tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post7117182619467373917..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: Friday QuestionsBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-89631877846441590792018-01-29T17:34:23.480-08:002018-01-29T17:34:23.480-08:00IMHO, the funniest scene in sitcom history is the ...IMHO, the funniest scene in sitcom history is the second act (in Alan Brady's office) of "Coast-to-Coast Big Mouth" on THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW.<br /><br />Really going out on a limb here, but I think the best sitcom episode ever was "The Censor" episode of the short-lived THE ASSOCIATES. It even received an Emmy nomination for writing long after the series had been cancelled.cadavranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-4014576082404383572018-01-28T14:06:19.811-08:002018-01-28T14:06:19.811-08:00Mel made Niles attened social events with her and ...Mel made Niles attened social events with her and act boorish in front of her friends to ruin his repertation, in exchange for a no fuss no muss divorce. Albert Giesbrechthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17742338183833125104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-41766354526808206572018-01-27T19:21:43.097-08:002018-01-27T19:21:43.097-08:00Scarletnumber... thanks. That could be.
Ray, of...Scarletnumber... thanks. That could be. <br />Ray, of course being the co-creater and a writer of the show (though not always credited) had a right to ad-lib.<br /><br />I remember Patricia Heaton said that she never ever ad-libbed on any of her shows because the writers know what they want and how something should be said. "not an 'and' or 'the'"The Bumble Bee Pendanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782074071758250824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-43856103799814696242018-01-27T11:43:33.586-08:002018-01-27T11:43:33.586-08:00@The Bumble Bee Pendant
Considering Ken is not li...@The Bumble Bee Pendant<br /><br />Considering Ken is not listed as a credited writer on Everybody Loves Raymond, I don't know if he is allowed to say.ScarletNumbernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-35928688497783698532018-01-27T07:07:16.893-08:002018-01-27T07:07:16.893-08:00Ken (the blog reader, not the blog writer) this is...Ken (the blog reader, not the blog writer) this is a great question. What is a scene that can be watched over and over and shared with people who don’t even know the show. <br />I’d have to say I have a few full scenes always work. <br />Taxi’s “what does a yellow light mean” is flawless<br />Cosby Show’s “dad sits down to explain life to Theo” in the series pilot <br />Fraiser’s “Niles sets fire to the Apt”The Bumble Bee Pendanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782074071758250824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-12107492943999084912018-01-27T06:56:31.439-08:002018-01-27T06:56:31.439-08:00Excellent observations E.YarberExcellent observations E.YarberThe Bumble Bee Pendanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782074071758250824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-17724925274343111292018-01-26T20:03:48.710-08:002018-01-26T20:03:48.710-08:00Question for Mr. Levine:
CBS has announced a revi...Question for Mr. Levine:<br /><br />CBS has announced a revival of "Murphy Brown" scheduled for next fall.<br /><br />Candice Bergen, Faith Ford, and the show's creator, Diane English, are slated to return, and perhaps others from the original cast will follow suit.<br /><br />A revival does seem a natural in the Trump era. Any thoughts?Kevin FitzMauricenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-5360240488710476082018-01-26T19:48:51.729-08:002018-01-26T19:48:51.729-08:00I forget that Gene Reynolds and Larry Gelbart coll...I forget that Gene Reynolds and Larry Gelbart collaborated on other shows during MASH's run.<br /><br />Another was "Karen," a short-lived ABC sitcom in 1975 in which Karen Valentine played a Washington lobbyist.<br /><br />I think Ms. Valentine and Reynolds had worked together on "Room 222."Kevin FitzMauricenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-28089730970453281292018-01-26T18:40:32.941-08:002018-01-26T18:40:32.941-08:00As noted, Ray Romano would often ad lib a differen...As noted, Ray Romano would often ad lib a different punchline in several takes of the same scene, to break up his cast mates. His ad libs were usually racier than the scripted lines, and almost always funnier. So when he finally said the actual scripted line, it would be a letdown for the audience. I wonder if the producers had to do a little sweetening then, to make it appear they got the desired laugh.Garynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-37666887787102374892018-01-26T17:52:02.509-08:002018-01-26T17:52:02.509-08:00The blooper reels from Everybody Loves Raymond sho...The blooper reels from Everybody Loves Raymond show that Ray Romano sometimes ad-libbed multiple punchlines to a particular joke setup.<br /><br />My favorite was for the episode in which Robert tries to liven up his personality for a date and wears a mustard-yellow suit. Ray makes fun of him, but Robert says it's hard to find stylish clothes in his size. He asks Ray, "Do you know where I had to go for this suit?" The scripted response was, "Big, Tall and Tasteless?" But in one take Ray ad-libbed, "Gulden's?" and the audience laughed so hard, it threw off Brad Garrett.Andy Rosenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-65545961460869325932018-01-26T17:31:58.393-08:002018-01-26T17:31:58.393-08:00The funniest sitcom scene (from CHEERS) was when J...The funniest sitcom scene (from CHEERS) was when John Cleese played a world renowned marriage counselor who said Sam and Diane should never marry. Diane (dragging Sam with her) drives him nuts insisting that he is wrong, until he finally goes berserk in his hotel room (wearing a robe and shower cap) running around like a wild man, throwing up the window declaring to the world that they are the most perfect couple of all time! Diane turns and smiles slyly at Sam and says, “Seeeee.” The whole episode was hilarious, but that last scene with those incredible actors would be hard to beat. Joe Blownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-36458827943026935902018-01-26T17:30:34.353-08:002018-01-26T17:30:34.353-08:00Buttermilk Sky: True. The pilot to the Bob Newhar...Buttermilk Sky: True. The pilot to the Bob Newhart Show (wisely not played until the holidays when viewing levels were low) had Emily wanting desperately to have a child and Bob as the head of the homeowner's association in the condo tower they lived in. Both story lines were ditched when they got around to shooting the actual series.Michael Hagertyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10854329436921975104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-78697823717720811772018-01-26T16:37:42.872-08:002018-01-26T16:37:42.872-08:00I totally second the idea of listening to that aud...I totally second the idea of listening to that audiobook. I'd read the book first (I got hte audiobook at a library book sale for a buck so figured why not?) and still found it was like going on a Magical Mystery Tour. Breadbakernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-19572168509208083682018-01-26T16:32:44.302-08:002018-01-26T16:32:44.302-08:00To the Ken asking about funniest scene that sticks...To the Ken asking about funniest scene that sticks in the memory...<br /><br />There are lots of great lines I remember but one that always comes to mind is Diane losing her cool and yelling "People, people! Work with me! Work with me!" Genius performance by Shelley Long.Peternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-813256285391068392018-01-26T13:55:39.455-08:002018-01-26T13:55:39.455-08:00Sometimes knowledge of the pilot is just confusing...Sometimes knowledge of the pilot is just confusing. The pilot of THE BIG BANG THEORY depicts Sheldon and Leonard as equally interested in their attractive new neighbor. Only later did someone decide it would be funnier to make Sheldon asexual. This was an inspiration on a par with bringing back Nurse Hathaway after her apparent suicide in the ER pilot.Buttermilk Skyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07430011403223875192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-52552042279067648992018-01-26T13:53:02.234-08:002018-01-26T13:53:02.234-08:00What was the funniest sitcom episode/ scene you re...What was the funniest sitcom episode/ scene you remember/ sticks out in your mind?<br /><br />Mine would be the Turkey Drop on WKRB and Sam's and Diane's wedding in the bar as money keeps exchanging hands in the background.Kennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-68582753246551895842018-01-26T11:57:03.769-08:002018-01-26T11:57:03.769-08:00The first season of Cheers has Julia Duffy deliver...The first season of Cheers has Julia Duffy delivering the world's greatest poetry.<br /><br />Mischa the dog lies dead in the bog. <br />The children cry over the carcass. <br />The mist chokes my heart, covers the mourners. <br />At least this year we eat.<br /><br />http://kenlevine.blogspot.ca/2007/03/cheers-russian-poetry-corner.htmlDavid Pnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-17182872492437625392018-01-26T11:30:37.827-08:002018-01-26T11:30:37.827-08:00Eric J,
Watch the first season of Cheers. It is a...Eric J,<br /><br />Watch the first season of Cheers. It is a thing of beauty. The pilot is one of the best pilots ever put on film.Catnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66275165218901134222018-01-26T11:09:01.463-08:002018-01-26T11:09:01.463-08:00Off topic, but another episode from M*A*S*H's ...Off topic, but another episode from M*A*S*H's virtually unknown sister show, ROLL OUT! surfaced on YouTube recently:<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZRzabPFYac<br /><br />I'm going to be honest . . . it wasn't funny. It's pretty flat and weak. This is the only other episode I've seen on YouTube; the other one (about an Honor Truck system or something), admittedly, did have a few genuine laughs, and I know it's hard to really dissect a series from just two episodes, but I feel that despite Larry Gelbart and Gene Reynolds creating and producing this series (after CBS asked them to), it just lacks everything that made M*A*S*H the spectacular show that it is: well-written satire, sharp and clever humor, strong storytelling, characters with depth.<br /><br />It's too bad, because as more black sitcoms were coming into vogue in the 70s such as SANFORD AND SON, GOOD TIMES, and THE JEFFERSONS, I feel like this show <i>could</i> have had potential if it wasn't so obviously made in the shadows of a superior show to try and bank on the success of that show.Joseph Scarbroughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02572781083272335747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-21216451910295077442018-01-26T11:05:28.530-08:002018-01-26T11:05:28.530-08:00This isn't a Friday Question, but it is relate...This isn't a Friday Question, but it is related. Now that I've figured out how to access your archives I've had many potential F.Q.'s answered before I could ask them. e.g. The "rule of threes." I haven't found a blog about "words with the 'K' sound." But I'm still looking. If in the future I ask an F.Q. that you've previously answered, feel free to direct me to that particular blog. I would be more than satisfied with that. Mike Bloodworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04755626259169126800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-84705295926269299722018-01-26T10:19:09.119-08:002018-01-26T10:19:09.119-08:00So many times I read about residuals not being pai...So many times I read about residuals not being paid properly etc.. in many articles. But what exactly are they talking about in terms of actual money?<br /><br />Seinfeld creators Larry and Jerry made a billion each till now from syndication residuals is what is rumored.<br /><br />Forget creators, let's take just writers.<br /><br />Say for example, for a writer of a movie. Is the residual from a year, like in thousands of dollars?<br /><br />For a very successful TV show like Cheers, syndication and all taken into consideration - say some 10,000 per annum? <br /><br />A blog or a Friday question which can give an idea (maybe not the actual amount) about residuals will be great Ken. Thanks.<br /><br />Tednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-76399080409504224522018-01-26T09:36:47.573-08:002018-01-26T09:36:47.573-08:00Here's Patton Oswalt's comedy bit on Rober...Here's Patton Oswalt's comedy bit on Robert Evans, during which he mentions the audiobook version of The Kid Stays in the Picture.<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkN226PToigStevennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10127286403407923922018-01-26T09:26:58.545-08:002018-01-26T09:26:58.545-08:00Sorry, just now I noticed Ken. The question you ha...Sorry, just now I noticed Ken. The question you have answered wasn't from me. Wanted to clarify that.<br /><br />My question is about Evans in the comments section.<br /><br />Briannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-51992512700505347542018-01-26T09:20:24.918-08:002018-01-26T09:20:24.918-08:00Ken,
My question is about the show, Frasier, and ...Ken,<br /><br />My question is about the show, Frasier, and it's regarding to the status of Niles Crane's short-lived marriage to Dr. Mel Karnofsky. Was there any mention of their divorce made official or had their marriage annulled? <br /><br />Thanks in advance. SailorCalliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11235374807145623566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-89639511207009609822018-01-26T08:27:12.001-08:002018-01-26T08:27:12.001-08:00In a character driven series like Cheers, I don...In a character driven series like Cheers, I don't think the audience needs to know everything back to the pilot. If I were to walk into the real Cheers, I wouldn't know everyone there and how they fit with all the others. I'd observe, make guesses or decide for myself. Over time, I get to know them.<br /><br />In fact, that's what happened. I didn't watch the first season. My reaction to the TV Guide synopsis was, "Who wants to watch a bunch of barflies?"<br /><br />I might have sampled a few episodes during the summer reruns, but somehow we started watching and got hooked. It became one of my all-time favorite shows. I learned who the characters were by their actions over time. I don't think I've ever seen the pilot or first season.<br />Eric Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10639837826294361383noreply@blogger.com