Last night, Colbert spent a couple of minutes chatting with his producer, Meredith. She stood by the stairs on the far right side of the set, wearing a headset and holding a clipboard. I hadn’t watched the show in a few days, so I don’t know if that was her first appearance.
Their banter wasn’t particularly funny, but at least it wasn’t painfully awkward like his interactions with Batiste. I don’t see her becoming a formal sidekick like Andy Richter, but it was nice to see Colbert having someone to talk to who can carry on a conversation. I wonder if we’ll see more of her.
Meredith Bennett was a co-executive producer for The Colbert Report. They’ve been working together for some time. She can be pretty funny. The episode they had the hobby horse, she was very funny.
So, Stephen Colbert returned to form! Unfortunately Viacom’s corporate lawyers lodged a complaint that Stephen Colbert is their intellectual property. In response, he has introduced a new character on the show, Stephen Colbert’s identical twin cousin Stephen Colbert. Hopefully they get to (and do) use him.
Wow, I didn’t realize how much I missed The Colbert Report. Turns out, I miss it a lot. (“America is God’s girlfriend.” Ha!) If he starts incorporating the Colbert Report classics I may actually tune in.
*In my opening credits I merely stand in the darkness of the formless void, will the words of truth into being, and with the Eagle of Liberty plunge through the word storm, where together we recreate an arena in which I will defend America for all eternity.
*
Oh, Viacom - you ninnies. You don’t think Colbert will find some way to get around it? He comes across as a good kid, but damn, he has never been afraid to speak truth to power.
I have to say, it feels like the Late Show and Colbert’s persona within it has taken a big leap forward. Even while briefly returning to the blowhard Colbert and getting Jon Stewart for his vicious GOP takedown, Colbert seems to be finding a way to be both himself and edgy on the show. He is far more politically provocative and willing to push the humor. yay!
Also: I extended my DVR sessions in case the conventions ran long. Caught some of the Late Late Show with James Corden. Jeez, his talent and engaging approach just jump off the screen, don’t they? Yes, Carpool Karaoke is a good bit, but the show itself seems great. Wish I had more bandwidth.
Maybe it’s just that the conventions have given them more material to work with, but I think both the Daily Show and the Late Show are much funnier now than they were at the beginning of the year. Noah seems much more relaxed. Colbert was always good, but the bits are better.