Pilot

Pilot

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Director: Joe Russo — Writer: Dan Harmon — Aired: September 17, 2009 —Season: One — Number: One Summary: An ex- lawyer is forced to attend an eccentric community college to earn a legitimate degree.

Plot

What is community college? Well, you've heard all kinds of things. You've heard it's 'loser college' for remedial teens, twenty-something drop-outs, middle-aged divorcees, and old people keeping their minds active as they circle the drain of eternity. That's what you heard, however... I wish you luck!

— Dean Pelton

It's part way through the first week of classes for Greendale Community College's 2009 fall semester. The Dean, Craig Pelton, is trying to give an inspirational speech while welcoming the new students but ends up failing miserably. In the distance, Jeff Winger watches the train wreck while trying to ignore another student named Abed Nadir. Abed is in the middle of telling Jeff his life story when he cuts him off. Jeff asks him for information on a female student he saw in the Spanish class they both take. Abed informs him that her name is Britta and immediately begins to rattle off numerous facts about her. Impressed, Jeff thanks Abed before going off to meet an old friend of his, Professor Ian Duncan.

Dean Pelton gives an inspirational speech.

In Duncan's office, Jeff tells Ian why he's at the school: the bar association learned that he faked his law degree, and now he's at Greendale to earn a legitimate one. He asks that Duncan get him the answers to all his class exams for the entire semester. Ian is reluctant at first but agrees to look into it when he's reminded that Jeff saved him from a D.U.I. charge in 2002. Later, Jeff locates Britta in the cafeteria and tries to lay on the charm but is shot down. Switching to another tactic, he insists that his intentions are sincere. Jeff lies about being a board certified Spanish tutor and that he only approached her to invite her to a study group he is forming. She accepts his invitation and meets him later in the library's study room.

Jeff introduces himself to Britta.

He makes a little progress, but his efforts end up being hampered with the arrival of Abed whom Britta had invited. Jeff is unable to get rid of Abed who doesn't understand the hint Jeff sends in a text message. Jeff soon gets a text message himself from Duncan to meet him at the football field. Once there, Ian says it might be possible to get the test answers but questions whether Jeff knows the difference between right and wrong. Jeff smugly says that he learned a long time ago that such concepts are subjective especially when he learned he has the ability to convincingly argue for either side. After a heated exchange, Ian gives in and agrees to help despite being exasperated by Jeff's arrogance.

Abed arrives and spoils the mood.

Jeff returns to the library only to find that Britta is missing, and four more students are seated at the study table, having been invited by Abed. Attempting to sneak away, he leaves the library only to run into Britta who was outside taking a cigarette break. She suggests that they go back and start studying, hinting that they can sneak out and have dinner if the new arrivals prove to be unteachable. When they return, the oldest of the new arrivals, Pierce, attempts to introduce everyone but manages to get most of their names wrong. After Troy, Annie, and Shirley correct him, Jeff decides to exploit the obvious tension between them. He continues to stir the pot until the group members are arguing amongst themselves.

The rest of the study group arrives.

Jeff's manipulation of the group is interrupted by another call from Duncan, who wants to meet up with him in the parking lot. He finds Ian waiting in his tiny smart car with the answers to the exams. Ian extorts Jeff's Lexus as payment, and a desperate Jeff reluctantly agrees. Returning to the study room, he finds Britta waiting for him. She demands that he calm down the still-arguing study group. He says he'll do so only if she agrees to go out with him. She agrees and with a passionate speech, Jeff manages to pacify the study group. He praises each of them by listing their various strengths, and explains that by coming together and putting aside their differences, they are no longer a mere study group but a Community. He then announces he is going to have dinner with Britta.

Jeff tries to calm down the study group.

She responds that she lied and never intended to go out with him. Jeff then takes back what he just said and boasts that he doesn't need them as he now has the test answers. Leaving the library, he opens the packet Duncan gave him but finds that he's been tricked again. He storms back to Duncan's office and gets his car keys back. As he passes by the library, Pierce calls out to him from the front steps. As they talk, the rest of the study group comes outside and admits that studying is boring without him. The group silently convince Britta to invite him to study with them again and everyone returns to the library except Jeff. He hesitates but then decides to follow them back inside.

"What's going on? Can you guys hear me, am I deaf? CAN YOU GUYS HEAR ME NOW?''

Recurring themes

Continuity

Continuity lists

Narrative Recurring or debuting plot points in this episode: Middle Eastern Magic 8 Ball: The basic outline of the show is laid out with Jeff learning to be a better person through his interaction with the study group. The first major story arc is also introduced in the form of the possible budding romance between Jeff and Britta. History lesson: We get a brief synopsis of all the main characters' pasts before they came to Greendale and why they are there now: While talking with Jeff, Abed goes into great detail about his life including hints he may suffer from a mental disorder. He further hints at being a lonely person, positively replying to Jeff's dismissive remark about "seeing his value now" and rejoicing when he receives a text message for the first time. Jeff tells Professor Duncan that his law credentials were falsified, he was disbarred and now needs to earn a legitimate degree at Greendale. Britta's biography is recounted by Abed who informs Jeff she has brothers, is 28, and her birthday is in October. She herself tells more of her life story to Jeff when they meet in the study room later on. Troy calls Annie "Little Annie Adderall" referencing her Adderall induced breakdown at Riverside High School. Annie mentions how Troy injured himself in a keg incident which cost him his football scholarship. Pierce introduces himself as moist towelette tycoon and C.E.O. Of Hawthorne Wipes. Shirley is shown reacting to Dean Pelton's speech when he mentions the cliché of "middle age divorcees" attending the school hinting that she is one of those. Mad skillz: Jeff's ability to talk his way into and out of situations is demonstrated. Winger speech: Jeff gives the first of his many Winger speeches to the group. Catchphrase: Several of the study group's signature catchphrases are introduced in this episode: "Cool, cool cool cool." — Abed "That's nice." — Shirley "You just wrinkled my brain." — Troy Discontinuity: In this episode it is stated that Jeff has to replace his Bachelors degree to practice Law again. However, in the Season Four finale "Advanced Introduction to Finality" he graduates with an Associates degree in Education instead. In this episode the Study Room is shown to be upstairs as Jeff is seen going up a staircase to reach it. For the rest of the series onwards it is ground level.  Annie mentions that Troy dislocated both his shoulders during a keg flip injury, with Troy revealing in "Football, Feminism and You" that he had intentionally injured himself. However, a flashback to the incident is shown in the Season Four episode "Heroic Origins," where Troy is seen faking his injury rather than suffering a real one, as well as it being a knee injury as opposed to his shoulders. Abed is the first one to point out that Britta looks like actress Elisabeth Shue. In later episodes he states he is face blind and unable to recognize specific features. Screw you guys!: Jeff is kicked out of the study group but is later asked to rejoin. People Recurring or debuting characters in this episode: First appearance: The main characters and a few recurring ones are introduced. Jeff Winger: Disbarred attorney going to Greendale to earn a 4 year degree and return to being a lawyer. Britta Perry: Former activist to find some direction in her life by going to Greendale. Abed Nadir: Pop culture obsessed student who has a possible psychological disorder. Troy Barnes: Former high school BMOC and football star. Annie Edison: Former high school student and recovering Adderall addict. Shirley Bennett: Recent divorcée taking business courses at school. Dean Pelton: Dean of Greendale. Professor Duncan: Psychology professor at Greendale. Places Recurring or debuting places in this episode: This must be the place: Campus quad North Cafeteria Library the study room Ian Duncan's office are debuted. Things Recurring or debuting items in this episode: A sweet ride: Jeff's Lexus is mentioned in this pilot but not physically seen until the next episode. Duncan's minicoup is shown. School supplies: Troy's letterman jacket makes its debut. Jeff names a pencil "Steve" and then breaks it to prove a point during his first "Winger speech." A pencil is later seen in the opening credits for several seasons. In Season Five a broken pencil that is taped together, possibly referring to "Steve", is shown in the opening credits.

Running gags

List of Running gags

Recurring or debuting running gags in this episode: A dollop of whipped irony: When Shirley tells Pierce he has been sexually harassing her, Pierce replies he wouldn't do that to someone that turns him on and Troy points out the irony of his statement. Attention Students!: The series begins with Dean Pelton welcoming all the new students to Greendale over a portable Public address system. Board certified tutor: Jeff pretends to be a board certified Spanish tutor. Pierce butchers the group introductions despite claiming to be a Toastmaster. Disney face: Annie uses her sad eyes to help convince Britta to let Jeff study with them. It's a mixer, it's a mixer!: Abed recounts, word for word, everything Britta said when they met first met.

Pop culture references

List of Pop culture references

References to popular culture in this episode: IMDb: Abed mentions The Breakfast Club several times and quotes a line from the film. Abed briefly quotes Dirty Dancing. Abed says that Jeff Winger is like Bill Murray from Stripes or Meatballs. Troy calls Abed Slumdog Millionaire. Name that Tune: "Daylight" by Matt & Kim "Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare" by Matt & Kim Cover version of "Don't You (Forget About Me)". The Original version was recorded by Simple Minds and appeared on the soundtrack to The Breakfast Club. Shout out: Both Abed and Jeff state that Britta looks like the actress Elizabeth Shue. Britta mentions that she is a fan of the British Rock band Radiohead and quit school to follow them on tour because she thought it would impress them. Jeff mentions Ben Affleck. Abed compares Jeff to Bill Murray and then Michael Douglas. Troy calls Jeff Seacrest after American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. (See "Meta references") TV Guide: The Cafeteria lady calls Jeff "SeinFIELD" referring to the comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Jeff corrects her pronunciation and tells her it is "SeinFELD." Jeff mentions that people can empathize with sharks during Shark Week. Use your allusion: The Magical Negro television trope is alluded to by Jeff: "I was raised on TV, and I was conditioned to believe that every black woman over 50 is a cosmic mentor."

Meta references

List of Meta references
Meta references in this episode: IRL: Jeff is called Ryan Seacrest by Troy; this references the friendly rivalry actor Joel McHale has with his one time fellow E! Entertainment personality.

Trivia

• The original script for the pilot had a number of differences from the broadcast version including dialogue, extended scenes and most notably a different last name for Jeff, "Crocker". Also the lunch lady made recurring appearances throughout the episode but all the scenes with the exception of her meeting Jeff were cut. The original script can be read here.
• When giving the "Look Left" speech, Jeff says that instead of giving you salt you asked for, Abed would give you soup, because soup is better. Joel McHale, who plays Jeff, is the host of The Soup.
• Troy calls Jeff "Seacrest". It is a running gag of Joel McHale's on The Soup to make fun of Ryan Seacrest.
• Britta claims to have been a Peace Corps volunteer after dropping out of high school. This would not be possible as Peace Corps generally requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree for acceptance into its volunteer program; Britta does not have the background for its non-degree positions.
• This episode was in memoriam of director John Hughes, who directed the film The Breakfast Club which is referenced multiple times in the episode.
• The following scenes are absent from the version available on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, reducing the episode's length from 24:28 to 21:48:
  • The very beginning of the episode, when Dean Pelton tries and fails to switch his boombox from "tape" to "mic" is missing. Instead, the episode begins with his speech.
  • Jeff's comment on the size of Professor Duncan's office. Duncan and Jeff reflecting on the time Jeff helped Duncan with his DUI by bringing up 9/11 in court.
    • The chalupas incident is nevertheless mentioned later on, now stripped of its context, and instead of saying he does love America, Duncan simply ponders silenty for a couple of seconds, then agrees to help Jeff.
  • Jeff's conversation with the lunch lady.
  • Britta recounting her past to Jeff. Here, she immediately answers "what's your deal?" with "Honesty".
  • Abed and later Jeff bringing up Britta's resemblance to Elisabeth Shue.
  • Jeff commenting on the age of the people running around the football field.
  • Annie reminding Troy she sat behind him in class. Here, he recognizes her on his own when she brings up his letter jacket.
  • The shot of Jeff looking for Duncan and reacting with disgust when he sees his car.
  • Troy asking Jeff whether he should keep wearing his letter jacket.

Quotes

“I still cannot figure out how you got a jury to connect September the 11th with my DUI.”— Ian

“The state bar has suspended my license. They found out my college degree was less than legitimate.”— Jeff

“I thought you had a bachelor's from Columbia?”— Ian

“And now I have to get one from America.”— Jeff

“Jeff, are you familiar with the adage 'cheaters never prosper'?”— Ian

“No, and if I had wanted to learn something, I wouldn't have come to community college.”— Jeff

“You already know Brittles.”— Pierce

“Britta”— Britta

“Abed. Abed the Arab. Is that inappropriate?”— Pierce

“Sure.”— Abed

“Roy. Roy the wonder boy.”— Pierce

“Troy.”— Troy

“Little princess Elizabeth.”— Pierce

“Annie.”— Annie

“And finally, this beautiful creature is named Shirley.”— Pierce

“Is that even close?”— Jeff

[Shirley nods]

“You have been sexually harassing me since the very first day of class.”— Shirley

“'Sexually harassing'? What? That makes no sense to me. Why would I harass someone who turns me on?”— Pierce

“Saying she turns you on is the harassment, dude.”— Troy

“You know what I got for Christmas? It was a banner year at the Bender family. I got a carton of cigarettes. The old man grabbed me and he said, "Heeeey, smoke up Johnny!" No dad, what about you!”— Abed

“Well, that actually was from the Breakfast Club.”— Jeff

“Nobody puts Baby in the corner.”— Abed

“Dirty Dancing.”— Jeff

“You know what makes humans different from other animals?”— Jeff

“Feet.”— Troy

“No, no, come on. Bears have feet.”— Pierce

“We can sympathize with a pencil. We can forgive a shark, and we can give Ben Affleck an Academy Award for screenwriting.”— Jeff

“Big mistake.”— Pierce

“You've just stopped being a study group. You've become something unstoppable. I hereby pronounce you a community.”— Jeff

“I like you, Jeffrey. You remind me of myself at your age.”— Pierce

“I deserve that.”— Jeff

“Jeff, before you say anything, you might wanna think about the gift you've given.”— Duncan

“An excuse to punch a hippy?”— Jeff

“No, no. Not that. An important lesson. You see, the tools you acquired to survive out there will not help you here at Greendale. What you have my friend, is a second chance at a honest life.”— Duncan

“Why are people trying to teach me everything at a school that has an express tuition aisle? Give me my keys.”— Jeff

“No, i have to keep your car for lesson.”— Duncan

“(Jeff scaring Duncan)”

“Please, please don't hit me (Given Jeff key back)”— Duncan

“Are we cool, are we cool? We cool”— Duncan

“Well, the funny thing about being smart is that you can get through most of life without ever having to do any work.”— Jeff

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"
Season One • Season Two • Season Three • Season Four • Season Five • Season Six