Banter is such a polarizing comedic art. To appreciate the humor in unremarkable conversation is to know the nuances of human interaction, both in their audible forms – rich, often conflict-ridden dialogue – and in those manifestations which must be seen to be truly appreciated – the facial ticks, the pregnant pauses that adorn acted words with that special kind of hyper-realism that makes one half of the population crack up, and the other squirm out of its skin. As readers of this column know, I fall squarely in the camp of “Banter Lovers” and the reason why I go out of my goddamned gourd for a well-executed banter piece is this: it demands active and intimate audience engagement. People have to pay close attention to really bathe in its cool waters of subtle brilliance. Those who don’t have the interest (or ability) to do so instantly identify themselves as people with whom Banter Lovers could never be stuck on a desert island. And isn’t identifying those kinds of people what self preservation and, really, life is all about? Yes, and “Take Care, Brush Your Hair” comedy duo Max Azulay and Alex Mullen and guest actress Sammi Cains are folks with whom I wouldn’t mind sharing a (very plush) desert island (where we all had our own rooms so we could get away from each other for “me” time, because you need “me” time, even when united in Banter Love). Compliments is just one example of why.
Luke is a writer for CollegeHumor and a watcher of many web videos. Send him yours @LKellyClyne.
