So, I posted this at the other place the other day, and got an interesting reply just now:
Comedically, I think they made the right call pivoting to a Bob Newhart style telephone bit where we have to imagine his side of the conversation.
XD
I guess without all his usual stammering and pauses? (IYKYK)
Note: for the record, I love Bob.
Honestly tho, I'm continually impressed by how so many actors across so many shows I watch (I'm currently watching "Nero Wolfe" and it's the same there) are so utterly great at imaginary phone conversations!
Yet it also makes me realise that the situation can be incredibly empowering for a competent actor. As in-- the phone is the prop that represents the other person, and you get to have *total control* over it in a way that you wouldn't otherwise, trying to properly sync well with real actors delivering their lines, which can sometimes be a total mess.
(if you've ever been in acting at almost any level, I think you know what I mean)
NOTES:
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When first looking for a place to post this, I tried searching the Fediverse for an acting community, but sadly couldn't find one. Any idears, mateys?
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I love the clip itself (from my favorite ep "Tuttle") but it's a bit embarrassing in some ways, just for the record. 1) it reinforces the idea that Margaret slept or consorted with total horndogs in the 1950's USA army, as long as they were generals and such, and 2) Hawkeye was a chronic chauvinist, something seen across many, many eps in this otherwise great, great series.