Tone down the farce and, Smart says, the show wouldn't work. It's something more theatrical. Initially, McDonnell says, that proved jarring to viewers. Now, though, audiences approach it with expectation. And usually that does it.
Fans run the gamut.
But you gotta laugh. Through laughter comes understanding and acceptance. If you approach everything so staunchly and you never let humor in, then living isn't much fun. When McDonnell saw the British show, she didn't hunger for more. Smart, meanwhile, has purposely stayed away from the series so she won't be influenced by it.