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There are three types of “I Think You Should Leave” sketches (a thread)
Type 1.
Simple, harmless absurdism, where a basic silly premise is expanded into a whole sketch.
Examples:
- Motorcycles
- TC Tuggers
- Scrooge
- Baby of the Year
Simple, harmless absurdism, where a basic silly premise is expanded into a whole sketch.
Examples:
- Motorcycles
- TC Tuggers
- Scrooge
- Baby of the Year
Type 2.
Main character does something weird, doubles down to save face, gets called out, then triples- and quadruples-down, spiraling further and further into a bizarre, constructed falsehood that alienates everyone around them. This type is where the show’s name comes from.
Main character does something weird, doubles down to save face, gets called out, then triples- and quadruples-down, spiraling further and further into a bizarre, constructed falsehood that alienates everyone around them. This type is where the show’s name comes from.
Type 2 is the meat and potatoes of ITYSL. Most sketches fall into this category to some degree. They prey on viewers’ discomfort in awkward moments & how we all try to cover our own mistakes.
Examples:
- Brunch Captions
- Fully Loaded Nachos
- Bones Are Their Money
- Babysitter
Examples:
- Brunch Captions
- Fully Loaded Nachos
- Bones Are Their Money
- Babysitter
Type 3.
Main character does something weird, doubles down to save face, gets called out, then triples- and quadruples-down, spiraling further and further into a bizarre, constructed falsehood until they successfully convince other people to join their side.
Main character does something weird, doubles down to save face, gets called out, then triples- and quadruples-down, spiraling further and further into a bizarre, constructed falsehood until they successfully convince other people to join their side.
Type 3 sketches are almost the same as Type 2, but the main character succeeds in winning over the room. That subversion of expectations adds extra absurdity to the situation and makes them more delightful.
Examples:
- Mudpie Receipt
- Car Focus Group
Examples:
- Mudpie Receipt
- Car Focus Group
Some sketches blur the lines. “Santa Brought It Early” initially seems like Type 2, but is it actually Type 3 because Tim’s character finally laughs at Tracy’s joke?
Is “Honk if You’re Horny” Type 1, or does Horny Guy’s discovery of the porno trunk validate his entire premise and turn it into Type 3?
Part of the beauty and rewatchability of the show is in how the minor/side characters sell their reactions to the Type 2 and Type 3 sketches.
The first time you watch the Car Focus Group sketch, you’re laughing at the old guy’s “ideas” and funny voice. By the 10th rewatch you’re laughing at how the three side characters have all bought into the “Paul has to marry his mother-in-law because he flinched” rule. C’mon Paul
The first time you watch the Brunch Instagram Caption sketch you’re laughing at the absurdity of Brenda’s captions. By the tenth time you’re laughing at her friend’s confusion over what the captions mean:
I think every sketch from the show can be assigned one of these three types, though some could be argued into multiple. Are there other groupings that could be used? Probably. I’m sure Type 1 could be subdivided further, and Type 3 is basically just a subset of Type 2.
