How the least likable character on the show Community, Pierce Hawthorne, delivered profound emotional advice
Let me be clear: I did not expect to write this article at all. However, after re-watching Community for like the fourth time, I noticed how Chevy Chase’s character, Pierce Hawthorne, despite his seedy and oftentimes disturbing behaviour, always meant well by the end of the day, while also delivering some poignant messages. And even though his wholesome side was only shown in season one, we still get to cherish those rare moments of wisdom.
So, here are three important pieces of sage advice from the venerable Pierce Hawthorne:
1) On Failure (Beginner Pottery, Season 1, Episode 19)
Through this encounter with Jeff, we get a glimpse at Pierce’s struggle right from his birth. We see beyond his ostensibly dickish and capricious behaviour, and start to appreciate his journey. Even though he mentioned just his moment of birth, whereby the process was so complicated, as he was partially coiled in umbilical cord, to the point that the doctor started laughing at his misfortune. We can imagine how scary it was for him hearing that story and even more upsetting to hear that the doctor was laughing. Pierce probably never had it easy with anything. People often make the assumption that once you are borne into wealth, your life must be a cake walk. They are not wrong. But, often people forget to account for other things in life that money can’t shelter you from: pain, loneliness, betrayal, and other emotional plights, even though you literally will have shelter above your head.
In Beginner Pottery, Pierce is once again cast out of the group. We don’t necessarily feel bad for him – he wasn’t the most productive person on that boat, but we can appreciate his stamina regardless of how other people see him. Because, he probably had to deal with it all his life. We can learn from his resilient spirit on how to look past less than ideal circumstances and take every opportunity we are presented with. In the words of Maya Angelou, even though she addressed it primarily to young girls, “grab life by the lapels“.
“That thing some call failure, I call living. Breakfast. And I’m not leaving, until I’ve cleaned out the buffet.”
2) On Self-Sabotage (For a Few Paintballs More, Season 2, Episode 24)
This lesson was delivered indirectly, through a sort of confession. After the group ousts Pierce, he manages to, almost unwittingly, win the paintball game for Greendale. The triumph earns him another shot from the group, yet surprisingly, he turns down the offer. We discover that his rude behaviour is actually a self-sabotage mechanism, which prevents him from connecting with others. Under this mask hides a misplaced conviction that he won’t be accepted by his peers. We can ponder on the roots of this behavior all we want – whether it’s his father’s emotional neglect, or him being unpopular at school, because he comes from a wealthy background, but by the end of the day, it doesn’t matter. After this speech, we see another dimension of Pierce and his awkward attempts at friendship, primarily with Jeff. For instance, in Spanish 101, when he uses homework as an excuse to bond with him. But, instead of telling Jeff that he wants to bond with him, he emotionally blackmails him, asking, “What am I a piece of garbage to you?” He is rejected, because his attempt at bonding feels forced, drawn-out and awkward. Neither of them were on the same page: Pierce wanted this to be a guy’s night, whereas for Jeff this was just homework. Pierce isn’t an instantly likable guy, but if he was honest with his intentions, Jeff might have known what to expect. But he doesn’t, because vulnerability doesn’t come easy to him. He doesn’t want to be perceived as desperate to have friends. As Britta later points out, “I think he spent his whole life looking out for himself, and now he would trade it all for a shot at some kind of family”. It was an interesting observation, which humanized Pierce in the eyes of the audience. Behind that bravado lies a wounded soul.
This is personal to me, since I completely understood where he was coming from. I am glad he got to say these words at the end of season two. Because, even though Chase plays a fantastic villain, showrunners did decide to give him a moment of vulnerability and sincerity by the end, which gave the audience a peak behind his hostile demeanour. That’s why the show’s great — despite the differences between the creator, Dan Harmon, and the actor Chevy Chase, the character’s dignity (for the most part) remained intact.
“I assume eventually I’ll be rejected, so you know, I test people, push them, until they prove me right.”
3) On the Hearing Range (Social Psychology, Season 1, Episode 4)
This quote is not so much as meaningful, as it is playful. I like finding moments that can usually go unnoticed, but upon closer examination appear more profound. It is one of those unexpected twists you don’t see coming, but upon hearing it, makes you smile:
“You see, Jeff, there were certain things that man wasn’t meant to hear. We were designed by, whatever entity you choose, to hear what’s in this range and, really, this range alone. Cos, you know who’s talking to us in this range? The people we love.”
After all, shouldn’t we be listening closer to the people who are closer to us? Just something to think about.
*BOOYAH*
We’ll let you play yourself out, Pierce.
EXTRA:
I found this on YouTube in suggested videos, and it kinda fit into ‘inspirational quotes’ topic, which I think is quite fitting to wrap up this list with – delivered by his departed mother:
I hope you enjoyed viewing Pierce Hawthorne’s humble moments! It brings me joy sharing these with you 🙂
#sixseasonsandamovie
Alma libera 