When it comes to the cast of Chang's wacky antics.
However, five years have allowed fans to think about certain character arcs and, quite frankly, some were short-changed. Out of the Greendale Seven, Jeff's ending was filled with much disappointment. Where all the other characters developed for the better, Jeff didn't. His character got worse in ten ways...
His Character Arc
Although Jeff was excessively arrogant when the fans first met, they couldn't help but ire his confidence and drive. He had already decided what he wanted from life and nothing was going to get in the way of him becoming a qualified lawyer. However, this all changed come season 5.
Not only did Jeff's business collapse, but he also got a teaching job at Greendale - which he immensely hates. All his ambition and drive seemed to dissipate the longer he stayed in his teaching position. Instead of trying to pursue his dreams again, it was sad to see him resign himself to a life of misery.
His Attitude
While Jeff would go to the ends of the earth to protect his friends, fans will mostly agree that he doesn't treat them very well. Especially when it comes to Abed or Britta. When Jeff first met the two, he wasn't his best self. He was very manipulative towards Britta and quite insensitive towards Abed's Aspergers.
While Jeff had become more tolerable as the years went on, some fans have suggested he has become mean-spirited. Not only does he moan about Abed's obsession with television but his treatment of Britta got worse once he stopped viewing her as a romantic partner.
His Insecurities & Depression
One thing about Jeff that got worse as time went on was his depression. Jeff's mental health first took a hit in season 1 once he lost his job and apartment. Since he got professional help sometime in season 3, Jeff's mental health briefly improved. However, the former lawyer was seen to hit rock bottom once he took a job at Greendale.
Everyone was aware that Jeff had insecurities but they became more noticeable in season 5 & 6. For instance, due to the insecurities over his age, Jeff had an accidental overdose. He was also visibly depressed and seen drinking on the job, which led to him having an emotional breakdown. Sadly, this was never properly addressed in the final episodes.
His Impulsiveness
Jeff's impulsivity was also seen to get worse over time, with the lawyer becoming more reckless and spontaneous. In season 1, Jeff was seen to struggle with spontaneity since he liked routine and schedules. However, once he lost his practice and sense of direction, fans saw Jeff become a little reckless and impulsive.
Not only did Jeff make the impulsive decision to take anti-aging pills but he and Britta also got engaged out of fear of being left behind. Compare this to how he behaved in "The Psychology of Letting Go," it just shows that Jeff's became more irrational as time went on.
His Idleness
When Jeff was first introduced to the show, everyone could see that he was idle. He would often cut corners to get what he wanted and wouldn't put any effort into group projects unless he had to. This poor work ethic was also something the viewers saw continue in season 5 & 6 when he refused to teach his classes or help with the school events.
when he itted to Annie that he only teamed up with her because he knew she would do all the work? Or the time he initially refused to help the committee grift DeSalvo because he couldn't be bothered? His drive was completely gone.
His Pessimism
As aforementioned, when Jeff arrived at Greendale, he was full of ambition. He was charming, enthusiastic, and full of direction. However, once Jeff began to lose this ambition did the viewers see a change in his personality. Instead of keeping his realist attitude, Jeff became more pessimistic.
Whenever someone tried to integrate themselves into the group, Jeff was the first to say they had bad intentions. If one of the gang found happiness, Jeff was the one to find a negative outlook. He became so pessimistic that even Britta ended up calling him a "killjoy."
His Indecisiveness
Most fans will agree that Jeff's indecisiveness gradually got worse over time. While Jeff may have had his future mapped out for him, it was a different case for his love life. Especially when it came to Annie Edison. For years, fans watched as Jeff profusely denied the connection between Annie and himself.
Despite certain episodes showing the extent of his feelings, fans couldn't help but get annoyed whenever Jeff denied them. It also got quite annoying that he continued to sabotage her relationships but refused to make a move. By the time he worked up the courage, fans were a little bored of the will-they-won't-they.
His Ego & Narcissism
One of the more obvious ways Jeff was seen to regress was through his narcissism. From the very beginning, it was clear that Jeff had a huge ego. The former lawyer was often seen to boasting about his appearance and prized possessions, which often left the impression that he was an obnoxious person.
Despite the study group trying to ground him, they were unable to control his ego as it continued to increase. However, fans were soon able to work out that the bigger his ego grew, the bigger insecurities he was masking. That's why he was more narcissistic in the later seasons.
His Selfish Tendencies
Jeff's selfish tendencies also continued to get worse as time went on. Jeff has done some horrible things over the six years but the most selfish has to be the way he made Ryan his indentured servant.
It was also quite selfish of him to try and talk Annie and Abed out of their dream jobs because of his own insecurities. Although he says he is okay with letting her go, one has to wonder if Jeff confessed his feelings in a last-minute effort to make Annie stay...
The Winger Speeches
In the first four seasons, Jeff was presented as a talented orator who used his ability to resolve any conflicts in the group. Since he had some wise advice, the group often looked to him as the de-facto leader.
However, come season 5 & 6, Jeff was demoted from this position due to the introduction of Frankie. Jeff's position was further placed in limbo when Britta and Annie became impressive and inspiring orators themselves. Since the other characters began absorbing his best traits, it's no wonder Jeff ended up feeling useless. The writers made him pointless near the end.