MistyMountainHop

Donna didn't seem to care Jackie said that (she had to be used to Jackie talking that way by then). She was more upset about Eric's actions in that conversation. Truly, though, I think Donna would've told Jackie not to call Mr. Bonkers that -- if the scene had the time for it. Since it's TV, every second counts. So that bit of characterization wasn't deemed important enough by the writers to take up precious time with.

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

That was a relatively minor out-of-character moment by omission -- probably also due to the "laugh" Jackie's line about the cat was intended to get. That's one problem with TV vs books. TV shows often put other considerations over character and story, specially shows taped in front of a live studio audienc.

If Jackie and Donna became aware of the laughter from the audience, they would freak out.

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

They'd have no idea where that laughter is coming from. Maybe they'd think they'd had a particularly heavy circle and couldn't remember having it. But then Jackie and Donna would think the other person was an hallucination.

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

Jackie and Donna might attempt to leave town to get away from the laughter. It truly would be a horror movie for them. Or a Twilight Zone episode.

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

So will they get a happy conclusion or a sad one? The laughter and applause finally fading or staying with them throughout their lives -- and Jackie becoming addicted to it and chasing it?

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

Jackie searched for external validation at times, despite her self-confidence. I think the unseen applause might become part of a strange pathology for her. Any psychiatrist she'd see would think she was experiencing delusions, maybe even after Donna corroborated her story.

Then the psychiatrist hears the audience laugh at the situation, and he thinks he's part of a collective delusion.

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

Donna would tell Eric, who would wonder why no one's applauding him or laughing at his antics. Jackie might keep her experience to herself until her and Donna's friends learn about it from Eric.

Kelso would do crazy things to get applause and laughter, but he never hears any. That would drive him to do even crazier things until Red and Kitty get him into the psych ward for his and other people's protection.

Donna K.

MistyMountainHop

If they told Kitty, I think she'd love it for a while until she didn't -- and Red would hate it. He'd threaten to put a foot up every one of those applauding and laughing people's asses, and the audience would laugh. Red, you can't win. This is truly your Twilight Zone.