Last Comic Standing 2: Episode 12
This Is Insane!
They Tried, They Failed
August 4, 2004
In the pantheon of great comedians, certain names stand out. Chaplin. Keaton. Lloyd. Mandell. Nothing denotes greatness in a comedian than the ability to inflate a plastic glove with his nostrils. Lately however, great comics have been harder to come by than money-making Halle Berry movies. Tonight, the six finalist of Last Comic Standing will be trying to change that. None of them will succeed, but they are going to try.
Usually, the recaps of this show are written by CC. But he's busy rehearsing with Bret and the rest of the guys from Poison for their big reunion tour, so I'm going to try and fill in. So lets it started. Did I just quote from the Black Eyed Peas? For my sake, I hope not.
Last week's wildcard winner, Jay London, is first up. Or as I referred to him in the 80s, Steven Wright. Ol' Steven has really let himself go in the past decade or so. And he seems to have shrunk as well. His one liners haven't really changed from the beginning, but that's his bit. Although I do think Schneider from One Day At A Time had more stage presence. So up on your feet, up on your feet, somewhere there's music playing!
That music was because Gary Gulman is next, and he is probably the funniest of the night, as is his usual. Good observational humor in the Seinfeldian tradition, he seemed to have the audience in his command. Being seven feet nine inches tall probably wasn't hurting. Although his absence from Team USA really hurt them on the boards.
John Heffron was third up, and gave some funny and useful tips about how to pick up women in bars. Lift with your knees, so as not to hurt your back. I was laughing and writing down notes at the same time. I can't wait to try some of his stuff out at the Salty Nut later tonight.
Tonight was the first time that Kathleen Madigan performed on this series. And it showed. Finally, someone that I'm actually funnier than. But just barely. I haven't seen this many bombs since TBS had that all day Adrienne Barbeau movie marathon. Although Creepshow has held up well. I can't imagine her getting into the final three.
Tammy Pescatelli was funny, but following Kathleen Madigan, I'm pretty sure Henry Kissinger could have come off as humorous as well, so it's hard to judge. But her four minute set was enjoyable. However, my concern with her is where she would find her niche in the comic world as just another Sicilian comedienne. There are so many right now.
Alonzo Bodden was the final comic to perform, and along with Gary, was the funniest of the night. He clearly looks like the winner of this event and the show would do well to crown him champion. See, not every comment I make is snarky.
CC will be back on Thursday. Tune in to read his recaps when he returns.
Randall the Vandal, is a humor writer who enjoys writing recaps of the reality shows currently dominating the airwaves. Known for stealing other people's ideas and writing styles, Randall the Vandal has spent many years honing his craft in the finest detention centers across the southeast and is recognized as one of the funniest writers emerging today. At least by his mother. His father refuses to comment.
Email Randall here: randallthevandal2004@yahoo.com
