08-14-2006, 08:28 AM
Shadowknight Wrote:Most catchphrases remind people of a certain moment in a show. like when I hear DOH I think of the time homer fell into the gorge and banged his head on everthing.
Maybe such a purpose could be forfilled by a memorable and witty statement, as opposed to a repeated que to laugh. I do not recall Bazil Faulty having a catchpharse, but when ever anyone says anything about WWII, we can all have a giggle by saying "Don't mention the war!" Whenever anyone says anything about Only Fools And Horses, we all recall with great mirth this bit before his catchphrase "lubbly-jubbly".
Catchphares have their place, but to say every character has to have one is an idiocy. There are a huge number of better ways to make people laugh than by telling them to with a catchphrase or laughter track. You can parody an established part of programming, you can shock them, or just do something absurd.
Not every character needs a blasted catchphrase. I can laugh without being told; I have intelligence beyond the capibility of sheep. The above sketches' laughter tracks are all from live audiences, who do need need someone to point and tell them when to laugh through the use of a sodding bloody catchphrase.
People have the ability to understand more than just catchphrases.