Daniel's TV Blog

There are certain types of humor that's easy to do. Nannyisms is one that comes to mind. That's when you immediately contradict some you just said. If you watch any episode of the show The Nanny you will see this kind of dialog.

• The Nanny: "I'm going on a diet starting now. No more dessert."
• The Nanny's mom enters. Mom: "I brought chocolate cake!"
• The Nanny: "Oh, give me a piece!"

That's a classic Nannyism. Another cheap sitcom trick is Plate Glass Window Humor. That's when a character points out the fabulous new plate glass window that was just installed. Moments later Urkel crashes through it on his new Segway. Wa-wa. Here's a good example of Plate Glass Humor used ironically in The Simpsons:


But last night 30 Rock used a variation of Plate Glass Humor I call "The Dead Executive." It starts like this.

• Executive: "I'm going to give you that big promotion/job/account/raise. But don't tell anyone. It's our secret until I meet with the board of directors."
• Schmuck: "Yes sir, I won't tell anyone.

Then the executive dies. Or in 30 Rock's case, he slipped into a coma. It was a funny episode otherwise.

Labels: 30 Rock

# posted by Daniel Brown @ 11:33 AM