Remembering Michael K. Williams’ Comedic Turns, From ‘Community’ to ‘F Is For Family’

Quite a terrible loss. Michael K. Williams is best known for his intense turns on shows like "The Wire" and "Boardwalk Empire," but I decided to look at how he also brought that same depth and nuance to comedy:

In Season 3 of “Community,” the study group takes a class from biology professor Dr. Marshall Kane, played by Michael K. Williams. Prof. Kane is an ex-con who earned his degree while in prison.

In other words, Kane has seen some things. But nothing prepared him for the baffling changes in the world when he got out. Specifically, “as someone who just spent the majority of his life in prison, what happened with Legos? They used to be simple. Something happened out here while I was inside. Harry Potter Legos, Star Wars Legos. Complicated kits, tiny little blocks. I’m not saying it’s bad, I just wanted to know what happened.”

Prof. Kane is honestly baffled and looking for an answer. And Williams plays this scene with complete sincerity — which is where the hilarity lies. Because the idea is absurd, but he’s absolutely right. Legos have changed.

Williams will always be known first and foremost for his scene-stealing turns as some of the most gripping characters in TV history, including Omar in “The Wire” and Chalky White in “Boardwalk Empire.” But even in his more lighthearted roles, Williams brought a sly intensity that instantly stood out — even in a sea of comedic actors.

“I don’t know what to say, sympathies to his loved ones and everyone that got to work with him,” “Community” creator Dan Harmon wrote on social media, while sharing another iconic moment featuring Williams on the show: When he defends the value of the pinky swear: “Man’s gotta have a code!” Added Harmon: “Wherever he is, I hope Legos are simple again. I hope to join him there and write more silly things for him to say.”

Harmon was a fan of Williams on “The Wire,” and jumped at a chance to bring the star to “Community.” The casting of Williams came first, and then a character was created to find a way to bring “Omar” to Greendale Community College. Williams was only available for three episodes, due to his commitments on “Boardwalk Empire,” but it was a memorable, if all too brief, run.

“I want to add a layer of intensity to ‘Community,'” Harmon told me on stage at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2011, as he announced the guest casting. “If we’re too cartoonish sometimes, then let’s add the opposite of cartoonish. Let’s add a little element of ‘The Wire’ to ‘Community.'”

Read more here.

'Community' Reunion: A Chat with Joel McHale, Donald Glover, Alison Brie, Dan Harmon and Everyone

On a recent Friday afternoon, I had the privilege of watching the cast of "Community," along with creator Dan Harmon and special guest star Pedro Pascal, as they read an episode of the show — and then answered a few questions from me, their friendly moderator. Very few, of course, because once this cast gets going, it's best to stay out of their way and let the chemistry roll.

As I wrote in my recap for Variety:

Fans hoping for a “Community” movie announcement are going to have to wait a little longer. The cast and creator Dan Harmon reunited recently for a table read, followed by a Q&A to reminisce about the show — but continue to tap dance around the notion that the second half of the show’s “Six Seasons and a Movie” prophecy might come true.

“We can’t make movies right now,” quipped Donald Glover, who was among the “Community” stars who gathered to read the Season 5 episode “Cooperative Polygraphy,” as part of an event to support COVID-19 relief charities. In particular, the reunion, which streamed on Monday on Sony Pictures TV’s “Community” YouTube page, was a benefit for Frontline Foods and José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, two groups working to get means to frontline responders and vulnerable communities.

But here’s perhaps the breakthrough: During the Q&A, Glover said he would be game for such a film, joining his co-stars, all of whom have reiterated their desire for a “Community” movie. Star Joel McHale has suggested in various interviews that Glover — given his music career as Childish Gambino, his TV career with “Atlanta” and a film docket as well — might be too busy to join in.

Watch the full interview here:

Scenes from Comic-Con 2016: Ted Danson, 'Community' Reunion and Pokemon

How many times did I flatter American Treasure Ted Danson? Enough to make it funny -- but hopefully not enough to make it weird.

Moderating the panel for NBC's upcoming comedy "The Good Place," starring Danson and Kristen Bell, was clearly the highlight of this summer's Comic-Con in San Diego. It was my first for IndieWire -- but with our TV team in place and in town, we didn't miss a beat. A few highlights from this year's journey:



Other panels I moderated included NBC's "Powerless," starring Vanessa Hudgens, Danny Pudi, Alan Tudyk and Ron Funches. The panel was way too short -- they cut off our microphones when we went a touch over! But it was still a fun one.



On stage with the aforementioned treasures Danson and Bell, plus Mike Schur and Drew Goddard.



Spotted in town: Mr. Robot.



Speaking of Danny Pudi! We caught up backstage.



One of my favorite things about the Comic-Con green rooms: Impromptu reunions! Here, "Lost" masterminds Carlton Cuse, Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz run into each other. Carlton was there for "Colony" and "Bates Motel," while Eddy and Adam were back for "Once Upon a Time."



My third panel -- WGN America's "Salem," starring Janet Montgomery.



Among the highlights covering panels: Prankster Andrew Lincoln tried to get back at his "The Walking Dead" co-star Norman Reedus by blowing glitter in his face. Instead, it ended up straight back in his beard. D'oh!



Large-sized Kobe, seen on the floor.



Another green room reunion! "Community's" Yvette Nicole Brown and Danny Pudi meet up!



Hanh and I tour the 20th anniversary "South Park" activation. Yep, good ol' Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo.



The rowdy cast of "Archer" read an episode on a yacht deck.



Snoopy at his booth!



NBC Universal cable-themed cocktails.



This guy's gonna have to take a good, long shower.



Friday morning live on "Kevin & Bean" with Ralph Garman and Kevin Ryder!



Gotta catch 'em all!



Pretty realistic wax Negan and his "Walking Dead" prey.



Conan, back in San Diego for a second year.



Conan ad.



Who ya gonna call?


The crowded floor.



Spotted around San Diego: "Mulder? It's Me!"

KCRW's THE SPIN-OFF: Listen to TV Guide Magazine's Showrunners Panel from Wondercon

Following up on my post about this year's TV Guide Magazine Showrunners Fan Favorites panel at Wondercon Anaheim, we've taken the audio and posted it as a bonus edition of KCRW's "The Spin-Off" podcast!

The panel included:

Brannon Braga (Star Trek: TNG/Voyager/Enterprise; 24; Cosmos and Salem)
Kerry Ehrin (Moonlighting, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, Bates Motel)
Adam F. Goldberg (Still Standing, Breaking In, The Goldbergs)
Dan Harmon (Sarah Silverman Program, Rick and Morty, Community)
Alex Hirsch (Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Fish Hooks, Gravity Falls)
Peter Horton (actor; Grey’s Anatomy, Brimstone, The Philanthropist, American Odyssey)
Graeme Manson (Flashpoint, Being Erica, Orphan Black)

The discussion kicked off with an attempt to get the panelists to answer that always tricky question: What exactly does a showrunner do?

Listen below!

Scenes from Wondercon 2015: Showrunners, Lightsabers, Cosplay and More

Another fun Saturday (always during Easter weekend though, what gives?) at Wondercon in Anaheim, and Team TV Guide Magazine was there in force. My colleagues Rich Sands, Damian Holbrook and Rob Moynihan all moderated several panels, our photo guru Geraldine Agoncillo was there documenting it, and I got to once again moderate our annual "TV Guide Magazine Fan Favorite Showrunners Panel."



And it was a good one this year -- as I noted, the cross section of drama/comedy/thriller/sci-fi/animation looked a lot like your DVR. Here's who we had:

Brannon Braga (Star Trek: TNG/Voyager/Enterprise; 24; Cosmos and Salem)
Kerry Ehrin (Moonlighting, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, Bates Motel)
Adam F. Goldberg (Still Standing, Breaking In, The Goldbergs)
Dan Harmon (Sarah Silverman Program, Rick and Morty, Community)
Alex Hirsch (Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Fish Hooks, Gravity Falls)
Peter Horton (actor; Grey’s Anatomy, Brimstone, The Philanthropist, American Odyssey)
Graeme Manson (Flashpoint, Being Erica, Orphan Black)



Rob wrapped the panel up here. Among the takeaways:

Thanks to Twitter and Facebook, today's showrunners are more accessible than ever before, which sometimes comes as a blessing and a curse when you have fans voicing their opinions. "You're the face of every mistake," Hirsch said. "The more visible you are, the more crazy people are mad at you." Goldberg added that he oftentimes feels like his show's writers are in a bubble when crafting the season, so he embraces social media because, "I can find out what people like and know what people are responding to."

Collider has a nice roundup of the panel here. Among the highlights:

The panel discussed what it means to be a superstar showrunner; making noise and pushing boundaries; Harmon’s big move to Yahoo; how Hirsch gets away with a show that’s one of the most dense animated series ever seen on a children’s network; how social media has changed the game; the premiere of American Odyssey and Anna Friel’s committed performance; how Manson keeps track of every clone and personality while constantly bringing in more; how it’s impossible to shock people anymore; their take on remake mania; where Goldberg gets the content for Erica; the breaks that got them to the next level; and what we can look forward to this next season.

Another nice mention of the panel here by Mr. Rhapsodist.

More pics from the panel:









And how about some pics from the rest of Wondercon:


Alex Hirsch signs posters for "Gravity Falls" fans after the panel.


Lightsabers! Many, many lightsabers.


Yeah, OK, guys, a bit disturbing.


Live makeup demonstration


The Ice King!


Posters!


Outside the convention center

Scenes from Austin and SXSW: Kwik-E-Mart, Roaming Squirrels, "Angie Tribeca," Reggie Watts, "Community" and BBQ

Another year at SXSW! It was a quick trip, and this year my main focus was moderating a panel for the premiere of TBS' quirky new comedy "Angie Tribeca," plus attending a celebration for the launch of "Community" on Yahoo. But the other exciting element: Maria and I took our first trip sans kids since the days pre-kids. Above, on our way to Austin, via the Long Beach Airport. ("Are we really doing this? We're doing this!")


Mobile Kwik-E-Mart, in honor of The Simpsons' convenience store's 25th anniversary. We tried a Squishy -- "sweet" is an understatement. "Coma-inducing," maybe better. Details:

This weekend, the first ever “Kwik-E-Truck” was unveiled during SXSW Interactive to celebrate the Kwik-E-Mart’s inaugural appearance on THE SIMPSONS 25 years ago. Throughout the weekend, the “Kwik-E-Truck” served over 3,400 free iconic Kwik-E-Mart Squishees to hot festival goers at a rate of 2.6 Squishees per minute! With flavors including SO VERY CHERRY and GIVE ‘EM THE RAZZ, people were seen carrying the must-have frozen beverage all throughout Austin.

In addition to Squishees, the truck offered branded iPads with the all-new “Simpsons World” digital platform featuring every THE SIMPSONS episode ever, a sneak peek at THE SIMPSONS Kwik-E-Mart LEGO® set, interactive photo experiences and more. The #KwikETruck hashtag was trending in Austin throughout the weekend as fans waited in the baking Texas heat to get their very own taste of Springfield!

El Barto's tag on the Kwik_E-Mart truck.


With Squishy in hand, Maria gives Apu his voice.


The much-anticipated Lego Kwik-E-Mart (retail $199) on display.


Inside the Lego Kwik-E-Mart.


Overhead view of the Lego Kwik-E-Mart.


With Cookie Monster at PBS' lounge at the Austin Convention Center


I moderated a panel for TBS' "Angie Tribeca"; here I am with stars Rashida Jones and Hayes MacArthur.


These squirrels are definitely Keeping Austin Weird.


BBQ sauce at Lambert's. Sad story. I've been dreaming about Lambert's sliced brisket sandwich since last year. I'd been talking up the sandwich for days with Maria. I couldn't wait for her to try what I'd been thinking about all year. We got to Lambert's... and it wasn't on the menu. Devastated. It took me hours to get out of a funk after that. Luckily, had a delicious sliced brisket sandwich from Black's BBQ later that evening.


Instead, I had the chopped brisket sandwich. Which just wasn't the same. You broke my heart, Lambert's!


An elaborate re-creation of Bates Motel, complete with working plumbing!


The Bates Motel shower works! Don't mind the blood stain.


Oh, why not, let's check in.


The Hootsuite Owl, also making Austin weird.


Reggie Watts, of "Comedy! Bang! Bang!" fame, and now the bandleader for "The Late Late Show with James Corden," performs at a party for Jash.


Outside Austin's Driskell Hotel.


Austin's downtown streets start to fill up.


The Texas capitol building


This stuffed wolf looks lost.


At the premiere party for "Community" at the Yahoo! space.


On the convention floor. Not sure what a "Talkable Vegetable" does.


Dinosaur podcast!


Dan Harmon moderates a "Community" panel with Joel McHale, Alison Brie and Gillian Jacobs.


The entire cast joins in (except Danny Pudi).


I imagine the cabs of Austin have to enforce the $100 policy quite a bit on the weekends. Yuck.


One final taste of BBQ, at the airport outpost of The Salt Lick. Until next time, Austin!