Tone change in Season 7 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

PhoenixAcres · 08-17-2016, 05:57 PM

Has anyone else noticed a shift in quality between seasons 1-6 and season 7? Maybe it's just me, but the show as a whole seemed edgier, bolder, and almost like a parody of its former self. The season-long focus of Michael going off the deep end didn't help either. I would guess this is due mainly to the completely new staff of writers and producers brought on this season, but whatever the reason, I think the show lost some of its warmth and sincerity this year.

TV Guy · 11-03-2017, 02:02 PM

Yes, I did notice it. The tone of Newhart varies depending whether it’s run by Barry Kemp or Dan Wilcox (seasons 1-3); Douglas Wyman and David Mirkin (season 4-6) ; or Mark Egan and Mark Solomon (seasons 7-8). It starts off as a gentle, low-key comedy, then gets sillier and more absurdist as it progresses.

tlc38tlc38 · 02-03-2018, 10:40 AM

I didn't really notice it in season 7 but season 8 is below the previous seasons standards. They relied too much on sexual jokes (with Prudence) and for some reason they felt the need to say "damn" as much as possible. Season 8 had some good episodes but it's definitely the clunker in the series.

Sterling Holobyte · 02-05-2018, 03:51 PM

When Michael went off the deep end, is when I believe the show went off the deep end. So yeah, mid to late season 7 there was definitely a change in the show. Almost like they were running out of ideas.
But also, I noticed George was a lot meaner, if you can believe that. His attitude and some of his replies to others(mostly to Dick) didn't have that "naive but nice" George tint to them.

PhoenixAcres · 02-08-2018, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlc38tlc38

I didn't really notice it in season 7 but season 8 is below the previous seasons standards. They relied too much on sexual jokes (with Prudence) and for some reason they felt the need to say "damn" as much as possible. Season 8 had some good episodes but it's definitely the clunker in the series.

Oddly enough I hold the opposite view. I thought season 7 was rife with perverted sexual innuendo and unfaithfulness to the characters. Season 8 wasn't fantastic but I still prefer it to season 7, because they toned a lot of that stuff down and went more for surreal and absurd humor.

When season 7 hits, you can definitely tell when the creative team changed, and it damaged the show pretty severely.

PhoenixAcres · 02-08-2018, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sterling Holobyte

But also, I noticed George was a lot meaner, if you can believe that. His attitude and some of his replies to others(mostly to Dick) didn't have that "naive but nice" George tint to them.

You're not alone. That may be what I hate the most about seasons 7 and 8 is the writers disrespecting the integrity of the characters. It was most disturbing with George becoming more arrogant but all the characters were affected to some degree.

08-17-2016, 05:57 PM	#1
PhoenixAcres Member Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 26, 2016 Location: United States Posts: 6,825	Tone change in Season 7 Has anyone else noticed a shift in quality between seasons 1-6 and season 7? Maybe it's just me, but the show as a whole seemed edgier, bolder, and almost like a parody of its former self. The season-long focus of Michael going off the deep end didn't help either. I would guess this is due mainly to the completely new staff of writers and producers brought on this season, but whatever the reason, I think the show lost some of its warmth and sincerity this year.

02-03-2018, 10:40 AM	#3
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,280	I didn't really notice it in season 7 but season 8 is below the previous seasons standards. They relied too much on sexual jokes (with Prudence) and for some reason they felt the need to say "damn" as much as possible. Season 8 had some good episodes but it's definitely the clunker in the series.
	__________________ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 In loving memory of my best friend, my Mama.

02-05-2018, 03:51 PM	#4
Sterling Holobyte Harper House Senior Member Join Date: Nov 07, 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,896	When Michael went off the deep end, is when I believe the show went off the deep end. So yeah, mid to late season 7 there was definitely a change in the show. Almost like they were running out of ideas. But also, I noticed George was a lot meaner, if you can believe that. His attitude and some of his replies to others(mostly to Dick) didn't have that "naive but nice" George tint to them.
	__________________ "Let it go. Forget about it. Try smiling." -Michael Harris WPIV studio producer/shoe salesman/grocery store employee/Ex-sanitarium patient/Stephanie's boyfriend-then husband --------------------------------------------------- My 2nd First Blog:http://saturdaymorningfunnies.wordpress.com/

11-03-2017, 02:02 PM	#2
TV Guy Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2001 Location: Boston, MA, USA Posts: 3,419	Yes, I did notice it. The tone of Newhart varies depending whether it’s run by Barry Kemp or Dan Wilcox (seasons 1-3); Douglas Wyman and David Mirkin (season 4-6) ; or Mark Egan and Mark Solomon (seasons 7-8). It starts off as a gentle, low-key comedy, then gets sillier and more absurdist as it progresses.