Community Exclusive: Brie Larson Returns; Paget Brewster, Robert Patrick Join Cameo-Packed Ep

Abed’s coat-check crush is stepping back out of her Greendale closet.

TVLine has learned exclusively that Brie Larson will reprise her role as the pop-culture fiend’s quirky Community companion, Rachel, for at least one Season 5 installment.

Details surrounding her return are scarce, but we can tell you she appears in the episode following Donald Glover‘s departure as Abed’s other-half, Troy Barnes. Perhaps she’ll help soften the blow?

VIDEO | Community Creator Dan Harmon Talks Donald Glover’s ‘Devastating’ Exit

“There’s a nice reason for her comeback,” a tight-lipped Danny Pudi shares with TVLine. “It’s a nice wrap-up to the storyline for Abed in this episode. And it’s a really great way to see another side of this character — especially this year with Troy leaving.

“Things have been introduced with Abed [in past seasons] that we’ve never really revisited,” the actor continues, “so it’s nice to see something that we go back to — especially with Brie, because she’s great. She’s an incredible actor.”

Also tapped to appear briefly in the installment — which centers on a midterms-centered dance — are former Criminal Minds fave Paget Brewster, Terminator/True Blood/Sons of Anarchy badass Robert Patrick, musician/The Sing-Off judge Ben Folds and Kumail Nanjiani (Franklin & Bash). They join the previously announced Nathan Fillion (Castle) and Katie Leclerc (Switched at Birth).