Why was Becker underrated? - Page 2 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

retrochick9 · 03-11-2007, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BensonFan

I also think some people didn't want to view Ted Danson as anyone other than Sam Malone.

I'm sure everyone thought they couldn't see Ted Danson in another role, but, once you watch the show, you see absolutely no similarities at all. Sam Malone and John Becker are TOTALLY different characters, I don't think about Sam at all when I see John Becker.

Tiger32 · 03-11-2007, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retrochick9

I'm sure everyone thought they couldn't see Ted Danson in another role, but, once you watch the show, you see absolutely no similarities at all. Sam Malone and John Becker are TOTALLY different characters, I don't think about Sam at all when I see John Becker.

Retrochick9, you are correct in your analysis of Becker and Sam Malone, they are 2 completely different characters. But unfortunately Human Nature factors into the equation, which leads to identifying an actor with a particular character. We see this illustrated very well with the cast of Seinfeld trying unsucessfully to star in other sitcoms. Julia Louis-Dreyfus was finally successful in her latest attempt, but she and other cast members were previously unsuccessful at breaking away from their roles that made them famous.

It seems that this type casting only applies to Sitcom actors. I am not sure why, maybe its because we get so used to the actor playing a role over a number of years.

What is funny, I no longer picture Ted Danson as Sam Malone anymore, whenever I hear Ted Danson's name, I immediately think of Becker.

retrochick9 · 03-12-2007, 10:45 PM

I also think of Becker now when I hear Ted Danson's name. I think it also helped that Ted Danson looked different in Becker. His hair was completely different (and it wasn't the main focus in his life like Sam, lol) and he dressed differently. I think that all helps. If people look the same and try to be another character, I don't think that works as well.

Tiger32 · 03-12-2007, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retrochick9

I also think of Becker now when I hear Ted Danson's name. I think it also helped that Ted Danson looked different in Becker. His hair was completely different (and it wasn't the main focus in his life like Sam, lol) and he dressed differently. I think that all helps. If people look the same and try to be another character, I don't think that works as well.

Good point retrochick9, I think Ted Danson probably wore less makeup as Becker than as Sam Malone. The character "Becker" was closer to Ted Danson's real age (over 50), although Ted Danson still wore a hair piece and dyed his hair for the role. But you could clearly see that he has aged since the days when he played Sam Malone, and I think he is a much better actor now, then he was during those days.

Dusty's Fan · 03-13-2007, 12:50 PM

I'm one of those people who became more of a fan from watching the series in syndication. But I do remember watching first-run episodes and I thought it was an interesting show. It's a very good series, and I think it fits in well for stations looking for shows to run in the late evening (or any time, for that matter).

03-12-2007, 10:45 PM	#18
retrochick9 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 07, 2006 Location: On the couch, in my jammies, watching TV! Posts: 620	I also think of Becker now when I hear Ted Danson's name. I think it also helped that Ted Danson looked different in Becker. His hair was completely different (and it wasn't the main focus in his life like Sam, lol) and he dressed differently. I think that all helps. If people look the same and try to be another character, I don't think that works as well.

03-13-2007, 12:50 PM	#20
Dusty's Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 13, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,093	I'm one of those people who became more of a fan from watching the series in syndication. But I do remember watching first-run episodes and I thought it was an interesting show. It's a very good series, and I think it fits in well for stations looking for shows to run in the late evening (or any time, for that matter).