5 February 2018
Rules of Engagement
When I first began watching Rules of Engagement on Netflix, I really didn’t think I was going to enjoy it. When I pick shows on Netflix I tend to look for complete seasons (meaning that the show isn’t coming out with any new episodes) so that I have something I can watch from start to finish because I don’t have access to TV at school. After my completion of That 70’s Show, Rules of Engagement popped up in my suggested shows list so I gave it a try. Like most sitcoms, the first couple episodes are iffy, but if you persevere and make it through the first half of the first season you’re rewarded with a show that is charming, funny, and will stick with you for a long time. That was exactly the case with Rules. The sense of humor is exaggerated by the striking differences in all of the character’s personalities and how those play off each other in all of the situations they wind up in. In terms of our class discussions on naturalistic and realistic dramatic literature, Rules is definitely a realistic show. The built in laugh track, scenes centered directly around points of action, and conflicts that both start and end within a twenty minute period are just some of the key points that make Rules fall under the category of realism. I tend to watch Rules when I want to zone out or have background noise as I’m cleaning so I don’t mind the blatant realism because it gives me the chance to selectively pay attention to what’s going on in within the episodes.
