October 10, 2007
I think the producers thought that this challenge would be easier than the others because it’s my profession. It wasn’t. So many of the other professions were task-oriented, where the contestants were learning a specific skill. Comedy writing is all in your head, and that proved challenging. Watching the episode, I found it all very fascinating, but this one definitely feels different from the other episodes. Maybe a little darker. Comedy frequently comes from a dark place.
First of all, I have a great deal of respect for both Stephanie and Ciara. They put themselves in the most vulnerable of positions. With so many of our other professions -- Chefs, for example -- if you don’t do well, you’re not totally humiliated and mortified. With comedy, you are putting your inner-most self out there for all the world to see. Believe me, it’s hard. I’m in awe of how well they both did. They worked hard, and from the beginning, I felt compassion for them because they are involved with male comics. Now, don’t get me wrong: some of my best friends are male comics, and I love them like brothers, but they are a self involved, narcissistic bunch. And I think both Joe and Ardie, wonderful comics in their own right, proved that to be true.
Comments
Amanda wrote:
What a fun show! I love all the Bravo shows and this is my new favorite. Keep it up, I can't wait for more!
posted on October 12, 2007 at 1:28 AM
Sarah wrote:
Susie Essman is crackpotedly phenomenal. I have been a huge fan of her long time comedic touring as well as her HBO spots.HBO has noted her as one of Larry David's favorite comedians - hence how she got her gig on Curb. Her personality shines through the loveable nagging yelps of her character on Curb. Transitioning over to Bravo, it is endearing to see her organic realness in hosting "Better Half. Although toned down (as compared to her Curb gallop); she stiff remains charmingly matronly ..well, with a damn funny zing. " Better Half" is a unique concept and works better in different situations, not all the time. Essman, that lady's hosting... makes it shine gold.
posted on October 12, 2007 at 4:16 PM
jill wrote:
I saw Joe perform about 4 years ago in NY (maybe at Carolines)-he did a bit about dating women from LA, (I'm from LA, so it was especially funny) and I have never forgotten how hilarious he was! I was so glad to see him on your new show and his wife was adorable too.
posted on October 15, 2007 at 6:11 PM
Joe Cant wrote:
I've enjoyed Susie on Curb Your Enthusiasm and just watched her HBO comedy special tonight, not making the connection that she was the same person. Anyway, my cheek muscles ached from laughing by the end of the comedy special....and I'm a tough audience. Susie is truly gifted and possesses the insightful irreverence that holds nothing sacred and therefore makes everything sacredly funny. I literally laughed from my soul. Thank you 'sister' Susie! ....an adoring gentile.
posted on January 30, 2008 at 11:50 PM