I first heard the term “unintentional comedy” from The Sports Guy, a comical writer for ESPN.com. It’s pretty much a self-explanatory term. Basically anytime something is funny and it wasn’t supposed to be, that’s “unintentional comedy”. Some prime examples:
So now that you’ve had a short primer on the subject, I’d like to submit another nominee. Somehow we’re sitting around here watching (I’m mostly listening since I’m at the computer) the season finale of “The Bachelor”. Normally we’ll watch some comedy shows on Monday night but for some reason our antenna (that’s right baby, the big monstrosity on top of the house; not some sissy little Direct TV dish) isn’t picking up that channel right now.
What’s happened is that the “bachelor” just told America that his relationship with the girl he pledged his love to and asked to marry him ain’t going so great. Shockingly, things are different in their relationship since the filming of the show ended and they had to go back to real life instead of scenic plane rides and resort living in New Zealand. He then brought his fiancee (I think that term should be used loosely here) and told her such, which she rightly did not receive well and, in so many words, told him he lacked some needed male anatomy. He is now talking to the “runner up” and asking for a chance with her, saying that he’s always loved her.
As if that weren’t enough, throughout the show, and apparently the whole season, this dude (another term that should be used loosely here) has been bawling his eyes out and apparently is surprised at how he feels.
This, my friends, is unintentional comedy. I’ve laughed less at entire episodes of SNL. What makes me certain of it’s comedic potential is that Michelle has been laughing just as hard.
I’d like to know what you think of this on an unintentional comedy scale of 1 to 10. 10 being perhaps one of the examples I’ve given above. I think I’m going to settle on a 6.2. What say you?
UPDATE: The “runner up” and the “bachelor” are now making out on the interview couch. Folks, I am not making this up. He just broke off his engagement 30 minutes ago. Un-freakin-believable!!!!
UPDATE: There’s going to be a part 2 of “After the Final Rose” tomorrow night. This just keeps getting better.
After all that I’m changing my score to a solid 7.5.
7 responses so far ↓
pamajama // March 3, 2009 at 4:15 am |
I watched this, too, since absolutely nothing else was on television tonight. We haven’t watched it otherwise this season. What you wrote here was fantastic! It’s so true! The freaking plane rides & diving from million dollar boats!
I was cringeing through all of it, the professions of love to both women. It was making my skin crawl! Then we missed a piece and suddenly he’s changed his mind. Your description of “unintentional comedy” is exactly right.
The worst part is there’s a kid involved! Dad’s a bit scattered.
Aunt Martha // March 3, 2009 at 4:58 am |
I am sorry to say that I have watched this particular show once or twice with this particular bachelor. The very fact that he would move from one to the other in so quick a time is astounding to me. I say this because he “seemed” like one of those guys that was going to be “real.” By this I mean, he wouldn’t be so caught up in his own ego, and centering only on himself rather than finding the love of his life, so to speak.
I would have loved to have seen this episode, cause I know I would have fallen over in laughter too. People never cease to amaze me with the behaviors that they exhibit in real life and on TV.
All I can say is that some days I am more happy to be single than others. If this is what the world has to offer then I can sit patiently for “my soulmate” to drop from the sky like my mom thinks will happen.
Happy laughing, and keep the blogs coming, I love your insight sweet nephew of mine.
Aunt Martha // March 3, 2009 at 4:59 am |
P.S. I will watch tomorrow’s episode and give you my rating then.
Marian // March 3, 2009 at 5:26 pm |
I was also one of the million lame-O’s who also tuned into the train wreck formerly known as The Bachelor. Sort of reminds me of youth camp. You know, how the cool, cute boys would trade in their love interests, realizing after 36 hours that things just didn’t “feel right” anymore.
Unintentional Comedy: somewhere in the 6 range (only b/c these are real people with real, albeit very temporary, feelings.) But then again, David Hasselhoff…
Make it a 7.0.
But then again, the make-out session on the couch…give it a 7.5.
abrammajor // March 3, 2009 at 7:24 pm |
i’m pretty sure they did a cover of William Shatner singing that song on Family Guy, but knowing that it was real makes it even funnier.
Joan // March 4, 2009 at 2:25 pm |
Didn’t see it . . . wish I had . . . no, I don’t . . . well, yes, I do . . . kinda!
Do you have any idea how much I love the humor in your writing? The insight . . . yes, that’s great, too. Ah, but the humor!
Aunt Martha // March 5, 2009 at 1:04 pm |
I would have to say after watching Part 2 of After the Final Rose, I give the pathetic man who is really a boy a 5.5. I would give the snuggling couple a solid 8. Wonder how long it will take him to figure out this isn’t the right one either. And now you know, dear nephew why I have been single for as long as I have, no drama for this girl, or roses either. Burn them all, says he. Unbelieveable!!!!