Since its premiere in 2009, the beloved cult classic sitcomCommunityhas been known for its sharp inventiveness and laugh-out-loud hilarity. Week after week, episodes felt like a cinematic event diving into the wacky and weird. Even with the advent of streaming, how many shows can you honestly say did whatDan Harmon’s series could do? Led by the incomparableJoel McHaleand an equally funny ensemble, thegenre-bending series was a class act innavigating the delicate balance between homage and satireto earn its place as one of the most influential sitcoms of all time. But asCommunitystands out with pop culture parodies that deconstruct tropes for seamless comedic effect,their best episode came in the form of its straight-shooting throwback to Westernswith its two-part Season 2 finale, “A Fistful of Paintballs” and “For a Few Paintballs More.”
In “A Fistful of Paintballs,”Greendale transforms into the Wild West as students take part in an epic and messy paintball battlewith the winner taking home $100,000. As Jeff (McHale) turns into the reluctant hero, the group teams up to help one another but finds their friendship with Pierce (Chevy Chase) is put to the test.As the paintball war escalatesand an assassin known as The Black Rider (Josh Holloway) threatens their “survival,” the group must navigate the chaos to protect themselves and uncover the paintball event’s true motives. In the Season 2 finale, “A Few Paintballs More,” the story continues and culminates in a dramatic, Western-styled high noon showdown as tensions rise and alliances shift. But while the episodes collectively pay tribute to acclaimed filmmakerSergio Leone’sDollars Trilogy, there are more genre-specific Easter eggs sprinkled across the show’s first two-part episode, which first aired on July 02, 2025.
A suspended lawyer is forced to enroll in a community college with an eccentric staff and student body.
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TheCommunityepisode kicks off its tribute to Westerns from the start with the title, “A Fistful of Paintballs,” setting the tone as a direct reference to the Sergio Leone classicA Fistful of Dollars, starringClint Eastwood. While the opening credits of the episode mimic the style of typical Western movie credits complete with a genre-inspired font and imagery,the episode brilliantly features music reminiscent of Western soundtracks filled with twangy guitar riffs and orchestral arrangementstypical of acclaimed composer,Ennio Morricone’s style.
Creating some captivating visual homages to some of the most iconic Westerns, “A Fistful of Paintballs” includes strong framing shots from directorJoe Russo, in a way that mimics the cinematography of Westerns by Leone. Throughout the episodes, creatorDan Harmon employs a few “cowboy shots” that are framed from the actor’s mid-waist to right above their head, showcasing their weaponry. It’s also a good way to get a lot of depth out of its cast to showcase more emotion in the performance while signaling confidence and heroism.
‘Community’s Costumes Are Easter Eggs of Western Classics
With Dan Harmon nailing the aesthetic, the show also manages to evoke the Wild West with its characters in full spaghetti Western garb, including cowboy hats, bandanas, vests, and boots. But those looks are not just costumes. Theyserve as Easter eggs for genre fans to enhance the story’s sharp parody. For instance, Troy (Donald Glover) is seen wearing a yellow costume that is a direct throwback to the character of Bart inMel Brooks’sBlazing Saddles. Decked out in a bright yellow Western shirt with snap fastenings, he even wears a sheriff’s badge, referencing Bart’s role.
Meanwhile, his best friend Abed (Danny Pudi) pulls from Leone’sDollars Trilogywith Eastwood’s signature style. Wearing a poncho similar to “The Man With No Name,”Abed adds an air of mystery to his minimalist look with a sense of quiet ruggedness. It’s a fun, playful nod to the Leone classics that also complements Abed’s character and love for movies. Looking at someone like Jeff, we see the series’ lead sporting a sharp replica ofYul Brenner’s simple yet authoritative style inThe Magnificent Seven. With both characters exuding confidence and a stoic demeanor, it adds to their spirit and a strong ability to get the job done. But it’s not just the costumes that give thisCommunityepisode its punch.
‘Community’ Creates Strong Story Arcs Through Western Throwbacks
Troy and Abed might appear to be giving life to the genre with their dynamic mirroring the charm and banter ofButch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, butthe show digs into the specifics of its character arcs, parodying some of the greatest Westerns.In examining Jeff’s reluctant heroism, we see how he prefers to avoid conflict and focus on his own interests — a trait found inGary Cooper’s Marshal Will Kane fromHigh Noon. In seeing how Kane is hesitant to face dangers posed by Frank Miller and his gang, Jeff doesn’t want to get involved with the paintball war. But, an overwhelming sense of duty is present in both characters as they want to protect their communities. Despite Jeff’s self-serving tendencies, he always prioritizes the welfare of others when faced with challenges, similar to Kane, who refuses to back down in the face of danger, proving the two have a strong sense of duty and moral integrity.
In contrast, Pierce Hawthorne (Chevy Chase) plays a natural antagonist, drawing parallels to classic Western villains like Calvera inThe Magnificent Sevenor Frank inOnce Upon a Time in the West. Donning ablack hat that serves as heavy-handed symbolism signifying his villainous turn, we see Pierce leading one of the rival paintball factions, seeking dominance and control over Greendale Community College. This is an arc similar to Calvera and Frank, respectively, who threaten the livelihoods of the communities they inhabit. The three of them display ruthless demeanor in their pursuit of power. But while the former two resort to murdering members of their community to get what they want, Pierce uses deceit and manipulation to further his agenda while betraying his friends. Of course,Pierce’s over-the-top villainy has a comedic flair, but it’s still rooted in some of the Western catalog’s best bad guys.
Other films that get some love in theCommunityepisode areTrue GritandTombstoneas seen best with Annie (Alison Brie), who not only captures the spirit of Westerns with her corset-like vest and saloon-style vibe butundertakes the determined sidekick role with characters like Mattie Ross or Doc Holliday, respectively. Naturally complementing her goody-two-shoes character, Annie swaps her backpack for the action girl trope with gun holsters to provide support and assistance to Jeff and her team while holding her own in the face of danger — and a steamy confrontation with the (very handsome, despite Jeff’s chagrin), Black Rider (Josh Holloway).
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“A Fistful of Paintballs” Is One of ‘Community’s Best Episodes for Good Reason
With the episode heavily referencing some of the greatest Westerns of all time, it’s also no secretthis is an addition to the Dan Harmon series that will go down in history as one of the best on network television. ReferencingThe Good, the Bad and the Uglythroughout, especially in its character dynamics and showdown scenes,Communitymanages to recreate the atmosphere of a Wild West town brimming with makeshift forts and saloons to explore themes like lawlessness, survival, and the common clash between order and chaos. This framework advances not just the show’s depth and writing as a masterclass in what sitcoms should look like, but it allows for comedy to evolve through the things we love most with twists and subversions we wouldn’t dream of.
Communityis known for its innovative storytelling techniques and “A Fistful of Paintballs” is no exception. The episode’s narrative structure and creative use of flashbacks and montages enhance the viewing experience todemonstrate the show’s willingness to experiment and subvert the filmmaking norms of these Westerns. Striking the perfect balance between action and comedy, the episode is exceedingly clever and funny. Every little detail plays up the charm of this series and elevates it to another level, including howthe whole study group is a reflection ofThe Magnificent Seven, where the band of heroes defends their town — er, college — together.
From Annie cooking cans of beans on a bunsen burner to the dancers at Fort Hawthorne, which serves as afunny homage to the Gem Saloon inDeadwood. But even as there are dancers present that Jeff likes, dance major Vicky (Danielle Kaplowitz) gets some hilarious screen time dancing for Pierce and his patrons while working for Twinkies. As a captivating and funny cliffhanger for the Season 2 finale,“A Fistful of Paintballs” really levels up the show’s appeal through its punchy, engaging comedyfor an episode that sticks with you all these years later.
