Old references (Toothbrush, Face Painter) a Plus or Minus ???

What are some thoughts on whether previous show references detract or add to the show? Are they indeed mere pandering to the fans ?

In article , [email] (Ixalot) wrote:

I think references to other shows, and more importantly comedy routines and art, are integral to the shows success. If the show is going to be funny, it has to make you think. I think they were criticizing new sitcoms for being too slapsick and not requiring you to think, i.e. Banya. The greatest shows last year had references to Heart of Darkness, the Marx Brothers, Abbot and Costello, etc. Even the idea of making you think about the humor goes back to the comedians of the first half of the century. The show depends on it. References to other Seinfeld shows are also great because they really seperate the true devotees from the casual watchers. Again, the humor makes you think. Anyone agree???

Ixalot wrote in article

I think that that's one of the best parts about Seinfeld. It ties the past and present episodes into a more cohesive story or experience. I think it also allows for better character development, since you have some background on the character from a previous show, and they can get on with adding other facets to their "personality". If every character had to be a "fresh start" they would all be fairly shallow, since each episode usually has at least 2 or 3 sub-plots (e.g., Kramer's butter thing, Jerry and Bania, Elaine and Puddy this week) and they can only spend 7 or 8 minutes on each thread. I think it also makes watching the reruns more enjoyable, knowing that this person ties in elsewhere. Usually, the references to past shows or characters is well done, and is sort of rewarding to the faithful viewer. Sort of like an "inside joke" thing. Remember the episode where George is offered a job as a hand model, and he tells the employer, "You don't have to worry about me. I won a contest!" I was busting up at that reference. People who hadn't seen "The Contest" missed out on a good laugh. I like the references. I think it makes the show more than just a stand-alone thirty-minute thing. It gives it a sort of history from which to draw.

Then again, I could be full of shit.

--Craig--

Pandering to the fans? Of course. Isn't that what shows are supposed to do? What's the alternative, pissing off the fans?

I liked the references. The toothbrush/toilet brush woman was integral because it showed how Bania gets the woman after Jerry, just like he got the laughs when his act came after Jerrie. Nothing contrived about that. As far as Puddy's return, well, maybe they did some market research and found out that we liked the character and wanted to see him again. Patrick Warburton is a funny guy, and I love the Puddy character.

Ixalot wrote:

I've always liked it. I think the intention is to "reward" the regular viewers and to add realism -- after all, don't we often remember or talk about things in our past?

On Tue, 30 Sep 1997, Alex Andreadis wrote:

I especially liked the line about Elaine recycling her boyfriends. I've done that... gone through the daytimer during a slow phase and called up the one's I haven't spoken to in a few years. I thought that was realistic. Of course, I don't go to Europe with them, but then, that's why my life isn't a TV show.

And Banya shows up from time to time, wasn't he the Mentor's boyfriend?

Corrina

"You can be a bitter woman or you can be a better woman." -1997 Miss America Contestant I chose bitter.

Exactly! I definately agree that it adds realism to the show.

-Jessica