Chevy Chase, whose tenure on Community can be generously characterized as "tumultuous," has left the NBC comedy after three and a half years by mutual agreement, Deadline reports. Most of the show's 13-episode order already has been filmed, with just one or two episodes remaining to be produced.

The departure of Chase, who played bigoted aging millionaire Pierce Hawthorne, is hardly surprising, given his history with Community: He was involved earlier this year in a public feud with creator Dan Harmon, who was fired as showrunner shortly after leaking an angry voicemail from the actor. There also have been reports of on-set eruptions from Chase, who's been vocal in his criticisms of the show, making news of his return for the abbreviated fourth season far more bewildering than his abrupt departure.

After a false alarm, Community will finally return Thursday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, replacing 30 Rock on the NBC lineup.