https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/1084/19
What's so desirable about the "embarrassment factor"?
Embarrassment factor
I think in the context of the other thread it's that a lot of the comedy arises from Mark being placed in embarrassing situations, and how he reacts to them.
Nothing modern about it - the vicar coming round for tea and Whitehall farce do it all the time - except maybe the scale of embarrassment nowadays is a bit more extreme.
Personally, I don't think it's to do with feeling embarrassed for the characters any more, we've seen it too many times and have become desensitised, if that's the right word? I think now it has become a 'What's the most shocking thing you can say, in the most inappropriate situation' contest.
Swearing, rude words and general naughty behaviour can be funny, the reason it's used in these "embarrassing situations" is so people can identify with it a lot quicker than any other.
I hope we aren't going to be slagged off by the guru for over-analysing the comedy!
Hahah, no, a question was asked! 
Often comedy is borne of tragedy.
There is underlying humour in cringing at someone f**king it right up.
Perhaps there is a level of empathy involved too? Although perhaps never as extreme, I can often look at characters such as the one in Peep Show and find a comparitive moment in my own life. I.e. putting my foot in it in a similar way... not burning and eating a dog...
Quote: Leevil @ May 26 2008, 11:39 PM BSTPersonally, I don't think it's to do with feeling embarrassed for the characters any more, we've seen it too many times and have become desensitised, if that's the right word?
Not me, I found The Office almost unwatchable, I was practically hiding behind the sofa.
The essence of comedy is someone trying to look cool slipping on a banana skin. Almost all British sitcoms centre on a character whose aspires to be more than he is and as a result falls flat on his face. It is because we can all, if we are honest with ourselves, relate to this, that it works. (And why the best British sitcoms have always seemed to have more substance than their American counterparts.)
I did mean post-Office, lol. Haha, Post Office...
Quote: Timbo @ May 27 2008, 2:07 PM BSTNot me, I found The Office almost unwatchable, I was practically hiding behind the sofa.
The essence of comedy is someone trying to look cool slipping on a banana skin. Almost all British sitcoms centre on a character whose aspires to be more than he is and as a result falls flat on his face. It is because we can all, if we are honest with ourselves, relate to this, that it works. (And why the best British sitcoms have always seemed to have more substance than their American counterparts.)
Hello Timbo, your first post and you have said all the right things. No need for me to comment in this thread - it's too embarrassing for a start 
Quote: Leevil @ May 27 2008, 2:08 PM BSTI did mean post-Office, lol. Haha, Post Office...
Congratulations my friend, you did a funny!
Quote: Aaron @ May 27 2008, 2:26 PM BSTCongratulations my friend, you did a funny!
Ah shit, I only get 3 of them a year, I should have saved that for a sketch or something >_<
Quote: Leevil @ May 27 2008, 3:08 PM BSTAh shit, I only get 3 of them a year
I guess that that includes in the bedroom?
Wanna find out? 
Alright, that's hot. I'm up for that.
Score!! \o/