The temptation is to scrutinize season 4 episodes for evidence that the show is no longer any good, but if you can check that impulse, I think you'll be happy with this episode. The episode is well-structured, the jokes are on-target, and we see a character return who, it seemed, there was no plausible way to reintroduce to the show. (Turns out "plausible" has a very different meaning at Greendale.)
If there is a formula to "Community" (the best episodes anyway), it seems to be:
- Character gets that thing.
- Character realizes that he or she hurt people to get that thing.
- Character makes amends, and possibly gives up that initial thing in favor of something more important.
This episode follows the formula and does it very well, and in addition it's all thematically in line with the lesson the history teacher gives at the start of the episode. The writers get it. If this episode does nothing else, it persuades me that the show is still in good hands.
I'm giving it only a 9 simply because I save the 10s for episodes where I literally contact friends and family and tell them they have to watch. This episode isn't quite that good, but it is good enough that I say every "Community" fan should tune in, especially those of you who have been sitting out season 4.