Quote: Jennie @ 7th January 2015, 9:40 PM GMTI haven't seen enough of it to comment to be honest. If that is the case it is very much the exception to the rule.
I would still stand by my essential argument that in good sitcom, the laughs come from character and plot.
Really? It definitely is basically lots of Lee's gags connected by a story line and in spite of that I love it.
(Or maybe because of it!)
Not Going Out is fairly thin on plot and character development in comparison to other sitcoms, but they're there all the same. All of Jennie's points are still bang on.
Interesting that's why you liked it Chappers...that's the reason I detested it!
It sounds like a masturbatory exercise for Lee Mack's ego. However it must work on some level if people like it.
That being said, I doubt an unknown writer would get away with the same.
Quote: Stu Legend @ 7th January 2015, 9:03 PM GMTYes I can see the benefit of getting real actors in etc. Ok, I'll finish the script first, find a like minded comedy writer and get on it.
Mark P - tut tut the first rule of business is never part with your cash until you have the goods. Plus you sound awfully nice but would you give 5K to a guy on a forum you've just met? For all I know your a 60 year old 25 stone bloke tapping away in your string vest and Y-fronts eating fried chicken from a trough.
No offence but good luck with trying to fish 5K out of random strangers.
What's my age and weight got to do with it? I can afford all that fried chicken because I am a f**king funny writer! I even offered you a gag for free. Double !!
As to your rule my friend, that is exactly what I am saying. I have got the goods but I ain't giving them up for nothing. I like my Pie on a plate sir! And I'll give you this for free to show there is no animosity. It is you're not your. The thing about seasoned writers is they know this stuff and that's why they is worthy of they hire.
As to giving money on the web... I just bought a lens on eBay that it turns out is entirely unsuitable for my camera. 
Quote: Jennie @ 7th January 2015, 9:51 PM GMTIt sounds like a masturbatory exercise for Lee Mack's ego. However it must work on some level if people like it.
That being said, I doubt an unknown writer would get away with the same.
The show is entirely one hundred percent about character with great plotting and a very large opportunity to laugh rate. It is a greatly executed and very well written show. Anybody who understands the craft will admire it for that even if it is not to their comedic tastes.
Study it and learn my friends! Study and learn.
As I said, I haven't seen enough to comment. If what you say is right then it supports my argument.
Excuse bloody me....... IF....... I am right????
I need a break from the gags, it becomes tiresome listening to every bit of dialogue knowing it's a set up. Often knowing too, what the punchline will be following on! It does a better job of it than My Family though, I'll give it that.
Different strokes for different folks...
well the world can't move to the beat of just one drum.
Can we stop with the masturbation references? Poor Lee won't know if he is coming or going!
Quote: Wills @ 7th January 2015, 10:25 PM GMTIt does a better job of it than My Family though
Damning with faint praise!
I have realised that my preference is for plot heavy sitcom. I was watching an episode of Blackadder the other day and realised that it has a very intricate plot. I am genuinely interested in what is happening next.
Quote: Marc P @ 7th January 2015, 10:24 PM GMTExcuse bloody me....... IF....... I am right????
The only person I will ever completely acknowledge as being right is me.
What if I agree with you? Answer me that then miss smarty briefs!
Well then I'd be right and you'd be sensible
Lol. I throw myself on the mercy of the court.
Don't do that, Marc. Sooner be wrong than sensible, who wants to be sensible!
That is definitely better than throwing your bra at someone.