Quote: Aaron @ February 1 2009, 1:43 PM GMT
As for the narrative comments... Well, too many sitcoms of late have put plot ahead of funny. The humour is almost a secondary consideration (as in not being important, as opposed to not being thought of first). But Not Going Out really raises the bar again and - regardless of the method by which it is written - the finished episode has laughs as the primary concern. It's more that the plot is used to establish the scenario where specific jokes will work, than the jokes coming from this uber-important story. And in my book, that's anything but a bad thing.
I do see what you are saying and I agree to a point. I think they could have ended the programme with a non pregnancy in a less - for want of a better word - crap way. Lucy could just come on her period or something, then we can all laugh at how silly women are. I don't write sitcoms (evidently) but I'm sure there is a better ending out there somewhere. Who knows? It may have even worked if she was actually preggers.
I really do hate it when sitcoms get serious, for example Only Fools and Horses. In the latter series Del boy seemed to make a speech about how precious life is or a lesson on humanity to his son in every flipping episode. Pffft. I watch comedy to go "Haha!" not "aha!"
Tim seems to be even more in-touch with his feminine side and his inner child than ever! I love it!!