MCRR readiness

When you binge on multiple sitcoms you start to notice patterns. One of the patterns I’ve picked up on is what I call the “MCRR readiness” arc. The entire premise of a show can be seen in how it treats this arc.

“The Big Bang Theory” is all about this arc. The main characters start out hopelessly unable to sustain a meaningful committed romantic relationship (MCRR). Then one by one they progress to readiness.

“Seinfeld” is the exact opposite. Everything about the show circles around the fact that none of these people is ever going to be ready for an MCRR. In a sense, that very dysfunction is their comedic narcissistic superpower.

“Frazier” is poised perfectly at the midpoint between these two premises. Yes, the protagonists are capable of progressing toward an MCRR. But getting past their own enormous and (delightfully funny) narcissism is going to make it very difficult going.

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