I really think tonight might have been the funniest ep. , which is definitely saying a lot b/c this show just freakin Rocks. I loved loved that they brought out almost all the sitcom tropes, but in a self-aware, satirical yet serious way, while still incorporating all the Grinder themes/tones/speak that you've come to love... "pull-pop. Is that doing anything for you?"
Thank you show creators, writers, actors, and staff. Great show.
Had more traditional broad humor than usual, as it was sending up the tired old sitcom catalysts like forgetting anniversaries, or pretend like we're engaged for mom, or what happens when the whole cast winds up in the same restaurant and hijinks ensues.
Of course, that was the whole point of "For The People" - a more mass appeal plotline -- so at least the inside joke fed my thirst for the usual subversiveness.
In case anyone missed it, in the opening Grinder is told he needs to dumb down the argument (episode) so the jury (audience) can understand it. The writers left that little clue about why this episode was more formulaic in an attempt to boost ratings.
I didn't really feel like it was mocking sitcoms. It rather felt it was just implementing sitcom methods.
I'm a big grinder fan but this episode put me off a fair bit. Maybe I wasn't looking deep enough to see how it was sending them up.
I didn't really feel like it was mocking sitcoms.
It rather felt it was just implementing sitcom methods.
I'm a big grinder fan but this episode put me off a fair bit. Maybe I wasn't looking deep enough to see how it was sending them up.
It is a simultaneous parody and embodiment of sitcom tropes. Same thing with soap opera, and courtroom drama shows. It has about it all of the things that make those shows ridiculous, in a comedic fashion.
One instance of this (The episode # escapes me) was when he approaches the ashes of all his burnt "Grinder" possesions. He picks up the unburnt sunglasses, and says "From the ashes he rises"
This was awesome and hilarious at the same time.
Not only did it send up old sitcom tropes but it also simultaneously poked at network focus groups and at itself.
On the surface the focus group was for Dean Sr. But then Stewart started trying to change himself based on the focus group. Later more and more of the cast bought into it. Under the surface, it was a focus group for the show itself. You have to wonder if some of the notes from the focus group are real notes from a real focus group about the show.
On top of all of that, those involved on the show have to know they're struggling in the ratings. Do they listen to the focus groups and change to a broader appeal with old plotlines like the ones portrayed in this episode or do they stick to making the show they set out to make?
Very cleverly done.
But then Stewart started trying to change himself based on the focus group.
those involved on the show have to know they're struggling in the ratings.
The sexual harrasment conversation alone had me rolling. "Have sex with me or your fired. It's very narrow."
share"I'm actually an old man" is probably the funniest line this season. I'm still cracking up over it.
shareOK, this is the first episode that I didn't really care for - up to now I've thought that this show was hilarious - but after reading this thread I appreciate it more.
shareSame here - and William Devane delivered it perfectly!
shareI was definitely laughing out loud a lot.
Nothing that we haven't seen on TV before, but still outrageous. Todd manages to get the best out of every situation, even the tiniest lines.
The funniest bits revolved around the cluelessness of Todd as he wasn't directly involved, but still funny.
If you're not taking any steps forward, you're not moving at all.
I don't know why but I get the hardest laughs from the dad' comments that always point to Dean being his favorite son. Devane does it so well.
share"beautiful. my boys back together agaiun. you with your confidence restored and you all sweaty and nervous"
ha ha ha
i love when he disclosed he and and his wife's swinging with the neighbour -
dad: it was different back then we lived a rock and roll lifestyle
stu: it was four years ago!
dad: rock and roll never dies, stu