Quote: JPM1 @ December 2 2010, 7:07 PM GMTIsn't "thusly" a fun word? I admit I actually seek out opportunities to use it....
Lazzard - what do you think is the best-written sitcom and why?
Sorry.
Too cool for school.
The Definition of Well Written Page 4
Quote: Lazzard @ December 2 2010, 7:12 PM GMTSorry.
Too cool for school.
Is it not just a little bizarre that you'll take the time to write that but not take the time to write one sentence about a show you think is well-written?
If he only wrote one sentence, you'd tell him that wasn't enough and harrass him to write a paragraph. 
Actually, from Lazzard, I have low expectations.
If I got a complete sentence I'd be shocked.
Zooo,I'd argue that your post is off topic. shall I get a moderator to strike that?
Well you've certainly got the wit, time to get writing!
Quote: JPM1 @ December 2 2010, 6:51 PM GMTWhat's good?
That I make you laugh
Yes you did make that recommendation though I'm afraid I have a lengthy reading list as is. If you could copy and paste the bit you're talking about, I'd appreciate it.
I already did. Read the book if you wish. If you don't want to. don't. Either way the homework is there if you wish.
Yes he did teach at oxford
Yes I know
- and that's supposed to make me feel.... how, exactly?
I have no idea. It was his take, which I entirely agree with, that you were belittling. How Does it make you feel?
So what's your pick for best written sitcom and why?
Best written - English? Probably One Foot and FT. For me - as this is so much a subjective question. American - Cheers/Frasier
Why? Cos I watch them time and again and enjoy them just as much each time.
On a separate note - just watched Ep 5 of The Trip - and that was sublime writing.
Did he ever write a sitcom?
Might I refer you to your thread title!
Quote: JPM1 @ December 2 2010, 12:07 PM GMTI'm looking for a conversation mostly about the writing of sitcom though I'm happy to take tangents in other forms.
I look forward to your thoughts!
Quote: JPM1 @ December 2 2010, 7:35 PM GMTActually, from Lazzard, I have low expectations.
If I got a complete sentence I'd be shocked.
If you got a complete sentence you're more likely to be charged.
And my agent will want his 20%.
The definition of well written would have to be something like: The expert construction and composition of a manuscript.
As such, only another expert would be able to recognise it, which unfortunately excludes me.
Favourite sitcom - tough one, there are so many but I'd go for Rising Damp. I just love Rigsby.
Current - Miranda or Not Going Out. They are not cynical or pretentious, they just want to have a laugh.
American - Frazier, cheers or friends.
I concur Mr Jacparov. Not going out is unashamedly good stuff! 
Quote: jacparov @ December 2 2010, 11:52 PM GMTThe definition of well written would have to be something like: The expert construction and composition of a manuscript.
As such, only another expert would be able to recognise it, which unfortunately excludes me.
Favourite sitcom - tough one, there are so many but I'd go for Rising Damp. I just love Rigsby.
Current - Miranda or Not Going Out. They are not cynical or pretentious, they just want to have a laugh.
American - Frazier, cheers or friends.
Thanks Jacparov,
I totally agree with Miranda in terms of current British work. I thought it was a breath of fresh air after things like ROger and Val and Him & Her which, despite their bold attempts at innovation, felt kind of like death warmed over in a microwave.
I never really watched not going out but based on your recommendation I'll give it a shot.
I'm a fan of the three American ones you list but I'm so deeply saddened that you don't mention 30 rock! I'll do my best to convert all to the church of Tina Fey!
As for your definition - I like the word construction. If we look at home construction we can talk about individual components like space, light, and movement - what components would you put in on manuscript construction?
Quote: JPM1 @ December 3 2010, 9:46 AM GMTwe can talk about individual components like space, light, and movement -
Maybe you can, I don't think I'll be able to! 
matthew you don't give yourself enough credit!
Quote: JPM1 @ December 3 2010, 9:46 AM GMTThanks Jacparov,
I totally agree with Miranda in terms of current British work. I thought it was a breath of fresh air after things like ROger and Val and Him & Her which, despite their bold attempts at innovation, felt kind of like death warmed over in a microwave.
I never really watched not going out but based on your recommendation I'll give it a shot.
I'm a fan of the three American ones you list but I'm so deeply saddened that you don't mention 30 rock! I'll do my best to convert all to the church of Tina Fey!
As for your definition - I like the word construction. If we look at home construction we can talk about individual components like space, light, and movement - what components would you put in on manuscript construction?
I do like 30 rock, but it isn't an all time favourite.
As for construction - as I said I'm no expert, but I'd guess you would have to include things such as setting, time, characters, situations, plot and structure, dialogue, dramatic action, language, figures of speech/joke formulas, format etc etc. To me a well written piece is the expert manipulation of these type of components.
All that said if a sitcom makes you laugh then it has done it's job and is therefore well written.
Quote: jacparov @ December 3 2010, 6:13 PM GMTI do like 30 rock, but it isn't an all time favourite.
As for construction - as I said I'm no expert, but I'd guess you would have to include things such as setting, time, characters, situations, plot and structure, dialogue, dramatic action, language, figures of speech/joke formulas, format etc etc. To me a well written piece is the expert manipulation of these type of components.
All that said if a sitcom makes you laugh then it has done it's job and is therefore well written.
Ok I'm going to argue with your last point. Now I'm new to these forums and I'm finding that when I argue with people it often gets taken the wrong way. I'm really just having fun in the debate, not trying to be a prick.
So....
IS that all it takes for a sitcom to be well-written? Really? What if a show doesn't make you laugh, does that mean it cannot be well-written? What if a sitcom makes some laugh and others not - then is it well written for some people and not for others?
It seems like a lot is left to the intangible there. Is it impossible to quantify the components you refer to at all? Could we not say that Miranda's use of setting is "better" than The Trip's because in Miranda it is crucial to the understanding of the character and contributes to the complications that ensue? Where as in The Trip they could be having the same conversation in any number of other locations?
Your thoughts, as always, are appreciated!
Quote: JPM1 @ December 3 2010, 7:01 PM GMTOk I'm going to argue with your last point. Now I'm new to these forums and I'm finding that when I argue with people it often gets taken the wrong way. I'm really just having fun in the debate, not trying to be a prick.
So....
IS that all it takes for a sitcom to be well-written? Really? What if a show doesn't make you laugh, does that mean it cannot be well-written? What if a sitcom makes some laugh and others not - then is it well written for some people and not for others?
It seems like a lot is left to the intangible there. Is it impossible to quantify the components you refer to at all? Could we not say that Miranda's use of setting is "better" than The Trip's because in Miranda it is crucial to the understanding of the character and contributes to the complications that ensue? Where as in The Trip they could be having the same conversation in any number of other locations?
Your thoughts, as always, are appreciated!
I've just deleted my reply to this. I am either drunker than usual or less. Damn hard to work out which. 