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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board  /  Series  /  The Awkward Age
Posted by: Don, April 22nd, 2008, 7:21pm
The Awkward Age - Pilot by Thomas Cox - Series, Comedy - Zach and Natasha are a couple in their early 20's who seem to be going alright but an impending visit from Nat's parents forces them to recruit Zach's friend Cameron as a housemate. Will his presence make Zach revert to his high school ways or is their relationship strong enough to last the distance? 32 pages - doc, format 8)
Posted by: bryan00009, May 4th, 2008, 11:01pm; Reply: 1
"Awkward Age" -- Great title, but that's about all you've got here.  It seems you don't quite get the concept of a TV pilot.  It's a new show: it's about introducing a variety of interesting and likable characters, a unique situation, hinting at the major story arc that will drive the show over numerous episodes, and establishing the all-important tone that will pull viewers in and make them want to see more.  I don't see anything more than some dull conversations and one or two implausible plot points.
-- Loofah joke?  Yeah, I seen that Seinfeld episode too.  Try writing your own jokes please.
-- Email addresses?  How do you propose to make that funny on a TV show?  You know why TV shows never show people sitting around staring at computers?  Because it's static; it's not visual.  Jokes that need to be explained are not funny.
-- Religion?  You think that just mentioning religion or juxtaposing "real religious" people and lazy jerks will be funny?  That's something on the level of the Benny Hill show.  C'mon, that isn't going to work.

Okay, it seems you wanted to say something about people in their twenties (marriage, parents, first job) but you forgot what.  Back to basics: Start with an outline.  Instead of that corny, trying-to-be-cute, unfunny dialogue, how about creating some character bios, listing the major plot points you want to establish, the complications, and coming up with more and varied character types.  Then try reading the script out loud, as if performing in front of people who've never heard it.  That's how you know if it's any good or not.  
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