"The Life and Love of Joe Coogan" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

hank18 · 03-08-2004, 07:41 PM

I watched this one last night, and it had never been a standout episode before. But while watching it I realized how exceptional it really is. It has great writing throughout, and a great subtle performance by MTM, who usually shines best when she gets to do broad comedy (Blond Haired Brunette, Pink Pills...) and Rose Marie, too ("... tall, good-looking... PRIEST?!?!)

Laura also refers to Jim Darling at one point, I assume this is in keeping with Carl's desire to use repitition in order to make the characters more real to us.

The standout, though, was the tag scene. It was a little more serious than usual, appropriately so, and the sonnet Rob reads really was beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen (or will see) sitcom characters discussing God in such an earnest and truthful way. And although there is a punchline, even it has a ring of sincerity ("You lost him to a better man"), instead of a comedic tone.

Definitely going on my top ten.

SawgrassSteve · 03-09-2004, 09:39 AM

Hank,
That's true. It was a pretty good little scene about God. And although I'm not Christian or Catholic (but then, neither is the writer, Carl Reiner), I can appreciate that it's one of the times a clergyman is not made to look like an immoral, money-grubbing maniac of some sort, as we see them portrayed today. We know there are a fair number of religious charlatans out there, but it seems that we're only shown that side in today's sitcoms.
I've always liked that tag scene, and have always smiled at Laura's slight disappointment in finding out who Joe Coogan was writing to her about.

Steve

Kristen · 03-09-2004, 07:39 PM

This has always been one of my favorite episodes (Big surprise, being the Laura fan that I am!

). I can't really say why I love it (Haven't seen it in awhile), but I love the fact that it focuses more on Rob & Laura's home life than on Rob's work life. Most of my favorites tend to focus on that aspect of the show.

Kristen
PS--I just got season 3 today finally!

I know what I'm gonna be doing tonight hehe.

Lolac · 03-10-2004, 04:51 PM

One of my favorite episodes for all the reasons mentioned.

Lolac

03-08-2004, 07:41 PM	#1
hank18 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jun 17, 2002 Location: North Hollywood, CA Posts: 126	"The Life and Love of Joe Coogan" I watched this one last night, and it had never been a standout episode before. But while watching it I realized how exceptional it really is. It has great writing throughout, and a great subtle performance by MTM, who usually shines best when she gets to do broad comedy (Blond Haired Brunette, Pink Pills...) and Rose Marie, too ("... tall, good-looking... PRIEST?!?!) Laura also refers to Jim Darling at one point, I assume this is in keeping with Carl's desire to use repitition in order to make the characters more real to us. The standout, though, was the tag scene. It was a little more serious than usual, appropriately so, and the sonnet Rob reads really was beautiful. I don't think I've ever seen (or will see) sitcom characters discussing God in such an earnest and truthful way. And although there is a punchline, even it has a ring of sincerity ("You lost him to a better man"), instead of a comedic tone. Definitely going on my top ten.

03-09-2004, 09:39 AM	#2
SawgrassSteve Loyal Worshipper Senior Member Join Date: Mar 04, 2002 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,423	Hank, That's true. It was a pretty good little scene about God. And although I'm not Christian or Catholic (but then, neither is the writer, Carl Reiner), I can appreciate that it's one of the times a clergyman is not made to look like an immoral, money-grubbing maniac of some sort, as we see them portrayed today. We know there are a fair number of religious charlatans out there, but it seems that we're only shown that side in today's sitcoms. I've always liked that tag scene, and have always smiled at Laura's slight disappointment in finding out who Joe Coogan was writing to her about. Steve
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03-09-2004, 07:39 PM	#3
Kristen Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 17, 2000 Location: New York, USA Posts: 4,042	This has always been one of my favorite episodes (Big surprise, being the Laura fan that I am! ). I can't really say why I love it (Haven't seen it in awhile), but I love the fact that it focuses more on Rob & Laura's home life than on Rob's work life. Most of my favorites tend to focus on that aspect of the show. Kristen PS--I just got season 3 today finally! I know what I'm gonna be doing tonight hehe.
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03-10-2004, 04:51 PM	#4
Lolac Dolce far niente, Carissima! Senior Member Join Date: Jan 02, 2003 Location: Fairfax Station, VA Posts: 1,487	One of my favorite episodes for all the reasons mentioned. Lolac