Using an IKEA product as a punchline

I came across this old sketch, probably one of the first I wrote. It may be the only sketch that tries to use an IKEA product to set up the punchline. I'm not sure tha's a good thing on reflection.

SCENE: SPACESHIP INTERIOR LOOKING, WELL, YOU KNOW, SPACE SHIPPY.

A MIDDLE-AGED MAN AND WOMAN SIT IN SUITABLY SPACE SHIP CHAIRS AT HIGH TECH CONSOLES:

WOMAN: Well, all I'm saying is that we could make it a bit more homely, that's all; you know, put up some net curtains, or something?
M: Who can see in the windows? We're millions of miles from the nearest planet?
W: It would just feel more private.
M: We have 7 inch thick quadrilium blast shields we can put over the windows in an emergency, we could close those…now that's private.
W: It's always got to be high tech for you hasn't it? Typical man. If it isn't hyper-this or quadrilium that you're not interested.
M: (Exasperated) We're in deep space, looking for worlds to colonise, heroically going where no man…
W: Family
M: <BEAT> Sorry. "family" has gone before. We're hard eyed space adventurers with no idea how long we'll survive, or where our next meal is coming from…
W: (interrupting) Well it's got a lot better since Tesco opened up that branch in Alpha Centauri, they deliver as far as the crab nebula these days.
M: Look, what I'm saying is that we need to pare things back to the minimum; if it isn't necessary for survival it has no place on this ship.
W: I don't recall you saying that when we "absolutely had to have" the new surround sound sensotronic 350 Holodeck installed.
M: Well, relaxation is very important for the well-being of the crew
W: Family.
M: Yes, of course, family. It helps reduce stress.
W: So do scatter cushions and coffee tables.
M: Have you thought of the damage a coffee table might do in the event of a rapid depressurisation event? It would be dragged across the room with immense force crushing anyone in its path.
W: You could fend it off with a cushion.
M: We. Do. Not. Need. Cushions.
W: How will you fend off the table then, smartarse?
M: We are in space. We are not in a semi in Basildon.
We do not need soft furnishings. The Brosniks don't have soft furnishings.
W: That's because they're shapless blobs from the planet Zurg who ooze noxious slime, everything has to be wipe clean. <BEAT> Anyway, I saw her looking through the latest IKEA catalogue the other day, I think they were considering installing Billy 90 to soften the harsh metallic look with some birch effect veneer.
M: F**k Billy 90.
Kid: (Wearing Joe 90 specs & Bounding into the room) Did you call Dad?

You're good.

Bless you oldcow. If only someone would put on a home furnishing sketch show.

Have you thought of making it the man who wanted the soft furnishings, etc?

I don't particularly have a strong feeling either way. I'm not sure how in this sketch subverting the stereotype would make it more funny (although I do feel it could do with it!). To be philosophical for a moment I also worry that role reversal tends to rely more on the stereotype for the humour than going with it. So I'm not sure which makes me more of an oppressor. God, its a nightmare being a wet liberal.

This feels more like an excerpt from a sci-fi sitcom than a sketch. But it certainly shows you've got a flair for believable dialogue. And by believable, I'm not talking about planet Zurg or Ventrillium blasters or whatever. But it's glaringly-obvious when someone's good at dialogue, which you obviously are.

Don't worry about subverting stereotype. It wouldn't make any sense in this sketch. And anyway, stereotypes are funny. That's why almost every successful sitcom character is one. In fact this sketch would be made even funnier if they were two men. What's funnier than space gays?

As a sketch though, it's pretty bland and needs to be zinged-up and pared down.

Excellent 'put Lee as my American colleagues would say. Although obviously when they say it they sound like twats.

Leaving aside the flattering comments on dialogue, I think you've hit the nail on the head. I hadn't seen it, but this would work OK as part of a sitcom but lacks the pace and punch for a sketch. I have a suspicion that a lot of my sketches (particularly the earlier ones like this one) fall into that trap.

Thanks for that, I think a light just came on.

And 'Whats funnier than space gays?' is a question I would probably never have asked myself if I hadn't joined this forum.

Quote: Lee Henman @ January 13 2009, 6:30 PM GMT

anyway, stereotypes are funny. That's why almost every successful sitcom character is one.

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But many are also not relevant and they can make something feel dated, predictable and unoriginal.

Are you looking at me Dolly?

Quote: Ponderer @ January 14 2009, 12:21 PM GMT

Are you looking at me Dolly?

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No I wasn't actually! Honest

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ January 14 2009, 9:18 AM GMT

But many are also not relevant and they can make something feel dated, predictable and unoriginal.

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Sometimes. But stereotypes work. For instance, a camp gay man in a comedy is funny, as in Will And Grace. Would Jack work so well if he wasn't so flamboyantly-gay? Would Victor Meldrew work if he wasn't quite such a stereotypical moaning old git? Would Del Boy work if he wasn't a typical chirpy cockney wideboy? Would Arkwright work so well if he was any less of a penny-pinching old miser? How about Moss in the IT Crowd? He's the biggest stereotype I've seen in a long time. But the audience love him for it.

I think most comedies deal in stereotypes because it's a direct way of connecting with the audience, giving them something they can immediately recognize and work with. Obviously you can go too far with stereotypes but - for my money anyway - I often think that writers who consciously avoid them are making a mistake. You'll often hear producers and clever TV people talking about subverting stereotypes etc but the truth is that the audience love them.

Quote: Lee Henman @ January 14 2009, 12:38 PM GMT

How about Moss in the IT Crowd? He's the biggest stereotype I've seen in a long time. But the audience love him for it.

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Save for the fact he's black. Which does subvert the IT geek thing a bit.

I think I agree with Lee to a degree about stereotypes in sitcoms. Typically the format needs quick keys for the audience, probably much more so than any other. I watched 'no heroics' last night after seeing it recommended around here somewhere, and to me it seemed full of stereotypes, despite having a fairly modern feel IMO. I guess, as in much of life, it depends what you do with them; a well written piece should not make you think about stereotyping.

Not that subversion doesn't have a place, but if you subvert all the time you might just lose points of reference with the audience and could come across as smug. As I said before, I also see subversion as relying heavily on widespread acceptance of the original stereotype so I'm not so convinced of it's radical credentials.

As for Moss, I don't see him being black as subverting the stereotype as I have never really associated the computer nerd stereotype with a particular ethnic background.

Quote: chipolata @ January 14 2009, 12:44 PM GMT

Save for the fact he's black. Which does subvert the IT geek thing a bit.

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True but the audience don't love him because he's a black man slightly subverting the computer geek stereotype. They love because he's a funny computer geek.

Quote: Lee Henman @ January 14 2009, 1:05 PM GMT

They love because he's a funny computer geek.

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And because of the quality of Linehan's writing. Give him to one of the hacks who writes My Family and he'd be a lot less lovable.