The Ben Stiller Show

I first heard of the Ben Stiller Show when I saw the Emmy Awards when it won for best writing of a variety show (I think they showed the "Counting With Bruce Springsteen" sketch). Anyways, Stiller was overjoyed at this, and he was saying what a great show this was, and what we were going to miss, as it was only on for 12 episodes. And from that time, I was like, "Damn, I want to see that!" Well, finally, through the magic of DVD, I did get to see it! All of the episodes are great (though I have the sneaky suspicion that the earlier episodes were funnier). Well, where can I start about my favorite episodes? OK, I'm sure everyone has different opinions, the highlights for me were Rescue 411, Manson, Skank, Amish Studs, U2: The Early Years, and Beverly Hills 90210240 (and also bonus points for the deleted scene on the DVD with the High School Mascot competition with Stiller as Ron Perlman and Janine Garaefolo as Mary-Lou Retton, Garaefolo can't stop laughing during the commentary for this)

This seems, at times, to be the work of complete amateur. There are only a couple of consistently humorous episodes. This show is a mix of bad ideas, good ideas played out poorly, and the occasional gem. I definitely think they could have rid the show of the guest host segment (apologies to Colin Quinn). The DVD is worth it, if only for the odd sketches like Andy Dick disarming a bomb, Melrose Heights, and Oliver Stoneland. Still my favorite: Counting with Bruce.

I recently saw this set reviewed in rolling stone, and according to them it was the 'smartest pop culture parody show ever'. To me however it was a laughless, dated bore. The problem does not sit with the actors (all of whom do a good job) but with the writing and directing. Practically every skit falls flat, punch lines don't come where they should and after a while every skit seems identical. Several of the recurring skits (e.g. 'skank' and 'bruce springsteen') are painfully unfunny the first time, let alone the third time. Over all, this show is only worth a watch if you are a fan of obscure TV and perhaps old Gen-X pop culture.

I've always liked Ben Stiller and heard good things about this show, so I decided to purchase the DVD containing all its 13 episodes. I wasn't too impressed. Unlike most comedies on TV, the show's writing is pretty intelligent. It takes sharp jabs at teen dramas, like "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Melrose Place," and other elements of pop culture in the early 90's. Maybe one of the reasons why the gags aren't that funny is because we're no longer living in the early 90's. Even if you recall the elements of pop culture the show parodies, it's still not as funny. Plus, the jokes are quite dry, as opposed to the broad humor we usually see in sketch comedies. The cast of performers is talented. Aside from Stiller, there's Andy Dick, Janeane Garofolo and Bob Odenkirk. The celebrity guests are also amusing. The show has reached a cult following, and it's not a terrible show by any means, but it didn't make me laugh a whole lot. The only sketch that had me dying with laughter is the one with the No, No, No Guy. If anyone has seen "Starsky and Hutch" with Stiller, this sketch is where he originates his great "Do it" line. Sometimes I put on the disc just to see that sketch, because it's sooo funny. And there are a few sketches that aren't even trying to be funny, like the mock sitcom "Skank." Every joke is supposed to contain an element of truth, and I don't see what's truthful about a sitcom about a sock puppet. (6 out of 10)

I heard that "In Living Color" reruns were on cable again (I don't believe it) and if it's true the only thing that needs to be added is Ben Stiller reruns. The cast on this show was a priceless gem! Why did this, the funniest skit show I've ever seen, go off the air for "the Edge"??? That's show biz I guess. The Ben Stiller Show, along with Simpsons, Seinfeld, and Married With Children, are the only shows I have ever tuned into religiously week after week. Well, I don't see how it could happen, but if Ben Stiller becomes even BIGGER of a star perhaps the reruns will return. I need to see this stuff again to reappraise the value of my stupid TV set.