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Although I'm of the opinion that someone is, in some way, helping to write late-night TV despite the supposition that there are no writers during the strike (I simply have a hard time buying that everything is improvised, or that the hosts are writing all their material with no help), there is a certain amusement in seeing what zaniness can become possible when one is forced to put on a TV show while hamstrung without one's WGA-card-carrying staffers.
Specifically, I'm talking about the mock feud between Stephen Colbert, Conan O'Brien, and Jon Stewart that started a few weeks ago and eventually took on a life of its own. It centers on the question of who "made" Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, with each late-night talk-show host taking credit for the success of Huckabee's campaign, and leading to a battle of goofy one-upmanship.
The "feud" culminated Monday with all three talk-show hosts appearing on each of the other's shows, ending on Conan's show with a hilariously pointless slapstick free-for-all that reminds you how random Three Stooges mock violence becomes possible amid a desperate attempt to fill time. I must say, this is a good example of turning your restrictions into strengths and using comic teamwork to pull off a multi-show stunt gag.
I won't explain any more because the video is explanation enough.
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3 comments on this post
Destructor
Heh. I saw the Stewart/Colbert shows last night and then sought out the Conan (which I don't normally watch) conclusion. Brilliant! Loads of fun, excellent idea.
Dingdongalistic
I sincerely hope that is not a comedy show turning it's "restrictions into strengths" - because it doesn't say a great deal about the strengths.
antoine
When it comes to slap-stick these three definitely did a good job providing quality entertainment. And certainly writers were used during the strike, although, I sure it was all under the radar type stuff. No one likes to be sued after all :)
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