Every Season 1 Cold Open | Community

The Dean of Greendale Community College addresses new students, aiming to inspire them beyond the negative stereotypes associated with community colleges. He humorously mentions various groups often found on campus, including dropouts and the elderly. The speech unexpectedly includes personal revelations about the Dean's heritage and his father's contentious relationship with his mother. The Dean's identity crisis is further complicated by the revelation that his college degree is not legitimate, leading to the suspension of his license, and he seeks help from a student, Jeff, to navigate through his classes.

Jeff, a student at Greendale, is depicted as struggling with the concept of academic integrity. He is seen trying to negotiate with the Dean for academic favors, which is rejected. The narrative shifts to Jeff's interactions with his classmates, discussing personal matters and their studies. The class environment is informal, with a professor encouraging a laid-back approach to learning, symbolized by the 'Carpe Diem' philosophy. Jeff's personal life is also explored, including his interest in a girl from his Spanish class named Britta.

This paragraph delves into the various aspects of campus life at Greendale, including a humorous incident involving a small patch of cannabis behind the gymnasium and the Dean's quirky announcements. The debate over the library's PA system and a student's effort to increase awareness of homelessness through security measures are also highlighted. The narrative touches on interpersonal relationships among students, focusing on a study group dynamic and the tension between waiting for a tardy member, Jeff, and the desire to start studying without him.

The study group's members are shown dealing with personal and academic challenges. There are discussions about class schedules, the pressure of running a family business, and the struggle to balance personal interests with academic requirements. The group also grapples with the cultural implications of media and the cost of pursuing one's passion. The paragraph ends with a light-hearted moment where Pierce makes a racially insensitive comment, sparking a debate about stereotypes.

The group's interactions take center stage, with Valentine's Day serving as a backdrop for their relationships and expectations. There's a playful banter about gifts, the commercialization of affection, and the group's individual plans for the day. Jeff seeks advice on navigating women's expectations, while other characters reveal their own Valentine's Day experiences, including a surprise gift from Vaughn to Britta and the group's collective disdain for the day's consumerism.

Jeff enrolls in a pottery class, where he encounters a strict rule against reenacting the famous pottery scene from the movie 'Ghost'. The class becomes a venue for Jeff's competitive nature to surface as he tries to outdo others, including making a participant badge. The narrative also includes humorous moments, such as Abed making falafel out of clay and the instructor's zero-tolerance policy for 'ghosting'.

The college prepares for April Fool's Day with a prank guideline reminder from the Dean. There's a subplot involving a cult and Pierce's level six ceremonial robes. The narrative also touches on Abed's role in the group, his fast for a Buddhist ceremony, and the group's dynamic as they navigate through various personal and academic situations, including a discussion about the best parts of their college experience.

The cafeteria serves as the setting for a debate on the ethics of eating meat, with Britta advocating for animal rights and the group discussing their food preferences. There's a moment of personal loss for Britta as her cat falls ill, leading to a philosophical discussion about the value of life and the decision to euthanize a pet. The paragraph also includes a humorous exchange about the group's past experiences and life lessons.

The group prepares for the Spring Fling and the transfer ceremony, where students moving on to other schools will be celebrated. There's tension between Jeff and Britta, who have been arguing frequently, and the group discusses their summer plans. Britta is unexpectedly nominated for Transfer Queen, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the end of the semester.