I like it is because it is a comedy, extremely well written and produced, and makes me laugh.
The Trip - Series 1 Page 15
This is a great opportunity for us to define the term "well-written"
When it comes to a sitcom - what do we mean when we say it is "well-written"
jokes per minute?
Offering insight into the human experience?
Well-woven A, B, and C stories that impact one-another in clever and unexpected ways?
characters in pursuit of something they want (typically called Dramatic Action)
I would argue that The Trip is poorly written because it does little of any of those.
Take a look at 30 Rock, Peep Show or Family Guy. I'd say those exemplify "well-written" shows. High frequency of jokes, clever insights, tightly woven and economical story telling...
The Trip, on the other hand, wanders aimlessly, then circles back on itself, and refuses to ask for directions.
I'll give you "well produced". It's shot beautifully, though they could use some scenes with different colouring for contrast - it's all a bit same-y after a while.
Thoughts?
Well written is like saying well cooked. A fried egg does not benefit from four hours cooking whereas a shoulder of lamb does. The flaws you perceive as flaws are part of the conceit of the programme. You are demanding it to be something it is not and critiquing it in those terms.
Is The Trip even written at all? A lot of it seems to be improvised.
Quote: Tony Cowards @ November 25 2010, 10:07 AM GMTIs The Trip even written at all? A lot of it seems to be improvised.
It's "semi-improvised".
All good writing is improvisation in a way and editing. Compare Whose Line is it Anyway? with the films of Mike Leigh.
This is what I'm asking: What does it mean to be "well-written"?
If The Trip doesn't line up with the classical paradigm (3-act structure, dramatic action...etc...) then define the parameters as it's a new paradigm.
Regardless of whether or not it is "written" it is "wrought" (as in playWRIGHT) and we can only judge it based on what the artists have presented to us.
So how do we judge it?
Quote: JPM1 @ November 25 2010, 10:19 AM GMTSo how do we judge it?
Why does that matter? If you like it, you like it, if you think it's cack, then you think it's cack.
Quote: JPM1 @ November 25 2010, 10:19 AM GMTThis is what I'm asking - What does it mean to be "well-written"
If The Trip doesn't line up with the classical paradigm (3-act structure, dramatic action...etc...) then define the parameters it's new paradigm.
Regardless of whether or not it is "written" it is "wrought" (as in playWRIGHT) and we can only judge it based on what the artists have presented to us.
So how do we judge it?
You seem offended that people like it. It makes me laugh and the half hour flies by. Simple as that.
Quote: JPM1 @ November 25 2010, 10:19 AM GMTThis is what I'm asking - What does it mean to be "well-written"
If The Trip doesn't line up with the classical paradigm (3-act structure, dramatic action...etc...) then define the parameters it's new paradigm.
Regardless of whether or not it is "written" it is "wrought" (as in playWRIGHT) and we can only judge it based on what the artists have presented to us.
So how do we judge it?
That classical paradigm you refer to, doesn't refer to sitcom I am afraid. One judges viscerally first and foremost. And if it isn't rocking your boat move onto stormier waters. It is a perfectly wrought piece. It is all about character - you seem to think they are being themselves and they aren't. This is its craft and its art.
Personally, I find it funny that a semi-improvised show, like "The Trip", has people claiming it's "well written" where as a fully scripted, written and re-written show such as "Miranda" has people saying it's badly written, if this is the case what's the point of having writers?
Have people said Miranda is badly written?
Quote: Matthew Stott @ November 25 2010, 10:32 AM GMTHave people said Miranda is badly written?
Not necessarily on here, but I've read reviews accusing it of being full of cliches and badly written, where as "The Trip" (featuring its own fair share of comedy stereotypes) is hailed as being a work of genius, I know it's personal taste but I just don't see it.
Quote: Tony Cowards @ November 25 2010, 10:34 AM GMTNot necessarily on here, but I've read reviews accusing it of being full of cliches and badly written, where as "The Trip" (featuring its own fair share of comedy stereotypes) is hailed as being a work of genius, I know it's personal taste but I just don't see it.
Have you written a lot of narrative material Tony? Or co written. I've co-written occasionally and we make it up as we go along sometimes and then write it down. No different to what they are doing with the 'semi improvising'. The more you have created something the easier it is to do on the fly I guess. These guys have mastered their craft over many many years. My favourite sitcom is Dad's Army; it's not necessarily the 'best written', but the pilot is certainly up there amongst them.
Quote: Tony Cowards @ November 25 2010, 10:34 AM GMTNot necessarily on here, but I've read reviews accusing it of being full of cliches and badly written, where as "The Trip" (featuring its own fair share of comedy stereotypes) is hailed as being a work of genius, I know it's personal taste but I just don't see it.
Are you reviewing the show or the reviewers?