Comments on: Just Right

By: The Hawk

The Hawk — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 13:59:33 +0000

But people across the country – nay, e’en the world – enjoy(ed) the show greatly, with very little in common with the characters … Is it really necessary to recognize something in order to be entertained?

Also in regards to character likability and its importance to a show, I feel like the proof is in the pudding of Seinfeld’s outrageous success that either A) it’s NOT necessarily important or B) the characters are likable enough (Hillary) to most people.

Oh and as for Louis CK, I can tell you I saw him live then a few days later he was on SNL. His monologue there was almost exactly what he had done in his act – if not verbatim, it was very close, and rhythmically, almost a carbon copy (to use an incredibly outdated term). So though his style may be conversational and off-the-cuff, it appears he’s a lot more scientific about it than it seems.

By: Mr OK Jazz Tokyo

Mr OK Jazz Tokyo — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 06:33:05 +0000

[1,2,3,4,5] I don’t know..George is the most hysterical character in sitcom history. And Jason Alexander was just perfect in the role.

By: Chyll Will

Chyll Will — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 06:01:01 +0000

I look at it this way: Seinfeld approaches his comedy act like a scientist, writing sequences like scientific formulas and testing them in his laboratory, tweaking them depending on their reaction. He’s precise and interchangeable with his material. Louis C.K. approaches it like a person reflecting on his thoughts as though he were really talking to himself; in effect, honestly.

Or, where Seinfeld is an expansion of consciousness, C.K. is a stream of consciousness. There’s certainly a different vibe; the former calculated and the latter glib. I guess it depends on what style you respond to the most. Or better still, George Carlin pre-Seven Words vs. George Carlin post-Seven Words.

By: William Juliano

William Juliano — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:43:09 +0000

[3] Having said that, I do respect his work and how he treats his celebrity. I am not a fan, but acknowledge he is a great comedian.

By: William Juliano

William Juliano — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:39:01 +0000

[1] I am in the same boat as Alex. Seinfeld really doesn’t do much for me, both the show and his stand-up. So much of his act seems like a parody of himself that it almost becomes repetitive.

[2] Agree 100% again. The Kramer and George characters were funny at times, but no one on the entire show is likable, which I think is important for sitcoms. After seeing and fall in love with Curb Your Enthusiasm, I’ve kind of staked out the position that what was good about Seinfeld was Larry David’s influence, and Seinfeld’s influence watered it down, which probably also broadened its appeal.

By: Alex Belth

Alex Belth — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:19:21 +0000

1) I liked Kramer and George in small doses, especially Kramer, they cracked me up. The whole ensemble had good chemistry for sure. But mostly, the show didn’t make me laugh. I thought the characters were shallow, uptight Yuppies and no part of any New York I recognize. Their hang ups I couldn’t relate to. So I found it more irritating than enjoyable.

By: Jon Weisman

Jon Weisman — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 22:43:42 +0000

I’m not sure how you could never like “Seinfeld.” I mean, I get that it wasn’t your cup of tea, I’m just not sure how none of it could work for you. I feel like some of it was so brilliant as to transcend issues of taste.