ANALYSIS OF A BRADY BUNCH EPISODE
[Note: I started this post several years ago and abandoned it many times due to its bloated and ridiculous nature. Yet I found myself revisiting it again and again, months or years apart, and somehow it wound up finished. It is with hesitance and a bit of shame that I present the completed article.]
When describing The Brady Bunch I might use words like: comforting, enjoyable, beloved, and life-changing, but "funny" is just not one of them. Believe it or not, it is well documented that the show was meant to be a Comedy, and in fact, certain sequences were written with intent to cause laughter.
Ive often pondered the nature of Brady humor. So much happens in the name of mirth, yet it yields so little. Its not just because its outdated. Plenty of shows older than The Brady Bunch can still get real laughs. While there is a juvenile element, I dont think its to blame either. I think the Bradys arent funny because theyre too realistic. Their casual wisecracks resemble the real life humor that ordinary people attempt as they relate to one another everyday, especially if kids are around.
I wouldnt roll my eyes if I had a coworker who joked around like Alice, but I wouldnt laugh aloud either. Neither do the Bradys. They usually retort with a quip and move on. Yet the canned laughter on the show seems to indicate that the gags are supposed to be laugh-out-loud funny. This divide between the artificial audience and the response from real humans can create a dissonance that is off-putting for many viewers.
What exactly were the writers trying to pass off as jokes?
Ive set out to answer this question by over-analyzing a full episode on a joke-by-joke basis. In this article you will find a shows worth of transcribed dialogue along with over fifty screenshots. For every quip, every antic, and every monkeyshine I have documented the following information...
-The per-joke laugh track intensity on a 4 star rating system
-The type of humor
-A literal description of the joke
To clarify on the "laugh track intensity," close inspection reveals that the prerecorded laughter on the Bradys can vary from joke to joke. The audio engineer adjusted the intensity and duration of each phony burst of laughter according to the perceived funniness of each gag. So some "bigger" jokes get riotous laughter while other gags nearly bomb with the faux crowd. I have developed a laugh-o-meter in which the number of stars is proportionate to the length and robustness of the "laughter."
* = A chuckle from one or two members of the audience.
** = A brief expression of amusement from a modest portion of the crowd.
*** = A hearty laugh had by all. The general consensus is that this is funny stuff.
****= The highest level of uncontrollable laughter, reserved for only the most outrageously comedic moments in a given episode.
(-) = The rare instance when a joke was likely intended by the writer, however the execution failed to the extent that no fake laughs were issued.
The episode Ive selected for my study is "The Slumber Caper" (Season 2: Episode 3, original airdate: October 9, 1970). It can be seen here in its entirety (EDIT: if youre a "CBS All Access" subscriber.) Let us begin this in-depth dissection of one particular story of a man named Brady...
The Brady girls impatiently wait outside Mikes den as mister and missus Brady discuss something seemingly important.
CAROLIts part of growing up for a girl.
MIKE
Jan and Cindy in on this too?
CAROL
Well it wouldnt be fair to leave them out.
Back outside the den...
ALICE
Any Word?
JAN
Not yet.
Back to Mike and Carol...
MIKE
Lets go ahead with it.
If Rome can outlast an invasion by the barbarians what can a few little girls do to the Brady House?**
[Hyperbole/Historic Reference- Little girls are compared to brutal barbarians while the Brady house is likened to the Roman Empire. After successfully withstanding numerous barbarian invasions in the early 5th century Rome was eventually engulfed by the savage hordes, reducing it to chaos.]
MARSHA
Well mom?
CAROL
Yes Marsha, you can have your slumber party!***
[Misdirection/Relief- Thus far in the episode dramatic devices such as solemn music and melodramatic acting have indicated dire circumstances. It is revealed that the situation is in fact, lighthearted.]
Later in the Kitchen, Mike walks in and finds Alice behind the counter expressing visible concern.MIKE
Hey Alice did ya hear?
Were gonna have a slumber party.
Said were gonna have a slumber party.
ALICE
I heard.
MIKE
Whats the matter?
ALICE
Just thought Id start doing something useful for the party
like nailing down the furniture. **
[Hyperbole- Nailing down furniture as a method of party preparation is extreme, and beyond the bounds of normal behavior. Effectual damage to the furniture would practically defeat the purpose of the act.]
MIKE
(laughs)
Alice.. Just a few little girls.. it cant be that bad.
ALICE
Mr. Brady have you ever been to a slumber party?
MIKE
No. Cant say that I have.
ALICE
Well I have, and one thing is certain...
MIKE
Mmmmm, whats that?
ALICE
Nobody.. NOBODY slumbers.**
[Word Play/Irony- Alice points out the incongruity between the name of the event and the activity that generally takes place during these events.]
MIKELaughs momentarily before his face takes on a look of shock.**
[Schadenfreude/Physical Comedy- Mike expresses displeasure and fear with an exaggerated reaction.]
Meanwhile the Brady boys hang out on the swing set in the backyard...
GREG
Were gonna be invaded by girls.
BOBBY
Will there be a lot of em?
PETER
Wont matter how many. It will seem like a million.*
[Hyperbole/Schadenfreude- Peter uses a high number to get his point across. He is obviously displeased with the notion of many female visitors.]
GREG
They wont do anything but giggle all night long.
PETER
You know Ill bet ya Marsha invites that Paula Tarry.
Boy is she hung up on you.*
[Teasing/Schadenfreude- The audience laughs with Peter as he taunts Greg.]
GREG
Thats a disgusting thought. Ill probably have to hide all night.
BOBBY
Maybe Ill have to hide too. Somebody might be hung up on me.**
[Enthymeme/Childs Logic- Bobbys faulty reasoning leads him to believe that this situation also applies to him. He is unaware that it is unlikely that a girl of Marshas age would be interested in such a young boy.]
MIKE
Hey fellas. Cmon I can use a little help.
GREG
Whats up dad?
MIKE
I wanna get the sleeping bags out of the storage room in the garage and air em out.
Cmon.
GREG
Are we going camping?
PETER
Like maybe Saturday night while all the girls are here?*
[Wishful Thinking- Peter made an assumption based entirely on that which he desires rather than seeking rational evidence.]
MIKE
No, sorry fellas. No such luck.
GREG
Why the sleeping bags?
MIKE
Well, for the slumber party. We cant put all the girls up there in the girls room, theyd be packed in like sardines.
BOBBY
Are they gonna sleep out in the back yard?
MIKE
No theyre gonna sleep in the living room in the sleeping bags.
GREG
In our sleeping bags.
PETER
Theyll get em all full of perfume.
BOBBY
Well all stink!**
[Childs logic/Irony- Likely due to his young age, Bobbys opinion that perfume is odorous is the opposite of common understanding.]
MIKE
Eh, Thatll be enough of that, now cmon, help me.
Later in the kitchen the girls make suggestions as Carol and Alice write up a grocery list...MARSHA
Lets have hot dogs!
CAROL
Good idea.
JAN
Why not hamburgers?
CAROL
No, hot dogs are easier.
ALICEHot Dogs.*
[Empathy/Character Driven- Because of her role as the family cook Alice is eager to take on the easier dish and shes not ashamed of flaunting this fact. The audience relates to this as they are also lazy.]
CINDY
How bout jelly beans?*
[Childs logic- Cindys suggestion is nearly inappropriate. Her notion is based on her shortsighted desire for candy which possesses excellent flavor but low nutritional value.]
JAN
With mustard and relish.
MARSHA
And lots of pickles too.
ALICE
Mus. Rel. Pic.
CINDY
And jelly beans.*
[Running Gag/Childs Logic- Cindys return to this already poor suggestion further indicates her desire, stubbornness, and self-centeredness.]
ALICE
And one bag jelly beans.
CINDY
Thanks Alice.*
[Running gag/Childs Logic- Cindy finally gets her way thanks to her relentless pestering.]
CAROL
Listen you kids better get your books. Youre gonna be late for school.
CINDY
Bye mommy.
JAN
Okay. Bye.
MARSHA
Mom, remember what you and dad promised.
CAROL
I remember.
Mike walks in hearing the tail end of the conversation.
MIKE
What did dad promise?
CAROL
Oh, well it was kind of what I promised for both of us.
MIKE
Oh, yeah.
CAROL
That eh, wed leave the girls alone. We wouldnt hang around the party.
MIKEWell, what shall we do?
(imitating W.C. Fields) Spend a quiet evening in the garage?**
[Impersonation/Absurdity- Mike mimics the movement and vocal style of the comic actor W.C. Fields. He implies that staying clear of the house leaves them with an unlikely and undesirable option.]
CAROL
Oh, Mike.
MIKE
...(continues impersonation) to patch a few old tires.**
[Impersonation/Absurdity- Mike continues to playfully imitate a well known actor. Patching tires is not generally considered to be an appropriate or desirable act on a date.]
CAROL
Oh, no I have a much better idea for us.
MIKE
Uh, oh. What?
CAROL
Would you like a little hint?
MIKE
Uh huh.
CAROL
Well, um, dinner for two, candlelight, soft music...dancing...
MIKE
Youre a great hinter, you know that?*
[Word Play/Understatement- Mike indicates that Carols "hint" was actually a list of complete ideas. However he approves of her suggestions because of their romantic nature.]
MIKE
That sounds good. That is unless Alice doesnt mind holding down the fort while were gone.
ALICE
Oh, I dont mind holding down the fort. Just bear in mind that those were the last words of General Custer.***
[Wisecrack/Hyperbole/Historic Reference-Alice draws a parallel between the girls party and a well-known massacre.]
Later in the girls room, Marsha makes out a list of invited guests.MARSHA
Now lets see. Ive already invited Jenny Wilton, my best friend... and Paula Tarry from my English class... now, who else?
CINDY
What do you do at a slumber party?
MARSHA
Well, you play games and you talk about boys. And you talk about boys and you play games.*
[Character Driven/Redundancy- Marsha makes a statement followed by a similar statement with words reversed to emphasize her obsession with young men, which is an ongoing obsession for her character.]
CINDY
What are the games about?
JAN
Boys!*
[Character Driven/Running Gag- Jan revisits the subject with even more emphasis to reiterate the value that these young girls place on the opposite sex.]
CINDY
Boys? Who likes Boys?**
[Childs Logic- Cindys young age and lack of hormonal activity prevents her from understanding her sisters fascination with the opposite sex.]
Meanwhile in the boys room...GREG
Hey, I got it. Oh, boy have I got an idea. Are we gonna have fun at that slumber party.
PETER
You gotta be kidding!
BOBBY
Im not going around any of those girls.**
[Childs Logic/Running Gag- Bobbys young age prevents him from desiring any encounters with the opposite sex. His statement echoes Cindys attitude.]
GREG
Listen to me you guys, now listen.. were gonna pull tricks on em.. get it?
BOBBY
Tricks?
GREG
Yeah, you know, scare em. Jokes.
PETER AND BOBBY
Yeah!**
[Character Driven- The boys unified enthusiasm is both boyish and infectious.]
GREG
Now we oughta be able to think of some really great stuff.
BOBBY
Like rubber spiders?*
[Practical Joke- the notion of commercially made novelty spiders for the purpose of instilling fear is amusing in itself.]
GREG
Its a good start.
PETER
Scary masks! Spooky noisemakers* and one of those plastic skeletons!*
[Novelty Items- These have inherent comedic value and are universally appreciated.]
GREG
Yeah, yeah thats good! Hey wait a minute.. wait a minute.
I got it. Oh boy, is this beautiful!
PETER AND BOBBY
What?
GREG
Itching powder in the sleeping bags!**
[Deviance- Greg has devised a method of disrupting the girls plans that could potentially cause extreme discomfort.]
PETER AND BOBBY
Yeah!
Later in the back yard Mike and Carol inspect a row of sleeping bags on the ground.
CAROL
Well I know the boys aired these out Mike, but they still seem a little dusty to me.
MIKE
Yeah well, I got em to do them this morning. I guess they didnt have too much enthusiasm for the job.
CAROL
Well maybe we oughta hang them up and beat them.
MIKE
Sleeping bags or the boys?**
[Sick Joke- Mike feigns a misinterpretation of Carols statement to make it sound as if he thought she was condoning child abuse.]
CAROL
Oh, Mike. Well, look I think Id better go check the food for the party.
MIKE
Hey, is all that just for the girls?
(Phew) I thought we were starting a supply depot for the eighth army.**
[Hyperbole- Mike makes an exaggerated comparison between their party food supply and a government storehouse for the eighth army (which was stationed in South Korea when the episode aired.) In reality, the food they purchased would not be sufficient to feed such an army for even a single meal.]
GREG
Hi mom and dad.
MIKE
Say listen Gregory, your mothers not too happy with the job you guys did on the sleeping bags.
CAROL
Yeah I think they need just a little more freshening up.
MIKE
No its not gonna take too much time. All you have to...
GREG
(interrupting) Sure wed be glad to.*
[In-joke- The audience understands Gregs sudden shift in behavior due to his new motivation.]
MIKE
Huh?**
[Misunderstanding- Mike is puzzled. The audience feels superior and is entertained by his confusion.]
GREG
Well do anything mom wants us to do.
MIKE
You will?*
[Misunderstanding- Mike remains confused.]
CAROL
Thank you Greg.
GREG
No trouble. Ill go get the guys.
CAROL
I thought you said they werent too enthusiastic.
MIKE
Thats funny, thats what I thought I said too.**
[Word play- While Mike clearly remembers his earlier statement, he is pretending to be unsure. This is his way of communicating his confusion brought on by his recent encounter with Greg.]
The next day at school Marsha is in the principals office.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH (to Marsha)Mrs. Denton found this when she was tidying up the desks in her room. Please take a look at it.
Randolph hands Marsha a sheet of notebook paper.
MARSHA(reading the caption under an illustration on the paper)
"Mrs. Denton or a Hippopotamus?"
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
Is that your handwriting and your class?
MARSHA
Yes sir.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
Did you draw that picture?
MARSHA
Yes sir, but thats not Mrs. Denton. Its George Washington.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
George Washington?**
[Unexpected/Dissonance/Physical Comedy- This revelation is shocking given the poor likeness of the drawing. The crowd delights in (and possibly empathizes with) the principals perplexed reaction.]
MARSHA
Theres a picture of him on the wall and I was copying it.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
And what about Mrs. Dentons name and that remark?
MARSHA
I didnt write her name, or that remark.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
Marsha I think youd better explain.
MARSHA
But I cant! I mean... Well, I finished my classwork a little early and I was doodling and my name happened to be on the paper.
I doodled George Washington. I didnt doodle Mrs. Denton.**
[Situational/Alliteration?- Theres no joke here. The canned laughter may be intended as a response to the phrase "didnt doodle Mrs. Denton." Either that, or Marshas distress.]
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
Doesnt much look like George Washington.
MARSHA
I guess Im not a very good artist.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
You expect me to believe this is your paper, your name, and your drawing, but you didnt write her name or that remark.
MARSHA
Thats right Mr. Randolph
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
Marsha Id like to believe you. Youve always been a good student, but what youre saying doesnt sound logical.
MARSHA
But I didnt do it.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
This sort of thing has happened before, too often. Not just you but the other students.
MARSHA
But Mr. Randolph...
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
Im afraid youre going to have to be the example. Youll have to stay after school one hour everyday for a week. Thats all Marsha. Except because youll be staying after school Ill have to notify your parents.
After school back at the Brady den, Mike and Carol talk to Marsha.
CAROL
As much as we hate to do it Marsha, Im afraid you cant have your slumber party.
MARSHA
My party?
MIKE
Honey, that drawing might have seemed funny at the time, but you just must have respect for your teachers.
MARSHA
But I didnt do it! I didnt write Mrs. Dentons name on it or that stupid remark.
CAROL
Your principal said you did honey and hes a very responsible man. He wouldnt punish you for nothing.
MARSHA
You mean youd rather believe him than me.
MIKE
Marsha, from what youve said that paper was in your desk and your name was on it. Now what else could Mr. Randolph think?
MARSHA
You dont believe me either. And if you dont I dont want a party or anything ever from you!
That night before Mike and Carol go to bed they discuss the issue...MIKE
Its not like her honey. Ive never seen Marsha so adamant.
CAROL
Thats one thing about Marsha when shes wrong she admits it.
MIKE
And the slumber party isnt the big problem. Its the fact that we dont believe her.
CAROLMike do you think Mr. Randolph could be mistaken?
MIKE
Well theres one way to find out.
The next day Mike sits in Mr. Randolphs office holding the drawing.
MIKE
Well, I cant vouch for the drawing or whats printed underneath, but theres no doubt about the class and the name. Thats Marshas handwriting alright.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
There was only one conclusion I could reach Mr. Brady.
MIKE
Oh, yes of course, its uh, just that Marsha was so upset I felt I had to speak to ya.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
I understand. Marshas always been an excellent student but uh, well, we do have to preserve discipline.
MIKE
Oh, yes. My wife and I certainly agree with you on that. Well, thanks for you time Mr. Randolph.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
Not at all. I only wish more parents would take the time to get involved.
MIKE
By the way, would you mind if I kept that.
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
Oh, of course not.
MIKE
Thanks.
Uh, Mr. Randolph...Does Mrs. Denton really look like that?*
[Situational/Taboo- Mike breaches the topic of Mrs. Dentons possibly hideous appearance.]
PRINCIPAL RANDOLPH
Unfortunately yes.**
[Derogatory/Socially Awkward/Schadenfreude- To answer the question honestly Denton must reveal a negative aspect of one of his staff. The fact that she is unattractive is also hilarious.]
CAROL
It could be George Washington.
MIKE
Well of course it could. You know she admits she drew the picture but anybody could have done the printing.
CAROL
Mike, what do you think?
MIKE
Honey I think an understandable mistake has been made and we ought to take Marshas word for it.
CAROL
Well I think we should too.
MIKE
Of course this is just our judgment. Theres no way to prove it to Mr. Randolph.
CAROL
I know. What about the slumber party?
MIKE
As far as Im concerned the punishment at home is off! Lets have the party.
CAROL
Good. Ill tell her.
MIKE
And Ill tell General Custer to get her boots and saber out of mothballs.**
[Wisecrack/Running Gag/Historical Reference- A continuation of the comparison between the slumber party and Custers last stand.]
Soon thereafter, Carol enters the girls bedroom.
CAROL
Marsha. Your father and I just had a little talk. Now we dont know exactly what happened at school, but we think theres been a mistake. We believe what you said about the picture.
MARSHA
Thanks mom.
CAROL
Well youll still have to go along with your punishment at school but the slumber party is on again!
GIRLS
(Scream.) Thanks mom!
The boys sit in their room and hear the commotion from the girls room.
GREG
I wonder whats up.
MIKE
Hey fellas I just thought youd like to know the slumber partys on again.
BOYS
Really? It is?
BOBBY
Hooray!**
[Irony/In-Joke- Bobbys reaction is the opposite of what Mike expects, while the audience understands the discrepancy.]
MIKE
Well, I hardly expected that reaction.
PETER
Well, were kind of looking forward to it.
BOBBY
Yeah.*
[Character Driven- Being a naive boy, Bobby is unable to mask his excitement which could arouse suspicion and ruin their secret plan.]
MIKE
Oh, you are?
GREG
Uh, they mean were looking forward to the girls having a good time.**
[Deviance/Absurdity- Greg tells an unlikely lie to his father in an effort to rationalize his brothers behavior.]
MIKE
Oh yeah, well thats, thats very nice of you Greg. All you boys.
PETER
Well be glad to do anything to help the party along.
BOBBY
Yeah, anything. (chuckling)**
[Character Driven- Oblivious to his brothers lie and disapproving looks, Bobby continues to reveal his tell-tale enthusiasm.]
MIKE
Whats so funny?
BOBBY
Nothing. Nothing.**
[Character Driven- Bobby follows his brothers example and lies to his father. His inexperience makes the deception obvious.]
PETER
That dumb do-do laughs at anything. *
[Character Driven/Deviance- Peter uses a weak blanket statement to explain his brothers behavior, as if Mike doesnt know his own son.]
GREG
Yeah, hes got a real weird sense of humor.**
[Character Driven/Derogatory/Deviance Greg reiterates Peters statement. This cover up doubles as an insult.]
MIKE
Okay.
Mike walks toward the door. Pauses and turns around with a look of suspicion.**
[Physical Comedy- As always, Mikes visible skepticism and confusion is certified comedy gold.]
After dad leaves, Greg hits Bobby with a pillow.***
[Slapstick/Relief- Greg physically lashes out at his younger brother in an act of retribution for his foolishness.]
The girls are back in their bedroom.
JAN
Arent you happy?
MARSHA
About the party? Yes. And mom and dad believing me.*
[Erroneous-This in no way resembles a joke. One can only conclude that the laugh track was placed here in error.]
But I still have to stay after school for something I didnt do.
CINDY
I wonder who did it.
MARSHA
Ive been thinking about that. Ive got English the next to last period in the afternoon. So I figure whoever used my desk for the last period might be the one.
JAN
Hey yeah, thats the only one it could be.
CINDY
But do you know who it is?
MARSHA
Jenny Wilton.
JAN
Jenny Wilton? Shes your best friend!
MARSHA
She was my best friend.
JAN