Three weeks ago I bought the first four seasons of "The Bob Newhart Show" on DVD at my nearby Fry's Electronics store. ----- The show is very funny, but what is the fascination (during the show) of the cast saying their names of "Bob, Emily, Howard, Carol, Jerry, over and over again. ??? ---- ----- Rusty
"On screen Winona stands out like a polar bear on black velvet" Timothy Leary about his Goddaughter
Now that's an interesting question I never thought about. I think it was the style of writing for this unique show. I watched this show during the first run and have never gotten bored with it. The writing, directing and the characters just click perfectly.
shareFor years prior to the TV show, the trademark of Bob Newhart's comedy routine (i.e live performances & LPs) involved himself as one side of a telephone conversation. He even used this technique frequently on the series as well. In that type of routine, the name of the person receiving the call has to be repeated periodically, since you can't hear their side of the conversation.
I've often thought he intentionally carried this style into the script & acting on the TV show as a nod to his tried-and-true success formula, just as he did with the vocal hesitation & stuttering which were two other trademarks he used repeatedly.
It is very unique.
I only noticed, I think, because of the famous drinking game. But once I started hearing it, it did to overboard.
Bob, how are you?
I'm fine, Howard.Howard, listen to me.
No, Bob, listen to me.
Howard, Howard will you listen to me?
That's interesting, and I never noticed. I hardly ever say the names of people I know, when I'm talking to them. I don't even remember the last time I said my wife's name. It just doesn't seem necessary. They all know who I'm talking to.
shareI never noticed either. But maybe this explains why I don't have much trouble remembering the names, despite the fairly large number of regular and recurring characters.