LSSC: Season One All Episodes Talk

[roseha]

I'm guessing some higher up is telling Stephen to simmer down on the dancing because I've noticed he's not been doing it for the last couple of shows.

 

I haven't seen last night's show yet but re the dancing, I wonder if it's partly a reaction to the Oregon shootings and the extreme flooding (which led to a number of deaths) in Stephen's home state of South Carolina happening within the last week.

[Babalooie]

I think that maybe the high kicks have stopped because SC probably pulled something or threw his lower back out (been there).  Jon Batiste is only 28 to Colbert's 51.  Big difference when you're both trying to kick dance.

[lookeyloo]

I'm guessing some higher up is telling Stephen to simmer down on the dancing because I've noticed he's not been doing it for the last couple of shows.

Maybe it's one of Jon's suggestions as one of the EPS

[bluepiano]

McCarthy really seems to me like a person with an actual neurological disorder. Aphasia may make someone less than ideal for the Speaker job, but it's hard to believe that he was really that inarticulate unless he has it.

 

Well, I guess it doesn't matter now, as far as his being Speaker, but I had the same thought. It seemed to be some kind of verbal form of dyslexia. Some of these statements he was reading, so it's hard to believe that any speech writer or aid would've actually written that word soup. I can only assume there was some kind of disconnect between the words he saw on the page and how they came out of his mouth.

 

Could he have always had this problem and still gone into politics and been elected (and re-elected) to Congress? I guess it's possible. The bar for Congress seems pretty low these days. (see Gomert, Louie)

 

I was actually surprised by how little talk there was of his verbal gaffes in political circles and in the mainstream media. Rachel Maddow was on it right away, and then Stephen's piece was pretty devastating. As he's the most verbally adroit of all late night hosts (if not of all contemporary comedians) this was a natural target for him.

 

The upcoming cage match among Republicans for Speaker of the House should provide plenty of comic gold. Good for Stephen and other political comedians, not so good for America.

Edited October 9, 2015 by bluepiano

[nowandlater]

I think that maybe the high kicks have stopped because SC probably pulled something or threw his lower back out (been there).  Jon Batiste is only 28 to Colbert's 51.  Big difference when you're both trying to kick dance.

 

I looked it up and the last high kick and extensive dancing was on Oct. 1 in the taping that happened hours after the Oregon massacre.

 

The next night, of course, he addressed the massacre and has toned it down ever since.

[Kromm]

ANOTHER shooting spree today (in Arizona). So if that's part of his demeanor change, expect it again.

[Padma]

And a shooting at a university in Texas (one killed; shooter in custody). I was shocked when Stephen said there had been 142 school shootings in the U.S. since Sandy Hook. I'm sure he will address it tonight, especially with the President going (somewhat unwelcome) to talk with grieving families in Roseburg this weekend.

[bluepiano]

Except there was only one person killed, so it won't go on the tally as a "mass shooting," which I believe requires 4 people to be killed. We seem to have a low bar for everything these days except shootings.

 

My bet will be that Stephen does not mention it, as I think he is walking a tight rope of not wanting to be seen as "too political." And discussing gun violence is seen by many in the US as getting into politics.

[Delwyn]

My bet will be that Stephen does not mention it, as I think he is walking a tight rope of not wanting to be seen as "too political." And discussing gun violence is seen by many in the US as getting into politics.

Except there was another shooting and one killed at an Arizona University the same day and only hours apart, so it might be worth a mention? I have faith that Colbert can find the fine balance of the entertainment mission of his show, while giving us serious food for thought about these issues without having to take political sides.

[Padma]

AirBnB sounded interesting until I read this: http://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/www.airbnb.com  I'm not sure it deserves the free "Colbert-CBS advertising bump" or not after reading all those (also visiting the site itself, where you have to register and login to find out anything worth knowing.

Edited October 10, 2015 by Padma

[Kromm]

To be fair, sites like that tend to only collect negative comments and low ratings.  People often only seek them out to post when they're angry.

[bmoore4026]

I'd so totally buy a Stephen Colbert/James Corden show tunes album.

[possibilities]

The kicks were back tonight. I guess it's too soon to say they'e settled into or out of any particular bits.

[Padma]

To be fair, sites like that tend to only collect negative comments and low ratings.  People often only seek them out to post when they're angry.

Nevertheless, if you read through them, there seems to be some patterns of dissatisfaction and problems that the rosy impression on TLS didn't convey (he brushed off Stephen's quoted criticism as if it was just one very isolated anomaly, but that really doesn't appear to be the case). Quality control is a big issue with these kinds of public-networking businesses, and he got some good advertising from his appearance last night (I looked it up myself because I'd never heard of them and it sounded so interesting.)

 

That number with Corden was so perfectly timed, rehearsed and fun! Wish they could do a musical number every Friday.

Edited October 10, 2015 by Padma

[bluepiano]

Wow, that "Life Hacked" piece was lame. I mean, Leno/Fallon lame. It's the kind of stuff I was hoping Stephen would never sink to when it was announced he was taking over The Late Show. And increasingly lately I feel like the political humor only consists of going after the safest targets in the most obvious way. Okay, we get that the Republicans are in disarray when it comes to choosing a Speaker. But nothing on Murdoch's odious comments about having "a real black President," or Ben Carson's blame the victim mentality regarding mass shootings and wanting to arm kindergarten teachers?
 

Well, Stephen's still showing that old photo of Bernie Sanders with his hair mussed and making jokes about him needing a comb. Now there's some bold political humor right there!

 

Edited October 10, 2015 by bluepiano

[amsel]

Is it just me or are John Batiste's feet really large?

And the leg kicks returned. We celebrated too early.

[paigow]

But nothing on Murdoch's odious comments about having "a real black President," or Ben Carson's blame the victim mentality regarding mass shootings and wanting to arm kindergarten teachers?

FYI: Bill Maher covered both topics in his monologue.

[peeayebee]

I really enjoyed Stephen's bit on no Republican in the House wanting to be Speaker. I mean, there was no exaggeration. "He's not a fucking moron" was hysterical.

 

And I must admit, I liked the Life Hacked bit. The hacks were lame, but some of the real Life Hacks are lame too. Frankly, I'm appalled at that elevator hack. Yeah, it's great for the person in the elevator, so how long do I have to wait for my elevator to arrive? Anyway, I liked how enthusiastic the audience was. 

 

I haven't watched James Corden's show, but I've liked him in every interview I've seen. Here he was absolutely delightful. Lovely, I should say. And that musical number was fantastic. 

 

I started watching Halsey but ended up FFing thru it. I wish there'd been an Oatsey too. :D

[Fisher King]

James Corden has a really nice voice. I don't watch his show either but he's quite lovely from what I've seen in interviews and various promo spots.

Edited October 10, 2015 by Fisher King

[walnutqueen]

I enjoyed the interview with Shane Smith, but wish they had more time.  Vice is one of the best news documentary shows on television.

[kib]

The writing was crisp for the 'Life Hacked' bit, could have done without the audience participation.  Still not feeling the love for Corden.  The one thing that cracked me up this week was the baby goat in the audience.  I don't know, guess I'm still a sucker for the surprise sidearm pitches like on the old show like when Paul Newman wanted to know "where the hell are the singin' cats?"

(I like stuff with props, unexpected appearances and such rather than fancy graphics boxes, the extra effort is greatly appreciated) 

[jeansheridan]

I find watching his monologues on YouTube to be the best way to enjoy him. All the fun with less lard. I loved his personality interview! He is so, so good with real people.

[Gemma Violet]

And the leg kicks returned. 

 

Yesss!  I love the leg kicks!

[Inquisitionist]

I love how Stephen cracked up after reporting that Paul Ryan's friend said Ryan didn't want to be SotH because "He's not ****ing stupid."  Stephen doesn't break character easily, but that line seemed to really get to him.

Edited October 11, 2015 by Inquisitionist

[teddysmom]

The one thing that cracked me up this week was the baby goat in the audience.

 

I loved the baby goat.  

 

The bit last night with the CNN guy describing his dream date with Joe Biden was hilarious.  "And what if he shows up in his yellow vette with his aviator glasses?"

 

Now I'm really wishing they get about 10 minutes into the debate and Joe walks out on the stage.   Best night ever. 

[peeayebee]

I actually enjoyed Stephen's meeting with his producer. I wish they'd had more time.

[Deanie87]

I actually enjoyed Stephen's meeting with his producer. I wish they'd had more time.

 

I agree, but wow, his segment with Elvis Costello was so, so awesome!  It doesn't hurt that I am a huge fan of both, but I loved how Stephen whipped out a lyric from a lesser known song off the top of his head (I assume.)  When Stephen is a real fan of something or someone, there is nothing better.  And this interview in particular, was a big example of how Stephen differs from the other late night hosts: he just seems like an adult.  I know that he isn't that much older than either of the Jimmys (and I am roughly the same age as all of them), but he just seems to exude depth and a soulfulness that the other guys just don't.  I found myself very moved by Elvis and Stephen watching the clip of Elvis's dad and their conversation afterward even though it was jokey and not played as a deep or melancholy moment.  I don't know, it was a short segment and, again, not overly serious, but it somehow didn't feel like just another celebrity interview, at least to me.  I couldn't look away.

Edited October 14, 2015 by Deanie87

[bmoore4026]

Oh, poor CNN.  Trying so hard to be hip and imagining something that could get them viewers that will never happen.

[kib]

I agree, but wow, his segment with Elvis Costello was so, so awesome!  It doesn't hurt that I am a huge fan of both, but I loved how Stephen whipped out a lyric from a lesser known song off the top of his head (I assume.)  When Stephen is a real fan of something or someone, there is nothing better.  And this interview in particular, was a big example of how Stephen differs from the other late night hosts: he just seems like an adult.  I know that he isn't that much older than either of the Jimmys (and I am roughly the same age as all of them), but he just seems to exude depth and a soulfulness that the other guys just don't.  I found myself very moved by Elvis and Stephen watching the clip of Elvis's dad and their conversation afterward even though it was jokey and not played as a deep or melancholy moment.  I don't know, it was a short segment and, again, not overly serious, but it somehow didn't feel like just another celebrity interview, at least to me.  I couldn't look away.

Yeah, that was fun.  Costello had his own talk show some years back (I want to say it was produced by Elton John) and he definitely has the chops for making interesting conversation.  Seems to me he also covered for Dave when he was recovering from the bypass surgery.  Class act.

[Delwyn]

My favourite moments of Monday's show were more or less just quotes:

"As long as we're reporting breaking up to the minute fanfiction..." CNN demonstrates next-level spec reporting complete with sexy cars and Top Gun accessories. Wow.

"And a dog washed up on the beach but my dad said it was okay because it was asleep." So dark, but whoever wrote this monologue exactly nailed what events would make it on a little boy's summer vacation highlight reel.

[bmoore4026]

Fuck One Million Moms.  You know what I mean.

 

Muted the entire Sarah Silverman interview because I can't stand her.

 

Not enough Elijah Wood.  Should have been in Sarah Silverman's spot.

 

And we got purdy video game music.  Love The Legend of Zelda series, even though it creeps me out; I will never play Majora's Mask because I've heard the music and seen the game play videos and it looks terrifying, what with the big ass moon with the evil face and stuff.  Not playing Skyward Sword, either, but that's because you get a super annoying sidekick that out-annoys Navi.  The sidekick's name is Fi.  She's the Sarah Silverman of video game sidekicks.  Full circle!

[amsel]

I thought Sarah Silverman was fantastic. But I understand why some people wouldn't like her.

[nowandlater]

I hate when these conservative groups like the One Million Moms and the Parents TV Council are abbreviated by the media as "Moms say" and "Parents say..."

 

These groups have a small membership, but they have broad names.

[peeayebee]

OK, now Stephen has to have Vin Diesel on the show strictly to talk about all things Tolkien. Actually, I've never seen Diesel on a talk show, so I don't know how he does. In that clip, rather than thinking about Groot, I heard The Iron Giant.

 

I liked Silverman's interview ok, but again Stephen really needs to work on not interrupting. He's a comedian. He should know not to step on other comedian's lines. 

 

And I enjoyed Elijah Wood. However, another criticism of Stephen I have is that he jumps from one topic to another. When Elijah said that his mother imbedded humility in him, Stephen should have continued the conversation along those lines instead of asking what scares Elijah or whatever.

 

I spotted JK Simmons pretty quickly. In fact, it left me wondering if other non-candidates had been inserted into previous show's graphics.

[ABay]

One in the lower left quadrant looked like Wally Cox or Buck Henry, but I think it was one of the candidates.

[kib]

One in the lower left quadrant looked like Wally Cox or Buck Henry, but I think it was one of the candidates.

Nice call. Wally Cox, Buck Henry and the unknown candidate are a far cry from when Dave did the jokes where he went off on Mitt Romney with the "Doesn't he look like the guy in the Arrow shirt/Sears catalog/Viagra ads?" 

[Cyranetta]

One thing that orchestra segment demonstrated is the flexibility of the new studio setup.

I really like the randomness of the guests and musical acts. I never would have predicted an orchestra devoted to video-game music, but it was fascinating.

[opus]

OK, now Stephen has to have Vin Diesel on the show strictly to talk about all things Tolkien. Actually, I've never seen Diesel on a talk show, so I don't know how he does. In that clip, rather than thinking about Groot, I heard The Iron Giant.

 

He's actually on Fallon tonight.

[Fable]

I don't really watch late night TV, and I only tuned in the first week just because of my love for Stephen.  I thought he had an awkward start, but this morning, I watched some clips on Youtube, and it seems he is doing fantastic.  He is head and shoulders above the Jimmys.  I loved TCR, but I'm glad Stephen is bringing out a more genuine and sincere side.  This was the Stephen I was hoping for!

[kib]

FAR AND AWAY THE BEST SHOW SO FAR !!!!!

The Democratic debate piece killed ("I'd hate to have to split the check with Bernie Sanders"), Jack Black wasn't too manic, Go-Pro guy was fun with the little cameras all over the place and the tap dance segment was terrific (Perfect music accompaniment).

Just a great show...

[zxy556575]

Stephen and the staff should be proud of themselves for this one, I never watched TCR but am enjoying his new blend of political/pop culture satire and variety show.

[amsel]

Fantastic show. Everything worked. The bit on the debate, Jack Black, the Go Pro guy, the bit on campaign songs, and the tap dancing was spectacular.

[solotrek]

I liked Silverman's interview ok, but again Stephen really needs to work on not interrupting. He's a comedian. He should know not to step on other comedian's lines.

 

To be fair, Stephen is not a comedian. He was not a stand up, long form improv and acting was more his thing. Though long form improv definitely trains listening, so don't know what that deal is. Probably a hard TCR habit to break.

Edited October 15, 2015 by solotrek

[peeayebee]

I still consider him a comedian because he's a professional funnyman, knows how to tell jokes, and gets paid for it. I never said he was a standup comedian.

 

Last night's show was great. I loved the whole bit about the Democratic debate. Stephen's impression of Bernie arguing about the brunch bill cracked me up.

 

My station had a damn weather alert as Jack Black was coming out, so I missed the first portion of the interview. Oh well. Maybe I'll check it out online. I wish Stephen had mentioned Jack's terrific movie 'Bernie' even though that was a few years ago. Feel the Bern!

 

I love tap dancing. I had hoped that the during the break the audience would have been told not to applaud during the performance so we could hear the entire thing.

[sadiegirl]

So, Trump, Go-Pro guy, Tesla guy - who are the other three billionaires that have visited the Late Show?

 

My DVR skipped 10 minutes so I missed the tap dancing.  It has never done that before - bummer.

[Miss Dee]

Stephen and the staff should be proud of themselves for this one, I never watched TCR but am enjoying his new blend of political/pop culture satire and variety show.

You nailed it - it's so different than anything else on late night. I can't stay up to watch it but I'm PVRing it now.

[LADreamr]

My station had a damn weather alert as Jack Black was coming out, so I missed the first portion of the interview.

Me too. Are you in LA?

I've always loved Stephen and the show is wonderful because there's no telling what he's going to do. His intelligence and quick wit make everything better, but above all that is this pure joy that seems to come from him, whatever he's doing. And he killed it in the tap dancing segment.

Edited October 15, 2015 by LADreamr

[peeayebee]

Me too. Are you in LA?

Yes. Well, I live in Lomita. It didn't even rain here.

[Arcey]

For some odd reason, my DVR decided not to record last night's episode. Bummer, man. :( But I did just finish watching it on my tablet via the CBS app. Wish I could have seen this one on my tv instead. It was great, and I'm glad I saw it, but sorry i wasn't able to fast-forward through the silly ads. First time I've used the CBS app, and I hope the last. It's the only way they let you look, you can't jusr do it on their website. I'll have to check to see how it works on the computer, since there are generally no apps there.

I was so glad when I saw Jack Black in the musical number. His seated segment was just roo short. He's so delightful, and you can't help but smile watching him.

Going back a few days, I also loved the musical number with James Corden. I'd love to see more of that in future shows.

Jon B. looks like he's having a ball, and is getting much more comfortable with the shmoozing bits. Bravo show, bravo.

[Hanahope]

Loved the bit about bands/singers telling certain candidates (funny how they're al republicans) not to use their songs.  REM's take down was especially awesome.