Almost every time I watch an episode of Just For Laughs Gags, I can’t help but laugh, many times uncontrollably. There is a lot about comedy that is a study of human emotion, relationships, and behaviours. Please enjoy the following sketch that was found by searching Just For Laughs Gags on You Tube:
The “Gag” is basically a potato; a situation that does not appear to be “right.” The potato is presented in a way that is noticeable to otherwise innocent bystanders, who become the targets. As the viewer of the prank, we have privileged information about the situation that the innocent target person does not, and so the emotional response and reaction of the target is understood by us, the viewer, to be based on a deception. However, the situation is the target’s truth. How will the target respond?
Sometimes we notice a constructive response, and sometimes it is destructive, but then the target is informed of the prank before it gets out of hand. Nonetheless, it makes for an interesting study of human behaviour. It is possible to view the episodes as a way to learn about the difference between forming a destructive versus a constructive mindset; to learn to differentiate people and potatoes. And if you are ever looking for strictly “laugh therapy,” then you may wish to view some of the episodes at your own convenience.