This classic sitcom about an everyman Doug and his loving wife Carrie mixes the friendship energy of Joey, Chandler, Monica, and Rachel with the married-couple-shenanigans energy of Everybody Loves Raymond. I found the writing of Carrie to be more generous than how Patricia Heaton complained about how Ray's wife Debra was in Everybody loves Raymond. She gets typecast in the traditional wife roles of secretary, chaste Madonna, teacher, voice of morality, etc. a bit, but I feel the writers like her, and give her plot points that make her more likable and relatable. But hey, I'm not a woman! So perhaps a more critical view from a woman who is more frustrated by traditional gender roles would dislike the writing for Carrie. At least I liked her.
The season starts off with Carrie's mom passing and her dad Arthur burning down their house they've lived in for decades. I was debating whether I should include this spoiler, but it definitely motivates Arthur living with Carrie and Doug, so I decided to include it. It happens extremely early in the season. As their house burns down, Carrie's younger sister also moves in with Doug and Carrie, but she progressively shows up less and less, with more attention being given to Doug's boys and Arthur's Kramer-esque ridiculous and hilarious antics.
Arthur is my favorite character this season. There are many likable folks, but Arthur is the zaniest, funniest, most dramatic character. Many of the funniest plot lines involve Arthur, and his energy on screen lends itself to hijinks. I laugh whenever I see his face.
Doug's friends Spence, Deacon, and Richie also contribute to the humor and certainly to the plot lines. Spence is the nerd, written with very stereotypical character traits; he is single; he still lives with his mom; he like Star Trek; he has read literature. We also learn Doug and Richie used to bully him in high school, which does raise the question of why he doesn't hang out with his fellow "bullieds", as is more typical of friend groups. Deacon is the straight man, and the easiest to cheer for. He works with Doug, driving a delivery truck, though as is typical of sitcoms, we don't see the characters at work that much unless it lends itself to a funny plot. He rarely gets many objectionable lines; Richie is the troublemaker. Richie is the biggest playboy of the boys, and was cool in high school. But even for Richie, we can find something positive to say. His accent amuses us, as does his random use of the nickname "Moose" for Doug.
On a more practical note, the show also teaches the younger audience members our familial, age, gender, dating, marriage, occupational and economic customs, which is a very valuable way to get all the young-uns on the same page about these cultural practices.
4.9 / 6 Stars
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