Gavin & Stacey Page 29

'I have nothing to declare but my genitals'? And you object to being called an amateur writer? You've kind of proved my point, as your pun would sparkle like flob on the back of a parka in any episode of G & S. Perhaps you might one day write for the show if it continues to be a hit.

Back to the analysis.

It's not a matter of taste, as I have made clear in earlier posts. Fawlty Towers and Only Fools and Horses are not to my taste, but I recognise their quality. As for 'not getting it', you need to read this thread from the beginning. I wrote most of it and I have provided line by line evaluation of the writing, and scrutiny on both the production and marketing of the show, not just 'it's shit' type of comments. You're right, I don't like it, but it interests me and it is so popular that I can't ignore it. I have said this before as well. The success and reception of this show is something that aspiring (amateur) writers on this forum need to examine. A recent Radio Times article called the show 'brave' for introducing a 'soap style' story element - Nessa's pregnancy. This is a round about way of saying, it's not funny anymore, or it's not really a sitcom - an example of the status and respect that is accorded the show. A returning sitcom that wasn't all that heavy on jokes might be considered a failure. G & S is the BBC's 'flagship' sitcom and it is brave and different. A flagship sitcom might prove the best example for wannabe writers to look at. No doubt, there are a few 'Bryan and Tracys' being written right now, whilst others are trying to work out what it is about an ostensibly dull and linear trek through dating, teen marriage, male-bonding and babies with feeble and nicked jokes that has proved so popular.

I preferred the first series and, though enjoying it, find this series 'clutching at straws' a little bit. As though they didn't quite know where to go. I can see what somebody previously said about observational elements creeping in. I like a bit of stand-up but it does seem to infer that it knows itself there is not much story going on.

That said, one of the last episode's best bits was the oven-gloves/tea towel bit. I liked that a lot.

I think the first series had a definite goal so Ruth Jones/James Corden knew where they were going and set out to hit it. The storyline basically wrote itself and had an end point and they simply created a few twists and turns and the very funny elements that went along the way. I'm not taking anything away from them but the story was there for all to see. Where to now though? I'm not sure they know, though I might be wrong and just can't see the twists coming...

Anyway, I think my point is that the funny observations are taking over from the plot. Which is a point that has been made already. So I will shut up now.

Dan

'Brave'? 'Different'? We're getting into Sir Humphrey's teritory now!

Quote: Godot Taxis @ April 2 2008, 2:33 AM BST

'I have nothing to declare but my genitals'? And you object to being called an amateur writer? You've kind of proved my point, as your pun would sparkle like flob on the back of a parka in any episode of G & S. Perhaps you might one day write for the show if it continues to be a hit.

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I don't see the need for a personal attack like that. One signature on a forum doesn't define a writer and I actually do write professionally. You've admitted yourself that you don't get why its so popular so my comments about not getting it shouldn't be taken so badly.

I can only speak for myself but I like it because its a warming sitcom, no one is made to look like a monster, everyone is good at heart and that makes you care about them to watch it. I think that is clever writing. I think its very funny in a subtle way. And there is a lot of humour there but its easy to miss (I know I have). Its not punchline jokes, but drawn out of situations and character.

And as for the issues, you're right they are nothing new but neither are the ones in all the family sitcoms out there. These are things that are major parts of life, its how the characters deal with them that is interesting. I think the Nessa-Smithy story is quite original. They are not pin-ups and they're not even that close.

Just my thoughts.

I think for a comedy series to have the lead characters blend into the background while secondary characters come to the fore is pretty embarrassing, and shows they should have either stuck to one series or drawn out them getting together.

Can you imagine Del Boy and Rodney becoming bit part and Boycie and whoever coming to the fore? Frasier and Niles drifting off while Gil and Bulldog took over the show? Basil Fawlty, Fletch doing the same thing?

The problem they faced in the show was that Gavin and Stacy are just not comedy people. They're nice, pleasant, but it doesn't make for good comedy. You have to exaggerate things. And having them as bland lead characters makes people want to watch the others more.

As I've mentioned before, Will & Grace is the same. Just because the show is named after two particular characters doesn't mean that the writers want those two to be the focus, or the most interesting two.

Of course if it was Horne and.... whoever plays Stacy writing it, it may well have been those two that got all the best lines.

Or if Gavin and Stacey were the leads in the first series (I didn't really watch it) maybe they made a decision to switch focus to the others for series 2.

I was about to say what zooo said. There's no implication that Gavin and Stacey are the main characters. To me, they're the linking characters around which two bunch of oddities combine, and they are leading ALONG WITH Nessa and Smithy. Just because the show has their names, doesn't mean they're the central characters.

Marion and Geoff.

i've found a little bit of a drop off in the quality of the second series...

nessa's 'interesting' past was touched on in the first series to good effect, but it was always grounded in some kind of reality. in the first ep of this series she was talking with her stock broker on the phone, and the entire cast seemed to pep up with advice regarding the market. i found that funny, to a degree, but it took the show out of the tone that had previously been set. a deliberate decision by the writers? or them running out of a decent narrative for the show?

the scene with smithy and his sister was dreadful...derivative of tate, little britain, most def not a good thing in my opinion.

but as for the show overall - i think it is a very good example of mainstream comedy. not comparable with the likes of The Office US or Peep Show for example - but infinitely better than the likes of Green green grass or my family.

Quote: Aaron @ April 2 2008, 12:51 PM BST

I was about to say what zooo said. There's no implication that Gavin and Stacey are the main characters. To me, they're the linking characters around which two bunch of oddities combine, and they are leading ALONG WITH Nessa and Smithy. Just because the show has their names, doesn't mean they're the central characters.

Marion and Geoff.

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Their world revolves around Gavin & Stacey too so its not a bad title either.

Hi, I've just been reading through the posts, though I have to admit I skipped a few as the constant slating was getting repetative and boring to be perfectly honest.

Why is Gavin & Stacey so popular?

Because it's true to life. Everyone can relate to at least one of the characters, or knows somebody like them and that is what makes it so appealing!
Certain moments of total randomness (Nessa & the market in Tokyo) , only add to its charm- you will find people like her out there!

It doesn't have to be laugh-a-minute and full of jokes just for the sake of it, that wouldn't work for this show. It may not contain totally orignal storylines, but it's approached in a different way. This is meant to be true-to-life, are you telling me that there is a way to write a true-to-life sitcom without approaching subjects that have already been performed before?

The whole idea of this comedy is to create empathy for the characters in their situations, whilst providing laughs along the way and I think this is certainly achieved.

It may not be to your taste, but it's a very popular show and I think that, at least, should be appreciated.

Hi!

Quote: xAmyx @ April 2 2008, 8:09 PM BST

Hi, I've just been reading through the posts, though I have to admit I skipped a few as the constant slating was getting repetative and boring to be perfectly honest.

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It's all right, lots of us love it too, honest!

That 'Oh' thing that Nessa does, is that a Welsh thing?
I think my Welsh nanny used to do it.

Indeed Amy, it is terribly tiresome. But, much to my displeasure, the majority of our members and posters are bitter, failed wannabe writers themselves, so take a negative view of everything on British television, their opinions poisoned with jealousy.

Anyway, welcome to the site.

Quote: zooo @ April 2 2008, 8:14 PM BST

Hi!

That 'Oh' thing that Nessa does, is that a Welsh thing?
I think my Welsh nanny used to do it.

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Haha, yes I know people who say that to get someone's attention, though not quite to the extent that Nessa does it.. after the second "Oh" they usually give up!

Tidy!

Charley, had any corn on the cob recently?