How does the political and cultural discussion inserted in the middle of the novel affect the overall narrative? Do you think it was necessary to the story?

How does the political and cultural discussion inserted in the middle of the novel affect the overall narrative? Do you think it was necessary to the story?

I think it is necessary because SNL (and we assume OWL) are both political and cultural. In the current cultural world, the characters would be less realistic if there were no political or cultural commentary.

I think it is very relevant to the plot of the story which kind of revolves around the public's view of who a superstar should be dating, as well as feminism in general.

I think due to the polarization our country has been experiencing, the political and public commentary was relevant to the story. I know people who go out of their way to avoid driving through certain states due to the politics there. Thanksgiving and Christmas visits have been upended based on how each family member may have voted or how they feel about protests, Roe v. Wade, and January 6. I have seen lifelong friendships dissolve because of differences that didn’t seem so important in the past. So it makes sense to me that couples are spending more time communicating with one another about their core beliefs.I think with so much being said out loud today, potential partners really want to know where the other stands on relevant issues.

The political and cultural discussion sets the narrative very firmly in the present day, and contributes to the tension and of the characters' relationship. It gives a definite sense of time and place, though it would be interesting to see how outdated some of the opinions might sound in years to come.

Acstrine has hit the nail on the head. The political and cultural divide in this country has hit a mighty high. Shows like SNL and TNO exist because of political and cultural awareness..it’s their bread and butter. Romantic Comedy captures it all.

I think political and social awareness was key to the story. It goes along with Danny's rule.

I used to “sneak” watch SNL in the 70’s on sleepovers with my friends. I don’t remember it being overly political then, but maybe I was too young to really get the jokes!

I find a lot of cultural and political discussions or references in more books that I am reading now than ever before. Usually in a way that let’s the reader know how the author really feels. It doesn’t bother me, but I am curious about what drove the authors to be more overt about their own personal beliefs through their characters. Has anyone else noticed this?

The political and cultural aspect in this novel was crucial for the story. TNO modeled after SNL is all about political and cultural trends…especially in the early airings. I can still recall the sitcom scenes in my mind. Really who hasn’t laughed at their skits and some of us still do. Perfect story to replicate all that goes on in putting on a snow like SNL.

I distinctly remember watching not only the very first episode of SNL, but every episode during that ground-breaking first season. It has ALWAYS been built around politics and culture. (Am I the only one old enough to remember Chevy Chase constantly falling down when he portrayed President Gerald Ford?) A book inspired and influenced by SNL would be highly suspect without the political and cultural overtones found in Romantic Comedy, and I found them resonant, appropriate, interesting, and right on the mark.