Ron Swanson & Jim Halpert's Mode of Address

In reading Allen's article on Audience Oriented Criticism I couldn't help but relate it to my current television obsession at the moment- Parks and Recreation. Not only is this sitcom on Netflix, that allows me to watch episode after episode, season after season, but it also is a light hearted comedy that doesn't make my teeth grind or heart pressure raise. I have to admit that I have become overly obsessed with many a television series, be it Breaking Bad, Mad Men, Homeland, Pretty Little Liars (yes, I know embarrassing) and even How I Met Your Mother. However, all of these shows employ the 'Hollywood style' of shooting conventions, what Allen refers to as the cinematic mode of address. The camera lens is positioned nearby the action and brings the world of the film through the camera, without having the actors look directly into the lens. Allen explains that this mode of address keeps the illusion of reality and allows the audience to feel like they are looking upon another person's life happenings. But after analyzing this particular text more I realized why it is that I am so drawn to shows like Parks and Recreation and The Office. It is Jim's all-knowing glances into the lens after Dwight or Michael Scott says something absolutely absurd, or Ron Swanson's silent stare into the camera that allow me to better connect with characters and the show. They are looking at me, the viewer, giving me the glance as if to say "Can you believe that just happened?", or "What an idiot...am I right?" They break reality and allow the viewer to feel as if they are right there with them. You could maybe call this the rhetorical mode of address, seeing as though the performer is acknowledging the viewer, however I don't see it necessarily forcing active engagement from the audience. It sure does actively make me laugh though, that's for sure! By having the 'mockumentary' style of filming it feels more like reality instead of just the illusion of reality. It draws in people like the characters, who make silly gestures, say stupid things at times, act a fool but are all the more loved for it, and this becomes the audience of the show.