4 Basic Plots/Scripts? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JRegis · 03-08-2015, 10:13 PM

I recall in this interview where Larry tells a story of demanding new writers before settling for a raise, he specifically singled out the fact that there were 4 basic scripts that were reused over and over. Of course, his original plea was for more and better writers to offer variety in the plots, but was turned down as this was likely too costly. This got me thinking - can we hardcore IDOJ fans nail down what these 4 basic storylines might be? Larry allegedly made this request for additional writers after the 3rd season. Therefore, this is what I've come up with thus far:

Script #1: Jeannie tries to assist Tony and do what she thinks is best for him, but eventually causes him great trouble instead.

Script #2: A supernatural occurrence or generally bizarre situation is witnessed by an individual (MOSTLY Dr. Bellows, though Roger early in season 1 would qualify) and Tony must explain it.

Script #3: Jeannie attempts to live as a human and gets involved in circumstances of which she knows nothing about.

Script #4: A "middleman" (either an actual person or third-party agent like a potion or space assignment) comes between Jeannie and Tony, resulting in confusion/anger on both sides.

Now, of course, while Larry didn't get his wish for fresh writers, the plots had to evolve in the 5th season for obvious reasons. Also, Larry's tantrums/breakdown in the 4th season where he would only spend a few minutes on-camera with Barbara also might've actually benefitted the show in forcing the writers to think outside the box. For the most part, however, I think 75% of the episodes from seasons 1 - 3 would fit into one of the above proposed basic plots. What do we think? I'd love to consider some other plot ideas I might've overlooked. This could be fun!

MichaelKeith · 03-09-2015, 05:04 PM

One of the four has to be that Jeannie is always scheming to marry Tony!

tcr1701 · 04-20-2015, 11:16 AM

I always thought that Larry was also referring to Jeannie's sister stopping by (they all virtually had the same plot) and Djinn Djinn appearing over and over. The Jeannie trying to marry Tony again and again was annoying and over-used.

03-08-2015, 10:13 PM	#1
JRegis Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Aug 19, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 20	4 Basic Plots/Scripts? I recall in this interview where Larry tells a story of demanding new writers before settling for a raise, he specifically singled out the fact that there were 4 basic scripts that were reused over and over. Of course, his original plea was for more and better writers to offer variety in the plots, but was turned down as this was likely too costly. This got me thinking - can we hardcore IDOJ fans nail down what these 4 basic storylines might be? Larry allegedly made this request for additional writers after the 3rd season. Therefore, this is what I've come up with thus far: Script #1: Jeannie tries to assist Tony and do what she thinks is best for him, but eventually causes him great trouble instead. Script #2: A supernatural occurrence or generally bizarre situation is witnessed by an individual (MOSTLY Dr. Bellows, though Roger early in season 1 would qualify) and Tony must explain it. Script #3: Jeannie attempts to live as a human and gets involved in circumstances of which she knows nothing about. Script #4: A "middleman" (either an actual person or third-party agent like a potion or space assignment) comes between Jeannie and Tony, resulting in confusion/anger on both sides. Now, of course, while Larry didn't get his wish for fresh writers, the plots had to evolve in the 5th season for obvious reasons. Also, Larry's tantrums/breakdown in the 4th season where he would only spend a few minutes on-camera with Barbara also might've actually benefitted the show in forcing the writers to think outside the box. For the most part, however, I think 75% of the episodes from seasons 1 - 3 would fit into one of the above proposed basic plots. What do we think? I'd love to consider some other plot ideas I might've overlooked. This could be fun!

03-09-2015, 05:04 PM	#2
MichaelKeith Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 01, 2007 Posts: 1,139	One of the four has to be that Jeannie is always scheming to marry Tony!

04-20-2015, 11:16 AM	#3
tcr1701 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 22, 2012 Posts: 461	I always thought that Larry was also referring to Jeannie's sister stopping by (they all virtually had the same plot) and Djinn Djinn appearing over and over. The Jeannie trying to marry Tony again and again was annoying and over-used.