I’m a big fan of the television show, Community. I’ll admit I waited to hear the buzz from season 1 before I started viewing the DVDs and watching season 2 in real time, but I’m so glad that I did. I don’t think there is anything else like it on TV. It’s consistently creative in its approach to storytelling.
So last night I see this quick internet montage of a joke, Community took three years to make.
A quick backstory (for my younger readers): In 1998, there was a super fun Michael Keaton movie called Beetlejuice (seriously, go watch the film–it’s great). Keaton’s character can be summoned by saying his name three times.
Enter modern day and the cult-favorite, but ratings-challenge show, Community and this montage. Each scene is taken from a different season and Beetlejuice is said once in each season, allowing this quick joke in the background with someone dressed for Halloween as Keaton’s character.
Three seasons for a joke that last three seconds.
I love it.
Patience. Planning. Payoff.
In a day and age where we desire instant gratification, I admire those that wait. Sure this joke could have happened in a single episode or even a single season, but the fact that it took three seasons is making it run the rounds of the internet today. It’s become viral because of the planning and the patience.
Can we plant the seeds today for something extraordinary?
Can we prepare for the long-term?
Can we experience that payoff?
I think you know the answer.
Oh and for all my fellow Community fans… POP POP