***WARNING***
THE FOLLOWING POST MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS AND CONTRADICTIONS THEREFORE IT MAYBE UNSUITABLE FOR SOME FUCKS. LIKE LIAM NEESONS COCK
***YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED***
***ADDITIONAL WARNING***
THIS POST WILL BE VERY LONG. LIKE LIAM NEESONS COCK.
***YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED***
***AGAIN***
As a film critic I know that it is my responsibility to see everything and comment on it despite my pre conceived conceptions. For example, just because I know for a fact that 'Scre4m' will be shitter than a shit lunch consisting of a shit sandwich, packet of Disco shits, granny smiths shit and a nice mug of piping hot shit, it doesn't mean that I should opt to miss out on it entirely and neglect to review the film for my flock of floundering film fanatical fans that fail to fucking subscribe and follow fucking movies, for filling my fear of foreboding which frankly frustrates its frantic and financially fucked film fanatical founder. However when faced with footing the near ten pound bill required to take in 'Scre4m', I decided that food was more important and agreed that I should wait for a decent film to come to the big screen before I part ways with my hard earned pictures of the queen. Rest assured my little shitlets, 'Scre4m' will make a great "Missed Movies" review later this year, I promise to tear it a new arse hole, then proceed to stitch it to its own face.
In the mean time here is part two of my look at the many television shows I have watched over the years. This week I will continue to glaze over the TV shows that no longer flirt with our eyeballs via the mystical pictorial box, focusing on the more comedic contributions.
I'll start of with the first sitcom I ever took an interest in. 'Friends' should be known by half wit ameba still reading this prime piece of literary work. It is the story of six friends who live in New York, they start off as twenty somethings with shitty jobs and over the course of ten years degrade into thirty somethings with pretty decent jobs. That is the entire premiss, it never changed and never had to. From the very start of the show it received rave reviews and escalating viewership. Its stars went from lesser known TV stars to worldwide A-listers who still make an impact on Hollywood today. At the beginning the show was very well written, the characters realistic and the comedy consistent, in fact the first three seasons are almost flawless in terms of prime time american sitcom. There is a captivating love story, decent character development for all characters except Joey who doesn't need it early on and a high emphasis on modern day life and the truly mundane experiences we all go through in our own daily lives. From this point on however 'Friends' started to lose its edge.
The jokes started to fade away as each season passed, the humour of the show shifting from the writing to the character delivery alone. I'm not saying that the show stopped being funny, but I became very aware that I was only laughing because I knew the characters and what they were saying was 'so them'. The situations got a little larger and harder to believe as well. Characters jetting off at a moments notice to exotic locations, half baked episode ideas were cooked up simply to accommodate high profile guest stars and the characters love lives got increasingly dramatic and serious causing the tone of the show to be a little off at times. By the time the show ended it was a shadow of what it started off being, relying heavily on its early greatness to uphold the increasing lack of real content. Even one of the characters (Joey) was almost abandoned later on and only used for cheap one liners here or there, a shame considering in the early stages of the show the character was clearly supposed to mature and achieve. Instead Joey digressed to the intelligence of a toddler and simply stayed put.
Overall the show wasn't bad, I've seen every episode and am happy to have done so. The amount of memorable moments that 'Friends' supplied takes up a hefty space in my ever powerful brain. And the shows influence on the world and television as a whole is not one to be underestimated.
Friends gets...
I'll start of with the first sitcom I ever took an interest in. 'Friends' should be known by half wit ameba still reading this prime piece of literary work. It is the story of six friends who live in New York, they start off as twenty somethings with shitty jobs and over the course of ten years degrade into thirty somethings with pretty decent jobs. That is the entire premiss, it never changed and never had to. From the very start of the show it received rave reviews and escalating viewership. Its stars went from lesser known TV stars to worldwide A-listers who still make an impact on Hollywood today. At the beginning the show was very well written, the characters realistic and the comedy consistent, in fact the first three seasons are almost flawless in terms of prime time american sitcom. There is a captivating love story, decent character development for all characters except Joey who doesn't need it early on and a high emphasis on modern day life and the truly mundane experiences we all go through in our own daily lives. From this point on however 'Friends' started to lose its edge.
The jokes started to fade away as each season passed, the humour of the show shifting from the writing to the character delivery alone. I'm not saying that the show stopped being funny, but I became very aware that I was only laughing because I knew the characters and what they were saying was 'so them'. The situations got a little larger and harder to believe as well. Characters jetting off at a moments notice to exotic locations, half baked episode ideas were cooked up simply to accommodate high profile guest stars and the characters love lives got increasingly dramatic and serious causing the tone of the show to be a little off at times. By the time the show ended it was a shadow of what it started off being, relying heavily on its early greatness to uphold the increasing lack of real content. Even one of the characters (Joey) was almost abandoned later on and only used for cheap one liners here or there, a shame considering in the early stages of the show the character was clearly supposed to mature and achieve. Instead Joey digressed to the intelligence of a toddler and simply stayed put.
Overall the show wasn't bad, I've seen every episode and am happy to have done so. The amount of memorable moments that 'Friends' supplied takes up a hefty space in my ever powerful brain. And the shows influence on the world and television as a whole is not one to be underestimated.
Friends gets...
3 out of 5
Notable episodes: The one where everybody finds out, The one where no ones ready, The one where Ross got high, The last one
The balance between drama and comedy is something which almost all sitcoms have to tread sooner or later. Most shows establish themselves in the comedic senses first then gradually move on to the dramatic stuff. However when Bill Laurence set out creating 'Scrubs' he wanted that balance to be established from the get go. 'Scrubs' tells the story of John Dorian, a young intern at Sacred Heart. During his time at the hospital JD has to deal with sickness, death, addiction, friendship and heart break while working with his best friend (Turk), the object of his lust (Elliot) and a mentor who can't stand the very sight of him (Dr Cox). The show's heavy and serious subject matter was coupled surprisingly well with the shows outlandish and often surreal comedic nature. Many episodes would make you laugh hysterically one minute and sad the next. It was 'Scrubs's near perfect timing which made this work, something which the show managed to keep running successfully for most of its eight season run. Sure it has a few dud episodes and pointless story lines but overall 'Scrubs' was remarkably consistent. Each episode brought something funny and original, while never resorting to simply repeating itself unless intentionally doing so for comedic effect. Another notable aspect of the show would be how each season matured at the same rate the characters did, something which should go unnoticed if each season is watched in sequence. There was a season nine produced recently, but was never intended to be considered as a continuation of the story, which it wasn't as it featured a mostly different cast of characters. It also sucked worse than a leaf blower so I've decided to ignore it in order to strengthen my argument. To sum this up, 'Scrubs' will either be loved or hated by viewers. I was a fan of this show since its very first episode was broadcast, it's seen me through two break ups, my transition from child to extraordinary man and makes me feel good even when I can recite the lines alone with the characters. So to me, 'Scrubs' is special, and holds a lot of significance and that's something very few shows have.
Scrubs gets...
4 out of 5
Notable Episodes: My Old Lady, My Screw Up, My Lunch, My Fallen Idol, My Overkill, My Cake, My Fruit Cups, My First Day
While most sitcoms get by with simple jokes that will please everybody in order to appeal to the dumbed masses, 'Frasier' opted to take a more intellectual approach. Based on a minor character from the American institution sitcom, 'Cheers', 'Frasier' couldn't be more different from its origin. It was a show that required your attention, required a little bit of thinking on occasion and endeavored to deliver something unexpected of your average everyday sitcom.
Frasier has returned to his hometown of Seattle, in order to start his life over. He has a job at the local talk radio station and lives with his aging and street smart father, whom he has a complicated conflicting relationship with. His snobby, upper-class brother Niles and his wise cracking working class radio producer Roz are his only true friends for the duration of the show, which details Frasier's numerous failed relationships, business endeavors and often doomed attempts at portraying himself as one of Seattle's most distinguished residents. The show's charm lies within its characters who are all perfectly written and played. The writing as a whole for this show was fantastic, a surprising statement taking into consideration that the show intentionally changed writers every season. Most of the shows best episodes are to be found in the first half of the shows eleven seasons, the funniest of which often contain heavy amount of farce delivered in a way very much inspired by 'Fawlty Towers'. The show took an inevitable slope during the later seasons when the show fell into a predictable formulae, this however was fixed by the time the show reached its emotional and exceptional ending. 'Frasier's most memorable episodes for me tend to be the ones that brought back Frasier's overpowering and all out hilarious ex wife, Lilith, who since my first exposure to the character has remained in my top five sitcom favorites and will probably remain there for a long time to come. It is also worth noting that Niles is at his absolute best when pining after health care professional/Frasier's housekeeper, Daphnie, its in these sense where you will find some of this great shows best one liners.
Frasier gets...
3 out of 5
Notable episodes: Ham Radio, The Two Mrs Cranes, Dial M for Martin, High Crane Drifter, The Doctor is Out, Miracle On 3rd or 4th Street
Sometimes a really good sitcom will be created and for some reason or another people just don't tune in to watch it. Usually this is down to poor advertising, sometimes is because a show is put in a wasted time slot and forced to compete with a major sports program. 'Arrested Development' however was none of these things, it was held in high regard by critics, it featured some of the smartest and sharpest sitcom writing I've ever known and yet when it was originally broadcast nobody watched it. The reason for this is I feel the show wasn't watched by enough of its key American demographics because, honestly, their too fucking 'bang their head on a wall while trying to eat a door knob' retarded. 'Arrested Development' is not a show for people who can't pay attention and actually listen to every word of dialogue a show send their way. The scripts were tight, plot driven and chock full of references either to the outside world or past episodes. Credit to 'Fox' who moved the show around a lot trying to bump up the viewing figures for the show and keeping the show on air long enough for it to complete its story. It could have run for longer and I'm in no doubt that it would have been great but leaving this show at three seasons works well. I wanted more and this is heaps better than leaving a show when its stale and crusty and needs help with its oxygen. If you haven't seen 'Arrested Development' then I strongly urge you to do so now, buy the box sets, watch em' back to back and discover a remarkable gem of a show that will make you laugh more with every re-viewing. Oh and while I'm taking about re-viewing, Gary I want my box sets back you hoarding son of a bitch.
Arrested Development gets...
'Trailer Park Boys' is a show I'll put money on you having not seen. It was a tiny show that only ever made it semi big in Canada, where it was created. It tells the story of Julian, Ricky and Bubbles, three friends who live in a run down trailer park with some of the most despicable and disgusting characters ever created. The three boys have the same goal in each season, to get rich quick usually by committing petty crimes which are doomed from the start. Always trying to outsmart the boys and get them thrown in jail is Jim Lahey, the trailer park supervisor and resident drunk bastard. For Seven seasons, two specials and two movies, 'Trailer Park Boys' let its grim story unfold and I think it's hilarious. It would be fair to say that the show isn't immediately accessible, upon first glance it looks badly written, acted and poorly constructed. But as the show progresses each of these factors improve, especially the acting which while wooden and uncomfortable in the first season becomes completely believable and a joy later on. The movies are not up to scratch with the TV shows themselves but that doesn't damage the show what so ever. Rather than recommend this show outright, I'd say borrow it from someone and see if its to your liking, it certainly is t mine. Oh and while I'm on the subject of lending 'Trailer Park Boys', Gary I want my box sets back you leeching son of a two bit whore.
Trailer Park Boys gets...
Arrested Development gets...
5 out of 5
Notable Episodes: Every mother fucking one of them, in sequence!'Trailer Park Boys' is a show I'll put money on you having not seen. It was a tiny show that only ever made it semi big in Canada, where it was created. It tells the story of Julian, Ricky and Bubbles, three friends who live in a run down trailer park with some of the most despicable and disgusting characters ever created. The three boys have the same goal in each season, to get rich quick usually by committing petty crimes which are doomed from the start. Always trying to outsmart the boys and get them thrown in jail is Jim Lahey, the trailer park supervisor and resident drunk bastard. For Seven seasons, two specials and two movies, 'Trailer Park Boys' let its grim story unfold and I think it's hilarious. It would be fair to say that the show isn't immediately accessible, upon first glance it looks badly written, acted and poorly constructed. But as the show progresses each of these factors improve, especially the acting which while wooden and uncomfortable in the first season becomes completely believable and a joy later on. The movies are not up to scratch with the TV shows themselves but that doesn't damage the show what so ever. Rather than recommend this show outright, I'd say borrow it from someone and see if its to your liking, it certainly is t mine. Oh and while I'm on the subject of lending 'Trailer Park Boys', Gary I want my box sets back you leeching son of a two bit whore.
Trailer Park Boys gets...
3.5 out of 5
Notable Episodes: Conky, The Green Bastard, Closer To The Heart, Where The Fuck is Rady's Barbecue, Say Goodnight To The Bad Guys
The penultimate review of this post will be about the only animated TV sitcom that I have been able to watch and enjoy. 'South Park' has been around for a long ass time and has, at the time of this post just entered its final season. Its come along way over the past decade and a half. Starting off a a crude cartoon simply put out to shock people it has now become a show more focused on social commentary and parody. It's not always been an amazing show, each season has its far share of turds, but for every turd 'South Park' squeezes out it lets lose several golden nuggets of happiness. Matt Stone and Trey Parker have had a lot of controversy hurled their way since the start of 'South Park', not that its been unintentional or even unwarranted. South Park will offend or upset everyone at some point, its a large part of the ethos for the show. It ridicules everything and everyone without exception, it doesn't discriminate and that is something a lot of people don't tend to realize. This kind of show could only exist with that kind of policy, if it didn't have that then it would be seen as a hate piece designed to pick on people, which it doesn't, much. There is little point in me reviewing this properly seeing as everyone who will see 'South Park' has done by now and knows if its their acquired taste or not. It mot certainly is to mine and will forever be a product of its generation and time. It wont live much past its original broadcast period but who the hell cares, to be watching it as it was produced has been awesome and I'll miss it when its gone.
South Park gets...
3 out of 5
Notable Episodes: Passion Of The Jew, Scott Tenorman Must Die, Sexual Harassment Panda, Make Love Not Warcraft, Cartmanland, The Death Or Eric Cartman, Two Days Before The Day After Tomorrow, Trapped In The Closet, Bloody Mary, Cartoon Wars.
I will wrap this post up with my one of my favorite sitcoms of the minute, 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'. Larry David is the guy who makes all the decisions you would and thinks the same thought you do but somehow always manages to take shit for it due to what is deemed socially acceptable. 'Curb' is full of fantastic insight and comedic observation on how absurdly people are expected to act in todays society. Larry's takes on doctors, married life, restaurant etiquette, product packaging, celebrity status and everything else under the sun is unashamedly honest, spot on and hilarious. Each season focus's on a new chapter in Larry's life while turning out well crafted and complete episodes leaving very few stones unturned. I'm amazed that 'Curb' has done as well as it has considering its depth and matureness. I can't help but feel this show would have gone under if it weren't for David's acclaim for 'Seinfeld'. For whatever reason though, 'Curb' deserves the praise it has received and will go down in history as a landmark in television comedy history. If only more shows could make me laugh so hard at myself and the bizarre goings on happening around me on a daily basis.
Curb Your Enthusiasm gets...
5 out of 5
Notable Episodes: Kamikaze Bingo, Krazee Eyez Killa, Opening Night, The Freak Book, The Doll, The Grand Opening
I will stop this lengthy insight here before my fingers fall off with exhaustion. While I'm very much aware that I missed a few key shows, I can honestly say I don't care. Honorable mention goes out to Sienfeld and Cheers. Two shows that have had huge significance when it comes to the show contained in this review. I didn't review them properly however because one of them I don't really like and couldn't finish and the other I'm still watching. I'll let you work out which is which!
Coming up soon is my look into the wonderful world of Joss Whedon, British contributions and the shows that currently change my twisted life perspective.
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