Random Play

I was pleased to see old regulars from "The State" back in their old domain. This show had me laughing hysterically--a treat for anyone who loves music and humor and knows a thing or two about both. Of course, it was probably doomed from the outset by a deadly time slot on VH1--heartbreaking. Delectable fare, though.

Sketch shows are a dime a dozen, so, in order to stand out, one needs to come up with a distinctive hook (either that, or be REALLY funny). Doing a comedy show about music and the music biz is a very novel concept, but this show does not do it justice. Some of the performers are talented and have done good work in the past (Jerry Minor on "Mr. Show" and Nancy Walls on "Saturday Night Live," for instance), but the writing stinks. Unfortunately, it seems that the main creative forces on the show are alumni (like Michael Showalter & David Wain) from MTV's wretched "The State." "The State" is one of the most piss-poor comedy troupes of recent years who became inexplicably popular with the pre-teen and teen crowd, only to self-destruct when they attempted to make the leap to network and everyone came to their senses and realized they were awful. Sadly, members of the State have inflicted other atrocities on the public with the unfunny "Viva Variety" on Comedy Central and the equally bad "Drop Dead Gorgeous." There are a few laughs here and there, but for the most part, it deserves what it will soon receive... a decent burial. Try to catch reruns of "Mr. Show," "Kids in the Hall," "SNL," "SCTV," "Exit 57," or "Monty Python's Flying Circus"... anything but this.