Perceptions of Control: Abed Nadir and Survival Through Comfort

 



To examine Abed and his perception of control and values, it is critical to understand just how these elements formulate his emotions and motivations. Abed, as I have stated in past blog posts, is known for his unique meta-commentary and his propensity to analyze life through a lens of media (TV/Movies). The interesting nature of Abed's character lends itself to a good study of how perceptions of control and value influence one's behavior over time. 

Past: Creating the self 

From what we know about Abed's past, and specifically his formative years before meeting the study group, his perception of control was limited. Abed is said to have been an outsider in high school who struggled deeply with social and parental connections. Thus, he turned to TV shows and movies for comfort, parenting, and more. Using media in this way provided a sense of predictability and control that didn't exist elsewhere for him. TV has "logic, rules, and structure." (Abed Nadir, Season 2, Ep 1). This allowed his life to be able to follow certain narratives and tropes that gave a calming sense to his lack of family. However, this lack of control in reality made Abed more dependent on the structure and clichés that work out on screen. This often manifested in isolation. There is even one episode where Abed's subconscious is him pushed into a locker since he "spent so much time in one" (Abed Nadir, Season 3, Ep. 16).

Present: Maintaining Control 

In the time in which the show takes place we see Abed progress through the series. Shifting his perceptions of control and value as he has different interactions and experiences with people in the study group. The social dynamics of the study group force him to confront conflict and real-life situations that are not as predictable as what he is used to. However, by moving in with Annie and Troy, the viewer sees genuine connections formed as new structures of his everyday life. 

Regardless, Abed maintains a sense of control in the show by dictating the reality of the episode, usually by framing it as a homage or reference to another TV show or movie. He is transforming his angst into onscreen creativity that goes beyond the limitations of what his world should be capable of. We will often see episodes where Abed attempts to balance maintaining control while also tending to his friendships. He does this by giving his friends trope-like roles within the "episode" of the episode. (Very meta; Abed would love this explanation).

Here, Abed is motivated now by a balance of living life through a storytelling world and sincerely caring for his friends.

Future: Loss and Change 

We watch Abed's perception of control crumble as he struggles with loss. In a previous Blog post I discussed the episode when Troy leaves. In this episode, Abed has a full breakdown, for the first time admitting himself to be crazy. Saying that the lava on the "floor is the lava" game they are playing is real to him and that if Troy leaves, he doesn't know if the lava will go away. This heartfelt moment is a representation of how even his coping mechanisms and creativity can only save him so much from confronting his emotions. 

So much of Abed's perception of control is tied to his values. His emotions and motivations are no different. As a whole though, Abed wants to fit in, and as we see him find a group where he does, he also learns to value the people around him. 


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