Sitcoms--What Works and What Doesn't

Since this blog only gets occasional follower adds (it reads 3 but I've got a gazillion notices of followers) I only occasionally post here. I kind of keep it as a sort of dust bin of posts that don't really belong anywhere else but I want to rant or postulate on some random subject. Today I feel like the big P. 
So, we're going to talk. Rather, I'm going to talk and you're going to read. And if you don't I'll find out about that too. That line is from Seinfeld and the correct and much better line is given by J. Peterman to Elaine and it really is about twenty years ahead of it's time:
"Oh, and if you are undead, I'll find out about that too." delivered flawlessly by John O'Hurley.
And of course that got me thinking about sitcoms and what works and what doesn't.
First off what does work: settings in apartments or houses with multiple residents. 
Now I could ramble off unlimited pilots and successfully established television shows over the decades since radio performances morphed into television but let me just list a few:
Seinfeld
Golden Girls
Cosby
and the new and hilarious Raising Hope.
Why do they work?
Because they're a microcosm of real life, shown in all its sanity and insanity. As in, truth is funnier than reality. And skewed truth is the funniest of all. There are so many great lines that stick with people and if they don't they should. 
Simple lines are best: Rose Nyland of Golden Girls being prepped for meeting the President:
Presidential Aide: "Do you support the overthrow of the government by force or violence?"
Rose: "Violence!"
Plus there are the characters who are both constant and have developed personalities. You could rarely mistake Rose Nyland for Blanche Devereaux or Sophia Petrillo and I don't mean height either.
Seinfeld has the same qualities.
Not one of the four characters could possibly be mistaken for the others. 
And yet that is not the main reason why sitcoms fly or fail.
Guess what it is.
SETTING.
Almost all successful, beloved sitcoms are set in homes and or apartments. Think about it:
Seinfeld
Friends
Golden Girls
Again, Cosby.
You have the continuity and relatability of the same characters that you can grow to love (or hate).
What doesn't work?
HOTELS. 
With the exception of Fawlty Towers which succeeded by the sheer virtue of the talent and writing, nearly if not all, sitcoms set in a hotel have either failed dismally or fizzled out slowly. And for the reasons listed above.
No real sense of continuity, many of the funniest characters come and go as hotel guests, not residents. Those who are stable characters must deal with a constantly changing cast and plot lines. While it might not be boring, it's not identifiable. People don't live in hotels unless  they're luxury suites in major cities. Most of the time hotel rooms are simply functional. You're squeezed into a small room with one or two beds, a bathroom,  TV with nothing really watchable on it, desk, chest of drawers, and a table and chair by the window. That's how I picture hotels where the lobby is more comfortable than my room. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that's your memory too.
Speaking of lobbies, most of the time, as gorgeous as they can be, they're impersonal unlike a home or apartment. Home is where you live. Hotels are where you stay on occasion. Once more, impersonal and uncomfortable. Think Who's The Boss. People live together in myriad ways either with family, friends, or live-in help. 
In a hotel setting, besides the main 4-6 characters, they have to deal with help: cooks, maids, generally unknown people unless there's a romance or other subplot. Then again, those people have to become regulars or what's the point? Where's the resolution? What happens to that lesser character? They might have great lines but unless they become a regular, who cares really?
It's like a huge unmanageable dirigible. And even then, I think that might have a regular cast of character too that regularly interact with each other as the blimp meanders over nations, oceans, mountains but that's another sitcom plot and I think it's a little Steampunkish as well not to mention a worn out sci-fi plot too. AND DON'T EVEN THINK OF STEALING THIS IDEA. Like J. Peterman said, "If you try, I'll find out about that too."
The Egypsy Has Spoken.

Martin, I knew you could do it!

A few years ago I ragged on Martin Scorsese for making mainly violent and sexually explicit films. With HUGO he has made me eat my words! Well, actually, he finally made me proud! I knew he could do it; I knew if he tried, being the great directorial talent he is, that he could break away from that overused mold and give us something wonderful! And he has. 
See Martin? I knew you had it in ya'! 
What I can't understand is how Brad Pitt got nominated and Leo DiCaprio didn't! What goes on here?!? Perhaps it's just because everyone expects Leo to kick ass in every role he takes on. Who knows? I certainly don't. Well, taking into account campaigning...don't get me started on that...
What's surprising to me is how uninterested I am in this year's Oscars ceremony. Strange considering that some damned great films and performances were given in this class. I think I'm just plain burnt out on Hollywood. When I get more excited about the arrangement of the song "Hooray For Hollywood" than who's winning what, I think that's a safe assumption. Or maybe it's just because everyone's being so damned civil. Oh no, am I going to start demanding graphic sex and violence? Help me Martin, help me!
Okay enough blabbering from The Egypsy.
Hey, I only do it once a year...just like the Academy...
The Egypsy Has Spoken.

The Summer(s) of GaGa

What a year it's been!
I like to call it The Summer of GaGa that began last year and hasn't lost steam yet! I can't help it I love her outfits. That's what I would have been wearing in high school if they had been around then. The closest to her style back then I guess would be Bob Mackie designing for Cher. Ah, well.
In any case aside from the meat get up (what a waste of dinners!) I think she's decked out better than Madonna could ever be. And I'm a sucker for a hook. No, not meat hook, get over it already. I'm talking "no matter how much you hate it, that song chorus sticks in your mind forever" hook--probably like the one that drove Schumann mad --and 20 years from now, you'll be singing along with your car (radio? CD? MP3? Direct plug-in from the station to your brain?) audio as if you've loved the song forever--trust me it will happen! Think BeeGees...
Then there was my constant haranguing you on Twitter over 30 Seconds To Mars' version of Bad Romance which has to be one of the best covers I've heard in...well at least a decade or two...(listen I owned my first record at two and a half-no damned joke) and then there's The Pretty himself singing it which doesn't hurt the suggestive lyric re-write either! Hey, they had their own more than risque' video "Hurricane"--Talk about a Baaad Romance!
But without a doubt, without a doubt my lovelies, my absolute favorite bit of entertainment was when one wonderful soul sent me the YouTube video of The Wood Spider (check it out here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRfoSlH4QcI ) which will give me endless hours of pleasure for mostly likely the rest of my life. I'm a simpleton simple person.
I crapped out on seeing movies this year. Just wasn't interested for some reason...like busy with my own projects...and the premises just sounded better than what the trailers showed.
I think this last year was also the year I first heard of and watched the cult film "Spider Baby" a real creepy crawlie of a movie...hmm Wood Spider, Spider Baby...maybe it should have been The Summer of Spiders...eek, never been a fan.
Oh, I could go on and on but I'm sure I've lost your short attention span by now and I'm close to losing mine so it's a safe bet to end it here.
Perhaps I'll introduce a poll or two or some other fun little app for you. Perhaps not.
In any case, I'll be back again never fear. I've tried to quit this blog since 2005 and haven't been able to give it up yet. That's because I can bitch and rant and rave on any number of unimportant subjects and laugh at you as I do it!
Hey, it keeps me off the streets. (Oh, yeah, like I could make money from that...)

The Egypsy Has Spoken.

Future Imperfect Book Two:Miraculous Deception

Book Two Future Imperfect: Miraculous Deception (to the left, to the left!) is available now via Desert Breeze Publishing, Amazon.com & barnesandnoble.com! If you liked Book One: Crucifying Angel this is the next in the series and picks up where CA leaves off. Here's a little teaser for ya!

Gavin and Nick sat in Charlie's office, silent, shamefaced, bruised and most definitely


hostile. The chief of police paced back and forth around his desk, beyond angry.

"Look at you -- both of you. You're like a couple of bruised up kindergarteners. I don't

know what to say. I have never -- never -- had two detectives fighting each other like two drunks

outside a bar. What the hell is the matter with you?"

Neither man answered.

"Nick?" Charlie waited.

"It's this asshole. He moves into Payce house and immediately starts boinking Amy

Strand from Channel Eight."

Gavin opened his mouth to respond but never got the chance.

"You brought the press into this?" Charlie stared at Gavin, round-eyed.

"Well, not in so many words..." Gavin pressed two fingers against his black eye. "It was

just, sort of... bad judgment. Besides that, nothing ha--"

"Bad judgment? I'll tell you what bad judgment is, McAllister. Bad judgment was the

damned day I hired you."

Gavin said nothing. What could he say?

"That's putting it mildly,' Nick snorted. "Payce--"

"Whoa." Charlie held up an open palm. "I don't want to know what weird triangle you

three have going here, though it's a safe bet Payce has no idea what's going on--"

"She doesn't," Gavin said in a tired voice. His eye began to ache.

"You made damn sure of that you British fu--"

"Nick!" Charlie said. "Enough already. Now, because of the scarcity of budget and

personnel, I am not going to suspend you both or fire you -- which I should -- I am going to let

you both off, each with a written warning." Charlie sat down behind his desk. "You two are

going to have to work this out or I will fire you both and I'll make damn sure you won't be able to

get a job as a security guard in a parking lot. Do you understand me?"

"We're still partners?" Nick deflated a little. Gavin understood the feeling.

"Yes. I can't think of a better punishment for the both of you. You can work it out or

resign. That's your choice now boys. You are dismissed. Get out of my office." Charlie ignored

them swiveling his chair around to gaze out his window at the rapidly rotting city of Las Vegas.
 

*****

Now, if you liked that, guess what!?! Yes, it's another book! Only this time I co-authored it with my sister, Loni Emmert and it's a mystery as opposed to a thriller! I'll be posting an excerpt from that the first chance I get !
In the mean time babies, feel free to up my self esteem by leaving a comment.
The Egypsy Has Spoken!

It's Been A While...

It has been a while since I've visited my little blog here--yes, I know I'm so lax in keeping it up but I really and truly have an excuse this time. It's called getting books published and it takes a hell of a long time both in terms of writing the novel and promoting it shamelessly. I know also that I should utilize this blog more but life just gets in the way on occasion. That being said, I thank my three, yes, count 'em three (3) followers for hanging in there (if you're doggedly still around)! And if you ARE around (or undead, I'll find out about that too--come on you know where that line came from) and are interested in writing or my opinion, http://www.sellingbooks.com/p-i-barrington-author-interview is the link for my latest interview, out today!
I don't keep this blog as a strictly writing blog, mainly because I look at this one as the one fun writing project where I can be...well, me, in all my bitchy glory. Hey, everyone needs an outlet and this is mine.
Right now I feel like a truant English student, ignoring my deadlines and promo opps to wreak havoc upon this little blog and just ramble away with no important writing or other tips and essays for you. I have to admit that my brain does feel a little jello-ish right now what with all this freedom from work. And yes, writing is work. It's just as much work as a factory worker (hmm...there's an interesting thought...a writing factory...I feel an idea coming on...) or a short order cook or a truck driver or an office worker.  The only difference is your boss isn't standing right over you...unless you count your Editor emailing you every five minutes...I made that up...they only email every fifteen minutes. Wait a minute! How did I digress back into writing again?!
No, damn it, no! I'm going to have fun now. Come on, fun, come on. I know you're hiding around here someplace.
Music is my fun. I love it. I love everything about it. I'm debating whether to actually begin reviewing or recommending artists here or put them on my official website. Or double post them. We'll see.
Hey, I just noticed something. On my earlier post, I placed a banner for 30 Seconds to Mars announcing their Las Vegas show tonight. Eerie how I have an obsession for pyramids and they have an obsessive love for triads...kinda spooky. Well though, I also have an obsession with squares and lines, and even, (gasp again!) plaid. Once I bought plaid bed sheets and plaid PJs. And then I wonder why people (including my family members) think I'm a strange woman. It has something to do with linear thought I guess. That's what I tell myself...every day, every single day...
Because I'm having so much stolen fun, I feel generous. I'm going to be nice to 30STM and post their next show banner if I can get it right. A sort of pay it forward concept I guess.



In any case, that's my musical good deed for the day or week or month, who knows when I'll be back--and what I'll be thinking about in linear terms? Pop in every once in a while and leave a comment. How else I am going to remember to come back?
You can even give me your opinion and we can argue about it! I'm good at that. Reeeeeaallly good at it. So, if you dare...

The Egypsy Has Spoken.

In keeping with the location of my book series, Future Imperfect...

...which is set in (gasp!) Las Vegas, I thought I'd post this. If you're in Sin City, check them out...did the best live cover of a song I've heard in ages with Lady Gaga's Bad Romance. Yes, my friends sometimes less IS more!
Later babies!
The Egypsy Has Spoken.

"And so this is Christmas..."

Yeah, you may recognize that line from John Lennon's Christmas song not only if you're old enough like me, but also because they play it like crazy on the radio during the Christmas Holiday season. It's also one of those classics that I could listen to over and over and over again. Why? Because of the end of that one line that completes it: "And so this is Christmas and what have you done?"
That one line without fail triggers reflection on my part on just what I have or have not done during the year that is quickly fading into the past.
I've managed to do a lot this year, including having incredible luck with one book published and three more for the upcoming year as well as incessant promotion and publicity for them (read=interviews, interviews, interviews, and book reviews).
On my various Yahoo Groups (OK, I promised AlleyPat I'd mention hers--WritingandPublishing--) authors look at this time as an opportunity to set goals for the coming year. I rarely do this myself--being of Gypsy descent and being of Gypsy descent and working in Hollywood, I am doubly superstitious about talking about projects before completion but I must confess here that I do love reading all the wonderful resolutions of other authors which are invariably creative and practical (and useful in giving me ideas as to what to shoot for in 2010)!
Some are simple: finishing that unpublished book; polishing a completed manuscript and submitting it; and a few who, bless their little hearts I know exactly what they go through, just want to be brave enough to let someone read their work! Babies, its taken me over 40 years to be able to get to and past that point, I so feel for ya'!
Others get a bit more detailed: getting more writing work whether editing, article writing, launching magazines--something to which I could never aspire--or merely learning enough tech to set up a new website as I plan.
Some people never make resolutions for the simple reason they always break them. Some people make them and are successful at each one on their list. And then there are those who manage to keep at least one regardless of its scope and importance in their lives.
To all those brave souls who do not fear posting their plans, I salute you. I also thank you for listing things I should be doing but can't dredge them from my protesting brain--you give me that little bit of impetus that hopefully will push me over the top in getting things done!
Plus, it's just so much fun sharing in others' hopes and dreams and realizing that most of theirs are mine as well.
So, here's to 2010, babies!
To quote John,
"Let's hope its a good one..."

The Egypsy has spoken.