Odd Coupling

I've become a big fan of the BBC series "Coupling" (on BBC America) and so was disappointed to read this probably accurate review on ext|circ called "Uncoupled in the USA," of the American knock-off coming to NBC. Coupling is essentially a British "Friends," a bit more risque and a lot more, well, British. If you like that sort of thing it's much more satisfying than Friends. While one hopes that an American version will be worthwhile, what's the point? An American Coupling already exists in the form of Friends and if Americans want to see the British version they can see, well, Coupling (on BBC America).

That being said, one of the things that makes Coupling clever is that tey tend to fool the audience. Think of the classic Three's Company plot in which there is a fundamental misunderstanding with humerous consequences. However, the audience always knew exactly what the misunderstanding was (usually before it even happened.) With Coupling the audience doesn't always know what's going on (for those who have seen it, think about the episode with Peter awakened in the middle of the night screaming "glass" and headed over to Sally's) and so the payoff is better. If this doesn't make any sense, watch the show... on the BBC.

While I'm at it: The Office is a fantasticly funny show as well. Think "Office Space" with subtlety.