Talk:My Name Is Earl

Second Wife
Is Earl's Second wife ever revealed, or is the mention of billie being his third wife a goof? Earl's second wife was Ralph's Mom. The marriage ended in annulment just days after the wedding. span style="font-size: smaller;" class="autosigned">—Preceding unsigned comment added by 131.24.119.11 (talk) 11:09, 10 February 2010 (UTC)

Easter Eggs
I'd personally call the Kevin Smith section easter eggs. Easter eggs, to most people, are any hidden message OR intertextuality (which is actually a hidden message - hidden to the mass audience and non-hidden to those familiar with the other text). When a previous film is "called back" in a director's future film (the "Gay Ruth" line in Knocked up calling back the "D'you know how I know you're gay?" scene in The 40-Year Old Virgin, for example), that's an easter egg. So when Randy says "Poopie Trim" or when Earl says "the soft stuff", those are easter eggs.

Almost all of the Kevin Smith stuff in that section go along those lines, bar the top bit where it says Lee and Suplee have both been in Kevin Smith movies, but for the sake of a stream-lined article, that can be shifted to the Easter eggs section too, to set context as to why the Kevin Smith references crop up in the first place. 86.147.246.0 (talk) 17:48, 8 January 2008 (UTC)
 * The Kevin Smith stuff is TRIVIA, the fact that it's even in the article is lucky. Trivia is not encouraged at all at Wikipedia.  You are assuming the Kevin Smith stuff is hidden to the average viewer/most people which isn't necessarily correct.  There are many that watch Earl because of his past connection with Smith.  Assuming that the Smith references are hidden is a speculative presumption on your part, not fact.  KellyAna (talk) 01:44, 9 January 2008 (UTC)
 * True, but the viewing figures for Earl far eclipse Kevin Smith's box office figures and sales for DVDs (in the same timespan - ie: it's been three years since Earl started, and those three years of Earl DVD sales eclipse any three-year span of Kevin Smith DVD sales). Whilst it may be speculative to mention that the messages are "only unhidden to those that have familiarity to previous Kevin Smith work", it's fact that Earl has a great many fans that have no familiarity whatsoever with previous Kevin Smith work. Kevin Smith is a niche director - Earl is a mainstream sit-com. An Easter Egg requiring familiarity with the Spanish language (the Catalina stuff)is just as much an Easter Egg as one requiring familiarity with a previous director's work. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that there are more people that speak Spanish that watch Earl than people that have seen a Kevin Smith film and watch Earl. Which means the Kevin Smith stuff is even more 'hidden' to the mainstream than the Catalina stuff. I'm not arguing it's all notable - simply that the Kevin Smith stuff is just as hidden (if not more so) than some of the other Easter Eggs mentioned (especially the Catalina stuff): hell, Spanish is one of the most spoken minority languages in America and certainly more people speak Spanish than have seen a Kevin Smith film. So here's my proposal: heap the Kevin Smith stuff into the Easter Egg section and then stick a "trivia section deletion" template above the whole Easter Egg section, since we have no sources on the notability of any of that stuff.86.147.246.0 (talk) 14:54, 9 January 2008 (UTC)

Centralized TV Episode Discussion
Over the past months, TV episodes have been redirected by (to name a couple) TTN, Eusebeus and others. No centralized discussion has taken place, so I'm asking everyone who has been involved in this issue to voice their opinions here in this centralized spot, be they pro or anti. Discussion is here. Even if you have not, other opinions are needed because this issue is affecting all TV episodes in Wikipedia. --User: (talk) 02:57, 21 January 2008 (UTC)

Poopie trim?
On one of my DVDs the subtitles list it as 'booby trap'...:sLazyguythewerewolf. Rawr. 17:52, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Two part episodes are not two episodes
I think we have to correct the number of episodes. Why do we count two part episodes as two episodes? -- Magioladitis (talk) 13:48, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Two part episodes are often seen as two seperate episodes, even if they share one stsoryline (Midnightblueowl (talk) 21:50, 24 April 2008 (UTC))

If they were not in fact two episodes, they would be one extra long episode. That is why. They are TWO episodes. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 50.38.38.248 (talk) 06:22, 9 July 2011 (UTC)

Clean-up needed
A great deal of this article is unsourced, fanzine-type info that does not belong in an encyclopedia. I propose to completely clean out all unsourced content from these sections in particular: Double Blue (Talk) 01:25, 18 April 2008 (UTC)
 * ✓Characters
 * ✓Main characters
 * ✓Recurring characters
 * ✓The List
 * ✓Setting and shooting locations
 * ✓Soundtrack
 * ✓Kevin Smith connections
 * ✓Easter eggs
 * ✓HD-related easter eggs
 * ✓Spanish language easter eggs

Cleaned out all except The List section. Double Blue (Talk) 19:05, 22 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I think a lot of this stuff that has been taken should return, particularly the part on the main characters. Just listing the characters really isn't very good for an encyclopedia - it's just a link of names, and actors. I think a basic biography of each is definately necessary. (Midnightblueowl (talk) 21:40, 24 April 2008 (UTC))
 * I've now completely removed the List section as well and put it in a See also section. A better bio of the main characters would be great but it needs to be reliably sourced and encyclopedic; not just fans' opinions from watching the show. This article cannot be turned into a fanzine. Double Blue  (Talk) 21:26, 18 May 2008 (UTC)
 * I'm adding a template in which case as I wanted to know more about Catalina's relationship with Earl, specifically after watching the pilot and combined with the later deportation and resolution with Randy's unrequited love... Matt Zero (talk) 19:27, 21 May 2008 (UTC)
 * P.S. A lot of the unsourced fanzine-type stuff has resurfaced and needs cleaning up again if this is ever to be an encyclopedic article. I've tagged it in hopes someone else will have another go at it. Double Blue  (Talk) 02:40, 20 August 2008 (UTC)

Twelve-Step Program?
I was surprised to see no reference to AA or any other twelve-step program. I have only seen a couple of episodes of the show, but it was very clear to me (admittedly because of my own exposure to a twelve-step program) that he's a recovering addict of some kind. "My name is Earl and I'm an alcoholic" (or insert any other addiction) is what he would say in meetings. If he was a recovering addict, you might think that he would occasionally be seen going to a meeting (which addicts tend to keep doing in recovery), or that you might see him dealing with the simple difficulty of sobriety at times -- wanting to drink (does he ever drink on the show?) or do drugs or whatever it is that he might be recovering from. Then again, leaving out any mention of any specific addiction turns it into a more general show that more people can identify with. And the general do-good nature of the plot is general enough to appeal to people who might have a problem with twelve-step programs or addiction. I was just surprised to see no mention on WP of the possibility of Earl being a recovering addict, and even more surprised to see a reference to Scientology, which apparently is similar to twelve-step programs in that way. I know very, very little about Scientology. Other thoughts? 68.52.82.46 (talk) 12:01, 30 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Earl is not recovering from a substance addiction. He is trying to turn his life around & make ammends from a life of crime.  (& Yes, he is seen drinking beer & other alcohol in the show, both before & after his change of lifestyle).  I can see what you mean about similarities with substance rehabitation programmes.  If you know of a source where any commentator has made this comparison, iot can be added to the article, with the appropriate citation.  If it's just your own opinion, I'm afraid it won't go in the article.  As for Scientology auditing, read the articles & form your own opinion.  It has some similarities with 12 step programs, & Scientologists claim it is an effective treatment for addictions, but a lot of people see it as a breakdown of individuality, resistance & privacy.  As for the connection between My Name Is Earl & Scientology, it doesn't seem to run much deeper than the fact that some people involved in the show are Scientologists.  The cited article doesn't say much to support the view that there are Scientologist messages in the show.  Scientologists do not believe in karma.  Hope this helps.  Weasel Fetlocks (talk) 22:07, 19 June 2008 (UTC)


 * I too can appreciate what you are saying, but I think you are reading too much into this. Indeed the 12-step programme requires one to "make amends to those they wronged"... but basically that's just common sense and humans have been doing it for thousands of years. You upset someone by being nasty, you realise you've been nasty, so you apologise and attempt to right the wrong. The Alcoholics Anonymous do not hold a monopoly on making amends! To say My Name Is Earl is all about addiction would be like saying that Songs of Praise is all about addiction because the 12 steps require one to believe in a higher power. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 80.6.43.230 (talk) 23:42, 5 August 2009 (UTC)

Recurring characters
What about Didi the one-legged girl? Or the African English student? This article needs a few more details. Tebello TheWHAT!!?? 21:16, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Who played the younger Earl and Randy? Would they be considered Recurring Characters or as part their Main Character paragraphs? NBK1122 (talk) 13:23, 6 October 2009 (UTC) I'm no Earl expert-but how could Wiki leave out that Big Chubby's Norm McDonalds character, is based on his impersonation of Burt Reynolds? Its why Burt even co starred. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.207.116.55 (talk) 00:28, 6 September 2011 (UTC)

Where is My Name Is Earl set?
What city or state is this show set in? I have always wondered. If anybody knows, please add this info to the article. Also, I'm surprised that there is no mention in the article of the trailer park setting & 'trailer trash' aspect of the characters, which is part of the show's appeal. Weasel Fetlocks (talk) 22:46, 19 June 2008 (UTC) Its like Maryland...Because Frostburg is in Maryland And MD was Neutral in the cival war.... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.88.38.49 (talk) 01:58, 14 October 2009 (UTC)


 * From the random episodes I've seen, it appears to filmed in Los Angeles, CA. The Basin, from the street signs, maybe near Hollywood or Burbank (I know, I know, Burbank's in the Valley). Also, perhaps in other CA towns and cities. As a joke, because the show is about American trailer trash, if you've ever visited Reno or Pahrump, both cities in Nevada, you'd swear to God, your mother, your mother's mother, Allah, the prophet Roman Grant and Roman God Jupiter that the show takes place in those cities. Seriously, though, the show just "takes place" like The Simpsons or Batman's Gotham City (though I've heard Gotham City's in NJ.) Coffee5binky (talk) 15:27, 24 December 2009 (UTC)

Nevada makes sense to me, there are mentions of going to Henderson in two episodes that I've seen. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.229.3.31 (talk) 06:11, 23 November 2011 (UTC)

Earl's life (before karma)
copied from opening "you know that guy you see at the gas station in that small town on the way to grandmas house shady looking guy who buys a can of tall boy and some scracker the kind of guy you what for to leave before you and your family go in well that was me i may look bad but if you got to know me"runs out and steals some stuff out of a car " well you'd be wastin your time i'm exactly who you think i am i'll steal just about anything thats not nailed down" —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.63.166.220 (talk) 03:00, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

Season Four start date?
Does anyone know a start date for season 4? If you do, please add and source it ASAP. 70.190.157.74 (talk) 17:12, 10 August 2008 (UTC)


 * Earl returns: 09.25.08 (see http://www.nbc.com/My_Name_Is_Earl/) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.56.4.95 (talk) 20:15, 26 August 2008 (UTC)

Discussion of FreeContentMeta
FreeContentMeta, which is used in the EarlWiki template, is under discussion. Please see template talk:FreeContentMeta to participate in this discussion. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 09:14, 27 August 2008 (UTC)

Soundtrack
I read in the section about the soundtrack that a lot of the songs in the show were replaced by generic ones on DVD. Does this mean, the episodes on TV are different from the ones that I can watch on DVD? And is this even true? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.151.74.17 (talk) 17:21, 13 September 2008 (UTC)

Am I the only person who noticed that the riff in the theme is from N.I.B.? Dannygjk (talk) 05:27, 28 October 2009 (UTC)

Reception
Apart from the list of awards, there is no section on critical reception. Also, there is nothng on the controvery: although not a major issue, I have read several articles which have made connections between the show and Scientology- a cursory search gave me these examples http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/jun/09/tvandradio.broadcasting1, http://www.freewebs.com/karmaandmynameisearl/, but I'm sure more could be found upon a proper investigation. Surely this merits at least a mention? Jomunro (talk) 19:51, 22 October 2008 (UTC)


 * The stuff about Scientology was in there, but was removed (censored?) by an anon user in September 2008. I've reinstated it, but it appears Greg Garcia isn't actually a Scientologist at all.   w easeL   F ETLOckS  19:32, 17 April 2009 (UTC)


 * The religeon of the actors isn't enough to justify such rumours; I wouldn't call it controversey, more false accusations. There's no obvious links to scientology in the show, so it's basically slow news day and a quick buck; as the information has mostly turned out to be false, I say this part should be removed or reworded. The current format certainly seems to promote that this rumour is true, with an off-hand comment about part of it not being entirely accurate. It's tripe, and we all know it. I say chop it out. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.163.76.21 (talk) 20:48, 27 January 2010 (UTC)

What happened here
What happened to this page, wasn't their a page for the list and Earl. Was they all AFD'd ? Gnevin (talk) 19:33, 26 October 2008 (UTC)

Where's the episode list?
There's something odd with season 4. I've found some lists with episode 1 as The Magic Hour/Monkeys Take a Bath, but I have them as two separate episodes. They're completely different plots. No monkeys in either, especially not taking a bath. The others I have, in order, 03 Joy in a bubble, 04 Stole an RV, 05 Sweet Johnny, 06 We've got spirit, 07 Quit your snitchin', 08 Little bad voodoo brother, 09 Sold a guy a lemon car, 10 Earl and Joy's anniversary, 11 Nature's game show (some lists have it as The tornado). It'd be nice if NBC had a full episode list, but for some reason they don't.

Joy Darville
Why does this page redirect from Joy Darville, when no such character is mentioned anywhere in the article? Koro Neil (talk) 11:00, 9 January 2009 (UTC)

Camden (City, County, Community)
I don't think we can specifically choose the exact location. But when I think about it, it does seem more California than Texas. But anyway, I propose a consensus before putting anything definitive. Belasted (talk) 03:55, 20 January 2009 (UTC)

Actually, the episode 'Darnell Outed, Part 2' reveals the location as Texas. Erik Estrada says 'And now its time for the results of the Texan vote to see who will replace the victim of the mayonnaise tragedy.' —Preceding unsigned comment added by 138.15.166.106 (talk) 21:25, 23 January 2009 (UTC)

What's the purpose of them mentioning the Metrodome and "being in a bunker 50 miles underneath Mall of America" in two consecutive episodes? Both are in Minnesota, but the location seems too desert like for MN. -OttOO —Preceding unsigned comment added by 199.17.197.105 (talk) 04:37, 1 February 2009 (UTC)

In tonights episode, inside probe, part 2, they say that camden is in the central time zone. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 204.62.8.253 (talk) 05:44, 8 May 2009 (UTC)

Request for comment on articles for individual television episodes and characters
A request for comments has been started that could affect the inclusion or exclusion of episodes and characters, as well as other fiction articles. Please visit the discussion at Wikipedia_talk:Notability_(fiction). Ikip (talk) 16:55, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

Assassin?
The text states that Crabman is an assassin, but in no episode of the first three seasons is this stated (I have the boxed set DVDs). All one knows is that Crabman is in the Witness Protection Program, and my presumption, considering the "Our Cops Is On" episode where he's running with a marijuana plant, is that he's a drug dealer (and in fact sells pot-laced brownies in one episode) who likely got busted and turns state's evidence on a bigger dealer for a reduced sentence.

If he were an asassin he would not be in the witness protection program, he would be in prison.

163.191.134.154 (talk) 19:25, 5 March 2009 (UTC)mcgrew

You guys are stupid, watch the current episodes...he's a secret agent/assassin trained by his father. 75.55.51.149 (talk) 02:00, 13 March 2009 (UTC)

Season 5
Will there be a 5th Season and when will it be aired? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.57.227.211 (talk) 13:37, 17 May 2009 (UTC)

no.

I loved that show. It's famous in Finland. So why cancellation? I wanted see how season 4 ends. I hope there will be season 5 too.


 * It rarely does any good, but you can write letters, actual letters, no e-mails, to all the American TV networks, broadcast and otherwise, asking them to pick up the show. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Bizzybody (talk • contribs) 07:46, 26 August 2009 (UTC)


 * Too bad TBS or WGN won't pick it up for more, or even Comedy Central or FX. Especially FX! Fox owns that. So, for people who want to write actual letters for more My Name is Earl (and I sense that it may come back), write to Rupert Murdoch at News Corporation, asking him to authorize Earl to return to TV on FX. (Yeah, why stick it on FX, put it on Fox News! That's sarcasm.) Coffee5binky (talk) 15:20, 24 December 2009 (UTC)

At iTunes Store
I just downloaded the Pilot for $1.99 at iTunes Store. I'm surprised it's not mentioned in the article that the show's on iTunes Store. And no, I don't want to add it into the article. Somebody else can do it because I hate messing up the articles in Wikipedia. No, I don't want to use the sandbox, either. I'm lazy and don't want to learn anything new. (That's sarcasm, actually.)

Also, I'm surprised the ratings are low for this show. In my neighborhood and town, I was the only person not watching it on NBC (because I didn't know when it was on). I've only the show on KVMY and TBS reruns, and it's usually the same episodes over and over again when I tune it. (Bad luck, perhaps? I have the same problem with Seinfeld and Home Improvement.)

Coffee5binky (talk) 15:18, 24 December 2009 (UTC)

Show title, origin
Does anyone have any info where the name "My Name is Earl" came from? I've read that Jason Lee is kind of obsessed with Tom Selleck/Magnum PI. I recently saw the Magnum PI episode "Mr. White Death", season 3 episode 9. Ernest Borgnine spoke the phrase "My name is Earl", and shortly after, "I've done alot of bad things in my life and now I want to even things out". Coincidence? Ponkatron (talk) 02:00, 6 April 2011 (UTC)

The List
Somewhere in this article there needs to be a reference to what the list items are. - i.e. taken from http://tviv.org/My_Name_Is_Earl/The_List or http://www.tbs.com/stories/story/0,,133472,00.html I think this may have been removed during an earlier purge. 188.221.46.100 (talk) 18:47, 8 August 2011 (UTC)

Names of Characters
I have seen every episode of My Name is Earl and have never heard Dodge referred to as anything other than Dodge. Does anybody have any info as to where Eric came from??

Also was wondering about Carl Hickey and Jerry Hazelwood too. They were never referred to as Carlton or Jeremiah during the show. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.77.127.106 (talk) 16:45, 19 November 2011 (UTC)

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dead sources
All of the E-online links seem to be dead. Mijzelffan (talk) 00:47, 19 December 2016 (UTC)

Unreliable narrator category
I removed this category from the series. There aren't any news articles that question the reliability of the narrator for the entire series. AngusWOOF ( bark  •  sniff ) 16:21, 12 December 2017 (UTC)

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