Shatner Roast on Comedy Central

The William Shatner roast on Comedy Central last night... It was a mixed blessing. Some of the choices were inspired-- like Betty White (who has a delightfully filthy mouth for an old broad), but others, like Farrah Fawcett, seemed to be there for no discernable connection to Bill Shatner other than they were Seventies TV stars together. Fawcett was a disaster; clearly high on something and not getting half of the masturbation jokes about her famous poster picture. And that big load, Jason Alexander, was stiffer than Michael Jackson at a cub scout pack meeting. Speaking of big loads, I guess I was only dimly aware that George Takei was gay. I'm aware NOW! And not the macho, marlboro man kind of gay, either. He stumbled a bit, but his performance was hysterical-- "Bill, my name is George Takei. That's pronounced Taa-KAY, as in TOUPEE, get it? Not TAA-KIE"



The best bit was some of the pre-show build up where you see Shatner calling Leonard Nimoy to get him to appear. Nimoy is against it, telling him that he wouldn't appear and the he considered it undignified and career damaging. Bill says Sure, he understands.and he puts down the phone, muttering "that pointy-eared PUSSY". Nimoy's voice comes through the phone "HEY! I HAVEN'T HUNG UP YET!!"

Andy Dick was his usual disgusting self, though claiming to be Ka'ak, the illegitmate cloned offspring of Kirk and Spock, could have gone places. The other low-rent comedians that Comedy Channel keeps on tap to do these things put in workmanlike performances.

Ben Stiller's angry abuse victim video clip was pretty good.

The bit about Balock being a Tranya addict was pretty great.

And Kevin Pollack, who does one of the most dead-on Shatner imitations, was a bright spot.

So, a mixed bag altogether. I thought Shatner's response was only marginally funny.