LCS 2010: Finale

Really?

Okay, Felipe Esparza is funny. The bit he did tonight about going down to Mexico with his friend was some of the best comedy he's done. And he's unique. And there didn't seem to be a next George Carlin/Robin Williams/Richard Pryor in the group. So, okay. Oh, and my favorites came in second and third. It's not the first time my exacta has been spoiled by a dark horse.

So what else happened?

I thought Iliza Shlesinger had the best performance of the night. High heels, shopping, short women—these are not new topics, but she brought a funny, fresh perspective. And she showed her usual flair for physical humor, impersonating a pugnacious woman taking a punch. I think of her as this generation's Carol Burnett.

Tom Popa was actually quite funny, but for some reason I find myself resisting his humor. He kind of has a cheesy reality show host aura about him.

Kathy Griffin brought her dish, and she had some funny moments.

Hooray for the Best Joke: Kurt Metzger's bit about his father's funeral being ruined by the announcement of Michael Jackson's death. How did this guy not make it into the final ten?

As for the judges ...

I'm guessing Andy Kindler can be funnier. Tonight he made a point with "Last Scientist Standing": Intellectual progress is not the best thing to evaluate by popular vote. (Hmm, does he see stand-up primarily as a way to display his intellect? It can be that, but it can also be a way of having fun and sharing it with a group. Just a thought.)

I just didn't get into Natasha Leggero's rather arch character. Maybe I needed to be more familiar with her shtick.

Greg Giraldo hit some good ideas—the OnStar terrorist bomber commercial, the homeless a cappella singers, food addiction—but he seemed a little rushed. Still funny, though.

Going further downhill ... the documentary shorts and the musical numbers could have been dispensed with. As a host, Craig Robinson was good enough; I'd be happy to see him back next year.

The overall quality of comics, from the semi-finals on, was the best I've seen in the history of the show. The new, more straightforward format served comedy better than in previous seasons, though I missed the "I'm funnier than" showdowns. The action in the house was great back in Season 1 but not so much after that. Sigh. I miss Dave Mordal.