Contrary to the previous critique, I and over 12,600 Ben Stein Fan Club members, as well as the estimated tens of thousands who have seen the show, believe this talk show "Turn Ben Stein On," is the example of how talk shows should be done. It is very relaxed. Ben Stein is sitting in an overstuffed chair, instead of hiding behind a desk. He has, in the short time it has been on, had some major talent, such as Carl Reiner, Fred Willard, Bob Sagat, Carl Bernstein, Kate Wagner, etc. He has had funny, entertaining guests, as well as intelligent informative guests and he, himself has proven to add a lot of intelligent, outrageous humor also.
His beloved dog, Puppy-Wuppy, who many believe was the star, met her untimely demise after the first seven episodes were taped, devastating Ben and his fans. It will be a sad time, indeed when taping does resume.
Ben's fans already miss the show and we are all eagerly waiting for it's return.
What adds to the flavor of this show, other than the sweetness of poor Puppy-Wuppy, is the relaxed, unrehearsed atmosphere. You can tell that the guests are very much at ease and not having to play second banana to the Host, such as the case with David Letterman, Jay Leno, etc. Usually, the celebrity guest winds up having to defend himself against barbs poked at them by the Host. Ben asks such interesting questions and gives the guest plenty of time to answer. His one reference to Carl Reiner (briefer) should go down in history as one of the funniest misunderstandings in TV history. Not to mention the near "accident" Puppy-Wuppy was going to "expose" right in front of everyone. It's usually scenes like those, that wind up on the cutting room floor, but my hat's off to Comedy Central for keeping such as that in for us all to enjoy and not just the studio audience. These are just two small samples of the vast change of pace this show has to offer, that puts it way above the rest with style and - grace? Well, maybe not so much "grace" but that is what gives "Turn Ben Stein On" it's charm.
Ben's fans are waiting on the edge of our seats for the regular season to begin. It will definitely be interesting to see how Ben will fill the void left by the "Star," Puppy-Wuppy. Nobody will be able to come close to matching the impromptu, joyful air she gave Ben and the guests alike.
I do believe that, given the chance it deserves, Turn Ben Stein On, will be the turning point, needed to get back the quality entertainment TV has been bypassing, opting instead to show programming not fit for television.
