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Why Do Sitcoms Always Have a Token Dumb, Borderline Retarded Character
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:13 pm
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:13 pm
Cheers had Woody. Wings had Thomas Hayden Church. Seinfeld had Kramer. Married with Children had Kelly. Friends actually had two in Joey and Phoebe. Does a pilot just get tossed if it doesn't include a dumb character?
20
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:28 pm to JabarkusRussell
BBT doesn't have one. Can't really argue Penny, she isnt any dumber than your typical female.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:30 pm to JabarkusRussell
quote:
Does a pilot just get tossed if it doesn't include a dumb character?
Basically. Every comedy needs a butt-monkey. Name a comedy on the top of your head that doesn't have one.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:31 pm to jcole4lsu
I wouldn't say Kramer is that dumb....just really out there.
Adam on Rules of Engagement is one.
Adam on Rules of Engagement is one.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:33 pm to JabarkusRussell
dumb people do dumb stuff and say dumb things and its fun to point and laugh when this happens.
It isn't rocket surgery.
It isn't rocket surgery.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:33 pm to KingofthePoint
Charlie on Always Sunny too. Although it can be argued that they are all retarded. 
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:34 pm to JabarkusRussell
They need one so the majority of Americans can relate to the show.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:46 pm to JabarkusRussell
Who's the dumb one in HIMYM?
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:48 pm to jcole4lsu
quote:
BBT doesn't have one. Can't really argue Penny, she isnt any dumber than your typical female.
I think Penny fits the role. She is pretty dumb in comparison to the other characters on the show.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:49 pm to Jim Rockford
HIMYM doesn't have a "dumb" one, but Barney is the comedic gadfly.
Then Robin.
Ted, Lily and Marshall are all straight men.
Then Robin.
Ted, Lily and Marshall are all straight men.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 4:58 pm to SpqrTiger
My Wife and Kids had Junior. Saved by the Bell had Screech. Family Matters had Urkel.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 5:05 pm to JabarkusRussell
Kelso in That 70's Show was a great token dumbass.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 5:16 pm to JabarkusRussell
GOB was the quintessential sitcom dummie.
This post was edited on 1/2/13 at 5:53 pm
Posted on 1/2/13 at 5:29 pm to JabarkusRussell
b/c the fool one of the most common character archetypes throughout history.
doesnt matter if we are talking about a TBS comedy or Shakespeare.
doesnt matter if we are talking about a TBS comedy or Shakespeare.
This post was edited on 1/2/13 at 5:36 pm
Posted on 1/2/13 at 5:34 pm to JabarkusRussell
quote:
Family Matters had Urkel.
Who was a walkon bit player until he stole the show for himself. Audiences love the token dumb, borderline, retarded characters, which is why they keep showing up. It's an archetype. The Wise Fool who often gives the smart ones their comeuppance.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 5:58 pm to JabarkusRussell
Eric on Boy Meets World. Which is interesting because he didn't start out that way.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 6:04 pm to RonFNSwanson
Eric didn't become a full blown retard until he went to college
Posted on 1/2/13 at 6:05 pm to RonFNSwanson
he got stupid b/c he was secretly using hella crazy drugs behind his friends backs.
Posted on 1/2/13 at 6:05 pm to JabarkusRussell
Because it's easy to laugh at dumb people
Posted on 1/2/13 at 6:07 pm to JabarkusRussell
A lot of token dumb characters on The Office and Parks and Rec
Going old school:
Gilligan
Gomer Pyle
Edith and Archie Bunker
JJ Evans (Good Times)
Chrissie (Three's Company)
Herman Munster
Barney Fife ....well shite pretty much everyone from Andy Griffith
Potsy from Happy Days
Going old school:
Gilligan
Gomer Pyle
Edith and Archie Bunker
JJ Evans (Good Times)
Chrissie (Three's Company)
Herman Munster
Barney Fife ....well shite pretty much everyone from Andy Griffith
Potsy from Happy Days
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