Colbert Report needs work

[Az]

Most of the show is good. Its the interview segment. The guests aren't in on the joke so they sit there trying to catch up. This forces Colbert to drop out of character and ask real questions. It's just awkward. Needs work.


:hide:

[Kathryn STone]

1. that's fine but what do they do?

I mean is it how Colbert is or how he leads his guest?

[Az]

2. Well its obvious he wants to stay in character

The run from the desk, the self agrandizing. But then the interview starts and there is the shocked look on each of the guests as he goes into the schtick. After a few awkward passes he drops it and starts asking questions with occaisional mocking jabs.

Switching to himself for the interview would throw the rest of the show. But its not clear enough to the guests that this is a Jiminie Glick style interview where the host is in character. Either prep the guests more or drop the bit I think.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

3. I agree...

I think he's funny as hell in the character. But if he's going to have guests, well, the character just doesn't work unless he has comedians who are willing to play off him. I thought Stone Philips (first night) was pretty good -- but you can't count on that forever.

Eventually, I think it will be like the Al Franken Show on AAR (originally billed as "The O'Franken Factor" as a jab at O'Reilly), and they will settle into a groove that's a little less over-the-top.

[Mojambo]

4. It'll smooth out

The guests will start to get the rhythm and Colbert will hold character much better when the show has some miles on it.

What they are trying to do is VERY ambitious.

[Az]

5. Oh I agree

It is ambitious. And they have to struggle to get clear of Stewarts shadow as well. Not an easy task.

I am curious where they are going to take the Brady thing. I hope Mr Brady is in on it.

[Floogeldy]

6. Thanks for the knowledgeable opinion,

Mr. Big Time experienced TV show producer know-it-all critic camera man big shot!

[Az]

8. Your just lucky

you said Mr. :P

[XOKCowboy]

7. I liked Leslie Stahl last night

I've never seen her laugh and was amazed at what a beautiful woman she is!

[philosophie_en_rose]

9. He needs a sidekick, a "colmes" if you will.

To provide a fakey sense of "balance." No matter how good Colbert is, his character will get old real fast, unless they bring in a "straight" person. (like Jon was on TDS)