Shark Bytes

Re: a poster's remark that the show jumped due to Ms. Baransky's overshadowing talents: As a writer myself (who has also written for TV), I disagree. In fact, if we look back at some of the most successful, indeed, legendary sitcoms, a predominant format is a lead actor who is more temperate surrounded by amazing
co-stars. This M.O. makes perfect sense, given that important satellite characters are frequently extreme. The star, the center of the action, requires balance around which the others can attach and "go crazy" -- but in measured doses. Flying solo, many brilliant co-stars may (and have) been "too much" to carry a show without irritating viewers, unless, of course, they have extraordinary range. Think: "MTM," "Dick Van Dyke," "Seinfeld," Bob Newhart shows, "Will and Grace," "Frasier," "Cheers," -- the list goes on. In each case, the lead, while often funny, wisely used co-stars to provide comic range.

I love Baransky's work. But an entire show about "Maryanne" couldn't maintain itself and would quickly burn out.

This show jumped, when, like many shows, it lost its balance. Christine Baranski was fabulous, but she became too much of a focus because everyone KNEW she was fabulous. This screwed up the whole balance of the show. This happens all the time. Networks and producers don't understand that the breakout character who is totally outrageous doesn't work in larger doses without messing up the integrity of the show (that is why Will & Grace lost its balance.....Karen and Jack became too much of a focus). One of these days networks will learn not to mess with a program, and that there has to be a proper balance of characters and personalities or the breakout characters just become stupid and lose their impact.

A bona-fide 100% piece of absolute junk!

I loved this show's first season! Cybill was a motherly actress and the material was fresh and original. When she changed her hair from a tee-pee to a bubble, her show changed from funny and interesting to lame and pathetic. Relationships died everywhere: Cybill and Ira, Jeff and Teri, Shawn and Zoey, Ira and Holly, Mary Ann and the NEW Richard Thorpe. Also everything that happened in the first season didn't matter in the next two, Mary-Ann "divorces" from stalking Dr. Dick, but she still did it! Rachel had ANOTHER child! I most hated the gay waiter and when Jeff's grandma and Cybill long lost sister came the bell tolled, the fight was over, Cybill LOST! I despise when she became co-host on that 2nt rate talk show! Zoey's Italian pervert was the worst thing they could've done. If Mary Ann took over the show it would've done better. But I still loved the New York episode. speaking of New York, Mary Ann's parent are disgusting, vile and made the show look like trailer-trash. But I'll love the show, despite its many problems. I still blame the Cybill's hair for all this!

When Shawn and Zoe broke up it sunk. Cybill's a great actor, but Mary Ann held the show up for its 3-4 seasons. PLUS, she couldn't hold a job! But then again that was what the show was all about.

CYBILL jumped from day one because the brilliant Christine Baranski as best friend Mary Ann was a much better actress than Shepherd and completely overshadowed her from day one. You can't have a show where the title character fades into the woodwork next to her co-stars and Cybill couldn't hold a candle to Christine Baranski, a brilliant farceur who deserves a sitcom of her own.

Any episode in which Cyb sings is, of course, difficult to work with. God knows I've tried, but after a second or so, one resorts to muting the volume and just watching her lips move. And is that really what I bought the Television for in the first place? No, it is not. The Maryanne/Ira pairing worked only as long as we could imagine that it MIGHT be a good idea, even though quasi-incestuous. Swapping this potential energy for schlock romantic situations (first date in a plane with lounge singer; first sleepover dressed in Bo Peep costume) mottled the Maryanne character, which had previously been the consistent, confident one that countered the insecurities of all the other characters.

i totally love watching cybill. every single episode i've seen i laugh til i cry because cybill and christine are so great together. i so far have 2 favorite episodes. 1 is when cybill sing to her new granddaughter the song sing memphis to me. the 2nd is when cybill was going through menopause

I don't think this show ever jumped. While I have had a huge crush on Cybill Shepherd ever since I saw "The Last Picture Show". I have always enjoyed her sense of humor. The show did go a bit down hill when they focused on her singing. That was a waste of time. Her friend on the show, Mary Anne did wear some very sexy high heeled thigh boots on a few shows. TV should have another sitcom with two sexy babes that is funny. Unlike Hope and Faith.

This show jumped the shark any time Christine Baranski did not appear. When Maryann (C.B.) came on with her sloshed routine, it was the funny show it was supposed to be. When the show tried to accommodate Cybill Shepherd's real-life story with ex-husbands and kids (esp. smarmy Alicia Witt, who has rarely been heard from since), it was shark bait all the way!

This show never jumped. It was always very funny and very underrated. While I find Christine Baranski even funnier than Cybill, they are a great team and work quite well together. And I disagree with the person who said Cybill is talentless: I think she is a talented singer and actress, even if she can't outdo Maryann. I feel that Cybill and Maryann are a perfect pair on the show, and of course Alan Rosenberg doesn't hurt! The more of the show I watch, the more I like it. Everybody on this show was good, there is no way in my opinion it ever jumped!

Cybill's nasal monotone alone is enough to bore me to tears. I caught a FEW episodes of this when a female friend I spent a lot of time with was into it--and that only because of Baranski--and rightfully so. Cybill couldn't walk Baranski's dog!!!!

I should think that the people who develop prime time network shows would have figured out by now that casting Cybil Shepherd in a show is a recipe for instant disaster. Her temper tantrums and petulant behavior led to Moonlighting's demise and yet the producers of Cybill continue to let her get away with it. Yes Cybil, Christine Baranski is a better actress than you and is twice as funny...so deal with it!

When Zoey and Cybil has this great big "oh we don't communicate good" talk and Zoey stats to act nicer all over. BORING!

The first day. Hey, Moonlighting worked, so lets take the one that didn't go on to multimillion dollar movie roles and push them solo.. and make sure they have full creative control so they can turn up anyone else that looks like they can carry (steal) scenes, episodes, etc.