As Seen On TV

By now, you’ve probably heard about NBC’s seemingly hasty decision to put “Community” on an indefinite hiatus.

To me, “indefinite hiatus” sounds suspiciously like “we need to take a break” or “it’s not you, it’s me.” I understood the euphemism — “Community” was over.

I mourned the probable loss of a critical part of my Thursday nights, ate some Christmas cookies and rang in the new year ready to put it all behind me.

However, tear-stained year-end lists were barely posted when NBC Entertainment President Bob Greenblatt announced that “Community” will be back.

You would think I’d be thrilled about this news. I loved the crazy Greendale antics and rapid-fire allusions. I recall throwing around a lot of words such as “unique,” “refreshing” and (the undoubtedly overstated) “genius” when defending “Community” last fall.

But my reaction to the reincarnation of “Community” is not jubilant. In fact, my response to NBC’s decision can be summed up into just two-and-a-half age-old words:
No takesies-backsies.

Seriously, NBC, can we not just let “Community” fade into relative obscurity on a good note? Is it entirely necessary to torture us with another season or two of rapidly decreasing quality?

“Community” thrived in its second season with each episode out-gimmicking the last. What other show on television could do a two-part season finale with equally committed western and Star Wars themes? And the brief shot of Troy (Donald Glover) in a paint downpour paralleling the infamous pose from Shawshank? Perfect.

But season three has been a little more hit-or miss. The “indefinite hiatus” could have been a blessing in disguise.

NBC does have a history of letting shows drag on past their peak.

For a clear example, look no farther than the 9 p.m. slot on the Thursday night lineup. “The Office” has been overstaying its welcome since 2009.

The caricature of office life used to dominate the primetime comedy scene. Since its premiere in 2005, audiences dutifully tuned in for Jim’s and Dwight’s prank wars, Michael’s ridiculous antics and the understated work romances.

But seven years and eight seasons later, Michael’s gone, Jim and Pam are boring married people and Dwight has departed so far from reality that he is unrelatable.
Granted, I think this season of “The Office” is the best in a while. But it still does not make up for the pain NBC has made us sit through for the last year or two.

The moral of the story is this: If you let a show go on for too long, it will die a slow, tragic death. Jokes that used to be funny fall flat. Characters who used to be interesting become annoying. Plot lines implode, and everyone starts to hope for someone to just pull the plug.