MovieChat Forums > The King of Queens (1998) Discussion > Doug and Carrie, the narcissistic couple...

Doug and Carrie, the narcissistic couple from hell


Watching this show has made me cringe. Doug, Carrie, and Author all seem to have Cluster B personalities and treat their friends with such poor regard that I had to stop watching the show. What an awkward and disgusting program!

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Restricting yourself only to watching comedies wherein people are just NICE to each other (eg The Simspons' Happy Little Elves) will make for a rather bland existence.



No Guru, No Method, No Teacher.

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That's interesting. I don't recall posting where I only watch "nice" comedies, however I do watch comedies where I'm NOT expected to laugh at every narcissistic action taken by this couple and their father every episode. I have never seen anything like this. Selfishness and abuse are not funny and that's basically what was going on in each episode I watched. Tried to give it a chance because I just love Nicole Sullivan, but even she wasn't able to save this for me, though she I absolutely love her character, Holly.

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What is -- or is not -- considered "funny" is a matter of personal opinion and preference. It is subjective.

This show lasted for 9 full seasons and 200+ episodes. Which is quite a bit, in today's TV landscape.

It was a very successful sit-com.

So, most people did indeed consider it to be "funny".

Otherwise, it would never have lasted nine full years.

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This is my opinion on the show and I really couldn't care less if others found it funny. I do find it disturbing, however, that the show lasted so long despite the abuse Doug was put through. If we reversed the characters there would have been viewer outrage. However, if you enjoy narcississm, emotional and physical abuse, as well as selfish friendships and find that funny, be my guest. I really don't mind. This is my take on the show and I'm sticking to it. You take care:)

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Thanks for the rant.

My point is that:

1. Yes, you are entitled to your opinion.

2. However, you are in the clear minority.

Thanks.

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I doubt it. It's not like EVERYONE was tuned in, though they did have a loyal fanbase which you are definitely a part of and which is also the reason the show lasted so many seasons.

And, no, thank you;)

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I doubt it. It's not like EVERYONE was tuned in ...

Really?

Every single human being on the planet was not tuned in?

You gotta be kidding me?

I did not realize that fact.

Thanks for the update.

And, certainly, that would change my previous comment quite significantly.

Again, thanks for the info.

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More than welcome;)

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I do think you are in the minority. If the majority of people felt the way you did, the show wouldn't have lasted so long.

Not to mention- Doug was not the only one 'subjected' to abuse. There were episodes where he said things to Carrie that could be considered verbally or emotionally/mentally abusive. He was also short with Arthur (not Author) in almost every episode.

In the end, I think many people enjoyed the show because they found many of the personalities realistic and flawed- just like most humans and families.
In the end, though they were sometimes quite dysfunctional, they were characters who always came full circle and showed their love for each other and acknowledged their shortcomings.

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In the end, I think many people enjoyed the show because they found many of the personalities realistic and flawed- just like most humans and families.
In the end, though they were sometimes quite dysfunctional, they were characters who always came full circle and showed their love for each other and acknowledged their shortcomings.

Well put.

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This is my opinion on the show and I really couldn't care less if others found it funny.

You state that:

This is my opinion on the show and I really couldn't care less if others found it funny.

If that is your attitude, then why on earth would you be on an Internet chat board, discussing this very topic?

Makes no sense.

Are you aware that people have different opinions?

Especially when we are dealing with "subjective" material (i.e., opinions and preferences)?

You affirmatively post about this topic on a very public forum, an Internet chat board.

And in the next breath, you state: "I could care less what other people think".

That seems like the hallmark of maturity and intelligent discourse. Not.


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"If that is your attitude, then why on earth would you be on an Internet chat board, discussing this very topic?"
What a ridiculous question. So now posting a comment based on your PERSONAL opinion of a show means that you should care what others personal opinions are? How does that work? I never asked anyone if they found it funny, like I said to another rabid lover of the show, FEEL FREE TO ENJOY IT.< You overlooked this comment in your haste to respond, which means you are the one lacking in the intelligence area. Learn how to read the entire thread for the complete picture before posting such nonsense. One thing I can say is that I should have expected King of Queens lovers to respond to my opinion with insults and disrespect, simply because I don't idolize their favorite program. Have your opinion, feel free, I was simply sharing mine. If you can't respond with some maturity then don't comment at all. THe anger tone is truly unnecessary. As I scroll through the thread I've said several times you are free to your opinion and this is mine, this makes your comment out of place. Take care.

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Thanks.

Bye.

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Ok, so I just have to point out that you saying all fans who love The King of Queens will be disrespectful and insulting- is actually disrespectful and insulting..... just because people enjoy a certain type of show/comedy doesn't mean they are all alike.

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Question: If you don't care whether anyone else finds it funny, why are we supposed to care that you find it unfunny or "disgusting"? (You obviously think we should care what you think, since you posted it to be read - unless that was for self-masturbatory purposes...talk about narcissism!)

The whole point of entertainment is exaggeration for effect in order to elicit audience response. No one on a sitcom is meant to be realistic. Sitcom characters are magnifications.

And just so you know, your original post makes yiu sound like you took a basic psych class A a junior college somewhere and you are now so impressed with your own slight edification on the subject that you were simply bursting to find an outlet where you could use your new terminology like, narcissistic and cluster B.

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Question: If you don't care whether anyone else finds it funny, why are we supposed to care that you find it unfunny or "disgusting"? (You obviously think we should care what you think, since you posted it to be read - unless that was for self-masturbatory purposes...talk about narcissism!)

The whole point of entertainment is exaggeration for effect in order to elicit audience response. No one on a sitcom is meant to be realistic. Sitcom characters are magnifications.

And just so you know, your original post makes yiu sound like you took a basic psych class A a junior college somewhere and you are now so impressed with your own slight edification on the subject that you were simply bursting to find an outlet where you could use your new terminology like, narcissistic and cluster B.

Excellent post.

I agree with pretty much everything that you said.

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"why are we supposed to care that you find it unfunny or "disgusting"?"

Please do copy and paste where I said you should care. I will wait.
I posted it to share my opinion, as others have done, after watching the show a few times. It's my right and not self-mastubatory in anyway, unless you are a under the assumption that people shouldn't feel free to share their reviews on television shows if they aren't raving enthusiastic ones.

Also, I couldn't care less what you think about my comment regarding narcissism. My original comment was just that, my opinion and what I gathered from watching it. If you don't like it, that's great. Have your opinion. The issue becomes an unnecessary debate full of insults and foolishness when you can't simply accept someone's opinion and move on. As you said, it's just a tv show, why are you so emotionally attached that you insult others? Enjoy the rest of your day and switch to decaf, honey.

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[deleted]

Perfect reply. That's a "drop the mike" response!

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Agreed

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+1

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Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, etc were far from "bland".

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I couldn't agree with you more LexRox ! I used to love the show however it became apparent the show is based on lies, lying, deception, greed, selfishness, and the worst disrespect I've ever seen towards senior citizens and women ! I have never ever seen one iota of selflessness from the King ever. Besides as soon as Adam Sandler became part of his life he forgot all about the people who helped him get to where he is today, which absolutely blows my mind ! His new sitcom is no different than the King of Queens, now that's some must see tv; wrong ! He just keeps getting fatter and fatter too. Yeah he's a real good role model for anyone wanting to be a lying, cheating no good scammer. At least Leigh's trying to right her wrongs by helping out innocent people who have been manipulated by Scientology or at least expose Scientology for what it really is, a corporation hell bent on destroying families, taking all your money, and then crucifying your life government style ! Go gett'em Leigh ! I hope you topple Scientology once and for all or at least get the governments attention and start taxing them properly as they should be ! That is no Church or religion it's a brutal, brain washing cult ! Wake America ! C'mon do you really think Tom Cruise is the Messiah? LOL 😂 Lets not forget Rons sci-fie book turned into what they call a movie "Battlefield Earth" 🌎. I call it the funniest flop in Travolta and Whitakers carrer. The bottom line here though is I hope people wake up soon and realize Mr. James uses people and then throws them out when no longer needed. What a friend eh ? One day it will all catch up soon; the awful truth !

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I enjoyed reading your comment and I value your opinion and I agree wholeheartedly. Be prepared for the angry KoQ fans to insult you based on your opinion. Have a good day, hon:)

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[deleted]

Okay. I kind of relate to Carrie in the episode where she buys a cake instead of bakes one, for the Christmas cake swap.

Years ago there was a cookie swap where me & my friend worked at the time. We were not home cookie bakers, by a long shot. but we were the only ones not participating.

Until the night before, when we went to the supermarket and got premade dough, and baked cookies, took them to work, and were in the cookie swap.

So if that makes me a crappy person, please let me know.

Gee Woodle, Space Kadoodle!

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Foolish comparison compared to her having Holly cook meals for her when she was sick and then seeing her days later and still having her cook meals when she feels perfectly fine. Or how about the episode where she used Doug's ex girlfriend for her discount? Or when she forced Doug's mom to not be friends with Doug's other ex out of jealousy when she really didn't want to be too close to his mom anyway. If you can relate to that, that would indeed make you a crappy person. If you pinch your husband's nipples or punch him in the tummy when he pisses you off, that would make you a bad person. I'm sure you're smart enough to make the distinction between these acts and passing a store bought cake off as your own. Seriously.

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Okay then. With my comparison, I am not a crappy person, thank you for that.

Actually it shows you have perspective, about what is really worth calling someone out over, and what isn't.

Using your examples, I did think it was mean of Carrie to use Doug's ex flame Trish for her Saks discount then avoid and ridicule her after. Doug was actually nice after, sticking up for Trish.

It was genuinely appalling when Carrie had Holly cooking for her even after Carrie was well and Holly was sick.

Doug's mom however, could have simply told Carrie that she has a longtime friendship with Margy and it has nothing to do with Carrie so live with it.

The worst me & my husband do is yell at each other, no nipple-twisting or hitting. Sometimes we deserve to be yelled at.

Gee Woodle, Space Kadoodle!

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it mostly , each episode, seems to revolve around bringing a new crazy paranoid accusation against each other, Doug demanding and wheedling honesty from Carrie about some question pertaining to his ego, and then being a butthurt sulking 5YO when he finally gets it.

You're overweight and you have got a significant belly gut, Doug, anyone with eyes in their head including your own cannot miss that. Considering that stuffing every kind of food into your face at every corner is obviously your main driver in life, it is probably surprising that you are not in even worse shape than you are.
As you move beyond your relative youth, you probably will get a lot worse.

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Sounds like you're sticking up for Carrie and the verbal and physical abuse towards Doug. Although Doug is partly to blame for their dysfunctional relationship, I think most people who've watched the show would agree that physical abuse is much worse than anything Doug ever did. You just don't hit your significant other.

Not trying to pick a fight. Just seeing if you missed something ;)

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Yeah, it would have been much funnier if everyone on the show always got along and there was never any conflict whatsoever and no type of physical comedy was ever performed and nobody's feelings ever got hurt.

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@ houstonhacker

Is that a reply to my comment or the OP? My comment was a reply to pfarnell's comment.

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Yeah not yours. Just a general comment. I wish imdb had a QUOTE button so you could easily see who is quoting whom. Many times I'll see a response to a post 10 posts later and there's no way to know who they're quoting.

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I wish imdb had a QUOTE button so you could easily see who is quoting whom. Many times I'll see a response to a post 10 posts later and there's no way to know who they're quoting.

They do have a "Quote" feature ... no?

I just did it (above), with your quote.

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Did you have to highlight my text, copy it, select the quote button on your reply, move the cursor in between the {quote} & {/quote}, and then paste my text? That's the only way I've found to quote another person here.

On other boards there is an actual "quote" button on each person's posts that you can select and it will automatically put that person's text in your reply message. You can also easily quote multiple posts in this way, if you want.

Is there this option here and I'm just overlooking it? The way I noted in my first paragraph is the only way I see to do it here and it's kind of unwieldy and a pita.

And in a thread with a lot of entries, sometimes it's hard to figure out who's responding to whom.

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Did you have to highlight my text, copy it, select the quote button on your reply, move the cursor in between the {quote} & {/quote}, and then paste my text? That's the only way I've found to quote another person here.

On other boards there is an actual "quote" button on each person's posts that you can select and it will automatically put that person's text in your reply message. You can also easily quote multiple posts in this way, if you want.

Is there this option here and I'm just overlooking it? The way I noted in my first paragraph is the only way I see to do it here and it's kind of unwieldy and a pita.

And in a thread with a lot of entries, sometimes it's hard to figure out who's responding to whom.

Hi. Thanks.

I "copy and paste" your words. I paste them into my reply. Then, I highlight them. And I hit the "Quote" button.

So, yes, I think we are saying the same thing.

It's a little bit onerous, but not that bad.

If one does that, then it is clear and obvious what specific quote is being replied to.

I have seen other systems that employ the method you described (a "quote" button).

That method has its own problems, I have experienced.

It usually leads to a quote that is then quoted that is then quoted again, etc., etc., etc.

It all becomes one big, long reply (with many quotes involved).

So there are a lot of embedded quotes. And you can't figure out exactly which -- of those several embedded quotes -- is the specific one being addressed or replied to.

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Yeah, the quote button is what I prefer and wish they had here. Very very seldom does anyone here actually quote another person so I never know who they're talking to. It's too cumbersome to quote someone here so hardly anyone does it.

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Yeah, the quote button is what I prefer and wish they had here. Very very seldom does anyone here actually quote another person so I never know who they're talking to. It's too cumbersome to quote someone here so hardly anyone does it.

Yes, I see your point.

Also, however, this Message Board system has a "nested" display of the postings. So that is -- theoretically, at least -- yet another visual indication of what post is being replied to.

You have to set your settings to "nested display" in your display preferences.

That's also helpful, to me, in trying to "follow" the conversations.

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On this KoQ board it's not as big a deal since it's not very active (or Kevin Can Wait which gets one post a month lol), but some of the more active ones (South Park ie) it can get confusing quick.

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Yeah, I don't go anywhere near South Park! LOL!

Never watched a single episode. Or even parts of one.

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I don't think physical abuse is much worse than anything Doug ever did. Like that episode where he couldn't handle the fact that he was fat so he broke Carrie down emotionally until she was an emotional wreck (Fatty McButterpants episode). That was unbelievably cruel.

Or when he couldn't handle the fact that someone in his workplace didn't like him so he callously told Carrie that no one liked her at work.

"I will not be strong armed by threats against my laundry"

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haha yeah I bet you don't considering you're a woman who thinks its ok to physically assault a man but if did one thing back to you you'd probably go into the bathroom and scratch your face up and beat on yourself to cause bruises and then call the cops and tell em he did it. Call your local police station and ask em if telling your wife that no one likes her at work is gonna get the same jail time as her punching him, idiot troll.

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I would have to assume that the OP hates Seinfeld as well.

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You probably want to steer clear of Everybody Loves Raymond then...

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I seriously have to ask:

Do people even know what sit-com stands for? It's short for situational comedy. The whole premise of the show is to put these selfish, heavily flawed characters in everyday situations that blow totally out of proportion BECAUSE of their behavior. That's the fun thing about this show. If somebody behaved like this in real life, it would be a different matter entirely.

I'm really sorry to say this, but if you take this show seriously, you have a very one-sided viewpoint. If you don't find it funny, that's your loss. But the outrage over a hilariously cartoonish couple in a comedy TV show is ridiculous.

___________________________________
I didn&#x27;t like the Godfather, so what?

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I agree with you. They're selfish people and I found it hard to like any of those three. What's funny about being friends with someone just so you can use their employee discount or pretending to help build homes for homeless people so you can get a free holiday and not build the houses? When your wife beats you at a sport you have to win and then humiliate her (when she didn't do the same to you when she won). What's funny about knowing that your friend wants to get back with her husband after she had a break sleeping around, and then trying to stop the husband from having a lone one night stand because you think that would be cheating (even though the wife has been out sleeping around). What's funny about that? What's funny about wanting your friends back together so you and your husband can have a couple to go out with? What's funny about stealing other people's ideas and trying to sell them like the father does, or acting like a kid annoying people like he also does? That's pretty much what they all do to other people and each other. Stick their noses into other people's business, use and abuse and then we're supposed to care enough to watch it? It isn't funny regardless of people trying to justify it as a sitcom (sitcoms have become rubbish and people still buy the rubbish and put other people down for not buying it due to some "intellectual" excuse that is complete self-aggrandising BS).

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Listing things and asking why they're funny doesn't really work.

Most of the time, it's about the way something is written and acted out.

Many times I've laughed at lines on the show, that don't sound funny at all when typed out, but made me laugh due to the context and acting.

Kelly slept around? She was with one guy and Deacon could've still slept with that girl, but he didn't by his own choice.

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