What a shame. This used to be a genuinely funny show, and very, very clever. But for some unexplainable reason, the writers decided to make all the characters unlikeable.

That might work in a drama or soap opera, but not in comedy. Let's review:

Jeff - Unlikeable. A sarcastic, pessimistic a-hole. It's impossible for him to be funny

Pierce Hawthorne - Unlikeable. A sarcastic, pessimistic a-hole. It's impossible for him to be funny

Britta - Unlikeable. A sarcastic, pessimistic a-hole. It's impossible for her to be funny

Annie - Almost likeable. But too vapid and never funny

Troy - Unlikeable. A nerd, and if he's gay they should just say "He's gay!" instead of inferring it. How many remember that Troy started off as as football star? It's true. He's now listed as "a former high school star quarterback-turned-nerd" on Wikipedia

Abed - Almost likeable. His schtick can get old, but it's funny in small doses. At least he's not an a-hole

Shirley - Mostly unlikeable. Her high-pitched "God is going to get you, but not me!" schtick got old two years ago

Dean Pelton - The only funny character left in the entire TV show

John Goodman - He had the good sense to say, "Adios, MF'ers!" after two episodes

Chang - Was funny, is now pathetic

John Oliver - Also had the good sense to say "Adios, MF'ers!"

The first one-and-a-half seasons of this show were absolutely classic, but then it jumped the shark. Funny thing is, it didn't physically jump it like most shows do. The writers just changed direction with no warning or reason.

I haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but I DVR'd it. I'll watch it and get back to this thread...I wonder if I'll agree. This is absolutely one of my favorite shows, so I'm hoping you're wrong.

I'm guessing this news will make them disagree about jumping the shark:

NBC’s Community returned from its too-long hiatus to 4.9 million total viewers and a demo rating of 2.2, delivering increases of 36 and 47 percent over the comedy’s most recent outing (on Dec. 8 ) and a 14-month, non-sports time slot demo high for NBC.

What’s more, NBC points out that Community – with Bang Bang Theory benched by NCAA hoops — was No. 1 among Adults 18-34 and Men 18-34 during its half hour, besting even a little show called American Idol. Cool, cool, cool…

Year-over-year, Community was up 29 percent in the demo, while versus its season-to-date average it delivered a 38 percent gain.

That teed up 30 Rock, now in the 8:30 slot, for week-to-week gains of 18 and 43 percent, hitting 4.1 million viewers and a 2.0 rating.

Efan said:

I'm guessing this news will make them disagree about jumping the shark:

NBC’s Community returned from its too-long hiatus to 4.9 million total viewers and a demo rating of 2.2, delivering increases of 36 and 47 percent over the comedy’s most recent outing (on Dec. 8 ) and a 14-month, non-sports time slot demo high for NBC.

What’s more, NBC points out that Community – with Bang Bang Theory benched by NCAA hoops — was No. 1 among Adults 18-34 and Men 18-34 during its half hour, besting even a little show called American Idol. Cool, cool, cool…

Year-over-year, Community was up 29 percent in the demo, while versus its season-to-date average it delivered a 38 percent gain.

That teed up 30 Rock, now in the 8:30 slot, for week-to-week gains of 18 and 43 percent, hitting 4.1 million viewers and a 2.0 rating.

I'm betting that's only due to long-time fans watching its return in hopes they'd learned their lesson and got back to comedy.

If the numbers are anywhere near those next week, I'll be real surprised.

Has anyone considered that Troy and Abed's "elimination of whimsy" storyline was a metaphor for the criticisms of the show?

Next week it will be just fine.

Ive watched community occasionally and I thought last nights episode was rather boring.

So far, tonight's episode is killing me it's so good. Killing me. I love this show.

No offense, Rodeo, but I think it's high time to take back that "jump the shark" comment.

maybe this is stupid of me, but i LOATHE chevy chase. having read the SNL book that is nothing but interview with damn near everyone ever involved, he really built a reputation for being an ego-maniacal prick.

i tried watching community in the beginning, because i love joel mchale, but as soon as chevy comes on screen i start getting annoyed

Efan said:

So far, tonight's episode is killing me it's so good. Killing me. I love this show.

No offense, Rodeo, but I think it's high time to take back that "jump the shark" comment.

I agree, it was better. Not good IMO, but better.

See how much funnier it is when all the characters aren't unlikeable a-holes!

But they've got to bring Aben and Troy back to reality, IMO. Somehow, two guys that act 7 years old and live in a blanket fort just doesn't play well in a college scenario.