More Mainstream D&D References Now!

[Thunt]

I wish I could turn on the TV and see plots about the main characters actually playing D&D. Instead we have to settle for quick references like Homer Simpson saying "We played Dungeons and Dragons for three hours. Then I was slain by an elf." Or that hilarious scene during the end credits of 'That 70's Show' where Alice Cooper is playing D&D.

Imagine how awesome it'd be if Homer or Alice actually played the game on screen for a notable period of time! That'd rock!

Of course, everyone but D&D players would mostly just get bored I think.

 

[DarrenGMiller]

Or the scene during Freaks & Geeks where one of the "freaks" played by Daniel Franco plays D&D with the "geeks." D&D was a pretty central feature of that show and the guy who played the Dungeon Master (Stephen Lea Sims) is a regular poster at rec.games.frp.dnd . Of course, that show was cancelled 3 or 4 years ago.

Then there is the scene near the beginning of E.T. when Elliot's older sibling and friends are playing D&D and someone in the movie actually uses the insult, "0 Charisma!" There are also several episodes of "Futurama" that feature D&D references, including one with Gary Gygax and Al Gore and another that features a beholder.

Actually, this thread should probably go in the TV, Movies, etc. Forum.

DM

 

[Altamont Ravenard]

Welcome to the boards!

As for seeing D&D references in the mainstream... I'm not sure I'd like it so much. I guess I feel a little elitist about my hobby, I'm not sure why...

Also, as much as I like playing D&D, I don't think I'd enjoy watching people play. D&D is fun when you get into the game (IMO)

AR

 

[EricNoah]

The final episode of Strangers with Candy had some major D&D in it. Jerri had to choose between being friends with the popular crowd or sticking with her three D&D-playing geek friends. She ultimately chose the geeks. It was the first time she'd ever made the right decision about anything.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

Of course, everyone but D&D players would mostly just get bored I think.

No, most of them would get bored too.

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

The problem with mentioning D&D in the mainstream is that 99% of the time it's done as an insult.

 

[RangerWickett]

The final episode of Strangers with Candy had some major D&D in it. Jerri had to choose between being friends with the popular crowd or sticking with her three D&D-playing geek friends. She ultimately chose the geeks. It was the first time she'd ever made the right decision about anything.

Given her track record, don't you think it's safer to assume that she made the wrong choice? I mean, seriously, geeks. *shakes head* Can't stand 'em myself.

Gotta go back to writing my latest rulebook.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

The problem with mentioning D&D in the mainstream is that 99% of the time it's done as an insult.

Isn't it the truth?

One of the local morning shows on the radio often ends up talking about the "freaks" that play dungeons and dragons... and "freaks" is really one of the kindest terms that the main radio guy says. It's really a shame - people will call and attempt to explain the game and he gets his jollies by twisting everything they say around and turning it into an insult.

However - there's a really good episode of The Venture Brothers that revolves around some of the super heroes/super villians sitting around in their dorm playing dungeons and dragons long before they became super heroes/super villians. VERY funny. Just a good show all around.

 

[DarrenGMiller]

Oh, I forgot another reference:

The "Lone Gunmen" in the X-Files, who also had a few episodes of their own show, were shown playing D&D occasionally.

As for a negative reference, I saw a "makeover" show the other day that made over a teen who played D&D so that he could "find a girlfriend". That made a big deal about how he played D&D and how he was "never going to find the right girl that way."

DM

 

[Krug]

In Angel Season One where this rich, socially incompetent billionaire geek relates his D&D playing to Angel, Cordelia and Wesley, and how it led him astray. IE. Making him a patron of a demonic brothel.