S05E04 · EP 88
season 5 · 2014-01-16

Cooperative Polygraphy

written by Alex Rubens · directed by Tristram Shapeero · 3.07M viewers · image Community Wiki (CC BY-SA)

Episode DNA

16 scenes · 2 threads
awkward 17%secret exposed 10%tense 9%absurd 8%confession 8%betrayal 6%deal 6%triumphant 5%humiliation 5%angry 4%

Story threads over runtime

click a block to open the scene
0:005:0010:0015:0020:00
A · Pierce's polygraph inquest
B · Troy's inheritance journey
01

Every scene

16 scenes · our breakdown
1 · Greendale study room · cold_openFuneral aftermath and cult

The study group discusses Pierce's weird futuristic cult funeral and his energon pod.

00:02–02:21lie · social_rule_violation
2 · Greendale study room · act1Mr. Stone announces inquest

Mr. Stone reveals Pierce's will demands a polygraph test for the group to clear them of murder.

02:21–02:28scheme · interrogation
3 · Greendale study room · act1Polygraph calibration begins

The group starts the polygraph test with calibration questions, revealing hidden tensions.

02:28–02:56interrogation · humiliation
4 · Greendale study room · act1Secrets and lies exposed

The polygraph reveals secrets about Netflix, rent, and a doomsday plan, causing group conflict.

02:56–05:20secret_exposed · betrayal
5 · Greendale study room · act1Group considers quitting

Jeff argues the group should quit the inquest, but the promise of inheritance changes their minds.

05:20–05:34scheme · deal
6 · Greendale study room · act2Sandwich shop and underwear

The polygraph exposes Shirley's fake tofu and Jeff's collection of women's underwear, causing more conflict.

05:34–07:52secret_exposed · humiliation
7 · Greendale study room · act2Handshake and tracking devices

The polygraph reveals Troy's handshake is copied and Abed planted tracking devices on everyone.

07:52–10:26betrayal · secret_exposed
8 · Greendale study room · act2Abed's tracking and shame

The group confronts Abed about tracking them, and he feels no shame, leading to more tension.

10:26–11:19betrayal · secret_exposed
9 · Greendale study room · act2Annie's drug and catfish

Annie admits to dosing the group with amphetamines and catfishing Britta, causing more revelations.

11:19–12:53secret_exposed · betrayal
10 · Greendale study room · act2Group turns on each other

The group argues and reveals petty grievances, leading to a chaotic confession session.

12:53–13:07petty_grievance · confession
11 · Greendale study room · act3Jeff's speech on honesty

Jeff gives a speech about embracing flaws and continuing the inquest for Pierce's money.

13:07–13:17confession · deal
12 · Greendale study room · act3Final confessions before finale

The group makes final confessions before the last round of Pierce's questions.

13:17–16:38confession · humiliation
13 · Greendale study room · act3Pierce's final questions

Mr. Stone reads Pierce's final questions, which reveal heartfelt messages and leave sperm to everyone.

16:38–16:56secret_exposed · confession
14 · Greendale study room · act3Troy's inheritance condition

Pierce leaves Troy $14.3 million on the condition he sails around the world alone.

16:56–18:10deal
15 · Greendale study room · act3Troy accepts the challenge

Troy decides to accept Pierce's challenge to sail around the world, shocking the group.

18:10–18:25deal · bet
16 · Greendale study room · tagMr. Stone's true personality

Mr. Stone reveals his true artistic personality and explains Pierce died of dehydration.

18:25–19:41confession · humiliation
03

Same DNA

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Episode facts

Wikipedia · Wikidata
Aired
2014-01-16
Overall
#88
Writers
Alex Rubens
Director
Tristram Shapeero
Viewers
3.07M (US)
Pace
172 words/min · 95 questions

Where to watch

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In this episode

JW
Jeff Winger16 episodes · drives 702 scenes
BP
Britta Perry16 episodes · drives 194 scenes
SB
Shirley Bennett12 episodes · drives 70 scenes
AN
Abed Nadir12 episodes · drives 277 scenes
TB
Troy Barnes10 episodes · drives 155 scenes
AE
Annie Edison14 episodes · drives 204 scenes
BC
Ben Chang47 episodes · drives 2 scenes
Pm
Pierce's momand {{wp4 episodes