Character Growth

In the modern TV landscape, character growth has become an essential component that separates the ordinary from the extraordinary. It is no longer enough for characters to be static and predictable; audiences crave evolution, change, and depth. Community, delved into the realm of character growth, especially through the relationship dynamics of its ensemble.

Britta and Troy: A Symbol of Change

In the episode “History 101,” Community's new showrunners introduced several storylines, with Britta and Troy’s relationship being particularly noteworthy. Their budding romance, evident from them holding hands to sleepovers, was a progression that fans had been eagerly anticipating. While their relationship was subtly hinted at through ship teasing in the previous season, it finally moved forward. This development not only catered to the fans' demands but also symbolized a commitment to evolving character dynamics within the show. However, this commitment to character evolution was misunderstood by the fandom at large. Had the fourth season been managed by Harmon he likely would have highlighted the similarities the characters had, that he created in them, rather than their differences.

Societal Perceptions

Both Britta and Troy face societal pressures and perceptions. Britta persistently subverts conventional feminine norms and expresses disdain for them. On the other hand, Troy, being confined by traditional masculine ideals, struggles with maintaining a stoic and tough facade. They find solace and understanding in each other, inspiring one another to challenge these societal perceptions.

Their interpretive dance is a pivotal moment in their relationship, symbolizing their acceptance of each other's true selves. It's an intimate and poignant scene that portrays their potential as a couple beautifully.

Emotional Depth and Vulnerability

As the series progresses, this theme of emotional exploration continues in their interactions. In season two, Troy's struggle with his emotional depth is reflected in Sean Garrity's acting class, where he's paired with Britta. Despite their interactions being based on deceit, they support one another and challenge previously unnoticed aspects of themselves and Troy attempts to open up in a safe place.

Britta in turn, opens up about her toxic patterns, revealing her tendency to be attracted to broken men. In response, Troy assures her that a healthier future is possible and admits to his insecurities. These moments emphasize the honesty and vulnerability in their relationship, further illustrating how they inspire and support each other's growth.

Britta and Patriarchal Gender Stereotypes

She persistently subverts conventional feminine norms and expresses disdain for them. Britta is particularly critical of the 'little girl' aesthetics and frequent display of cleavage by Annie Edison, her closest confidant on the show. This perspective is highlighted in the episode "The Psychology of Letting Go," where a disagreement about expressed femininity leads to a physical altercation between the two women.

Britta's relationship with feminism is complex and multi-faceted. On the surface, she could be seen as an embodiment of third-wave feminism – she is independent, assertive, and outspoken about women's issues. She refuses to conform to societal expectations about femininity, a stance that often leads to conflicts with other characters. However, this doesn't mean Britta doesn't fall into her own traps of societal pressure and hypocrisy, which the show doesn't hesitate to point out.

Annie, on the other hand, represents a more conventional form of femininity. She often dresses in a youthful, 'girlish' way, emphasizing her cleavage and cuteness. She is polite, caring, and is usually more compliant with the societal expectations of her gender than Britta. This stark difference in approach to femininity becomes the cause of numerous disagreements between them.

In "The Psychology of Letting Go," Britta criticizes Annie for playing into patriarchal gender stereotypes, lambasting her for her 'little girl' aesthetics. Britta believes Annie's dressing style reinforces a regressive and objectifying view of women, undermining the struggle for gender equality. However, in doing so, Britta fails to consider Annie's perspective that her femininity isn't just about pleasing others – it's a part of her identity.

The conflict between Britta and Annie serves to highlight the nuanced and often contentious nature of feminist discourse. While Britta criticizes traditional expressions of femininity, her approach can come across as dismissive of those who choose to express their femininity in a more traditional way. It implies a monolithic view of feminism that fails to take into account the diversity of women's experiences and choices.

The fact that Britta's critique of Annie occurs in the context of a physical fight further underscores the intensity of these issues. This moment of physical confrontation suggests the urgent need for dialogue and understanding among different feminist perspectives. It raises questions about the freedom of choice, autonomy, and the fine line between critiquing societal pressures and respecting individual decisions.

The character of Britta Perry offers a unique opportunity to examine the nuances and complexities of feminist thought. Through her, Community explores various aspects of feminism, particularly the tension between traditional and progressive views on femininity. Although Britta's criticism of traditional expressions of femininity is pointed and thought-provoking, the show also challenges her stance, suggesting the necessity of a more inclusive and diverse understanding of feminism.

Troy’s Vulnerability

Troy provides a refreshing deconstruction of masculinity that challenges and deviates from traditional norms. This character, played by Donald Glover, has been loved by fans for his 'over-emotional moments,' providing a stark contrast to the stereotypical depictions of stoic and emotionally suppressed men. He openly embraces it without fear of rejection; "Why am I crying? Did I accidentally listen to ‘Come Sail Away’ by Styx again?"

Traditional masculinity, especially as experienced by generations growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, often emphasized a tough exterior, lack of emotional vulnerability, and a propensity for risk-taking. This limited view of what it means to be a man can have problematic effects on both genders. Research indicates a correlation between these narrow expectations and men's health, with women statistically living longer than men and likely to have closer friendships and have overall lower happiness.

Moreover, Troy’s vulnerability is not depicted as a flaw but as a part of his strength. He doesn’t shy away from expressing his emotions to their fullness or his deep passion for his friends. His affectionate and emotionally expressive friendship with Abed Nadir is a perfect example of this. Their relationship defies the conventional, emotionally detached "bromance" often depicted in media, providing a template for non gender defined friendships that allows for vulnerability and emotional openness.

Troy's character shows that it is not 'men' who are problematic but the environment and societal expectations they are raised in. He illuminates the possibility of an alternative masculinity that values emotional honesty, vulnerability, and genuine connections over toughness and stoicism.

Through the character of Troy Barnes, Community offers a critique of traditional masculinity, challenging viewers to rethink their preconceived notions about binary's roles and behaviors. Troy's emotional openness and vulnerability suggest a more complex, empathetic, and nuanced understanding of masculinity. He serves as a beacon of hope, proving that men are not defined by societal expectations but can define their own unique expressions of masculinity. Through this mindful reframing, we can break the cycle and allow men to embrace a more holistic deconstruction of their gender.

Why it Works

What's compelling about Troy and Britta's relationship is its cyclical causation. Britta inspires Troy, who in turn inspires Britta, thereby establishing a dynamic of mutual growth. This dynamic, while perhaps not as traditionally romantic or straightforward as other pairings, offers a nuanced exploration of a relationship that is far from the usual sitcom fare.

Character Education vs. Character Growth

The concept of character education, as noted by scholar Jason Mittell, entails characters learning something about themselves and promising change. However, in conventional sitcoms, this change often evaporates, and characters revert to the narrative status quo. Modern television, though, has seen an uptick in long-term character growth or maturation.

This is exemplified in shows like The Good Place, where the central premise revolves around characters evolving to become better versions of themselves. The audience is naturally drawn to characters who undergo positive transformations, and these changes help in maintaining viewer engagement.

Harmon's Spin on Character Growth

Dan Harmon, the creative force behind Community, incorporated his own spin on character growth by initially adhering to classic sitcom archetypes but eventually showcasing the characters' deeper layers. Harmon's writing exposed the true depths of the characters' dysfunctions, making them feel more real and complex.

Abed, for example, is a character who undergoes significant development. Through meta-narratives and storylines like his Christmas-themed breakdown, Harmon shows the severity of Abed's abandonment issues. These revelations do not conform to typical sitcom resolutions; instead, they highlight the complexities that make characters more human.

While the relationship between Troy and Britta might not have been fully realized within the show, a closer look reveals a promising dynamic and the likelihood that their compatability, under Harmon, would have been more deeply explored. The pairing stands as a testament to Community's unique approach to character relationships and growth, offering depth and complexity that resonate with audiences. Whether it was intentional or not, Troy and Britta's relationship remains one of the most intriguing aspects of the show, providing a nuanced portrayal of personal growth and intimacy in a sitcom setting. It leaves us wondering what it would have been in Harmon's hands.