Mel Gibson Blues - Denis Leary

[graywarrior]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fXb6Z2ISMYM

[jobycom]

1. Best thing I've heard him do in decades. nt

[graywarrior]

2. Besides Rescue Me

[jobycom]

3. Haven't heard that.

I quit listening to him long ago, when everything started to sound like the same bitter, banal rant. So I've missed a lot of what he's done.

[graywarrior]

4. He writes and stars in a show on FX about NY firemen

It's really well done. Tragic and hilarious all wrapped up in dysfunction.

[jobycom]

5. Ah. You know, at some point I started liking him more as an actor than comedian

so I can imagine the show would be good. I'll look out for it.

When he first came out, he was edgy and funny, but his standup got so predictable and repetitive. He started sounding like a high-schooler trying to imitate Carlin. He'd rant about how kids in the old days survived without bike helmets or all the safety concerns, for instance. Not only was it a burned-out topic, but I couldn't help thinking of all the kids who didn't survive, so the point wasn't even convincing (good comedy has to be insightful).

But about that time he started acting, and he had a knack for it. I think he's full of energy and passion, but he ran out of routines. Maybe the acting and the fiction-writing (especially based on true material that are probably very personal to him) gives him a better outlet now. Dunno, but I'll look for that show, now. Of course, I don't have cable, so it will be an occasional viewing. :)

Thanks for filling me in. :toast:

[graywarrior]

6. Rent the first two seasons.

You'll love it.