Issues not part of “Seinfeld” comedy
Friday’s editorial stated that comparing “the immeasurable political and social impact” of the television show “MASH” to “Seinfeld” is ridiculous. I agree wholeheartedly.”MASH” and “Seinfeld” are completely different shows. First of all, “MASH” was another in a long line of sensitive-comedy shows that we’ve seen a sickening glut of recently. It may have been one of the better ones – maybe even the best – but how many times have we seen the “Home Improvement” episode where the family learns a valuable lesson about life when they catch junior smoking? Or the drug-use episode? Or the racism episode? Or the funeral episode? There are way too many series like “Home Improvement,” “Roseanne,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” and dozens of others where every season an “issue” show is produced to show the public that even a lowly sitcom has a conscience.Jerry Seinfeld refused to sink to this level. His show’s “no hugging, no learning” credo revolutionized television comedy. Even when main characters such as the cancer-less Jerry Fogel or George’s fiancee Susan actually died, no one got teary eyed or made a speech about how much life meant. “Seinfeld” never got maudlin simply because Jerry, along with co-creator Larry David, realized that a funny show should be funny. That’s what it’s all about: being funny, not being nice.But “Seinfeld” was a different kind of show than “MASH.” “MASH’s” anti-war message was timely and well-done, while “Seinfeld’s” cynical observations about life were a brilliant form of jaded, half-serious social commentary. Which one is better is strictly a matter of opinion. But for my money, you can leave the “issue” shows for the people who want to be preached to; “Seinfeld” remains the greatest television show ever.
Andy HendersonFreshman
