Double+Coding+in+iCarly+-+Aaron+Wolf

After viewing the episode "iPsycho" (iCarly's 5th extended episode/ movie), I came across quite a few instances of double coding. Some of these instances were sexual references, while others were just references to adult pop culture. Even though the references of double coding were different, the way in which they were present was very much the same. Instances of double coding would usually arise when characters state something that seems humorous to children (usually using shock value or sarcasm) but at the same time is funny for adults in a completely different way. For example, when Gibby comes to Spencer upset that he can no longer go to camp, Spencer asks him what he will do instead. Gibby's responds in a monotonous tone, "I don't know... sit home... watch reruns of //Different Strokes"// Clearly, kids watching this show have no idea what //Different Strokes// is, but this isn't important to them. They still understand what Gibby is implying and still find it to be funny, while mothers, fathers, or other adults watching the show understand the reference and also find it humorous.

Spencer then asks Gibby how he would feel if he could go to camp right in his house and he continues the reference by snapping, "Watchu talkin bout Spencer?" This is again a reference to the show //Different Strokes//. The classic TV show reference manages to continue even further when Gibby exclaims in excitement, "Dyn-O-Mite!", a classic line also exclaimed by the character J.J. in the sitcom //Good Times//. Finally Spencer confirms the instances of double coding by telling Gibby, "You watch a lot of classic TV" to which he responds "What do you mean?"

Other instances of double coding in this episode include some instances where the humor can be left very open ended. The reason that the child viewer might find the joke to be funny might be completely from how an adult would find it funny. At one point in the episode Spencer says to Gibby, "I remember when they said I couldn't go to camp anymore..." Gibby then asks in response, "Why because you were too old?" to which Spencer says "No" This instance of double coding didn't use any references. The reason for the humor is completely open ended. Children might think Spencer was kicked out of camp for being too sillyor being a trouble maker, but parents might believe the reason to be related more inappropriate subjects such as drug or alcohol use. This is funny to adults because making stupid decisions involving drugs and alcohol is something they have probably done once before so they can easily relate.

Another instance of double coding involves sexual innuendos. Here, the adult humor comes from play on words, while the child is either completely unaware or they find the shock value to be humorous. For example at one point in the episode Sam threatens to knock someone to Jupiter. Carly takes offense to this and tells Sam to be quiet. Sam's response to this is simply, "I could have said Uranus" This joke obviously implies sexuality and whether or not the child viewer understands this could be something to research further.

Here are some other instances of double coding in the episode "iPsycho"

-Nora owns a Richard Nixon mask and axe and shows it to Carly and the gang -Nora burns her mouth on a "food pocket" and references Jim Gaffigin's stand up comedy sketch on hot pockets by yelling, "JIM GAFFIGIN WAS RIGHT!!" after taking the first bite of the "food pocket" - When Gibbyt tries to get into Nora's house she slams the window to the door shut and yells, "NO ONE SEES THE WIZARD" referencing The Wizard of Oz.