> > ...but I don't like seeing actors pretending to be overwhelmed by love or whatever in an otherwise goofy sitcom. It just seems cheap and disgusting.
>
> On the other hand, unleashed cynicism is at least as disgusting, if not more.

> ALF, nearly as cynical, with humor that relies arguably more on insults and smug wisecracks, is a deplorable crime, because it is not funny or clever and instead seeks to get by on *gratuitous* cynicism. The act of name-calling isn't a tool employed by a joke -- it *is* the joke. 90% of the sitcoms on TV today march to that same sickening drum. Sex joke, insult joke, sex joke, insult joke. Any self-respecting human being should be insulted to see this presented to them as entertainment.
>

My post--

I agree that unrestrained cynicism is not entertaining. A while ago, a movie called "In The Company Of Men" came out. It was billed as black humor, which I usually love--as it was done in "Pulp Fiction", for example. However, "ITCOM" was a putrid movie, with evil characters who did evil things and got off scot-free. For this, critics hailed it as "gritty". I thought it was nasty.

And yes I also agree that "The Cosby Show" was able to mix sentiment into its comedy very well. Writing done that masterfully is not "sentimental mush."

In my first post to this thread, I was replying to the first writer's inquiries about sentiment in American comedies. As for the Tom Hanks part of it, there's nothing wrong with Tom Hanks' emotions. I thought Al Gore kissing his wife was sweet. However, a distaste for public displays of emotion does not necessarily mean the person is "threatened" by it, or that they condone nasty entertainment. I don't think Philbee was showing a preference for the over-the-top meanness of "In The Company Of Men," he was talking about his dislike for Huge Amounts Of Sentimental Mush.

As for your value judgement on people who like AbFab, I must object. I think AbFab is funny, even if it's not cleverly done--the silliness is enough for me. Yes it's full of insults, but it's not serious, it's just actors. I doubt if anyone would use the insults on that show with people in their own lives in an attempt to be funny.

I remember once when I was 10, I was watching a sitcom with my father. It had the standard smart-alecky kid, full of pop references and wisecracks, who mouthed off with delightful cheek when his father lectured him. (Please note my sarcasm.[can never be too careful :-P]) My father remarked to me, "Of course you know that if you ever said something like that to me, no studio audience will be amused."

--Jez"All In The Family is the best sitcom of all time"zika