Not that Community (NBC) fans need another reason to love Joel McHale and Jim Rash, but here’s another anyway.

joel mchale, jim rash, community, jeff winger, dean pelton

Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) and Dean Pelton (Jim Rash) have a long and storied relationship on the show. Photo: NBC

Joel McHale and Jim Rash took place in a conference call to promote Community’s new season, which premieres tonight on NBC. You gotta give it to McHale, out of all of the Community cast, he’s always a trooper and willing to do these hour-long calls with people from all sorts of outlets. (I mean, they let US in, so c’mon.) If you were wondering if McHale and Rash get along…absolutely not. They hate each other. I think I heard Rash trying to stab McHale in the background. Or, the other option…is that they’re both funny guys who jive together. (Yes, I’m using the word jive, and no, I was not born in the 50’s.) Before the call “officially” started, but both men were aware the call was now being broadcasted, you could hear Rash chiding to Mchale: “Don’t mess this up for me!” Then you get this little gem moment of back-and-forth:

Jim Rash: Hello everyone!

Joel McHale: Hello. Jim Rash: Say hello, Joel. Joel McHale: Hi. That’s how I talk in interviews on the phone because I don’t know how to behave. It’s like a radio play. Jim Rash: I’ll do the foley stuff. Another gem? Can you HANDLE it? Well, okay then. (After a particularly long question)

Joel McHale: (A beat.) Jim, you go first.

Jim Rash: Oh, bless you. What a sweet, sweet gesture. When asked about guest stars on Community for 2014:

Joel McHale: I think our guest stores are so creative, like Vince Gilligan and Mitch Hurwitz  and Chris Elliot and Paul Williams – I mean, talk about a crazy group of  people, included Gina Gershon and the incredible, beautiful, lovely Brie Larson. It just – it’s – I think it’s some of the most – I think it’s the most creative guest stars of the last, I don’t know, I’m going to go with the last 100 years of television.

Jim Rash: 100 years, Joel? Joel McHale: I don’t care. Jim Rash: That’s amazing. Joel McHale: Yes. Jim Rash: I would agree. Later…

Joel McHale: They all – I mean, boy, it’s hard to – as you can see, I’m stammering, because  it’s really hard – it’s like picking amongst your children. You know, the ones that you…

Jim Rash: It’s the “Sophie’s Choice” of guest stars, guys. Joel McHale: So it – so I – so to answer your question, no. I’m not – I can’t pick one. Jim Rash: Oh my god, Joel. You got so angry. Joel McHale: So pissed. Community airs at 8:00 on NBC, Thursday nights.

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