The Office, Parks & Recreation, now Modern Family. Yes, all of these shows are oftentimes (Parks & Rec) to even frequently (Modern Family) funny.
But please, indulge me by over thinking this with me for just one moment... Ask yourself the following questions: What are these "documentaries" about? Life in an office? Are we watching the finished documentaries, or just footage? If you said finished documentaries, these have got to be the longest documentaries ever made! And why is it taking so long to make them (The Office is now in Season 6)? Who is funding these projects?
Every time I watch one of these shows - every time - they cut to some "interview segment" where Jim or whoever is in the conference room making some facetious comment or joke. And I cringe. Every time. And the worst is when they don't even say anything, they just cut to a facial expression of Stanley rolling his eyes or Pam smirking. Yuck.Don't get me wrong, I love these shows. Looking back at 2010, I think Modern Family will be the 2nd best thing to come into my life this year (right after new baby girl). But the "interview segments" are just lazy storytelling. Pure and simple lazy writing for a cheap laugh.
A plea to all the new shows yet to be created. Yes we like the one-camera documentary style (ie 30 Rock, Curb Your Enthusiasm). But for the love of all that is holy, just bag the fake interviews.
3 comments:
I think some of the funniest parts on Modern Family is when Phil is talking to the camera. That guy is funny!
I can't wait for Clara to be born. Make sure you guys post lots of pictures for us out-of-towners.
Funny.
Here is my quip with Modern Family. That show does NOT need to be a mockumentary type show!!! It is funny enough on it's own merits to leave that format.
On a separate note: Parks & Rec has improved more than any show I ever remember! That first season was such a disappointment. The last 2 seasons are like 10 times better!
Not sure what has happened to the Office, but it is not good. I think maybe it has just run it's course. They should just do a spin off on Andy and I would be happy.
I have to agree with Jen that Modern Family is funny when they use the mockumentary head shots/interviews. Perhaps the reason we grow tired of them is because at first, when the shows first come out, we are getting to know the characters, but after a few years of the show, we know them, so they are no longer needed? The Office is in need of something to improve it, what, I don't know.
Did anyone see the Modern Family when they suspected their son was looking at porn? When Phil admitted it was him to the camera, now that was funny.
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