Channel 4 UK is currently showing the whole series on a never-ending loop, in its breakfast-time US Comedy slot. You get drawn in. Despite yourself. What can I say... ridiculous, over-glossy, suffers from all the minus points of American sitcom as seen from Britain. Slightly two-dimensional characters stepping forward to deliver well-scripted gags and punchlines in turn. trots out the stereotypes. Youngish people living in luxury accomodation that leaves you wondering how the Hell they manage it without doing anything illegal - "Friends" Rent Control in a big way. Impossibly and suspiciously glamorous. A lead actress with a hint of Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner about her - was she chosen for androgyniety? Two stereotypical gays and... a bitch. It sort of grows on you even though you realise how bloody ridiculuous it is. Lots of cameos from guest stars, which help to make the show.. Was there a period where Congress passed a law saying John Cleese had to be in EVERY American TV sitcom as a guest star? Usually playing a variation on a theme of "Otto", seemingly.
Likeable but silly.
And again from a British perspective: you can see exactly where the inspiration came from for Gimme Gimme Gimme and why it is such a skewering parody of W&G. This show HAD to be sent up.
Can't help reflecting that Ellen deGeneres' sitcom was a more accurate and realistic view of what it is to be gay and the USA - and in its way, as funny.
Despite myself - engaging nonsense
Channel 4 UK is currently showing the whole series on a never-ending loop, in its breakfast-time US Comedy slot. You get drawn in. Despite yourself. What can I say... ridiculous, over-glossy, suffers from all the minus points of American sitcom as seen from Britain. Slightly two-dimensional characters stepping forward to deliver well-scripted gags and punchlines in turn. trots out the stereotypes. Youngish people living in luxury accomodation that leaves you wondering how the Hell they manage it without doing anything illegal - "Friends" Rent Control in a big way. Impossibly and suspiciously glamorous. A lead actress with a hint of Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner about her - was she chosen for androgyniety? Two stereotypical gays and... a bitch. It sort of grows on you even though you realise how bloody ridiculuous it is. Lots of cameos from guest stars, which help to make the show.. Was there a period where Congress passed a law saying John Cleese had to be in EVERY American TV sitcom as a guest star? Usually playing a variation on a theme of "Otto", seemingly.
Likeable but silly.
And again from a British perspective: you can see exactly where the inspiration came from for Gimme Gimme Gimme and why it is such a skewering parody of W&G. This show HAD to be sent up.
Can't help reflecting that Ellen deGeneres' sitcom was a more accurate and realistic view of what it is to be gay and the USA - and in its way, as funny.