The instant U-turn

When writing comedy dialogue, an 'easy' way to get a quick laugh is to have a character make an instant U-turn (I'm sure there is a name for this process, but I can't think of it).

I'd say the technique is used in US sitcoms more than British ones, so to illustrate what I mean here's an example from Frasier (I made this one up but similar exchanges abound between the Crane brothers).

Niles asks Frasier if he would like to accompany him downtown to see a performance of La Triviata.

Frasier: Certainly not. That company had its behind universally paddled in the notices.

Martin: Good. You can stay home with me. There's a sports bloopers double-bill on at nine.

Frasier: (to Niles) How much are the tickets?

I'm not suggesting for a moment that Frasier scripts are weak, but in the above exchange, I would have seen the punchline coming as soon as Martin began to speak - mainly because this technique is used so much in that show, the audience can see it coming.

Thoughts?

Comedy is full of them
The Gilligan Cut is one of the most famous...

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GilliganCut

The more vehement the protest the more likely they are to acquiesce, the skill is creating a realistic reason behind the change of stance.

Quote: Silverfish @ April 22 2013, 9:53 AM BST

I'm not suggesting for a moment that Frasier scripts are weak, but in the above exchange, I would have seen the punchline coming as soon as Martin began to speak - mainly because this technique is used so much in that show, the audience can see it coming.

View original

Isn't that often the point with these sort of jokes? That we the audience can see where it's going and so laugh in anticipation?

Quote: Lazzard @ April 22 2013, 10:08 AM BST

Comedy is full of them
The Gilligan Cut is one of the most famous...

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/GilliganCut

View original

Gilligan cuts are great, but it's kind of hard to write one once you know the trope.
I once wrote and filmed a classic one in blissful ignorance and had a lot of fun doing so. If I'd known it was a trope I probably wouldn't have let myself. TV tropes spoils yer fun!

I think people mix up tropes and cliches.
Tropes are tropes cos they work - I think they're legit if done well.

Like an old lady falling over on You've Been Framed - always funny, never isn't.