Mar 10 2010

Funny Sitcoms For All Ages
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Murphy Brown (1988-1998): A modern-day Mary Richards (if Mary had done a stint at the Betty Ford clinic and been an unmarried mom), Murphy (Candice Bergen) was a tough TV reporter who loved, but was annoyed by, her colleagues … not to mention Dan Quayle, who infamously railed against Murphy’s single-mom status.

Sex and the City (1998-2004): Inspiring countless copycats of sex columnist Carrie’s fab designer lifestyle, ‘SATC’ ultimately owed its success to one of the best female ensembles in tube history, with Sarah Jessica Parker and pals just as adept at physical comedy as they were at dropping those naughty one-liners.

30 Rock (2006-present): We already knew Tina Fey was a brilliant comedy writer, and this ‘Saturday Night Live’ spoof also proves what a master of deadpan Alec Baldwin is. But it takes a true classic to mine with such deftness the humor of Kenneth the Page and wild comedian Tracy Morgan.

Frasier (1993-2004): Cliff and Norm seemed more obvious choices for ‘Cheers’ spin-offs, but it was Kelsey Grammer’s uptight shrink who got his own sharply written sitcom. The Crane fellas made for one competitive yet loving family, which helped the show become the most Emmy-winning series (with 37) in history.

The Office (2005-present): Some argue the original series is better, but for our Schrute Bucks, it’s the Dunder Mifflin gang that most hilariously captures the monotony of ‘Office’ life. Michael Scott over David Brent? Yep. Dwight over Gareth? Indeed. And not since Sam & Diane have we been treated to a sitcom couple as hot as Jim & Pam.

The Honeymooners (1955-1956): Before there was a ‘King of Queens,’ Jackie Gleason ruled Brooklyn as bus driver Ralph, whose feisty, hotter-than-him wife Alice kept the loud mouth in line. Despite his scheming, Ralph was a softie, and became one of TV’s first working class heroes.

M*A*S*H (1972-1983): From Hawkeye’s womanizing to Klinger’s obsession with getting a Section Eight, a constant barrage of wisecracks and juvenile pranks was just what the doctor ordered for these Korean War army surgeons, whose gallows humor was the only way they, and viewers, could deal with the traumas of war.

The Simpsons (1989-present): The longest-running comedy on TV holds that record for a reason — it is, quite simply, the best sitcom in history. The animated classic has spent 19 seasons mocking and celebrating pop culture, and giving us TV’s most beloved family and most delightfully ornery 10-year-old, Bartholomew J. Simpson.

Hank Evans appreciates you taking the time to read this article. If you enjoyed it, you are invited to visit Hank Evans at Watch NCIS Free and Watch Royal Pains Online.


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Mar 10 2010

Best Comedy Shows Of All Time
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Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005): Everybody loves put-upon Ray, who tries to please wife Debra, nosy ‘rents Marie and Frank and jealous bro Robert. The Barones didn’t always have happy days, but their dysfunctional family was one of the most realistic.

Hogan’s Heroes (1965-1971): You have to respect a sitcom that managed to wring laughs from a Nazi POW camp setting. Even more impressive: It was a one-note joke that kept viewers tuning in. What new ways would Col. Hogan and his clever crew find to trick bumbling Col. Klink and Schultz into giving up classified info to enemies?

Laverne & Shirley (1976-1983): Not since Lucy and Ethel wreaked havoc on the chocolate factory had two female buddies sparked so many chuckles. Lenny and Squiggy provided their share of wackiness, but the heart of the show was the bottle-cappin’ roomies’ friendship and pursuit of love, happiness and milk ‘n’ Pepsi.

Gilligan’s Island (1964-1967): For a three-hour tour, they sure had a lot of luggage. But hey, it’s not like coconut radios were realistic, either. Nor was the stream of visitors who never helped the gang get rescued. In fact, it’s Gilligan and company’s haplessness that kept them on the island and viewers hooked on the show.

Arrested Development (2003-2006): Bluths, we hardly knew ye. Three seasons of dysfunctional family hilarity and banana-stand shenanigans weren’t nearly enough. The show gave us GOB, Buster and Michael Cera — and, at last, a forum for Jason Bateman to showcase his comedy chops.

Sanford & Son (1972-1977): Father and son, junkyard partners: Both those relationships fueled the tug of war between Fred, who schemed to keep his son by his side, and Lamont, who strove to break free. Of course, it didn’t take a big dummy to see they really loved each other, though the scheming was often more fun.

Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979): One of the best theme songs ever was followed by the Sweathogs’ cornball quips and memorable catchphrases. The show also made a star of John Travolta, and if you don’t think that’s a good thing, well, up your nose with a rubber hose.

Happy Days (1974-1984): If not for ‘Happy Days,’ TV land wouldn’t have The Fonz, “jumping the shark,” ‘Laverne & Shirley’ or Jenny Piccolo. Okay, we forgive the show for that last one, but only because the retro sitcom was so filled with heart and humor that one little annoying character couldn’t bring it down. Aaaayy!

Hank Evans appreciates you taking the time to read this article. If you enjoyed it, you are invited to visit Hank Evans at Watch NCIS Episodes Online and Watch Royal Pains Free.


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Mar 10 2010

Best of Friends Season 5
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The One After Ross Says Rachel: Despite the fact that Ross said “Rachel” in his vows instead of “Emily,” they go through with the wedding; but then Emily sneaks out the window at the reception and apparently never wants to see Ross again. Rachel fixates on the fact that “he said my name!” Chandler and Monica agree that their new relationship can only continue while they are away from home… but then have a very difficult time arranging to be alone together. While waiting at the airport in hopes that Emily will still show up for the honeymoon to Athens, Ross bumps into Rachel. She encourages him to go to Athens anyway; he invites her to come along. While boarding, Ross goes back to get his jacket and discovers that Emily has arrived and has witnessed the two of them preparing to leave together. Ross misses the flight; Rachel doesn’t.

The One With The Kips: Chandler and Monica, tired of sneaking around, each make up an excuse to leave town and then go away for a weekend together. They end up fighting the whole time and Chandler’s afraid it may be over. Ross struggles to reveal his agreement with Emily not to see Rachel anymore. Rachel doesn’t take it very well; she doesn’t want to give up Ross, nor get left out of the group like Chandler’s old roommate, Kip. Joey finds some similarities in Chandler’s and Monica’s stories about the weekend, and figures out the truth; Monica and Chandler swear him to secrecy.

The One Where Ross Moves In: Emily’s cousin kicks Ross out of the apartment they were to live in, so he moves in with Chandler and Joey. Ross is more than a little obnoxious, so Chandler and Joey pressure him to move to a new place… even if it’s tiny. Their guilt gets the better of them, however, and they arrange for Ross’ application to be rejected. Phoebe dates a Larry, a health inspector she met at Monica’s restaurant. At first she is turned on by his power to close places down, but soon realizes that they’re running out of good places to eat. Rachel is convinced that Danny likes her and that his apparent apathy toward her is just a ploy to gain the upper hand in their relationship.

The One With The Inappropriate Sister: Because of his boredom while away from work, Ross offers to help Joey focus on writing a movie. Things get a little tense, however, when Ross wants Joey to work and Chandler wants to play ‘Fireball.’ Phoebe volunteers to collect Christmas donations for the poor, but ends up getting a bucket full of unwanted ‘contributions,’ so she gets tough with the donors. Monica arranges for Rachel and Danny to go out. It seems to be going very well until Rachel discovers that Danny has an unusually close relationship with his sister, Krista.

The One With Joey’s Bag: Chandler finds out Monica gives terrible massages but doesn’t want to tell her. When the truth comes out, Monica has a hard time accepting it. Joey is auditioning for a sophisticated part in a play, so Rachel offers to help him look the part. She outfits him at Bloomingdales, and part of the ensemble is a “man’s bag,” which bears a striking resemblence to a purse. Unfortunately, Joey’s devotion to the bag ends up costing him the audition. Phoebe’s grandmother dies; Ursula, who thought grandma was already dead, skips the memorial. The memorial does have one unexpected guest, however–Phoebe’s father. Without revealing her true identify, she arranges to meet with him later, at which time she reveals the truth… but things are still a little awkward.

The One With The Cop: Joey has a dream that Monica is his girlfriend; Monica tells him it just means he wants a relationship with the closeness that he sees between herself and Chandler. She suggests he try being friends with a woman before being intimate. After hitting on Rachel (unsuccessfully), Joey tries to make friends with new women; but they find his “friends first” approach so enticing that they want the intimacy immediately. Phoebe finds a police badge under a cushion at the coffee house. She plans to return it but has too much fun pretending to be a cop… until she pulls it on the actual owner of the badge. She drops the badge and runs away; he tracks her down and asks her on a date. Ross buys a new sofa (couch), but can’t get it up the stairs to his apartment.

The One With The Ball: Gary decides to ask Phoebe to live with him. She doesn’t think it’s a good idea, which makes him sad, so she ends up agreeing. After some changes of heart (back and forth) they finally move in together… until one morning Gary shoots a bird that’s chirping outside the window. Phoebe breaks up with him. Ross and Joey throw a ball back and forth without dropping it for a couple hours; soon it becomes a contest, joined by Monica and Chandler. Around the tenth hour, they invite Phoebe to join; unfortunately, she doesn’t feel like playing. Rachel spends a thousand dollars on a pure-bred, hairless Sphinx cat, like the one her grandmother had when Rachel was a kid. Unfortunately, this cat is not very nice, and a scratched-up Rachel ends up selling the cat to Gunther.

The One With Joey’s Big Break: Rachel has an eye infection but doesn’t want anyone touching her eye. Monica finally gets her to a doctor but then Rachel won’t use the eyedrops. Everyone has to hold her down and force her to use them. Phoebe is mad at Ross but can’t remember why. Joey gets the lead role in a independent film called Shutter Speed, being filmed in Las Vegas. He and Chandler start a road trip but Chandler lets slip that he doesn’t think this is Joey’s big break, and gets kicked out of the car. Joey makes it to Vegas but the movie is shutting down from lack of funds, leaving Joey trying to make ends meet as a gladiator at Caesar’s Palace.

Hank Evans thanks you for taking the time to read this article. And, if you found it interesting, you can read more from Hank Evans at Watch NCIS Episodes Online and Watch Royal Pains Free.


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