The paintball episode of Community’s sixth season, titled Modern Espionage, not only showcased the quality of the show but also included numerous pop culture references to films such as John Wick, Zodiac, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Let’s delve into all of these references together.
The episode kicked off with a scene reminiscent of Chinese and Japanese action films, featuring a shootout between Todd and the Paintball Assassin. The use of music to enhance the action in this scene drew inspiration from the storytelling techniques commonly found in these cultures‘ films. This element has become iconic in action movies over the years, including recent films like John Wick, which also features similar intense action scenes.
The school security guards, the janitors cleaning up the colorful paintball mess, and the campus employee investigating the culprits with a gun in an evidence bag all added a touch of crime procedural drama to the episode. This scene paid homage to shows like NCIS and CSI, with a twist that fit perfectly into the narrative of the paintball episode.
As the episode progressed, it transitioned into a spy thriller, drawing parallels to Mission Impossible. The storyline of uncovering a mole within the organization mirrored the themes explored in the iconic action franchise. The scene at the party, where the study group operated as a covert organization, protecting an honored guest while searching for a traitor, closely resembled a similar scenario in Mission Impossible. The tension and suspense were palpable, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The episode also referenced films like John Wick and Zodiac in subtle ways. Abed’s visit to Club Club for ammunition, where shooting was prohibited, mirrored a scene from John Wick, where the protagonist enters a club for assassins. The appearance of a masked killer in a brown balloon and hat paid homage to Zodiac, adding a chilling element to the storyline.
Furthermore, the episode cleverly named each study group member after actors who portrayed Batman in different generations of the franchise. This nod to the iconic superhero films added a fun twist to the characters‘ dynamics. Additionally, the elevator scene with Dean Pelton was inspired by a similar scene in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, where the Captain is greeted by fellow passengers before a confrontation ensues.
In conclusion, the paintball episode of Community’s sixth season was a masterful blend of action, suspense, and pop culture references. From Asian action films to spy thrillers and superhero movies, the episode paid homage to a variety of genres while maintaining the show’s signature wit and charm. It’s a testament to the show’s creativity and ability to engage audiences with its clever storytelling and cultural references.