The Case of the Missing "Community" Episode: Why "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" Vanished from Netflix
Fans of the cult-classic sitcom Community have likely noticed a particular episode missing from Netflix's extensive library. The episode in question is Season 2's "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons," a fan-favorite that often gets cited as one of the show's most iconic. So, why did Netflix, the platform that has been home to the Greendale crew for years, decide to pull this particular installment?
The reason boils down to the episode's content and evolving societal sensitivities, specifically concerning its portrayal of characters in blackface. Let's break down the specifics.
The Episode in Question: "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons"
First aired in 2011, "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" is the 14th episode of Community's second season. In it, the study group attempts to cheer up their friend, Gary, who is depressed after his father's death. To do this, they decide to play a game of Dungeons & Dragons, dressing up in elaborate costumes to create a fantasy world for him. The core of the controversy lies with the costume choices of two characters: Pierce Hawthorne (played by Chevy Chase) and Britta Perry (played by Gillian Jacobs).
- Pierce Hawthorne: Pierce, in an effort to portray a character he believed would impress Gary (a character from a D&D sourcebook), dons a costume that includes painting his face black. This is intended to represent a character called "Shadow Elf" in the game.
- Britta Perry: Britta also paints her face black as part of her character's aesthetic, aiming to be a "dark elf."
The episode also features other characters in various fantasy-inspired costumes, but the use of blackface by Pierce and Britta is the central point of contention.
The Controversy and Netflix's Decision
In recent years, there has been a significant cultural reckoning regarding the use of blackface. Historically, blackface minstrelsy was a form of racist entertainment that caricatured Black people, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. While the intent behind Pierce and Britta's costumes in "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" was not explicitly malicious in the context of the show's narrative (it was framed as an attempt to engage in a fantasy role-playing game), the visual of characters in blackface is undeniably problematic and can evoke painful historical associations.
Netflix, along with other streaming services, has been increasingly scrutinized for the content they host. As societal understanding and sensitivity around issues of race and representation have evolved, platforms have felt compelled to re-evaluate their libraries. This re-evaluation led to the decision to temporarily remove "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" from Community's availability on Netflix in June 2020.
Official Statements and Reasoning
At the time of the removal, a spokesperson for Sony Pictures Television, the studio behind Community, explained the decision. The spokesperson stated that the episode was being removed "in light of criticism for the use of blackface."
The rationale behind such a decision is multi-faceted:
- Avoiding Offense: To prevent causing offense or distress to viewers who are sensitive to the historical context and harmful implications of blackface.
- Reflecting Evolving Standards: To align with contemporary standards of inclusivity and racial sensitivity.
- Responsible Curation: Streaming services are increasingly seen as curators of content, and this includes ensuring that the content they promote does not inadvertently cause harm or perpetuate problematic imagery.
It's important to note that the episode was not permanently canceled or destroyed. Instead, it was pulled from streaming platforms, including Netflix, in the hopes that it might be re-evaluated for potential edits or to be re-released with context. There was also a period where the episode was reportedly unavailable on Amazon Prime Video as well, though its status on different platforms has varied.
What About Other Episodes?
It's worth mentioning that "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" wasn't the only episode of a popular show to be temporarily removed due to racial insensitivity. Similar decisions were made for episodes of other series, such as 30 Rock and Scrubs, which also featured characters in blackface. This indicates a broader trend among streaming services to address problematic content in their catalogs.
Will It Ever Come Back?
The question of whether "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" will return to Netflix remains open. While the episode was removed, the creators of Community, including creator Dan Harmon, have acknowledged the problematic nature of the scene. Harmon himself has expressed a willingness to discuss the episode's context and potential re-release with appropriate framing. Some speculate that the episode might return in the future with a disclaimer or contextual introduction explaining the problematic nature of the scene and its original intent within the show's narrative.
For now, fans who wish to revisit this particular episode of Community might need to look for alternative viewing options, such as physical media (DVDs or Blu-rays), where the episode is still included and potentially offers more control over viewing choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Netflix decide to remove the episode?
Netflix, in conjunction with Sony Pictures Television (the studio behind Community), made the decision to remove the episode in response to growing criticism regarding the use of blackface. This move reflects an evolving societal understanding of racial insensitivity and a desire by streaming platforms to curate content that aligns with contemporary ethical standards.
Why is blackface considered problematic in "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons"?
The episode features characters using blackface as part of their fantasy costumes. Blackface has a deeply racist history in America, originating from minstrel shows that demeaned and caricatured Black people. Even if the intent within the show was not malicious, the visual itself is now widely recognized as offensive due to its historical context and potential to perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Has "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" been edited or will it be re-released?
As of the current information, the episode has been removed from streaming platforms like Netflix. While there's speculation that it might be re-released in the future with contextual warnings or edits, there has been no official confirmation of such plans. The creators have acknowledged the issue and expressed openness to discussion.
