Can a TV show mix quirky workplace humor with a good deal of violence? Argentina Series Community Squad attempted this, but the results from the 2023 first season were a bit mixed. The violence is present, yet it feels relatively mild.
Community Squad Season 2: Should You Watch or Avoid?
Opening scene: Two thugs visit a karaoke bar, where they engage with Korean mobsters to retrieve a lost bag of money.
Highlights: Kermann family employees frequent the bar trying to share information, but they seem to forget to negotiate for its value first. One of them spots a backlit picture of Felipe Rozenfeld (Santiago Kolovsky), noting his leadership qualities, his Jewish identity, and affinity for cash (she can say this as she is also Jewish). One gang member, Kim Won, reacts violently when called Chinese.
The Palermo community team has become so effective that similar teams have sprung up across Buenos Aires. While Felipe recuperates from a gunshot, Sofia (Piramenboa) is on leave, leaving her romantic situation unclear, though she’s progressing. Felipe is living with his parents, which doesn’t help his dating game. Besides that, he feels like he’s being followed. On the bright side, Miguel (Daniel Hendler) is optimistic about taking charge after his promotion.
With insurance no longer covering them, he discards his crutches, and upon rejoining the team, he encounters Dave, who also shares a Jewish background and resembles Felipe closely. Esteban (Martin Galaval) cheekily refers to him as “Felipe 2.0” to the police team.
Deputy Police Commissioner Giulio (Marcelo Subotto) summons Felipe and introduces him to Arelano, an agent from the city’s intelligence division who keeps tabs on him. They require a Jewish team member with a memorable face, and both Felipe and Dave fit that need.
However, Dave exhibits a charm that Felipe struggles with. He easily mediates team disputes and connects with protestors concerned about diversity initiatives being akin to quotas. Plus, he’s multilingual—essentially, he excels at everything Felipe does.
Similar Shows: As mentioned during the first season, Community Squad brings to mind Broklyn Nine-Nine or Animal Control; yet, this one leans far more into violence than its counterparts.
Our Thoughts: One reason I found the first season of Community Squad less enjoyable was the odd mix of offbeat comedy with intense police action. We’re still not entirely certain about this blend. It was easy to forget how violent the first season had been until the end of the first episode of season two reminded us.
That said, Community Squad, created by Kolovsky, remains an intriguing series that balances character-driven comedy with clever visual and verbal jokes that often land well. Yes, it can be absurd—like when Kim asks the informant who sent her, she replies “free will,” and he responds, “I’ve never heard of him.” There are also amusing moments, particularly involving Felipe, Sofia, and bubble baths.
Yet, much of the humor arises from Felipe’s apparent incompetence. The team aims to include members from various underrepresented groups, showcasing their interactions. For instance, in a meeting, a newcomer named Luciana shares her autism diagnosis. The usually indifferent Esteban throws paper clips on the floor and expects her to count them, assuming everyone with autism is mathematically gifted. She glances and provides the printed number immediately.
At least I feel the violence has a narrative purpose this time. Felipe’s ongoing troubles with the Qur’an Mafia linger as he works with intelligence, adding a level of concern to his situation.
Sex and Skin: There’s a bathtub scene worth noting.
Closing scene: As Sofia snores, Felipe reads over the files for “Operation Flat White.”
Unexpected Stars: Martin Garabal and Charo Lopez, as Esteban and Paloma, the team’s supporting officers, play their roles well, embodying insensitivity with borderline aggression.
Most memorable line: When Arelano tells Felipe he should choose initials for his cover name, he jokingly requests “Franklin Roosevelt.”
Final Recommendation: Stream it. I’m reconsidering Community Squad because I find it intriguing while feeling that the violence now serves a more meaningful narrative purpose compared to the initial season.
