User blog comment:Gumball2/Am I Taking the Show Too Seriously?/@comment-30307603-20170619152944

Now admittedly, I haven't seen all of the episodes yet, but I always felt that this show has done a really good job balancing its comedic elements with its more character-driven aspects. It never seemed as if the comedy got in the way of important character moments, which is something to respect in its own right.

I do agree that one needs to approach comedy differently when it's a "high stakes" episode and not a "low stakes" episode. In a "high stakes" episode, comedy should be there to occasionally ease up the tension and not to downplay the stakes. I feel like this is executed fine in more "high stakes" episode such as "The Loudest Mission", in which the comedy prevents Ronnie's and Lori's turmoil from becoming to heavy. However, the episode doesn't become a complete joke-fest to the point you can't take it seriously. The jokes are a seasoning if you will.

With that said, I don't feel as if "Fool's Paradise" is all tat "high stakes" of an episode. The tone seems to establish that it's supposed to be lighthearted, and as dark as it may be, everything that happens in the episode is played for laughs. Had the episode adopted a more serious atmosphere, I would agree that the episode would be quite uncomfortable to watch rather than comedic.

I think the show should also get props for not lingering on a character's misfortune for too long when telling a joke. It focuses on the character long enough to deliver the punchline, but not too long for the point it goes from comedic to unfunny and unsettling to watch. Pacing is everything when it comes to jokes.

However, in the end, humor is subjective, and if you don't like some of the show's comedic approaches, that is perfectly fine. Different things appeal to different people. Perhaps I see things differently because I take pleasure in shows such as Gumball, so take my opinion as you will.