A good celebrity cameo, when used effectively, can be absolutely brilliant. Community proved that fact in “Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking” by bringing in LeVar Burton as himself to help produce some of the funniest moments the show has ever had.
The episode featured Abed shooting a documentary as Pierce, on his fake death bed, use his final bequeathals to torture the group. By far the greatest torture was inviting Troy’s idol, LeVar Burton, who Troy is so awestruck by that he can’t even speak in his presence.
The result was a perfect cameo as LeVar made reference to his three most prominent roles: Geordi on Star Trek: The Next Generation, the host of Reading Rainbow and Kunta Kinte in the miniseries Roots.
Reading Rainbow provided the most fodder, especially the iconic theme song which is sung by both Burton and Troy, though Troy’s version was as he was curled up in the fetal position in a hospital bathroom while crying.
However, as brilliant as Troy was and as funny as his reactions were, the funniest line of the episode goes to Britta. After LeVar Burton refuses to take her money, she breathes a sigh of relief, telling the camera, “Can you imagine bouncing a check to Kunta Kinte?”
Overall, I strongly recommend this episode to anyone out there looking for funny lines, great guest stars and a fantastic premise.
(Image and videos courtesy of NBC)
Photo Album2.16 “Intermediate Documentary Filmmaking”
Senior Writer, BuddyTV
John watches nearly every show on TV, but he specializes in sci-fi/fantasy like The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and True Blood. However, he can also be found writing about everything from Survivor and Glee to One Tree Hill and Smallville.
