Movie DVDWill & Grace debuted with a controversial splash because one of its two lead characters is gay–but smart writing and topnotch performances, not politics, have made the show a hit. Two neurotic and sharp-tongued urbanites–gay lawyer Will (Eric McCormack) and straight interior designer Grace (Debra Messing)–delight in their volatile but enduring friendship as they share a sumptuous New York apartment. Sweeping into the mix are Will’s unapologetically queeny friend Jack (Sean Hayes) and Grace’s wildly eccentric assistant Karen (Megan Mullally). Much like Seinfeld, the humor on Will & Grace springs from self-obsession, petty jealousy, and compulsive interfering in each other’s lives–basically, the building blocks of human nature. The show’s writers apparently feel compelled to keep the lead characters warm and likeable in the usual sitcom mode (which hardly seems necessary, as McCormack and Messing are naturally engaging). As a result, it’s Jack and Karen who get free reign to be truly obnoxious and ridiculous–which, of course, makes them incredibly funny and charismatic. Hayes and Mullally rise to the occasion, ripping through absurd situations and arias of narcissistic wit with dazzling panache.
Will & Grace‘s plots routinely center around scenarios that could feature a married couple or two same-sex roommates: Will and Grace bicker over buying a dog, find their relationship tested by apartment renovations, or discover they’re both pursuing the same guy–standard sitcom material that the gay factor gives a clever spin. Though their relationship gets in the way of their sex lives, the two take so much pleasure in each other’s company that they can’t help but stick together–a surprisingly chaste theme for such a culturally groundbreaking show, but one that Will & Grace‘s addicted audience undoubtedly appreciates. –Bret Fetzer
Buy “Will & Grace – Season One” For Only $11.86
January 31, 2006
#1
If you are a fan of the Will & Grace show then you definitely should buy Season One. I enjoyed the interviews with the cast, directors and creator. I learned a lot of behind the scenes informations. Do yourself a favor and buy it.
January 31, 2006
#2
I’ve seen about three episodes of WILL & GRACE and I just don’t get it. The weakest SEINFELD is still better than what I’ve seen. Debra Messing comes off as mental and her desperate need to be friends with Eric McCormack is just weird. I wonder what gays would do if SNL or any other comedy show resorted to the stereotypes seen here.
I’ve also noticed that the studio audience–whoever they are–completely over-do their laughter at times, as if they were making a political statement instead of enjoying a good laugh. The laughter comes across as forced and even desperate.
Does anyone else notice that?
February 1, 2006
#3
First thing out of the way, before the knee-jerk reaction brigade accuse The Curmudgeon of being homophobic.. I’m not, at all. Why, some of my best friends are gay etc etc.
No, it’s not that I object to. I don’t care what the characters are or do to one another – as long as it’s funny. And this is where Will And Grace falls at the very first hurdle – it’s JUST. NOT. FUNNY.
So the two males are gay. Hurrah. No problem. Question – why do gay people HAVE to be represented as screaming queens, (Jack), screeching and bitching and being quite simply the worst character in sitcom history.
Then there’s Karen, who’s “character” is based purely on the fact she has a squeaky voice. Oh HA HA HA HA HA. And of course, as the series went on, that voice just got more and more high pitched until only dogs could hear it.
Of course, every simpleton loves this show, slapping their thighs at every stupid plot device, every tired, shameless mugging to the camera and irritating vocal tick.
This isn’t “cutting edge” television. It’s not breaking any boundaries – it merely shows gay people as DIFFERENT to straights. They’re not just everyday people, noooo, they’re camp as a row of tents, shouting and falling over and yelping and generally being really, really, REALLY annoying.
Is this the sort of message we want to get across? Of course it isn’t. Don’t be fooled.
February 1, 2006
#4
The reason I bought Season 1 of W&G is that, unlike later seasons, it wasn’t cluttered with guest stars! Yes, there were a few, but most of it consists of the people whom I most wanted to see– the cast.
February 1, 2006
#5
Loud, unfunny, the lines shouted sitcom style. I really tried to like this, watched 2-3 episodes and gave up. Where’s the beef?