Community creator Dan Harmon spoke about the general themes of the upcoming episodes, ahead of Thursday's season 5 premiere.

Harmon told Entertainment Weekly recently that the fifth season of Community would be about human beings versus systems.

"There's lots of different characters going up against different kinds of systems and having their humanity tested in the face of something that isn't human," Harmon explained.

A new professor named Buzz Hickey (guest star Jonathan Banks) will appear in 11 of 13 episodes in season 5. He will connect each of the main characters in some way, Harmon noted.

"I didn't set out to do this but noticed we were doing it about halfway through the run; we kind of rub him as kind of a touchstone up against each of the characters," Harmon said. "Each character has a story at some point with Buzz Hickey that teaches you more about the old characters that you love and slowly paints a picture of Hickey as you go."

Community Season 5 Premiere Preview: Jeff Winger to Go Against Greendale & Study Group? 

One of the most significant episodes of season 5 will be the departure of Troy Barnes (Donald Glover). The creator promises that the episode 5 will be a "heart-string puller" as Troy leaves Greendale Community College forever. This will prove incredibly difficult for his best friend Abed (Danny Pudi), who has difficulties adjusting.

"Abed calls for a special game to be played across the campus rather than say goodbye to Troy, and the world gets embroiled in it and it's fun," Harmon said. "That'll be the fifth episode, I believe."

Cast of Community Reacts to Donald Glover's Departure 

Community season 5 premieres Thursday at 8 p.m. on NBC.

Watch a trailer for Community season 5 here:

Tags: community Spoilers