Why Is Murray TREATED So Badly in 'Impractical Jokers'?

Impractical Jokers is a popular television series that has gained a massive following for its unique blend of humor and camaraderie. Among the four members of the show, Murray often stands out as a target for jokes and pranks. But why is this the case? Let's dive into the subtleties and complexities of the group dynamics and explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.

Role in the Group

Distinct Personality: Each member of the group has a distinct personality, and Murray is highlighted as the more sensitive and sometimes less assertive member of the group. This makes him a prime target for the others' joking and pranks. It is a classic comedic trope where one member of the group is consistently picked on for their vulnerability or perceived weakness.

Comedy of Discomfort

Classic Comedy Tropes: The show capitalizes on a common trope in comedy where characters are placed in situations that make them extremely uncomfortable. This technique often creates hilarious and memorable moments that resonate with the audience. Murray's demeanor and reactions fit perfectly into this trope, making the humor more evident and relatable.

Friendship Dynamics

Teasing Among Friends: The camaraderie among the four friends means they often tease each other. The playful banter and pranks they pull on each other are all part of their friendship. While it may seem harsh at times, it is often all in good fun, and the audience recognizes this underlying bond.

Audience Appeal

Relatable Embarrassment: Viewers often enjoy witnessing someone's flustered or embarrassed reactions in public settings. Murray's reactions resonate with audiences, making those moments highly entertaining. His natural discomfort is palpable and creates authentic and relatable humor.

Dynamics of Friendship

Target for Pranks: Murray is frequently the target for pranks and jokes due to his sensitive nature. While other members like 'Q' (Jermaine) often smile and laugh off their pranks, Murray has a tendency to respond with a smirk, look helplessly speechless, or simply laugh at himself. This difference in reaction makes him stick out from the rest and explains why the others often gang up on him more sarcastically.

Societal Context

Stranger Shaming: In today's society, individuals who act differently or perform strange actions are often mocked more than others who might have more conventional behavior. Murray's eccentricity and unusual behaviors set him apart, making him a more frequent and more harshly mocked target. According to social media and online trends, the frequency and intensity of mockery and judgment towards those who deviate from the norm have significantly increased.

Episode Highlights

The Alliance Episode: One notable instance where Murray was on the receiving end of the group's actions was during the 'The Alliance' episode. In this episode, the other three members of the group repeatedly chose 'Q' to perform the tasks written on the cards rather than Murray. This decision further solidified Murray's position as a frequent target for the group's pranks.

Jokes and Teasing: 'Q' often plays into the role of making others look bad or presenting himself as having a solution to problems, which can make him less of a target. In contrast, Murray's helplessness and occasional speechlessness in response to pranks make him a more straightforward target for their banter and teasing.

Conclusion

While it may seem that Murray is treated badly, it is a deliberate part of the show's humor and the dynamics of their friendship. The group's actions are shaped by their personalities and the way they interact with each other, but they are also influenced by external societal pressures. Understanding these dynamics helps us appreciate the complexity of the characters and the humor in 'Impractical Jokers.'