Seth MacFarlane at the Oscars - Is He Ready?

by Mike Reyes

1. He's Eager...But He's Still Somewhat Unprepared

Ted Overall, Seth MacFarlane's most valuable asset is his own natural likability. He's got a natural smile and wit about him, as if he's eternally at a Cocktail Party. What's more, the man cleans up well, and he seems like the type of guy you'd want to hang out with, if only to help him revive the bygone era he revels in. Not many people can be up for 5:30 in the morning and form coherent sentences, much less improv punchlines with something as mundane as an awards nomination. Seth MacFarlane is the type of guy that it not only seems natural for, but it seems like something he enjoys doing. Just because he enjoys it and is eager to do so, doesn't mean he's all that good at it. If this morning's press conference is any indication, he's going to shoe horn at least one Hitler joke in as the night goes on, and it won't be a funny one. Also, his humor is the type that straddles the line between smug and just really self assured. This line is something he's yet to master the balance of, and this could lead to frustration if he blows even one gag. I don't know the man, but knowing the art of Comedy in as limited a capacity as I do, it's safe to say that the frustration of a gag unsuccessful will ruin further gags after that. The impulse to keep pushing in the same direction is something that needs to be resisted. Any good comedy act who's been around knows that, and MacFarlane simply hasn't been in the game long enough to earn that knowledge. The point of this whole exercise isn't to bring Seth MacFarlane down. On the contrary, it's to help him build a better arsenal. These next couple of weeks are going to be murder, and every minute will count. The MacFarlane Machine is still a viable commodity, and you can just ask anyone who's seen Ted about the improvements he's made between the nadir of his Television efforts and that film. In the end, I wish all of the best to Seth and I hope he can finally bring this show back to the status of something worth watching on TV again. It's the Oscars guys, not the Golden Globes. These actually count, so let's make the show count as much, ok? Best of luck, Seth.
Contributor
Contributor

Mike Reyes may or may not be a Time Lord, but he's definitely the Doctor Who editor here at What Culture. In addition to his work at What Culture, Mr. Reyes writes for Cocktails and Movies, as well as his own personal blogs Mr. Controversy and The Bookish Kind. On top of that, he's also got a couple Short Stories and Novels in various states of completion, like any good writer worth their salt. He resides in New Jersey, and compiles his work from all publications on his Facebook page.