Thanks for this link. Great article. (Jim Downey always comes off as a martyr to smart comedy, and it's nice that that was highlighted in this article.)

Thanks for this link. Great article. (Jim Downey always comes off as a martyr to smart comedy, and it's nice that that was highlighted in this article.)

It flopped with audiences (hell, the whole season did). But the Madonna episode was much like the rest of the season— subtle, charming, and smart. It didn't have many guffaws, but I don't hold that against comedy, if everything else works.

It flopped with audiences (hell, the whole season did). But the Madonna episode was much like the rest of the season— subtle, charming, and smart. It didn't have many guffaws, but I don't hold that against comedy, if everything else works.

Season 10 ('84-'85) is generally agreed to be successful, except for its overreliance on pre-filmed bits, and general lack of spontaneity. It was a decent sketch comedy show, but it didn't feel like SNL.

Season 10 ('84-'85) is generally agreed to be successful, except for its overreliance on pre-filmed bits, and general lack of spontaneity. It was a decent sketch comedy show, but it didn't feel like SNL.

Seconded, a million times seconded.

Seconded, a million times seconded.

Unlike the rest of the hack sketches listed above, the "wacky game show" sketch actually requires a premise.

Unlike the rest of the hack sketches listed above, the "wacky game show" sketch actually requires a premise.

Yep. Jim Downey.

@avclub-ccc36675ce8d7286aff56ecccb53d0a5:disqus No, the voice-over is done by a writer. I'd like to say Jim Downey. But definitely not a cast member.

Yeah, they brought in Erin in Season 5. And she was a nice dose of fresh blood. They've done nothing since, at least not until Michael left.

Yeah, they brought in Erin in Season 5. And she was a nice dose of fresh blood. They've done nothing since, at least not until Michael left.

After next season, assuming it's absolutely terrible, the run of The Office will still be 50-60% great. And at least 70-75% watchable.

After next season, assuming it's absolutely terrible, the run of The Office will still be 50-60% great. And at least 70-75% watchable.

And Seth Meyers, who as Head Writer deserves a lot of the blame for the lack of risky comedy over the last five years (and also a crappy Update), is entering his TWELFTH.

And Seth Meyers, who as Head Writer deserves a lot of the blame for the lack of risky comedy over the last five years (and also a crappy Update), is entering his TWELFTH.

There were countless concept albums dating to the very earliest days of the LP. (With far more cohesion than Sgt Pepper, at any rate.)

There were countless concept albums dating to the very earliest days of the LP. (With far more cohesion than Sgt Pepper, at any rate.)