MovieChat Forums > You're the Worst (2014) Discussion > BRILLIANT!

BRILLIANT!

posted 9 years ago by lokum1027
8 replies | jump to latest

I was reading some of the comments about why the gradual change from comedy to drama... and then it just hit me, but I didn't see anyone saying the same.

I think this show is about getting to know people... every single character is like a new person to you, the audience, and gradually over time you start to get to know a person's real nature.

Like dating or making a new friend... in the beginning, you're all smiles and putting up a little bit of a mask of who you truly are. over time, you slowly reveal yourself. that's why it's moved from upbeat and funny to semi-real to deeper emotions/interactions.

These characters who were once shallow people are each starting to reveal their weaknesses and making efforts to change or ignore it and sink into darkness.

[–] Smdng 9 years ago

Well said.

[–] justanicknamed 9 years ago

These characters who were once shallow people are each starting to reveal their weaknesses and making efforts to change or ignore it and sink into darkness.

So, what you are saying then is that it is becoming like every other TV sitcom where even the worst person on the show is really a good person down deep.

[–] pankoeken 9 years ago

No I don't think that was what the OP was saying at all. Did you prefer it when it WAS just like every other "edgy" sitcom and it was about farting and puking and getting drunk every day?

[–] justanicknamed 9 years ago

No I don't think that was what the OP was saying at all.

"These characters who were once shallow people are each starting to reveal their weaknesses and making efforts to change or ignore it and sink into darkness."

Yes. That is EXACTLY what the OP was saying.

[–] pankoeken 9 years ago

No that's the way you are intent on interpreting it because you want the puking farting lowest common denominator slapstick stuff that "edgy" comedies have been doing for quite a while now. YTW went from It's Always Sunny to Louie and neither of those shows or this one are average sitcoms.

At least most of the people whining about the show changing are honest enough to admit they want a return to "getting drunk, doing coke and treating each other like sh!t" YEE HAW. You on the other hand don't want to admit that for some reason.

Oh wait did I miss the episode of Big Bang Theory where one of the characters was suicidal? Or was that on a very special episode of Modern Family? You're the expert here on cookie cutter comedy so please inform me.

[–] justanicknamed 9 years ago

I've never seen that show and there is a difference between "edgy" and "Dark comedy." This show is supposed to be dark.

It WAS brilliant when all of the characters were unlikable because we didn't have the trite stories of the "person everyone hates reveals why she's such an unlikable b!tch so the main character of the show cuts her some slack and everyone likes everyone a little bit more because they grew up some."

You, on the other hand, are too stupid to see they have just put in the "typical sitcom formula" into a dark comedy. You are too busy lapping it up because that is what you enjoy.

Not that there is anything wrong with liking sitcoms. Just don't put the formula into a dark comedy which was doing great by NOT using the typical formula.

[–] lokum1027 9 years ago

Maybe I should have added:
"These characters who were once revealed as being shallow people to us (the audience) are starting to ...."

I think the writers are doing something unique. Unlike other sitcoms where you kinda get a little info on the characters' backgrounds to explain why they may be shallow or wicked (which is funny to us as we enjoy the show) they don't really change but continue as always to maintain our attention as that's what attracted us in the beginning to start watching the show. But with these characters on YTW, their interactions and experiences with one another have inspired each of them to reveal more about themselves. They are starting to care more, change their ways, and become happier people. With the exception of Gretchen, who is still suffering from depression. But I think with Jimmy sticking by her she's starting to see that he really does care, unlike probably other guys she's been with.
I like how the writers give us little tidbits of why each of them are messed up in some way and the ways they are changing for the better.
For example, Lindsey still being a feisty woman to realizing her weaknesses and trying to make amends, and build better relationships with people. Edgar, who suffers from ptsd and anxiety, is getting out there to overcome his shyness/fears and finding a wonderful girl. Jimmy, who has a terrible family that he escaped from and appears to have trouble connecting to people on deeper levels is starting to care about someone other than himself. And Gretchen, who has had to go through depression and at her lowest point ever, has found someone that truly cares - which is probably also something very new to Jimmy.

I wouldn't be surprised that the writing becomes more serious as we go along into more of a drama but still have tidbits of humor. I think it's brilliant as I've never seen this done before on a sitcom. It kinda reminds me of how even though the Walking Dead started off as an action show to revealing more about the characters and how they evolve over time. But maybe I'm wrong. Maybe there have been sitcoms that have done this before, I'm not sure. I just can't recall a time when a sitcom that's been on for 8-10 seasons or more that you really see the characters change. Oh, I just realized that the Big Bang Theory is kinda doing that with Sheldon but not the other characters really.

[–] Ajones47 9 years ago

I'm going to read the show's gradual change in tone as an analogy for Gretchen's slide back into depression.