MovieChat Forums > Welcome Back, Kotter (1975) Discussion > This series simply doesn't work

This series simply doesn't work

posted 10 years ago by tenderlovingtony
42 replies | jump to latest

I never regularly watched WBK, but I caught an episode tonight on Me, and I have to say the series simply doesn't work.

1) None of the sweathogs are plausible as high school students. They are all too old. This is true even in the first episode.

2) Gabe Kaplan/Kotter doesn't carry in a dramatic role. Kaplan's forte (pronounced fort) seems to be as a stand-up comedian.

3) The character of Kotter's wife is completely unsympathetic and shouldn't be interacting with the sweathogs. She seems to have a part only so Kotter doesn't have to spend all of his scenes with sweathogs.

4) The typical viewer is completely unable to identify with any of the characters.

I don't understand how the series lasted four seasons when it is really nothing but a disjointed string of one-liners. There is nothing touching or heartwarming about it at all.

[–] ItsEddieHaskellBeyotch 9 years ago

Dramatic means playing a part, working from a script. Kaplan is not suited for that. His talent is as a stand-up comedian

Gabe Kaplan was a comedian and "Welcome Back Kotter" was his big break. The sitcom was loosely based on his life experience and some of his standup routines.

The Sweathogs looked too old but that's how most high school characters were cast back then, ever see Happy Days or any sitcom or drama featuring high school kids from that era?

Julie was there because they wanted Kotter to have life outside the classroom and someone Gabe could deliver those "Uncle Louie"-type jokes to.

Initially in the pre-production stages of the show, the Sweathogs were supposed to be actual juvenile delinquents and harder edge but their personalities were toned down as the show is a sitcom afterall.

When theres no more room in Hollywood, remakes shall walk the Earth.

[–] Kotter7579 8 years ago

This OP post simply doesn't work!

The series does work. Gnight!!

So: a realistic, down to earth show..which is completely off the wall swarming with magic robots?!

[–] pioneergrrrl (2388) 5 years ago

The series was allegedly inspired by comedian Gabe Kaplan's experiences as a remedial public school student...and special education had just been passed into federal law as a national requirement ("current event"). So I am sure that the series was heavily influenced by the times.

It might be why a lot of the scripting looks 'disjointed'.Go to public library and look up 'special ed' cliff notes. Will help explain a lot of eps.

As for 'old' any tv series not wanting guardians, tutors etc uses adults. Saves re legal issues

I never interacted w the spouse of my teachers, but it's still era of 'free love' so I assume TV is taking liberties. Also this is NYC...

[–] QOK (1504) 5 years ago

People looked older in those days.

[–] PaladinNJ (20307) 5 years ago

This series worked then. Still hysterical even now.

[–] [deleted] 5 years ago

1/ Ever seen Grease, Beverly Hills 90210? It was standard for quite a while to have actors who were actually much older than the characters they were playing.

2/ Probably not but there isn't much drama in it. For what there is he did ok. Again, standards were different back then. Shows were watched on a weekly basis rather than binge watched and no scrutiny via internet.

3/ I was always indifferent to her character. It is a supporting role so doesn't matter too much.

4/ Are we supposed to identify? Or is it just for fun?

[–] pioneergrrrl (2388) 4 years ago

Most series used kids older than high school--because of labor issues. Luke Perry was 25 when he was cast for the 1990's series Beverly hills 90210! Since they are adults they can and do legally work full hour days.

it's not supposed to be dramatic. It's supposed to be tongue in cheek dry humor. And ditto with the wife. Plus it's NYC--different humor than other regions of the country. And back then it was pre-internet/ people were much more regional than they are now.

It was set right when congress first enacted federal special education laws--requiring schools to give students (including the sweathogs who have learning/emotional disabilities) a quality education. vs just passing them though....or kicking them out of the school. This is what is 'heart warming. Kotter came back to make a difference and reach them however he could. We don't get this now bc it's kinda a given that everybody is supposed to be educated in the public school. We don't understand what the sitcom is satirizing.

He has to figure out what his students are saying some times. He has to stand up for them to the principal and other teachers.

[–] Ken12602 (481) 4 years ago

All I have to say to the OP is: Up your nose with a rubber hose.

[–] Jones70 (6195) 3 years ago

Sorry to hear that, I’ve been wanting to check this out.

[–] Kowalski (56929) 3 years ago

UP YOUR NOSE WITH A RUBBER HOSE.