My roommate Laura (Shepard ‘12-Happy 20th Birthday!) often says “Allie, you’re CRA-ZZZZY!” I don’t believe she thinks I’m crazy in the mumble-into-my-shoulder type crazy, but rather in what makes certain TV shows great: the character crazy. Or think about it like this: How many people do you run across in your average day? I’m no math major, nor do I care to sit in my Magical Mushrooms class and count, but it’s a pretty large number. How many people really stand out to you? Or, if one of your friend is dating a really, super bland-as-sand-in-the-dessert guy/girl? It drives you crazy because that person better be good at something if your friend is keeping them around (wink wink).

This is why sitcom characters work. Think about it, what would The Office be without Dwight, Creed, Andy or anyone else on that show? They grab your attention instantly by all the crazy shenanigans that they do. In no way, shape or form would punching a wall out of anger be ok, but when Andy did it after Jim hid his cell phone in the ceiling, it was hysterical. Or maybe it’s just because he’s from Cornell (Hey NBC, film Andy’s reunion episode while I’m still here!!!).

The king of sitcom characters had got to be awarded to the king himself, so fantastic that he can even be referenced by the initials NPH. Neil Patrick Harris. Like a tiger hiding in a fur-coat rug factory, NPH has been a perpetual swinging door of characters. From Doogie Howser, M.D. where he played the 8-year old equivalent to House (minus the cane) to even a mocking version of himself in the cult favorite Harold & Kumar films, Harris keeps audiences wondering about the next crazy thing he’ll do and say. Now, while playing the well dressed Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother and making the phrase “Suit Up!” a new precedent in our society, he has just signed a contract with Fox to be on an episode of Glee (returning in April). Hollywood has essentially reached a stalemate with the American people. Writers often find themselves caught up in stereotypes and a staunch belief of what they think is funny and acceptable. Instead of the predictable set-up, writers are taking cues from the hot-mess of reality television improvision and running with it.

Essentially, the future of comedy and characters on television is going to be in the hands of the writers. I wouldn’t be able to accept myself as an uber shy, boring person without having to laugh at the ridiculousness of myself. Because just like life, uncensored comedies are what really strikes people’s funny bones.Worse comes to worse, they can come to Ithaca and watch the characters that are wandering aound here. I’m sure they would love the guy who sits at CTB and reads The New York Times out loud, cover to cover. I know I do.