Dark Humor In Mac And Dennis Move To The Suburb

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Dark humor is a form of comedy that relies on pessimism and cynicism. It derives from the dysfunctional and unhappy aspects of life. Although these subject matters can be sensitive, dark humor is a controversial expression of comedy. It is the reflection of unapologetic thoughts and interprets the brooding, negative sides of life. Dark humor can be portrayed as amplified absurdity or realistic and grounded. It is shown in many different forms of media including films and television shows.
Harold and Maude, directed by Hal Ashby is a romantic-comedy released in 1971. The film is about the blossoming relationship between a man in his twenties named Harold. Harold is fascinated by death, throughout the film we view graphic scenes of him planning …show more content…

In the episode, Frank makes a bet with Mac and Dennis stating if they can live in the suburbs for one month he will pay their rent for a year. Mac and Dennis develop a marriage dynamic living together in the suburbs. Mac’s character portrays a stay-at-home wife and Dennis as the husband who has to drive into the city to go to work. As the days pass by it becomes more difficult to live in a repetitious cycle; completing the same chores, sitting in traffic, and conversing with the neighbors. Dennis buys Mac a dog and Mac decided to name it after Dennis. Although Dennis the dog keeps Mac company it is not enough to make him content with their new suburban …show more content…

Dennis finally has a burst of outrage, complaining that Mac lazes around the house and cannot complete or do anything correctly. Mac feels that Dennis is not appreciating his work and efforts, like making his “Mac’s Famous Mac ’n Cheese” every night and that he added a special ingredient. Dennis replies with, “Well, yeah I noticed! You put meat hunks in it! Wow!” Mac becomes angry and says, “Well of course Dennis would like Dennis!” Revealing that Dennis the dog died and they were consuming him as a meal. Mac begins to laugh maniacally as Dennis spits out the dog meat from his mouth. The scene ends as Dennis walks away from the table wanting to leave the house.
The episode uses imagery from horror movies, like The Shining and obnoxious dialogue between the two characters in order to emphasize a point. Life can seem like a cycle; living in a confined space, having to sit in traffic, going to work, and then having to sit in traffic again on your way back home. Day-to-day routines can be dull and tedious and it is normal to have emotional and mental health collapse during cyclic routines. The episode dramatizes what most people feel when they feel like they are unable to escape their current situation or way of

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