Analysis of Cork-Based Networking
"Analysis of Cork-Based Networking" is the sixth episode of the fifth season of the American television sitcom Community, and the 90th episode overall in the series, which originally aired on NBC on January 30, 2014.[1] The episode was directed by Tristram Shapeero and written by Monica Padrick (teleplay) and Jordan Blum & Parker Deay (story), focusing on the recurring characters from the ensemble cast including Joel McHale as Jeff Winger, Gillian Jacobs as Britta Perry, Danny Pudi as Abed Nadir, Yvette Nicole Brown as Shirley Bennett, Alison Brie as Annie Edison, Donald Glover as Troy Barnes (in earlier seasons, though absent here), Jim Rash as Dean Pelton, and new additions like Jonathan Banks as Buzz Hickey.[2] It runs for approximately 21 minutes and centers on the Save Greendale Committee's efforts to navigate the college's bureaucratic hurdles while addressing interpersonal dynamics among the group.[1] In the main storyline, Annie Edison and Professor Buzz Hickey attempt to install a simple cork bulletin board in their meeting room, only to encounter escalating layers of administrative red tape that satirize institutional inefficiency.[3] Parallel subplots explore Abed Nadir's interaction with a deaf student as he learns American Sign Language, highlighting themes of communication and cultural sensitivity, and the group's challenges planning a controversial midterm dance suggested by Ben Chang, which leads to comedic conflicts over event planning.[4] The episode features guest appearances, including Nathan Fillion as Bob Waite, a janitor, adding to the show's meta-humor and pop culture references.[1] Reception for "Analysis of Cork-Based Networking" was generally positive, with critics praising its return to the series' strengths in bureaucratic parody and character-driven comedy after a uneven start to the season, earning an 8.0/10 rating on IMDb from 3,847 user votes (as of November 2025).[5] Reviewers noted the episode's effective use of the ensemble, particularly Jonathan Banks' deadpan performance as Hickey, and its clever nods to Community's ongoing narrative arcs, though some felt the subplots occasionally meandered.[4] It drew 3.01 million viewers upon airing, contributing to the season's exploration of Greendale Community College's chaotic environment.[3]Synopsis
Plot
The episode begins with the Save Greendale Committee convening in their study room, where Annie Edison assumes the role of chair and welcomes Ben Chang as the newest member.[6] The group divides tasks to improve the campus: Annie and Professor Buzz Hickey are assigned to install a bulletin board in the cafeteria to post committee announcements, while Abed Nadir and Britta Perry handle a student census, and Jeff Winger, Shirley Bennett, Chang, and Professor Ian Duncan organize decorations for an upcoming midterm dance.[4] In the main storyline, Annie and Hickey venture into the labyrinthine basement offices of Greendale Community College to secure approvals for the bulletin board. They encounter a series of bureaucratic obstacles, starting with head custodian Bob Waite, who demands a favor in exchange for permission to drill into walls. This quid pro quo escalates as they negotiate with the head of IT, Debra Chambers, who requires a bribe to lift a web filter restriction, and the head of parking, Waldron, leading Annie to reluctantly compromise her principles through a chain of escalating deals with campus staff. Frustrated by the endless red tape, Hickey ultimately installs the board himself using his military expertise, prompting the full committee to rally and defend it from Dean Craig Pelton's overzealous custodial team attempting to remove it.[6][4] Parallel to this, Jeff, Shirley, Chang, and Duncan struggle with planning the dance's theme. Chang, inspired by a news story about a bear attack at a child's birthday party, proposes "Bear Down for Midterms" to motivate students, but the idea sparks controversy due to its potentially insensitive implications tied to the tragedy. To avoid backlash, they retheme it as "Fat Dog," a bizarre cover that involves teaching attendees a silly dance routine, with Chang and student Garrett leading an impromptu performance that inadvertently reveals the bear motif when Garrett blurts out the truth amid the chaos.[6][4] Meanwhile, Abed and Britta's subplot revolves around an escalating "spoiler war" sparked by Abed revealing a plot twist from Britta's favorite fantasy TV series, Bloodlines of Conquest. In retaliation, Britta hires deaf student Carol to spoil the show for Abed using American Sign Language at the dance, but Abed, wearing noise-canceling earmuffs to avoid auditory spoilers, bonds with her over shared interests before the ruse is revealed. This plan backfires, leaving Abed saddened, but he instead reconnects romantically with his ex-girlfriend Rachel, who attends the event and joins him in watching TV, marking a positive turn in his storyline.[6][4] The arcs converge in the final act during the dance in the cafeteria, where the newly installed bulletin board stands prominently amid the "Fat Dog" festivities. The committee's efforts succeed as students engage with the event, the census yields unexpected insights into campus life, and interpersonal tensions ease—Annie reflects on the value of pragmatic alliances, the dance proceeds with humorous abandon, and Abed's reconnection with Rachel hints at future developments.[6] In the post-credits scene, Professor Ian Duncan places an order for office supplies over the phone but accidentally selects a mysterious option labeled "Marigold" from the menu, triggering the sound of military jets flying overhead as the camera pans to the sky above Greendale.[6]Cast
The main cast of "Analysis of Cork-Based Networking" features the core members of the Greendale Community College study group, alongside recurring faculty and administrative characters, each contributing to the episode's exploration of campus bureaucracy and interpersonal dynamics.- Joel McHale as Jeff Winger, the group's de facto leader who organizes the midterm dance while reluctantly adapting to a sudden theme shift.[1]
- Gillian Jacobs as Britta Perry, the activist who ignites a conflict over TV show spoilers, highlighting her impulsive nature in group interactions.[1]
- Danny Pudi as Abed Nadir, the pop culture enthusiast who becomes a victim of the spoiler war and shares a poignant reconnection with his former love interest.[1]
- Yvette Nicole Brown as Shirley Bennett, the optimistic homemaker tasked with dance decorations, advocating for a wholesome and family-friendly atmosphere.[1]
- Alison Brie as Annie Edison, the ambitious overachiever who spearheads the initiative to install a new bulletin board, driving the episode's central administrative subplot.[1]
- Jim Rash as Dean Pelton, the flamboyant administrator entangled in bureaucratic red tape surrounding campus approvals.[1]
- Jonathan Banks as Buzz Hickey, the gruff professor who allies with Annie to navigate Greendale's obstructive policies.[1]