Friday, March 18, 2005

Craig Ferguson, Crime, and Comedy

Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson may be quite the crime fiction fan. On Tuesday the 15th he had Lawrence Block on, talking about the new Matt Scudder book, ALL THE FLOWERS ARE DYING. Leading into the interview, Ferguson called Block one of his heroes. He was very knowledgeable about Block's various protags and said Scudder was his favorite.

When Ferguson was tapped as Craig Kilborn's permanent replacement, I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't much like Kilborn's too-cool attitude and hadn't watched much of the show before. But Ferguson—much like Kilborn's Daily Show replacement Jon Stewart—is more reserved, letting the comedy come to him, not feeling the need to put it out there.

It occurs to me that the only comedians I dislike are those who go on the offensive, who are heavy-handed at the controls of their comedy. They push their personalities on us, showing no confidence that we will discover and like them on our own.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank You for Apreciating Craig Ferguson. I have not watched any late night interview and comedy shows in well forever.
The Crew at The Daily Show have been the perfect replacement from the melodrama news/investigative shows.
Alot of us in San Diego would love John Stewart and The Daily Show Masters to report for an Hour on CBS followed immediately by Crai Ferguson. It is a lovely thing to laugh uncontrollably, especially when trying to relax and remain positive. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I discovered Craig Ferguson by accident a while back and immediately fell 'in like' with him. As Gerald points out, he lets the comedy come to him, he doesn't push himself on anyone. He is delightful to watch as well as listen to. I'm going to see him in person in June. We need more Craig Ferguson (but at an earlier time!). :)