Hey TV fans,
I took a rare deviation from my usual meal-time cable television ambience this evening and tuned to Channel 9. There I saw about 90 seconds of their latest US sitcom import, ABC’s “The Middle.” Even though I only watched it for 90 seconds, it was overwhelmingly obvious to me that this show is nothing but a blatant carbon copy of “Malcolm in the Middle.”
Take a look for yourself…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgyOqrMg–o&feature=player_embedded
Here are the similarities I’ve passively picked up on:
1. The title of the show “The Middle” is but one proper noun and one conjunction short of “Malcolm in the Middle.”
2. 3 of the cast members are DEAD RINGERS for their “Malcolm in the Middle” counterparts, ie. Patricia Heaton/Jane Kaczmarek (Frankie/Lois), Neil Flynn/Bryan Cranston (Mike/Hal) & Atticus Shaffer/Erik Per Sullivan (Brick/Dewey). Not only that, they seem to be practically the same characters.
3. Both shows are single camera, have no laugh track, use similar transitions and both employ similar musical stings that abruptly stop and start for comic effect.
4. Patricia Heaton’s character is named “Frankie.” A possible reference to Frankie Muniz? He of course played Malcolm on “Malcolm in the Middle.”
5. Both shows break the fourth wall and speak to the viewer directly (“Malcolm in the Middle” through Malcolm speaking directly to the camera and “The Middle” via Patricia Heaton’s voice-overs).
Now I’m admitting I haven’t even watched a whole act of this show. Or the opening title sequence, so I’m sure there’s even more similarities. And I’m sure there’s plenty of differences too. Of course, it’s easy to criticise. I’m the first to admit there are no new ideas in comedy, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t employ some freaking subtlety! I couldn’t believe how obvious it was! Surely I’m not the only one to notice this?
But of course, what do I care? I probably won’t watch it anyway. On the other hand, recent television shows that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend: Mad Men, Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 7, The Cleveland Show, John Adams and John Safran’s Race Relations. All great shows I’ve seen in the last 12 months.
Kind regards,
David M. Green
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