Plot[]
 You're not relaxed. You're an uptight puppet master and these are all your puppets.
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| — Buddy |
| The study group reunites after winter break and fills each other in on what they did on vacation. Jeff then shows up with a new attitude determined to be more positive then he was before. Abed compares his new outlook to the character Hawkeye from M*A*S*H. A student then tells him that he hopes he doesn't change too much. Jeff is about to respond to him before he and the group realize that a stranger has joined them at the study table. He introduces himself as Buddy from their Spanish class but Abed is the only one who recognizes him. Buddy tells him how he's familiar with all of them having seen them all grow closer last semester. He asks that they consider letting him into their group.
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| Dean Pelton convinces Jeff to edit the newly resurrected Greendale Gazette Journal Mirror, Greendale's student newspaper, with the promise of a cushy office and a free English credit. The staff includes Abed as photographer and Annie whom Jeff quickly appoints as his "ace newshound" reporter when she notices him taking advantage of his newfound authority. Annie soon finds out that Dean Pelton texted only the black students about a time change for a concert on campus. He did so, assuming they would be able to spread the word to everyone, in order to avoid additional cell phone charges. Jeff agrees to help when the Dean begs him to kill the story but Annie doesn't respond to Jeff's relaxed approach.
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| Buddy persists in his desire to join the group but Jeff resists pressure from the other members to deal with the situation. Soon Buddy's constant interruptions of study time prove more than even the new laid-back Jeff can handle and the group meets to discuss membership policy. Surprisingly, a majority of the group seem inclined to let Buddy in until Jeff pretends to read a newspaper story about a student who murdered his classmates. However, nobody informs Buddy of their decision and he shows up at the next meeting and doesn't take news of the group's decision well, refusing to leave. Jeff finally snaps, physically dragging Buddy away and then returning to tell Annie she can't run her news story.
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| Back in the newspaper office Jeff is distraught for reverting to his old ways but Abed tells him that sometimes a leader needs to bark orders and take charge. Annie walks in to thank Jeff for making her realize how she could have hurt Dean Pelton. This newfound perspective causes Jeff to invite Buddy back and encourage the group to really give him a chance. As everyone agrees and moves in for a group hug another group walks in to tell Buddy he has been accepted in to their group. Buddy reveals to the study group that they were his second choice and leaves with the "cool group" which includes Star-Burns. When Annie laments that she wishes they could have gotten a new member, Shirley tells them that she'll contact Gary.
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End tag[]
| Troy and Abed are interviewed by Star-Burns for possible membership in the "cool group". Pierce shows up and berates them for their disloyalty. After they walk away Pierce asks if the group has decided on his own membership.
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Recurring themes[]
Continuity[]
| Continuity lists | ||||||||
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Running gags[]
| List of Running gags |
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Recurring or debuting running gags in this episode:
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Pop culture references[]
| List of Pop culture references |
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References to popular culture in this episode:
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Meta references[]
| List of Meta references |
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Meta references in this episode:
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Trivia[]
- A flyer written by Pavel for auditions for a student film can be seen behind Annie when she tells Jeff about her news scoop. The flyer indicates it's an asset if the applicants can ride a unicycle.
- Abed read the "Greendale Observation Mirror", a predecessor to The Gazette Journal Mirror in "Debate 109".
Quotes[]
- “This is the first desk I've seen in six months that doesn't have 'Zeppelin Rules' carved into it.”— Jeff
- “Annie's pretty young we try not to sexualize her.”— Jeff
- “No no, it's fine it's fine. Just a little...little nosebleed. I get them when it's dry and when my face gets kicked.”— Jeff
- “If we're going to add a chair for every bong-ripping good-time Charlie with a song in his heart, I move we institute hazing.”— Annie
- “Guys, let's take a vote.”— Britta
- “Secret vote. Everybody cover your eyes.”— Abed
- “We won't know the results!”— Annie
- “Well, say your vote out loud.”— Pierce
- “We'll know each other's voices.”— Shirley
- “Troy's got a point.”— Pierce
| Season One Episodes | ||
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1. "Pilot" |
14. "Interpretive Dance" |
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| Season One • Season Two • Season Three • Season Four • Season Five • Season Six | ||
