him to lose it because it makes him look like a high school bitch.
 
 
*'''Middle Eastern Magic 8 Ball''': [[Annie]] is inspired by Professor Whitman's philosophy of '''living in the moment '''and makes a few significant decisions in the [[Season One]] finale "[[Pascal's Triangle Revisited]]" based on the idea.
*'''This must be the place''': [[Group Study Room F]], [[library]], [[cafeteria]], [[Hot & Brown]] and [[student lounge]] are all featured prominently in this episode.
 
  +
* '''Express tuition aisle''': All Eustice Whitman teaches students is to "seize the day". His class is supposed to be accounting.
*'''Middle Eastern Magic 8 ball''': [[Annie]] is inspired by Professor Whitman's philosophy of '''living in the moment '''and makes a few significant decisions in the [[Season One]] finale "[[Pascal's Triangle Revisited]]" based on the idea.
 
 
*'''Discontinuity''': The photo of Abed's mom appears to be that of a middle-eastern woman and it is stated several times on the show that his mother is Polish.
 
*'''Discontinuity''': The photo of Abed's mom appears to be that of a middle-eastern woman and it is stated several times on the show that his mother is Polish.
  +
|people=
  +
*'''First appearance''':
  +
**Professor [[Eustice Whitman]] debuts. He is the Accounting professor who is heavily inspired by the film "{{wp|Dead Poets Society}}." He next appears in the episode "[[Debate 109]]".
  +
**[[Gubi Nadir]] debuts. He is the perpetually angry father of Abed who runs a falafel restaurant. He next appears in the episode "[[Basic Genealogy]]".
  +
**[[Stoner friend]] debuts. He is a coffee delivery guy who is also a buddy of [[Vaughn Miller]]. He next appears in the episode "[[Social Psychology]]".
  +
|things=
 
*'''School uniform''': [[Troy]] is still wearing his [[Troy's letterman jacket|letterman jacket]], and Pierce tells him to lose it because it makes him look like a high school bitch.
  +
*'''School supplies''': The [[Foosball table#Season One|Foosball table]] is first seen.
  +
|places=
  +
*'''This must be the place''':
  +
**[[Group Study Room F]]
  +
**[[Library]]
  +
**[[Cafeteria]]
  +
**[[Hot & Brown]]
  +
**[[Student lounge]]
  +
}}
   
===[[Running gags]]:===
+
===[[Running gags]]===
  +
{{Collapsible box
  +
|title=List of Running gags
  +
|background color=white
  +
|information=
  +
''Recurring or debuting running gags in this episode:''
 
*'''Awww!''': Annie and Shirley coo when they see that the check Britta made out to Abed for his class is signed with "For dreams".
 
*'''Awww!''': Annie and Shirley coo when they see that the check Britta made out to Abed for his class is signed with "For dreams".
*'''Double entendre''': Troy gets upset that Jeff says he sneezes like a girl, and he replies, "''How about I pound you like a boy?" '' before quickly realizing how that could be misinterpreted.
+
*'''Double entendre''': Troy gets upset that Jeff says he sneezes like a girl, and he replies, "''How about I pound you like a boy?"'' before quickly realizing how that could be misinterpreted.
  +
*'''You're a huge nerd''': Jeff joins Troy and Abed when they try to krump.
  +
}}
  +
 
===[[Pop culture references]]===
 
===[[Pop culture references]]===
  +
{{Collapsible box
*'''Shout out''': [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams Robin Williams]
 
  +
|title=List of Pop culture references
*'''IMDB''': "[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/ Dead Poet's Society]" is mentioned by Jeff as having heavily influenced Professor Whitman. "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aladdin_(1992_Disney_film) Aladdin]" is mentioned by Troy who considers [http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Jafar Jafar] a badass. Jeff describes Abed's short film as not exactly "Citizen Kane".
 
  +
|background color=white
  +
|information=
  +
''References to popular culture in this episode:''
  +
*'''IMDb''':
  +
**"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/ Dead Poets Society]" is mentioned by Jeff as having heavily influenced Professor Whitman.
 
**"[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aladdin_(1992_Disney_film) Aladdin]" is mentioned by Troy who considers [http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Jafar Jafar] a bad ass.
  +
**Jeff describes Abed's short film as not exactly [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizen_Kane Citizen Kane].
  +
** Britta is disappointed that Jeff lied to her about having [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravi_Shankar Ravi Shankar] tickets.
  +
** Abed's film, "Six Candles", is a reference to John Hughes' "[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088128/ Sixteen Candles]".
  +
  +
*'''Shout out''':
 
**Actor/comedian [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams Robin Williams] is mentioned and referenced.
  +
**[[Gobi Nadir]] asks Jeff where the band [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weezer Weezer] is.
  +
*'''Use your allusion''':
 
**Many references to the movie [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/ Dead Poets Society] are alluded to in this episode. The last name Whitman itself is a reference to the poet [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Whitman Walt Whitman] that the teacher in the film, John Keating, was a fan of.
  +
}}
  +
 
===[[Meta references]]===
 
===[[Meta references]]===
  +
{{Collapsible box
*'''Use your allusion''': Many references to the movie [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/ Dead Poet's Society] are alluded to in this episode. The last name Whitman itself is a reference to the poet [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Whitman Walt Whitman] that the teacher in the film, John Keating, was a fan of.
 
  +
|title=List of Meta references
: [[Gubi Nadir]] tells [[Jeff]] to go host the popular TV talent show "[http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=American_Idol American Idol]", alluding to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Seacrest Ryan Seacrest] who [[Joel McHale]] has a real life friendly rivalry with.
 
  +
|background color=white
*'''Parody''': A key scene from "[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/ Dead Poet's Society]" is re-enacted when Professor Whitman asks his students to stand on their desks which is what John Keating requested his students do as well in the film. Unfortunately, it had less than desirable results[http://bestfreestreaming.com/ .]
 
  +
|information=
*'''Résumé''': Jeff wears rainbow suspenders and says in a drawn out manner "''Good morning, Professor Whitman!" ''to prove to Whitman that he's living in the moment. He then says "''Shazbot!''" when his attempt fails. These are all references to the actor/comedian [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams Robin Williams]'s past roles as [http://chatterbox.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c86d053ef00e553d1f5418833-pi Mork] from the 1970's sitcom "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mork_And_Mindy Mork and Mindy]" and the deejay from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Morning,_Vietnam Good Morning, Vietnam]. Williams also portrayed the teacher John Keating in the film [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/ Dead Poet's Society].
 
  +
''Meta references in this episode:''
 
*'''IRL''': [[Gubi Nadir]] tells [[Jeff]] to go host the popular TV talent show "[http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=American_Idol American Idol]", alluding to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Seacrest Ryan Seacrest] who [[Joel McHale]] has a real life friendly rivalry with.
 
*'''Parody''': A key scene from "[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/ Dead Poets Society]" is re-enacted when Professor Whitman asks his students to stand on their desks which is what John Keating requested his students do as well in the film. Unfortunately, it had less than desirable results.
 
*'''Résumé''': Jeff wears rainbow suspenders and says in a drawn out manner "''Good morning, Professor Whitman!" ''to prove to Whitman that he's living in the moment. He then says "''Shazbot!''" when his attempt fails. These are all references to the actor/comedian [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams Robin Williams]'s past roles as [http://chatterbox.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c86d053ef00e553d1f5418833-pi Mork] from the 1970's sitcom "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mork_And_Mindy Mork and Mindy]" and the deejay from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Morning,_Vietnam Good Morning, Vietnam]. Williams also portrayed the teacher John Keating in the film [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/ Dead Poets Society].
  +
}}
   
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
  +
===Translation error===
*'''​ John Michael Higgins '''plays''' Robin William's''' parody of ''Dead Poet Society'' in this episode. The two actors worked together on ''The Bicentennial Man'' with''' Higgins '''portraying '''Williams'''' lawyer.
 
  +
{{Paragraph
 
  +
|image=Translation error.jpeg
==Gallery==
 
  +
|caption=Translation error.
===Promotional photos===
 
  +
|text=
Jeff, Britta, Abed and Gobi
 
  +
During the scene in the study room where Abed presents his short film to his father, Jeff and Britta there is an error when a particular Arabic word is used. The word is "اليسار (alyasar)" which is a direct translation of "left" which literally means "the left" - as in the direction not as in someone having just left a room. The closest translation of an Arabic word in this context would be "أعتقد أن الشخص الخاطئ رحل ('aetaqid 'ana alshakhs alkhati' rahal)".
<gallery widths="300" position="center" columns="dynamic">
 
  +
}}
1x3 Promopic1.jpg
 
  +
===The Bicentennial Man===
1x3 Promopic2.jpg
 
  +
{{paragraph
1x3 Promopic3.jpg
 
  +
|image=The_Bicentennial_Man.jpg
1x3 Promopic4.jpg
 
  +
|caption=The Bicentennial Man.
1x3 Promopic5.jpg
 
  +
|text=This episode has a {{wp|Robin Williams}} theme with various references to film and television roles he has played. Actor '''​ John Michael Higgins ''' portrays the character Professor Eustice Whitman who is inspired by Williams role of "John Keating" from the 1989 film ''"{{wp|Dead Poets Society}}"''. Higgins would later co-star with the comedian in the 1999 film ''"{{wp|The Bicentennial Man}}"''. He portrayed the character "Bill Feingold", the lawyer of Williams robot character "Andrew."
1x3 Promopic6.jpg
 
  +
}}
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</gallery>
 
Jeff, Britta, Professor Whitman and Abed
 
<gallery widths="300" position="center" columns="dynamic">
 
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</gallery>
 
   
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
{{quote|Isn't Abed's dad a hardcore Muslim? They're not as understanding as Christians. You could get your head cut off with a salami sword.|Shirley}}
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{{quote|Isn't Abed's Dad a hardcore Muslim? They're not as understanding as Christians. You could get your head cut off with a salami sword.|Shirley}}
 
{{quote|Shirley! That's the most racist thing I've ever heard!|Annie}}
 
{{quote|Shirley! That's the most racist thing I've ever heard!|Annie}}
 
{{quote|Pierce will beat that in 1 minute.|Jeff}}
 
{{quote|Pierce will beat that in 1 minute.|Jeff}}
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{{quote|I have to plan, in advance, how to prove that I live in the moment.|Jeff}}
 
{{quote|I have to plan, in advance, how to prove that I live in the moment.|Jeff}}
   
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{{Quote|I'm interested in making movies. But my [[Gobi Nadir|Dad]] says all media's Western propaganda that negatively stereotypes Arabs.|Abed Nadir}}
{{quote|Our first assignment is a documentary. They're like real movies but with ugly people.|Abed}}
 
  +
  +
   
 
{{quote|Raising him means letting him follow his dreams.|Britta}}
 
{{quote|Raising him means letting him follow his dreams.|Britta}}
{{quote|Dreams are for sleeping.|[[Gubi Nadir|Abed's Father]]}}
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{{quote|Dreams are for sleeping.|[[Gobi Nadir|Abed's Father]]}}{{quote|Our first assignment is a documentary. They're like real movies but with ugly people.|Abed}}
 
{{quote|You don't know that!|Britta}}
 
{{quote|You don't know that!|Britta}}
{{quote|It's clinically proven!|[[Gubi Nadir|Abed's Father]]}}
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{{quote|It's clinically proven!|[[Gobi Nadir|Abed's Father]]}}
 
{{quote|So's polio!|Britta}}
 
{{quote|So's polio!|Britta}}
   
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[[Category:Community Episodes]]
 
[[Category:Community Episodes]]
 
[[Category:Season 1 Episodes]]
 
[[Category:Season 1 Episodes]]
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[[Category:Jeff and Britta]]
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[[Category:Jeff and Abed]]

Revision as of 17:04, 26 May 2020

Plot

“
Seize the day Jeff, for real! Go running naked in a hailstorm, kiss a girl in the middle of the day, fly a kite, but do it for yourself! Or you won’t just fail my class. You’ll fail life!
”
— Professor Whitman


Jeff attends an accounting class taught by Professor Whitman which is less about learning and more about the philosophy of "seizing the day". Over in the the study room, the group is irritated at Pierce who cannot operate his cell phone. Jeff then arrives excited about the blow off class he just found and suggests the group sign up too. Abed declines, explaining that his dad forbids him taking any class that won't help him run the family falafel business. Britta decides to give Abed the money to pay for a film class he actually wants to take. He suggests that they all get back to studying but is subsequently distracted by Troy's funny sneeze.



Seize the day!
'"SEIZE...THE...DAY!"'
The study group-minus Britta and Abed-join Jeff for Professor Whitman's accounting course the following day. After Shirley introduces herself to the class, Whitman encourages her to have an emotional breakthrough regarding her husband. He then commands Annie along with the rest of the students to stand on their desks. After one of the students gets injured when her desk collapses, Whitman gives out their homework assignments and dismisses them. He asks that Jeff stay behind and tells him he believes his motivations for taking the class are insincere. If by the end of the week he doesn't try to genuinely live in the moment and seize the day, Whitman will fail him. Later, Jeff is complaining to Britta about Whitman's ultimatum.



ITF Living in the moment by standing on desks
Living in the moment means standing on your desks.
She is uninterested in his problems and more concerned with Abed who approaches the pair while filming them with a video camera. She asks him how his class is going, and he mentions that he is working on a documentary. It is then that Abed's father shows up and confronts Britta. He tells her that he is responsible for Abed and doesn't need her help raising him. The two begin to argue, and when it becomes physical, Jeff steps in to separate them. Jeff tells Mr. Nadir that Abed is an adult now and can make his own decisions. Fed up with the situation, Abed's father responds that Abed is their responsibility now and leaves the campus. The next day in the cafeteria, Britta runs into Jeff who is dressed in a ridiculous outfit and waiting for Whitman to arrive for his morning coffee.



ITF it was difficult talking to him before now wehave this between us
"He was difficult to talk to before. NOW WE HAVE THIS BETWEEN US!"
She has accepted the role of Abed's provider and is trying to calculate his expenses for the semester. Abed arrives with an expensive new camera bought with Britta's money. He continues to film his documentary, casting Jeff and Britta in the roles of his parents. Distracted by Abed's wasteful spending, Jeff fails to notice Whitman's arrival. The professor disapproves of Jeff's outfit before ordering a birthday cake from the Hot & Brown coffee shop . Meanwhile in the student lounge, Pierce offers to teach Troy how to sneeze strongly and with intent. Elsewhere, Jeff decides concocts a more elaborate scheme to impress Whitman.



ITF Shazbot
"Sorry, Mr. Winger. These won't cut it."
He lies in wait for the professor to appear in the campus courtyard and launches his plan. Whitman witnesses the entire charade and gives it a disapproving thumbs down. He tells Jeff to sincerely try to seize the day, or he will not only fail the class but life as well. Overhearing their conversation as she approaches, Britta arrives and gets a flower from Whitman before he leaves. She asks Jeff to talk to Abed about his behavior as she just learned he hasn't been attending the film class she paid for. She pleads with Jeff to talk to Abed since he refuses to talk to her. It is then that they both notice Abed filming them for his documentary.



ITF Whitman's verdict
Verdict: Not amused.
Later in the study room, Abed is treating the group to pizza using Britta's money. Britta again urges Jeff to talk to him about his recent behavior. When Jeff confronts Abed about cutting class, he replies that working on his movie project is much more important. When a delivery man arrives with lattes, paid for by Britta's money, she immediately loses her cool. She starts to get hysterical and demands that Abed explain himself. Abed refuses to give her any answers and instead suggests to her that this is the scene where she leaves. After Britta leaves upset, Abed turns to Jeff for his reaction. He calls Abed weird before leaving as well.



IF Filming Mom and Dad
Abed filming Jeff and Britta as his parents.
The following day, Jeff tricks both Britta and Abed's father to come to the study room. Abed is there as well, editing his movie on the computer. Jeff gathered them all for meeting to hopefully resolve the situation. However, Jeff's efforts are futile as things become heated again between Britta and Abed's dad. Abed cuts through all the arguing with an announcement that his project is finished. He gets the other three to sit down and watch his film "Six Candles". Britta and Jeff are unsure what they are watching and are surprised to see the movie upsets Abed's father, who is crying. He tells Abed that he never blamed him for what happened to his marriage.



IF Abeds film
Abed shows his finished film to his father, Jeff, and Britta.
Abed's father turns to Britta and Jeff and says that if film making is a way for Abed to express himself and be understood, then he will pay for the classes. After he leaves, Britta realizes that Abed planned this all along and tells him it was a poor way to treat his friend but Abed is unapologetic. Meanwhile, Pierce and Troy are walking behind Shirley, and Troy tests his new sneeze, leaving Shirley impressed. Later outside the library, Britta is bothered by the fact that she's now in Jeff's debt. She asks Jeff to kiss her, and he eagerly complies. When the kiss ends, Professor Whitman shouts out his approval of Jeff seizing the day. Britta tells Jeff that they are now even and walks off. Whitman further congratulates Jeff and tells him that the kiss just earned him a passing grade in his class.



IF JB First kiss
Day seized!

End tag

Troy and Abed try to krump before being joined by Jeff who tries to show them how it's done.

Recurring themes

Continuity

Continuity lists
Narrative
Recurring or debuting plot points in this episode:
  • History lesson: Shirley fills in more details about why she's at Greendale when she reveals she was left by her husband who cheated on her and now wants to get what's hers. Through Abed and Gubi's relationship, Britta's own strained relationship with her father is hinted at.
  • Googly eyes: Jeff and Britta share their first kiss in this episode although Britta explains it was only for Professor Whitman's benefit and to make things even between them for him helping her out with Abed.
  • Middle Eastern Magic 8 Ball: Annie is inspired by Professor Whitman's philosophy of living in the moment and makes a few significant decisions in the Season One finale "Pascal's Triangle Revisited" based on the idea.
  • Express tuition aisle: All Eustice Whitman teaches students is to "seize the day". His class is supposed to be accounting.
  • Discontinuity: The photo of Abed's mom appears to be that of a middle-eastern woman and it is stated several times on the show that his mother is Polish.
People
Recurring or debuting characters in this episode:
Places
Recurring or debuting places in this episode:
Things
Recurring or debuting items in this episode:
  • School uniform: Troy is still wearing his letterman jacket, and Pierce tells him to lose it because it makes him look like a high school bitch.
  • School supplies: The Foosball table is first seen.

Running gags

List of Running gags
Recurring or debuting running gags in this episode:
  • Awww!: Annie and Shirley coo when they see that the check Britta made out to Abed for his class is signed with "For dreams".
  • Double entendre: Troy gets upset that Jeff says he sneezes like a girl, and he replies, "How about I pound you like a boy?" before quickly realizing how that could be misinterpreted.
  • You're a huge nerd: Jeff joins Troy and Abed when they try to krump.

Pop culture references

List of Pop culture references
References to popular culture in this episode:
  • IMDb:
    • "Dead Poets Society" is mentioned by Jeff as having heavily influenced Professor Whitman.
    • "Aladdin" is mentioned by Troy who considers Jafar a bad ass.
    • Jeff describes Abed's short film as not exactly Citizen Kane.
    • Britta is disappointed that Jeff lied to her about having Ravi Shankar tickets.
    • Abed's film, "Six Candles", is a reference to John Hughes' "Sixteen Candles".
  • Shout out:
  • Use your allusion:
    • Many references to the movie Dead Poets Society are alluded to in this episode. The last name Whitman itself is a reference to the poet Walt Whitman that the teacher in the film, John Keating, was a fan of.

Meta references

List of Meta references
Meta references in this episode:
  • IRL: Gubi Nadir tells Jeff to go host the popular TV talent show "American Idol", alluding to Ryan Seacrest who Joel McHale has a real life friendly rivalry with.
  • Parody: A key scene from "Dead Poets Society" is re-enacted when Professor Whitman asks his students to stand on their desks which is what John Keating requested his students do as well in the film. Unfortunately, it had less than desirable results.
  • Résumé: Jeff wears rainbow suspenders and says in a drawn out manner "Good morning, Professor Whitman!" to prove to Whitman that he's living in the moment. He then says "Shazbot!" when his attempt fails. These are all references to the actor/comedian Robin Williams's past roles as Mork from the 1970's sitcom "Mork and Mindy" and the deejay from Good Morning, Vietnam. Williams also portrayed the teacher John Keating in the film Dead Poets Society.

Trivia

Translation error

During the scene in the study room where Abed presents his short film to his father, Jeff and Britta there is an error when a particular Arabic word is used. The word is "اليسار (alyasar)" which is a direct translation of "left" which literally means "the left" - as in the direction not as in someone having just left a room. The closest translation of an Arabic word in this context would be "أعتقد أن الشخص الخاطئ رحل ('aetaqid 'ana alshakhs alkhati' rahal)".



Translation error
Translation error.

The Bicentennial Man

This episode has a Robin Williams theme with various references to film and television roles he has played. Actor ​ John Michael Higgins portrays the character Professor Eustice Whitman who is inspired by Williams role of "John Keating" from the 1989 film "Dead Poets Society". Higgins would later co-star with the comedian in the 1999 film "The Bicentennial Man". He portrayed the character "Bill Feingold", the lawyer of Williams robot character "Andrew."



The Bicentennial Man
The Bicentennial Man.

Quotes

Isn't Abed's Dad a hardcore Muslim? They're not as understanding as Christians. You could get your head cut off with a salami sword.Shirley
Shirley! That's the most racist thing I've ever heard!Annie
Pierce will beat that in 1 minute.Jeff
I have to plan, in advance, how to prove that I live in the moment.Jeff
I'm interested in making movies. But my Dad says all media's Western propaganda that negatively stereotypes Arabs.Abed Nadir


Raising him means letting him follow his dreams.Britta
Dreams are for sleeping.Abed's Father
Our first assignment is a documentary. They're like real movies but with ugly people.Abed
You don't know that!Britta
It's clinically proven!Abed's Father
So's polio!Britta
Jeff, I think you should play the role of my father.Abed
I don't want to be your father.Jeff
Perfect, you already know your lines.Abed
Season One Episodes

1. "Pilot"
2. "Spanish 101"
3. "Introduction to Film"
4. "Social Psychology"
5. "Advanced Criminal Law"
6. "Football, Feminism and You"
7. "Introduction to Statistics"
8. "Home Economics"
9. "Debate 109"
10. "Environmental Science"
11. "The Politics of Human Sexuality"
12. "Comparative Religion"
13. "Investigative Journalism"

14. "Interpretive Dance"
15. "Romantic Expressionism"
16. "Communication Studies"
17. "Physical Education"
18. "Basic Genealogy"
19. "Beginner Pottery"
20. "The Science of Illusion"
21. "Contemporary American Poultry"
22. "The Art of Discourse"
23. "Modern Warfare"
24. "English as a Second Language"
25. "Pascal's Triangle Revisited"

Nbc-community-dvd

Season OneSeason TwoSeason ThreeSeason FourSeason FiveSeason Six