Not trying to be a prude but did anyone else notice in the 8/02/09 episode that Mary's language is getting worse? Maybe I've missed it before but usually when Mary gets upset she would say "Damn it". This was an almost holsom or enduring quality that made her more likeable. In the episode noted above the writers for some reason have decided to make the character, I guess, more realistic and had her say at least twice that I noticed, say "God Damn it". I realize that this is a cable network but is it really needed? I am a loyal fan of the show and never miss an episode. I always record or watch online if needed, however if the writers continue in this direction I will probably loose interest. GREAT show that doesn't need to go there!

Except that you are being prude about it.

Seriously, if you can't handle a few swear words, don't watch a TV series with a rating above 'G' or 'Teen'. Stick with the Disney channel and quit nattering about it to the rest of us who enjoy the series as it is.

Oh, goodness. First we had the Jesus police, and now we have the language police. I can think of a zillion shows that are much worse than this on both scores. Why pick on this one?

I'm trying to remember the last time I heard a main character on the other USA shows use these 2 words.

I don't recall the same usage by main characters on these shows:

Monk
Psych
Law & Order: Criminal Intent

But perhaps on:

Burn Notice and
In Plain Sight

it has been used. Perhaps someone felt the need to have a lead female character be portrayed as a person who reverts back to the usage of primitive and somewhat offensive language to get their point across when dealing with frustrating situations between them and a member of the opposite sex. Interesting that the female characters were chosen to be the offenders rather than the male characters.

I have not watched Royal Pains as it's not my cup of tea but maybe someone else might know about it's dialogue.

I suppose USA is right around 50% or more of it's programming being free of offensive dialogue between the main characters. I have to wonder if that is better, worse or the same as other networks. And I wonder if females are typically the worst offenders and if they do really offend more when dealing with men.

Anyway, as far as IPS goes I still believe there's more to Mary than meets the eye. I'm sure that more depth to her character will continue to be revealed so why not forgive her (or the writers) the indiscretion and continue to watch her be human and grow and develop?

Thanks for the interesting topic post. I hope others will post something interesting about the subject rather than just post attacks against the USA network or other posters.

Good grief, you make Mary sound like a criminal for swearing! And the misogynist undertone is most unsettling - boys can swear and it's OK because they're boys, but somehow it's worse if girls swear? How archaic a notion!

I think that people who object to swearing, ought to be able to say so, without being personally attacked, called a prude, and all manner of negative comments. To those of you who love swearing, good for you. The world is full of people like you, so no suprise its on TV, however its actually a form of hate and prejudice to go out of your way to make derogatory comments about those who think and act differently than you, so maybe, just maybe, consider just putting your own opinion here and telling everyone you love swearing and leave those who don't appreciate it, alone.

It kind of makes you a bully when you fight back against someone. You will notice that the OP didn't trash anyone here, nor make any ill conceived comments about any of you and your enjoyment of swearing. It was just an observation.

Censorship is an ugly thing.

Actually, a bully is someone who tries to forcefully impose their viewpoint on another. The judgmental tenor of the first post set the tone for the discussion. You put it out there in judgmental terms, you get it back the same way. I'm not comfortable with name-calling (i.e. prude) but the rest is fair game.

I was commenting on behavior not name calling.

There are very many threads about the foul language and the use of cursing using God's name in vein.

I don't really mind, but I totally understand how you feel about it. I'm sorry, but if you can't stand it, it's best not to watch IPS anymore.

If you'd care to look at the order of posts, you'll find my comment wasn't directed at you.

I don't think there is anything wrong with the language she uses...but thats JMO.
It's who she is. Most of the situations it is the combination of frustration and just who she is

But, if you think that was she says on the show is bad, you don't want to watch some of mary mccormacks interviews. During one interview within like 2 minutes she had said f*ck 3 times....

That sai, if you don't like it....don't watch it. I hope they don't change the way it's written

I agree with you. This is a great show and I just don't understand the need for
such foul language. I am NOT a prude by any means but just don't see the need
for that type character development. Sure the job the main characters portray would be
incredibly demanding. Got to question, was getting shot a "punishment" for loss of faith.

They can "swear" all they want, but I only have one request. Please leave out the frivolous use of God and Jesus’ name from the script. God and His Son, Jesus, are the most holy of all there is. He is the creator of the universe and I think it is unkind, rude, and improper to use his name without addressing Him or talking about Him.

Use any other words you like, because they are all less offensive to me, but to use the name of my God and my Savior, Jesus Christ, without meaning it, is just repulsive.

Maybe you should request a Walmart "clean" version or just stick to your local channels. Life isn't clean, finally the censors realize that. Hope to GOD they don't listen to prudes such as you and clamp down on actual good programming.

I WANT EPISODE 16!!!!

But not everyone believes that. Not everyone is christian, not everyone believes in Jesus. It's fine if it's not acceptable to you but that doesn't mean that they have to change it. It's a TV show. If you find it offensive, don't watch it. It's that simple.

It's really funny because eveyrone holds the writers responsible for what is in the show but I have a feeling that if Mary McCormack found it really offensive than she could argue to have it taken out and they would probably listen to her. From the interviews i have seen with her, it doesn't seem like she is one to let something slide if she really disagrees with it.

If you find it offensive than you have the option of changing the channel but to think that they should change the writing beacsue some people find it offensive is not right. That's making a show that is available to everyone conform to one one groups of people beliefs and what they find offensive. JMO.

dear summer fun,

It seems to me that when you first get to the IPS forums you are presented with a list of topics.
This one is titled "Foul Language." So my question to you is, what did you THINK it was going to be about?
I mean, did you really think someone was going to say Hooray for the F word?
You have no regard for anyone's opinion or beliefs as evidenced by your hatred of anyone with religious values, "Jesus police."
Your argument that because you can name other shows that are worse does not negate the presence of foul language the OP was referring to.
The OP was not "picking" on this show, merely making a point.
I just had to wonder why you even bothered clicking on the post to begin with.
If you don't want to hear people's opinions don't log in to message boards.
Honestly, your post showed you in a most unintelligent light.

I really like the show, but I, too, noticed that the language in the last episode was worse than before. If it continues to deteriorate, I will probably quit watching. I'm a huge USA fan and watch that channel probably 75 percent of the time and their other shows don't use God's name in vain. There's plenty of other stuff to watch.

And I don't care if you call me a prude; I'm OK with that.

Wretch, what's your point? That I have to agree with a given point of view to post on this thread, or taken to the extreme you seem to favor, to post on any message board? Don't be ridiculous.

Why did I look at the thread? Because I knew we would have yet another group of people determined to impose their values on me, in an attempt to deny basic freedom of speech, as is so characteristic of religious fanatic and zealots. Regard is an earned thing, not a given. I have no regard for people who do not respect my right to express my opinion as I see fit, or to watch a television show that develops its characters without reference to the rigid moral code of the religious fringe. My regard can easily be earned by those who respect the fact not everyone agrees with them, something I rarely see among the uber-religious.

My opinion is as valid as any other one here. Referring to people trying to impose their religious values on the show and by extension, me, as the "Jesus police" does not equate with hatred. Distain, yes. Hatred, no. I distain anyone who is the self-appointed arbiter of what I can and cannot see and hear.

You say "making a point." I say "picking on." It's all in how we see the discourse. What makes your point of view any more correct than mine? Nothing. This Jesus/language argument is wildly out of proportion to the language used on the show.

Then of course, you finish with the classic insult used by many who've had a nerve struck and can't muster a substantive argument in opposition -- you attempt to insult my intelligence.

Don't like what I say? Don't read it. Don't like the language on the show? Go watch the TBS folks. They don't swear. Of course, there's that little issue of their avarice, but he-ho. At least they pick your pockets using G-rated language.

The thread was started by Ham Man, who only said that if the swearing got worse, he would stop watching. He wasn't trying to impose his values on anyone, but simply give his opinion. And no, I don't have a problem with the swearing on the show. But I think that Ham Man has the right to not like it, and be able to post that opinion without being attacked.

BTW, Freedom of Speech means that people have the right to speak without being censored by the government. It doesn't mean that limits can't be set for what can be said on a TV entertainment program, or what people post online. USA Network can decide that they don't want any swearing on their shows, and direct all writers and producers to avoid foul language in their shows shown on USA. It would not be a violation of freedom of speech, but rather a business decision. And the owners of websites can set limits on what can and can't be posted, and it is not a violation of freedom of speech.

1st Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

You've missed both my point and the focus of my comments, but never mind. This discussion has gotten old and tired.

I completely agree, you can be just as effective saying DAMN IT!!! instead of GD all the time. Especially for a female character. I've decided to watch 1 episode this spring, and if they do not stop using GD, I'm going to stop watching all together.

I agree! Vulgar language should only be used in romantic situations ... by consenting adults. But if one of those adults doesn't consent, then it's even hotter. IMHO.

"Foul Language" is a valid topic. Viewers obviously have intense feelings about it whether they are for or against it. I am glad to see that USA did not lock down and close this topic yet as it did another similar one the IPS forum after it's first two pages.

Well, the problem is, your intelligence is not hard to insult, as your entire post exposes you for what you are. You don't want anyone to have the freedom to speak, but you. The OP voiced an opinion and the mean spirited folks came out of the woodwork with Jesus Police and language cops commentary. Well, if there was freedom of speech, you would read their words, and then state that you disagree. Instead, We find it getting personal, and ugly. Classic liberalism. "I can say what I want, and if you disagree, then you will feel my wrath"

We are sick of it. If I post that I don't like the color red, you can post that you do, but you cannot post that I am an idiot for not liking it, and then start off on a tirade about free speech, for you are attempting to silence others, by claiming YOUR freedom to speak.

The point is, some people don't care for the language, and others don't mind. Express that opinion, and all is well. Get ugly and personal, and find that you will be responded to in kind.

Freedom of Speech applies to EVERYONE, so when someone speaks and you disagree, just say you disagree, and move on to something more productive.

I must say I’m surprised this Thread has lasted this long. I expected Admin to “X” it long time. But, I’m not going to make the mistake of thinking that it is still here because the TPTB cares what we think—because if that were true, we would be watching Episode 16 this Sunday.

By the By—On one of the other Boards (a less family-friendly one), there is a discussion of whether Stan used the “F” word.

Come back and talk to me when you actually have something to say that is a) accurate; b ) relevant and c) on topic. All you're doing is spouting is the Rush O'Reilly von Hannity party line cant. You can't defend against an argument, so instead you trot out your all-purpose insults. Trouble is, they have all the impact of a wet rag and are wildly off the mark.

Here's my issue with some of the people who are not happy about the writing....
I don't care if you don't like the writing and the language etc. you have every right to not like it BUT what i do mind is people thinking that they can complain and complain because THEY want it changed to follow their beliefs. You have every right not to liek the language and to find it offensive but thats you opinion...not eveyrbody feels that way and the people who think that this type of thing should be changed to accomadate their beliefs are way out of line.

I don’t have anything constructive to add, but I’ve noticed that when the posts get toooooooooooooo personal, Admin tends to “X” the Thread when the number of replies reaches about 30. So, I thought I’d help move things along.

But, as for the show's content, isn't IPS rated TV-14?

That's an interesting question. I don't know what the rating is and I'm not sure how to find out other than maybe paying more attention when the show starts. Is there like a ratings website out there somewhere? I'm thinking there is since movies and even video games had have such ratings but nothing is coming to mind at the moment. Do they assign a rating to the show itself or to each individual episode?

The episodes are rated individually, but they tend to be TV-14.

You are right, JaredD. I'm not a moderator for IPS, so I won't take any action here. But when the "discussion" spirals into personal attacks my inclination would be to close or delete the thread. I think that discussing the language is just as valid a topic as discussing the writing, the acting, the characters, the relationships (or lack of relationships), etc. If people don't like the language, true they can turn the channel. But so can all of the people who complain about anything on the show. Objecting to language, writing, etc. is just as valid as those (like me) who tend to gush, "I loved it!" about every episode. But calling each other names and lobbing insults about intelligence, morals, or anything else...that's not discussion of the show and needs to stop. Just my lowly opinion.

So what you are saying.... Is that it's ok for the writers to use offensive language toward Muslims or Jews (or any other religion) ??? They don't have to watch it. They can just change the channel. Is that what you are saying? So racial or ethic slurs would be ok also right? And if those whom it offends don't like it they can just turn it off.. ? No sense of common manners. Do we watch TV to relax and be entertained or do we just want to see how many people we can offend?

Actually, this is not an "off the cuff" remark that Americans have come to expect. This is a SCRIPTED program that has intentionally inflicted gratuitous foul language. We live in the real world. We know how people talk when they speak "unscripted." This is SCRIPTED and insulting. I always thought people who took the Lord's name in vain were too stupid to think of anything else. This language diminishes the character, the program and the network. You should stop it.

This language diminishes the character, the program, the network, and it diminishes your bottom line because I won't buy a DVD collection that uses the Lord's name in vain. Mary Shannon, the character, is smart enough to use higher language forms than reverting to using the Lord's name in vain. Quit SCRIPTING her language that offends Christians, and others. It's up to you. But if you want revenues from sales, perhaps you should consider you are alienating some of your audience with your provocative language. Get Mary a little smarter and more sensitive when scripting her language.

No one lost a thing. I agree---USA can direct the writers to tone down the language. If it was off the cuff, I understand people getting emotional. This language is scripted and offensive to many. Why would USA choose to alienate a good portion of their viewers who have come to expect great television programs. The bottom line is this---many people, such as myself, won't buy DVD sets if the language lowers itself to this level. The last episode is NOT the time they have used this explicit and offensive terminology---but I don't have to buy it and put it in my home full time.

WOW!!! I have decided to do the same thing. fortunately, Mary will recover because let's face it Mary and Marshall are the team and it would fall flat if she died. Though I do think Marshall is soooooo zenlike. :-) And he doesn't use the offensive language Mary does. How interesting. I just realized that. Marshall has NEVER said----the objectionable phrase. What does that tell you??? I don't have a clue what it tells me.....feminism run amuck or what? (And yes I am a LADY---also a WOMAN!) ;-)

I don't understand what feminism has to do with foul language?

Don't you know, gingercookies? There's a double standard for use of this language. Boys get to swear but girls don't. Folks still don't get it. Use of such language is a choice. It's also language in the common parlance, and as such, the ethnic/religious slur comparison doesn't hold water. We as a greater society have decided the language they've objected to does not hold the connotation of a religious slur. Maybe it should - that's another argument - but at present, it doesn't.

So it all comes down to one simple principle: don't like the language? Turn off the TV, don't download the episodes from iTunes and don't buy the DVD. But get off my back and the backs of my friends here who don't mind it because we want to see the show as it is. You DO NOT have the right to impose your religious beliefs and values on what I chose to watch.

In this topic (or maybe in another one that was closed) I found that many folks think using a quick swear word to be unintelligent. As if the character lacks creative thought (or is lazy I think someone said) or even is simply cheating the viewers by not thinking and using an entire powerful sentence that would portray their disgust rather than the cheap quick swear word route.

I find a little truth that swear words abound in everyday life and I agree that it takes no intelligence or imagination to spout off a few foul words. Any one can do it. The words aren't listed in some secret book that only intelligent people can find rather they are out there everywhere.



I did find an entry on wikipedia about TV Parental Guidelines after another poster explained a bit about how a show's content is rated and learned a few things there even though I have read the entire entry as yet. I learned that while a network has a choice to censor particular language or allow it to air completely unfiltered can depend on several factors. The one (not the only one) I found interesting had to do with attracting advertisers that may or may not want to advertise during a show with particular language. Which explained to me the variety in programming on a network and the differences in advertising commercials in the daytime and at night. It led me to wonder if advertisers paid more for slots at different times of the day or during certain types of programs.

I'm just now learning that some folks will a show once on television but choose not to buy a DVD to have in their home full time. I had never thought of that before. I'm sure for the networks finances are a part of all of their decisions.



I noticed this too. After a little thought it would seem that it may have less to do with the sex of the character and more to do with portraying the main character of this show as more explosive than her counterpart which has many opposites. It does leave room to wonder if this is common on other shows or networks or whatever rather than with that writer(s).



It may not have anything to do with it. It may just be a case where a female character chooses to use foul words and a male character chooses not to.

I disagree. Watch it all and express all of your opinions. Not to be discouraging to anyone but it may not make a big difference in the grand sceme of things in the Television Programming world. Like the proverbial drop of water in the bucket. Writers, actors, networks will always make the same choices that they have always made. It's the way the world is set up and everyone's got to eat. But I love reading the negative opinions as much as the favorable one. I'm not sure anyone can impose their beliefs and values (religious or otherwise) on me if I don't want them to.

Writers don't write what people won't watch. If people don't watch, writers get fired. If writers get fired then writers don't eat. (unless, of course, if they work for the government.)

Another socialist is heard from... Yawn... ..

Point taken. I'm still skeptical that there would be major changes to cable television programming simply based on their track record. When one show ends or one writer gets fired or leaves a show another that has been waiting on the sidelines jumps right in. I didn't mean to be discouraging. I just see them continuing in the same direction they have been following.

I do still enjoy reading the posts on the actual topic over the posts about people's opinions though.

LOL! What a knee slapper! You really don't have any sort of argument, do you? This just confirms it.

I suppose in theory that might work. But in reality - not so much. The definition of insanity is repeating the same act over and over, and expecting the outcome to be different.

I'm fine with opinions, but I draw the line when they become an effort to restrict my freedom of choice. That's what the anti-language zealots and Jesus police are attempting to do, in the guise of what they want to be one religious dogma in a polytheistic country, and have been doing so since Bush I was in office. It's not something that can be taken lightly.

Sorry, Kelly, with all due respect, but don't like it? Turn it off. The loudest voice is the TV tuned to something else.

Mine is just an editorial comment.

Let me just say that when it comes to the dialog on the show, I’ve never notice the language that some find offensive. I wouldn’t be able to name an episode, scene or incident where it occurred. So, I’m willing to admit to being desensitized, and obviously not offended.

It could be that since TPTB have a successful show where 4M+ viewers are happy with what being beaming into their homes, a few non-positive comments don’t keep them up nights. Maybe they consider losing these folks as “the cost of doing business”. After all, they are not “sneaking up on viewers”, but forewarning them by posting the rating for the episode beforehand. Viewers go in knowing of the show’s intentions to use other than “G” language/content.

It doesn’t matter to me one way or the other, but as we all know, ultimately it’s going to be what WORKS BEST for the show. And I can’t see a few random complaints carrying much weight, but if offendees start leaving in droves, then, that’s another matter. After all, as a couple of posters noted, the writers can get the same impact using less “stress inducing” words.

You know, I don't think the show will change because of a few dissenters who disagree with the language, but I still want to give props to Ham Man for standing up for something he believes in even though it got him insulted and ridiculed by other posters who disagree. I don't always speak up when I see something I believe is wrong, and that is a mistake. Keep on keepin' on, Ham Man.

And I don't like profanity either.

I am fascinated by the way IPS retains viewers who find the language less than tasteful. Most would avoid that which offends them. It seems the allure of the story is stronger than it's unpleasantries, a testament to a writer's ability to create fiction in the image of life.