The Underrated Zombie Parody of "Community" Season 2

Zombie narratives often cleverly satirize while simultaneously excelling within the genre they mock. For instance, films like Shaun of the Dead, despite their comedic intentions, often surpass many dedicated zombie films in quality. Similarly, Zombieland, though primarily a comedy, still delivers effective scares. A notable example within television is the Community season two episode, titled “Epidemiology.”

“Epidemiology” unfolds over a single Halloween night at Greendale Community College, brilliantly deconstructing and celebrating the zombie archetype. The plot ignites when the dean, known for his eccentricities and frugality, serves tacos made from experimental military rations. This culinary misstep quickly turns the student body into flesh-eating zombies. The main characters must then barricade themselves in their study room, hoping to survive until rescue arrives, navigating the chaotic night.

This episode is packed with so many ingenious concepts and humorous moments that it’s challenging to highlight just a few. One memorable detail is the episode’s internal soundtrack, emanating from the dean's phone, which features a blend of ABBA songs and embarrassing personal voice memos. This leads to a spectacular outbreak scene set to “Dancing Queen,” a sequence that rivals the iconic Queen-themed fight in Shaun of the Dead. Another classic Community gag involves Troy (Donald Glover) abandoning his nerdy, matching costume with Abed (Danny Pudi) to pursue girls as a “Sexy Dracula,” only to later don his Aliens-inspired mech suit for an epic confrontation with the zombies.

While “Epidemiology” isn't primarily a horror episode, it expertly builds tension as the protagonists try to determine who among them might be infected. Nevertheless, it stands as an exceptional zombie story that can be appreciated by anyone, regardless of their familiarity with Community. For those new to the series, this episode might just be the perfect introduction, convincing them to explore the entire show.