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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
 Posted - 01/29/2004 : 15:04:44
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I think it has something to do with them not wanting to pay writers anymore. That and everyone has obviously gone risk-averse. This totally blows. I wish they would just stop ruining everything.
"Wir müssen wissen. Wir werden wissen." |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5456 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2004 : 15:05:47
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A lack of new ideas.
I like this chain. Seinfeld was a fairly new idea. Friends ripped off Seinfeld. The British Coupling ripped off Friends. So, they brought Coupling to the US and it sucked. |
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bedrock_barney
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
871 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2004 : 15:10:38
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Apparently Ricky Gervais is acting as some kind of consultant for the US network making The (US) Office. I think he realises that it could well crash and burn but I don't think he cares too much. Presumably he's making a pile of cash out of it. Good for him. The original office will remain intact as a classic cult comedy success.
On the sameish subject, have any of you N Americans seen the Alan Partridge series?? Equally brilliant stuff in my opinion.
 "Join the Cult of the Theremin / It's Velouriatastic!!" |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 01/29/2004 : 16:12:39
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Someone mentioned the word pathos earlier, so I have to recommend Marion & Geoff to you. Chances are, unless you live here you'll never see it, but its unbelievably good. Like the Office, its not out and out laughs, but it is funny, and it is sad. You have to check it out.
 "I joined the Cult Of Cheese/E-Damn!" |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 10:25:23
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| There was an Americanised version of Fawlty Towers, I think Harvay Korman (Hedley Lamarr from Blazing Saddles) was in it...and they did One Foot In The Grave with Cosby, did'nt they? |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5456 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 10:29:14
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quote:
Originally posted by Carl
There was an Americanised version of Fawlty Towers, I think Harvay Korman (Hedley Lamarr from Blazing Saddles) was in it...and they did One Foot In The Grave with Cosby, did'nt they?
I don't know what One Foot in The Grave was. Cosby had the very successful Cosby show, but I think that was based more on his typical stand-up routines than on another show.
Harvey Korman is also known for his time on the Carol Burnett show. |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 10:33:55
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| No, I remember hearing they made-or were gonna make-that show with Cosby. Arn't there some UK versions of US shows? |
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gracie
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
573 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 10:41:57
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Does anyone else really hate Friends?, the first series was ok but its been shit for at least 9 years.
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 10:54:38
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Ohhhhhh yes! It has some witty lines, but it's just a soap opera with gags, really...
"Oh, it's bad! Oh, it's SO BAD!" (Canned Laughter.)
"Chandler, I'm home!"
BANG!(Chandler shoots Monica point-blank in the face.laugh at that....) |
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Dave Noisy
Minister of Chaos
Canada
4496 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 11:29:46
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There is some alright writing happening at Friends, but yeah, i've never been a fan.
Great job of appealing to the masses tho. Pop music for the television viewer. |
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BLT
> Teenager of the Year <
South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 11:30:55
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They should have ended Friends a couple years ago. I still watch it, though I don't know why. Probably because my wife does and I like to spend time with her. Thankfully they're putting it out of it's misery in a few months. But we still have Joey's show to look forward to. Heh.
Coupling (the Brit version) borrowed a little more from Seinfeld than Friends. I found many of Jeff's little theories and neuroses to be very 'Seinfeldian' in nature. Overall I found it funnier than Friends but less funny than Sein. |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 11:35:39
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| There's always someone who want's to watch it and everyone else in the room groans...like with most soap operas(snigger!) |
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BLT
> Teenager of the Year <
South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 14:06:04
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quote:
Originally posted by Carl
There's always someone who want's to watch it and everyone else in the room groans...like with most soap operas(snigger!)
You are right, Carl. It's a soap opera. The current thread of Monica and Chandler trying to adopt a kid is absolutely UNBEARABLY CORNY. |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 14:18:32
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| I'm sick of seeing girls/women walking around like they're in Sex In The City, too. It's so stupid and pretentious. |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 15:55:10
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I hate "Friends" and "Sex in the City". Totally mindless pap, devoid of any entertainment value, and perpetuating many of the things that I hate about popular American culture. But that's just me. I think there may be something wrong with me, anyway.
Maybe I should try to be more opinionated? ;)
"Wir müssen wissen. Wir werden wissen." |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 16:08:16
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No, you're doing great, with that sort of attitude you could write for the Daily Mail!
"I joined the Cult Of Cheese/E-Damn!" |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 16:43:29
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Are you implying that my words were disingenuous? I'm sure you've never had anything negative to say about American culture, Mr. Cheeseypants!
"Wir müssen wissen. Wir werden wissen." |
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Cheeseman1000
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Iceland
8201 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 16:58:25
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I'd probably argue with you, but the American 'dictionary' on the net gets confused by disingenuous. Har har.
Also, I don't have anything negative to say about American culture, I have everything negative!
Just kidding, but there's alot of moments I'm glad I'm not a Yank. Still, better than being Canadian, eh?
"I joined the Cult Of Cheese/E-Damn!" |
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apl4eris
~ Abstract Brain ~
USA
4800 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 18:05:02
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quote:
Originally posted by Cheeseman1000
I'd probably argue with you, but the American 'dictionary' on the net gets confused by disingenuous. Har har.
See the first sentence of this British article  http://www.sirc.org/news/mail_accused.html
http://m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=disingenuous&x=0&y=0
quote:
Also, I don't have anything negative to say about American culture, I have everything negative!
Just kidding, but there's alot of moments I'm glad I'm not a Yank. Still, better than being Canadian, eh?
You bet, Cheesey! Stupid Canadians. Har har! I don't know what got you all riled up about my grammar today, but it sure is fun!
"Wir müssen wissen. Wir werden wissen." |
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SpudBoy
= Cult of Ray =
Equatorial Guinea
649 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 18:05:52
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quote:
Originally posted by Cheeseman1000
I'd probably argue with you, but the American 'dictionary' on the net gets confused by disingenuous. Har har.
Also, I don't have anything negative to say about American culture, I have everything negative!
Just kidding, but there's alot of moments I'm glad I'm not a Yank. Still, better than being Canadian, eh?
Or a limey git. Whew. Glad I'm Laotian.
 I looked for a cult to join, then decided to just play "Sink". Hey! I sank WallaWalla Washington! |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 01/30/2004 : 19:23:45
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quote:
I don't know what One Foot in The Grave was. Cosby had the very successful Cosby show, but I think that was based more on his typical stand-up routines than on another show.
The "One Foot in the Grave" remake was just "Cosby," not "The Cosby Show." Nowhere near as famous as the latter, and I never watched it.
-Nathan
And how does lemur's skin reflect the sea?
http://vovat.blogspot.com/ |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5456 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2004 : 00:45:15
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quote:
Originally posted by BLT
They should have ended Friends a couple years ago. I still watch it, though I don't know why. Probably because my wife does and I like to spend time with her. Thankfully they're putting it out of it's misery in a few months. But we still have Joey's show to look forward to. Heh.
Coupling (the Brit version) borrowed a little more from Seinfeld than Friends. I found many of Jeff's little theories and neuroses to be very 'Seinfeldian' in nature. Overall I found it funnier than Friends but less funny than Sein.
I like the British version. It's not as good as Curb Your Enthusiasm or Scrubs, but it usually worth the time.
I think it's a pretty clear rip off of Friends. 3 males and 3 females frequentially found in a bar (instead of a coffeeshop). There's the dingy girl and the goofy who supplies most of the comedy. |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2004 : 12:09:01
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quote:
Originally posted by apl4eris
I hate "Friends" and "Sex in the City". Totally mindless pap, devoid of any entertainment value, and perpetuating many of the things that I hate about popular American culture. But that's just me. I think there may be something wrong with me, anyway.
Maybe I should try to be more opinionated? ;)
"Wir müssen wissen. Wir werden wissen."
I think ALL western culture has a lot of shitty stuff going for it...the US may be trend-setters, but the rst of us are followin' like pigs in silk hats!
CARL. |
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mcmikey
= Cult of Ray =
799 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2004 : 13:45:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Carl
quote:
Originally posted by apl4eris
I hate "Friends" and "Sex in the City". Totally mindless pap, devoid of any entertainment value, and perpetuating many of the things that I hate about popular American culture. But that's just me. I think there may be something wrong with me, anyway.
Maybe I should try to be more opinionated? ;)
"Wir müssen wissen. Wir werden wissen."
I think ALL western culture has a lot of shitty stuff going for it...the US may be trend-setters, but the rst of us are followin' like pigs in silk hats!
CARL.
How can you say the US is trendsetters for shitty stuff??!!?! Think about who brought the WWE to the masses, and then try to say we're responsible for shitty stuff!!!! that's what I thought
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let me apologize in advance if this post is anything Goddess Theory could find offensive or misinterpret. Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2004 : 15:32:06
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quote:
I think ALL western culture has a lot of shitty stuff going for it...the US may be trend-setters, but the rst of us are followin' like pigs in silk hats!
But you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Unless the sow has a silk ear for some reason, like maybe she had her other one bitten off by a big bad wolf, and the pig plastic surgeon was totally out of every material except silk.
-Nathan
And how does lemur's skin reflect the sea?
http://vovat.blogspot.com/ |
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Dave Noisy
Minister of Chaos
Canada
4496 Posts |
Posted - 02/05/2004 : 23:48:13
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I dunno..there are a few good shows from the US of course..
My current favs include the Sopranos, Buffy/Angel, Simpsons, South Park, Six Feet Under..i really like Smallville for some reason...and i don't know why i'm listing television shows.
 Join the Cult of the Flying Pigxies - I'm A Believer! |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2004 : 10:32:17
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| I meant alp4eris' point about US culture is a valid one, but that the rest of weastern culture-i.e Europe-is following suit and is responsible for amateurish attempts at classic American style. |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 02/06/2004 : 11:01:06
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Yeah, it works both ways.
-Nathan
And how does lemur's skin reflect the sea?
http://vovat.blogspot.com/ |
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model consumer
- FB Fan -
USA
128 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2004 : 05:13:50
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quote:
Originally posted by bedrock_barney
The US is responsible for high quality home grown comedy. I just can't see why they need to import concepts from other countries. Anyone know what the driving force is?
Probably some dumb-ass TV executives that think they can make some money off it.
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"What's all I listen to? It's all freedom rock!" |
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interloper
= Cult of Ray =
440 Posts |
Posted - 02/07/2004 : 05:43:22
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I agree Carl. But I think it's universal.
Hand held shower nozzles are the demon enemy of the patriarch and should be destroyed. |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 02/08/2004 : 10:26:57
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| Oh, come on, paramount and warner brothers are also to blame(snigger!) |
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BLT
> Teenager of the Year <
South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2004 : 09:55:14
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| Malcolm in the Middle is a fantastic show. I rate it up there against any great comedy. |
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glacial906
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1738 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2004 : 10:15:07
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Has anyone seen 'the Tracy Morgan Show?' I expected more because he was damn hilarious on SNL, but it seems like he's trying to recreate a modern day version of 'the Cosby Show.' The show is chock full of wholesome family value, which is all well and good, just not what I expected from Tracy Morgan.
Take me, break me, tell me a good one and maybe I'll cry
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glacial906
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1738 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2004 : 10:17:05
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quote:
Originally posted by BLT
Malcolm in the Middle is a fantastic show. I rate it up there against any great comedy.
I agree. Sorry to abruptly change topic.
Take me, break me, tell me a good one and maybe I'll cry
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