| "Basic Intergluteal Numismatics" | |
|---|---|
| Community episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 3 |
| Directed by | Tristram Shapeero |
| Written by | Erik Sommers |
| Production code | 505 |
| Original air date | January 9, 2014 |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Basic Intergluteal Numismatics" is the third episode of the fifth season of Community and the 87th episode overall. It originally aired on January 9, 2014 on NBC; and was written by Erik Sommers and directed by Tristram Shapeero.
In this episode, a prankster dubbed the Ass Crack Bandit wreaks havoc on the students and faculty of Greendale. This leads Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) and Annie Edison (Alison Brie) to further investigate the situation; the episode then shifts in tone after Shirley Bennett (Yvette Nicole Brown) reveals shocking news to Jeff, Annie, and the study group.
This prankster was first referenced in the second season episode "Intro to Political Science," when Annie states "the assailant known only as the 'Ass Crack Bandit' will be brought to justice."
The episode received critical acclaim, with most critics commenting positively on Donald Glover's comical role as a traumatized Troy Barnes after becoming a victim to the Bandit, while others commented positively on the revelation of Pierce Hawthorne's (Chevy Chase) fate; the episode also saw a rise in ratings from the episodes "Repilot" and "Introduction to Teaching," with a total audience of 3.58 million viewers and an 18–49 rating of 1.4.[1][2]