Will and Grace may have their names in the title, but they're by far the inferior couple on this show. They're nice and all, but they're just so boring. Make no mistake: Jack and Karen are the real highlight of Will and Grace. Jack is a needy, effeminate gay man who is perpetually on the brink of exploding because of all sass contained in his body. Karen is the borderline alcoholic wife of the wealthy (though potentially imaginary, as we never see him) Stan Walker, who interacts with the middle class as though they were a mildly interesting Amazonian tribe. Is there any possible sitcom universe where these two wouldn't be total BFFs? They're a vibrant, high-energy duo that belongs on Broadway more than it does in the real world. Their slapsticky comedy hearkens back to boozy song-and-dance teams from the days of old, and it's a perfect contrast to their significantly more grounded costars. Sean Hayes and Megan Mullaly succeed in bringing such unbridled joy to the roles, managing to elevate the material about its stereotypes and really make you feel for these two misfits.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
