You Don't Need a Doctor... You Need a Time Machine

It's a rare thing to accomplish comedy and tragedy in one moment but the new television show Louie manages to do so with alarming skill, whit, and candor.

If you haven't seen the show yet, here's a clip with guest star Ricky Gervais who I also think is unbelievably talented. (Has there ever before been someone who could simultaneously generate such revultion and humor in one character? If yes, he's one of the best at it.) Anyway, Louis C.K. created the series, and truly, it's worth checking out. It might offend, it might alarm, it might disgust, but ultimately, it will make you think and laugh. The heavy moments are balanced out by the ridiculousness of life so easily posed by Louis.

Please, check out this show so it doesn't go the way of other television comedies that ended up going way of the dinosaur...comedic brilliance should get airtime! If there have been 17 Bachelors, the least we can do is keep shows like Louie on the air. Heck, we've already lost Arrested Development, My Name is Earl, Pushing Daisies (which was more of a dramedy, but I adored it), Better Off Ted (not actually sure what's going on with that show but it's another gem!), and others I'm forgetting that all  fossilized via netflix and DVD. Tragic!

Check it and let me know what you think. Here's a 30-second clip of Louie at the doctor with guest star Ricky Gervais.



If the video doesn't open/view on this blog, here's the link to check it out on hulu. http://www.hulu.com/louie
Hulu has full episodes of Louie with a couple of commercials...better than regular television and a good substitute if you don't have DVR/Tivo.
Enjoy and let me know what you think.


"You don't need a doctor, you need a time machine."

Ricky Gervais should be the new Simon on American Idol

Firstly, let me just say I am not one of millions of Americans addicted to American Idol. As a musician, songwriter, singer, pianist and guitarist, hubris often takes over and prevents me from really getting involved. Also, once they're done traveling the country on auditions, I get kind of bored with the karaoke-ness of the show. But I do understand why it's appealing. Watching people fail and succeed in an exaggerated way is exciting and enticing for most Americans. Also, hearing songs you recognize is also nice for most people. So, I get it.

About Simon leaving the show. As much as I'd love to see his spot go to an American, because even though I love Brits generally and in entertainment, they seem to be taking over our television shows, and I'd like jobs to go to my countrymen. Anyway, I think the absolute best choice for Simon Cowell's replacement is Ricky Gervais.

Here's why:

1. He's fearless when it comes to saying what he thinks. Did you all see The Golden Globes? He was completely unapologetic about making fun of everyone and his industry. He is completely irreverent about celebrity and manufactured fame.
   
2. On the Golden Globes, he drank beer on the job, which is sort of an essential for the resident as$hole.
   
3. He has a british accent, which everyone knows makes everything (to Americans) sound better. Insults, being told off, cursing, all sounds so much more refined and acceptable to Yankee ears. Man I wish he'd record my outgoing message for me.
4. If American Idol contestants can survive a Ricky Gervais tongue-lashing, they might actually be able to handle fame, criticism, and the paparazzi.

The only foreseeable problem is that I think Ricky Gervais is actually a really nice guy. Especially when it comes to dealing with normal, everyday people. So he may not be able to look in the faces of these American Idol hopefuls and tell them that they suck. I suppose Ricky is the only one who could really weigh-in on this potentiality. Ricky, could you do it? Could you tell some 22 year old who just sang her heart out on national television that her rendition of "I Will Survive" was just bloody awful? That some guy's version of "Wanted Dead or Alive" was just abysmal? Hmm. Ricky, weigh-in for us, will you?


But still, why hasn't anyone offered the soon-to-be open slot at the American Idol judges table to Ricky Gervais?
He's perfect.
Oh, but give me credit for the idea, ya wankers.