Cooperative Polygraphy
| "Cooperative Polygraphy" | |
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| Community episode | |
The study group, dressed in Laser Lotus robes, returns to Greendale after Pierce's funeral. Troy is carrying Pierce's energon pod (lava lamp), believed by the Laser Lotus neo-Buddhist theology (Pierce's religion) to be carrying Pierce's life vapors.
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| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 4 |
| Directed by | Tristram Shapeero |
| Written by | Alex Rubens |
| Production code | 503 |
| Original air date | January 16, 2014 |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
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"Cooperative Polygraphy" is the fourth episode of the fifth season of Community, and the 88th episode overall in the series. It originally aired on January 16, 2014 on NBC; and was written by Alex Rubens and directed by Tristram Shapeero.
The episode received critical acclaim; however, the episode saw a ratings drop, with 3.07 million viewers watching.
Returning to the study-room after Pierce Hawthorne's (Chevy Chase) funeral, the study-group are greeted by Mr. Stone (Walton Goggins), Pierce's executor.
Pierce’s will stipulates that, no matter the apparent cause of his death, the group must undergo a polygraph examination as part of a private inquest to determine if any member of the group murdered him. During the session, the group is asked a series of personal questions that reveal selfish things they have done, such as Troy and Abed using Jeff's Netflix account without his permission, Abed hiding GPS tracking devices on everyone to track their locations, and Annie having slipped the members of the group pills in order to make them more alert for studying.
The group repeatedly becomes tense and confrontational. However, after a speech from Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), they decide to stick it out, as they will each receive a upon the session's completion.
The session concludes with Pierce’s final words to each group member, which are surprisingly positive and uplifting. All are bequeathed gifts from Pierce, including a tiara for Annie, a used iPod for Britta, a bottle of scotch for Jeff, and frozen samples of Pierce's sperm for everyone. Troy (Donald Glover) is given the most exceptional bequest, Pierce's share of Hawthorne Wipes, valued at over $14 million, which Troy will receive after he fulfills a stipulation to sail around the world in Pierce's boat. This requirement is an experience Pierce believes will help Troy to discover the sort of man he truly is and an experience that Pierce was supposed to do for his father but never did, causing him lifelong regret. Troy decides to accept the offer, leaving the rest of the group, particularly Abed, in shock.
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