Last Comic Standing 2: Episode 7
Gulman Raids Ant - Dead Bug!
Recap By C.C. McCandless
July 7, 2004
As the night began, eight players remained on NBC's Last Comic Standing, and at least one of them was sad to see Todd Glass go. "It's like losing your best friend," said Gary, about Todd being targeted and defeated in the showdown.
Ringleader Ant was clearly happy about it, and he planned to continue knocking his opponents out. "The plan has been…Bonnie, Todd, (and) Gary on the chopping block," he stated, then conjured up a nice reality show clichéd evil smile and petty wave. "Bye Gary."
One small problem with Ant's logic is the fact that this is Last Comic Standing, and votes won't be enough to oust someone. If Ant's alliance targets Gary, one of them will have to win the showdown. It goes without saying that this would be a tall order for Ant himself.
In a blatant attempt at manipulation, Ant gave away his prize from last week, which consisted of a session with a professional photographer. It's hard to envision Ant relinquishing a chance to preen in front of any kind of camera, but he did, handing the honor off to…Jay London. Right. This is like giving a session with a professional trainer to Jabba the Hutt. "How do you smile?" Jay asked the photographer. Well, for starters, listen to someone's jokes other than your own. And no, I don't mean Ant's.
Next, it was challenge time, and FINALLY, someone stepped up and made a "Big" joke in reference to the ridiculous fortune-teller machine that spits out the challenge cards. Thank you, John Heffron. The task at hand, shockingly enough, actually involved comedy. The gang would select one of their own to be roasted at the Friar's Club in Beverly Hills. "What is the Friar's club?" Corey asked without a hint of irony. Too bad they couldn't just eject him right there. The comics voted to select the target of their roast, as Jay Mohr reminded them that they only roast the ones they love. Well, they also roast folks who make for easy jokes, so obviously Jay London got the call. Thank you…
At the roast, Norm Crosby, Rich Little, and Phyllis Diller served as judges, deciding which of the contestants was funniest. Jay Mohr got in a few good zings of his own, especially at Diller's expense. "After the very first roast ever, she had sex with Socrates in the parking lot," he quipped. Gary followed and got in some great shots at some of his housemates. "Ant is gay," Gary said. "He's also irritating, sneaky, and bald." He then aimed at Tammy with "1978 called…they want their eye shadow back." Then a dig about Thanksgiving at Corey house with a kids table and an illegitimate kids table. All smart, all very funny. Most of the others weren't really up for the challenge. Kathleen outright admitted she'd rather be back at the Laundromat. However, Alonzo stepped up and delivered some very funny material.
Alonzo won. I was fine with this, but the judges' reactions to Gary's material shocked me. They criticized him for being too vulgar. At a roast…are you kidding me? This is like accusing a stripper of being too naked. Honestly, it was like they've never actually seen a roast. I've watched these before and nothing is sacred. Anyone who remembers a certain Jeffrey Ross roast joke about Bea Arthur knows exactly what I'm talking about. Anyway, it was absurd. Alonzo did well, but so did Gary. In a small twist, Jay Mohr then removed a sealed envelope that he had cryptically talked about earlier, and opened it, revealing that Jay London had immunity from the showdown because he was selected for the roast. Alonzo was a little surprised, but everyone else will be surprised if he has anything to worry about anytime soon.
The gang then gathered to vote, and Gary might as well have drawn a bull's-eye on his shirt, as he was the clear target for Ant and his cronies. To Gary's credit, he openly relished the opportunity, as long as he got a shot at Ant. Most of the viewers were pulling for this as well.
And we got our wish. Despite last-minute allusions by Ant that he wouldn't vote for Gary as a strategic move, that's the way it came down. "I don't think this week is my week," said Ant, desperately continuing to hope that he has been cast on Last Weasel Standing. But he quickly changed his tune before the showdown, calling that night's set "the moment that I've been leading up to my entire career." Ant, I think you need a new agent. Or maybe that tour bus gig is still available.
Gary went first and delivered a very funny set, despite looking a little uncomfortable at times. However, it bears noting that the lint at the bottom of Gary's dryer filter is funnier than Ant. Tonight was no exception. Ant did break out some fresh material, but it was as unfunny as the rest of his act, and Gary rolled by a satisfying 73-27 margin. "Ding dong, the witch is dead," Gary gloated, clearly enjoying exacting some revenge for Todd. And Gary, let me give you my personal thanks as well. This show instantly becomes more watchable for the remainder of the season now that the queen is dead.
C.C. McCandless is an independent filmmaker and freelance writer. He has a Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
You can contact C.C. here: ccmcc33@msn.com
