1 Ethan said...

I think sitcom success ultimately comes down to casting and acting... if that's off, writing doesn't matter. Of course, you could make the reverse argument, but I think that funny actors can carry/improve mediocre scripts, whereas good writing can't improve poor acting (it can only keep the performance from being even worse). But when both writing and acting are on, that's when you have a classic.

Consider what makes Scrubs so great -- Zach Braff (J.D.)and John McGinley (Dr. Cox). I'm not sure I would watch the show if those two weren't so great in their roles. Kiefer Sutherland is outstanding in 24. Even in the reality TV realm, The Donald, is outstanding in his role of Trump, and all that entails (we can only wish it was all a performance).

And this is the reason why My Name is Earl is the best new show of the fall season -- great acting. Jason Lee is one of today's top actors, in my opinion. I haven't seen a movie where he isn't incredible in his role. Ethan Suplee is strong as the dumb-witted brother. And Jamie Pressly does a great job with her character. The bottom line is that the acting and casting for Earl is tops. Hopefully the show will last. It might be a classic in the making -- but ultimately the writers will determine whether that happens.

Posted on September 28, 2005 at 10:36 AM