Funny Business

Posted by Beth Danesco on January 16th, 2008 No Comments Printer-Friendly

First, a little more late night-

A Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Jon came back and… talked about the strike a lot. An awful lot. It was barely funny. But then things got better after day one, and he even joked about it. This show still desperately needs writers though. Grade: B-

The ColberT ReporT: Stephen Colbert, however, can go without a net. Conan O’Brien is still the best at doing the writer-less thing but Colbert is a close second. Loved his interview with Huckabee and his stuff at the Smithsonian - too many other great things to mention from his first week back. Grade: B+

And now back to our regularly scheduled recaps….

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v2581091dGj6EFMt

The Simpsons: "E Pluribus Wiggum" (1/6/08) - A very timely and sharp look at the presidential primaries, as citizens of Springfield decide they’ve had enough and offer up Ralph as a candidate. Now this is what The Simpsons does best. Grade: A

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v1687318zzF6PT7e

King of the Hill: "Tears of an Inflatable Clown" (11/25/07) - And this is what King of the Hill does best. The very idea of a "carnival of learning" is ripe for the picking for this show. Bobby is turned into a little Noam Chomsky by someone hired by the school board to help with cultural awareness. Grade: A

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v1687742BGRGwxny

American Dad: "Surro-Gate" (12/2/07) - Stan loses it when he finds out (six months after the fact) that Francine is acting as a surrogate mother for their gay neighbors’ baby. I really liked how the writers (remember when shows had those?) used the six-month flash forward to make another plotline (Klaus vowing vengeance against Steve and Roger) even funnier - funnier than the main plot. Stan is supposed to be somewhat likable and kidnapping kind of goes against that. Grade: B-

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v2410446H2kZXrhQ

30 Rock: "Secrets and Lies" (12/6/07) - C.C. wants to go public with her relationship with Jack, something he’s not too happy about. Also, Jenna decides to be just as bad as Tracy. I love the reveal that her "award" is a cookie, and her entourage. Probably the best Jenna episode ever, in fact. Grade: A-

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v2411254fAFMGZ67

"LudaChristmas" (12/13/07) - Liz’s parents and brother (the latter permanently stuck on the same day in the ’80s) come to visit. Great to see Buck Henry and Andy Richter guest star, as well as Elaine Stritch reprising her Emmy-winning role as Jack’s mother. And Kenneth’s attempts to teach the staff the true meaning of Christmas were fall-down hilarious. Grade: A

http://www.veoh.com/videos/v2634311XWc26sdm (recap)

Scrubs: "My #1 Doctor" (12/6/07) - Kelso signs up his hospital for rateyourdoc.org (a hilarious fake website, look it up) and the docs start to compete for the #1 slot, using somewhat unethical means of course. Love J.D. checking with Turk on what men do. The Janitor gets a normal girlfriend and Carla is suspicious. Also, Elliot’s favorite patient tells her that she wants to end her life. Probably the best episode of the season, another great mix of humor and pathos, this show’s trademark. Grade: B+

Next time: The (likely) final 30 Rock and My Name is Earl episodes for the season! Say it ain’t so!

BY HENRY HANKS