Colbert Report is becoming predictable and grates on me at times...

[Mr_Spock]

His tongue-in-cheek, excessively sardonic (IMO) show really grates on me sometimes.

How many times is he going to call NPR liberal communists?

How many times is he going to promote people/concepts we hate as a joke - only to make me want to flip him off (in more ways than one).

How far can anybody take the "make fun of the blowhard Repuke moron embodied by Bill O'Reilly" routine?

I enjoy it a lot some days, other days I recoil and flip the channel. I expect to read a lot of "I LOVE his show" posts as I did last time I complained about his show. Carry on... :D

[mondo joe]

1. I love it every single episode.

Maybe it's just not a good show for you.

[Mr_Spock]

57. I think you got it correct right from the first reply...

I think it's just not for me...

I so hate O'Reilly that I think it distorts my ability to enjoy a satire where he is the number one being ripped on...

[IsItJustMe]

2. It was funny for about a month. Now I think he's serious.

[Blue-Jay]

5. Wow. really?

[Atman]

7. Oh, come on now!

You can't possibly think he's serious! Seriously?

[SeveneightyWhoa]

31. Yes. You're right.

His audience just isn't in on the joke.

So when do you think he made the change? When he was doing his satirical conservative reporter bit on The Daily Show? Or his conservative anchor bit on The Colbert Report? When did he switch from satire to seriousness?

Were the recent interviews with him that I've read, where he talks and sounds just like a liberal, just an act on his part?

[Mr_Spock]

44. Ruh-roe - I think this spur is heading in the wrong direction!

Oh, well - he's just too good at what he does!! (Colbert)

[dorkulon]

62. Either that OR...

...a lot of DUers are so serious that they don't understand comedy?

[Mr_Spock]

67. Nah

Well, maybe some?

Satire of such a serious topic can remind us of the seriousness of the topic and take away from the humor.

Some of us hate O'Liely so much that we don't even like seeing somebody satire him.

[deutsey]

87. It's the only show on comedy show on TV (aside from the Daily Show)

that makes me laugh out loud.

I loved it when David Cross was on as a flakey leftwinger. Cross is on the left but he was playing a stereotype, just as Colbert is parodying O'Reilly.

However, whether people "get" that it's a sophisticated put on is hard to say. I remember reading something a while ago in which a satirist was lamenting how difficult it is to write satire these days because so many people take what satirists do at face value. You know, like people today would be outraged at Swift's modest proposal advocating eating impoverished children.

[American Tragedy]

91. Many current events and individuals almost defy any attempt at parody

<<I remember reading something a while ago in which a satirist was lamenting how difficult it is to write satire these days because so many people take what satirists do at face value.>>

Just think of how many actual news headlines and quotations we have seen in the past few years that just sound too wild to be for real, like they were ripped off of the Onion. To a sensitive, well-informed individual, it's hard to make this stuff sound much funnier or more horrifying than it already is.

[deutsey]

93. Appropriate Twain quote

Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities. Truth isn't.
- Following the Equator, Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

[Teaser]

3. It's easier to just not watch

than complain.

[Mr_Spock]

8. TDS is SO good and Colbert was a BIG part of TDS early success

I really want the show to be good and it comes on right after TDS, so I tend to give is a chance - over and over and over again - only to have this sinking feeling as I feel that he is grating on my last nerve just before bedtime (EST).

[mondo joe]

12. That's funny. I like Colbert so much more than TDS.

I still watch TDS - but Colbert is where I get my laughs.

[Mr_Spock]

15. See, there are those with the sick minds that enjoy this stuff

Nothing personal ;))

[mondo joe]

21. Now see, that would have been funny. If Colbert said it.

;-)

[Mr_Spock]

29. LOL - I know what you mean.

I just don't get into the "zone" with him very often. Last week though there was a show that had me giddy. I guess it depends on subject matter for me. The more BillO he is, the more anxious I feel. I HATE everything about that cretin BillO - even satirization (not a word)!! Make the creep go away forever (BillO) and I'll be a happy man.

[Ronnie]

28. I like them both the same.

Except when I like Colbert more. I especially like The Word.

[Mr_Spock]

30. The Word is the one part of the show that is always pretty good

I have to say that is my favorite routine on the show...

[Atman]

4. I love his show!

But...you're right. The schtick is already starting to get old. Don't get me wrong, he's hysterical...but his brand of satire is probably best in smaller doses.

BTW, "Thank You For Smoking" is a great book! I read it when it first came out years ago, and am thrilled to hear it's coming out as a film.

[Mythsaje]

6. I don't watch Colbert...

He grates on my nerves too. I know it's parody, but it's just too much...

[Mr_Spock]

11. Parody! That's a word I couldn't think of in my OP !

DOH!! It's the right word to use also - oh, well - funny how we know there are better words to use as we type a post but can't think of them until later...

[Mythsaje]

14. Happens to me on occasion too...

But I'm anal... I will stalk a word until I find it, and I'll actually bring up a thesaurus if I have to...LOL

[Mr_Spock]

17. LOL - true - I will look up words/synonyms at times too

...but for some reason when I have an idea to post I want to hit the "Post Message" button as soon as possible before I change my mind. If responding to another I will take my time. I think that's why you'll rarely see me post more than a few sentences at a time...

[Mythsaje]

18. I've backspaced out of more than one response...LOL n/t

[htuttle]

9. It's like an ongoing, continually updated color/sound version...

...of The Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin.

I usually like it. :shrug:

[gatorboy]

10. I love everything about the show but the interviews.

I know the whole point of the show is his right wing character, but it really limits him with the guests sometimes. Personal opinion, of course! :)

[Mr_Spock]

13. Yeah, I always dread the interviews and his rediculous entrance routine

It was sort of funny at first (not really) and now it just seems silly and TOTALLY predictable!!

[dorkulon]

66. I agree with that...

He should tone down the barking and interruptions. It's kind of funny, but his guests are thrown off and nothing is learned--just like on O'Reilly!

[Inland]

16. I think Colbert is hilarious and great satire.

Colbert doesn't just make fun of OReilly, he channels ORielly and provides commentary on both the cable talking heads AND current events.

If you think he's PROMOTING conservatism, well, then, you aren't getting the joke. Not getting it as in not thinking it funny, but not getting it as in not understanding it.

[Mythsaje]

20. Satire is funny in small doses

but after a while I can't take it.

[Inland]

23. Colbert's got a character and a point of view.

There's no necessary end to it, if it's funny and pointed. I think it's both.

[Mythsaje]

26. He's a bit like Archie Bunker on speed...

Maybe some of it is how hyperkinetic he seems.

[Inland]

38. You mean, on steroids., and with graphics.

He's not hyperkinetic, he's absolutely sure of himself despite being an idiot.

[Mr_Spock]

40. Man, is he ever hyperkinetic!!

Another great word :D

[Mythsaje]

45. Well, words ARE my business...

I'd feel pretty bad if I couldn't throw a good one out there now and again. :D

[Mr_Spock]

47. Ah, I checked out your signature

Very good - I wish I was better at word recall on demand. It is fun to make new words though isn't it :D

[Mythsaje]

50. Well, I've certainly done that a time or two...lol n/t

[Mr_Spock]

22. No, I avoid cable news and I don't even care for satire of it

It just PISSES me off more to see it satirized when I really want these cretins to go away. I watch humor for an escape, not to be drawn into my most anxiety inducing thoughts!!!

[Inland]

32. Well, if the very existence of cable so bothers you

then you won't find it funny. But it's not making fun of massacres in Rwanda. You're just overly sensitive. Too bad. The show is funny. Colbert channels all the sanctimony and agression and downright dimness of a cable tv host and turns it into a commentary on right wing politics. The headache=inducing graphics alone are a hoot. That damn eagle.

[Mr_Spock]

46. He's WAY too good at satirizing that HORRIFICALLY EVIL O'LIELY!!

He's just too good at it - I just can't take it. Anybody but O'Liely would probably be a lot funnier to me.

And I realize that O'Liely satires himself without realizing it. It's the evil in this country that he represents that I don't really need to be reminded of...

[Sparkly]

19. I can't get enough of it. I LOVE Stephen Colbert!!!

And I find lots of variety in it.

[Mr_Spock]

36. You're a fan

...and I'm glad there are people who really enjoy his show all the time!

I just wish I could! :( Oh, well - some things aren't for everyone...

[stillrockin]

24. J'adore Colbert !

:applause:

[Mr_Spock]

33. LOL

You people are making him seem funnier by "pulling out" funny aspects of his show. :D

HE still grates on me at times :P

[stillrockin]

53. Tant pis, Cheri . . .

:shrug:

[bpilgrim]

25. Your whining is becoming predictable and grates on me at times...

:evilgrin:

peace

[Mr_Spock]

39. LOL - you are giving me the predictable upper cut

That's OK - I can understand this sort of humor at times - maybe it's my latent Aspergers syndrome that makes his show extra work for my brain that isn't always in tune with sardonic satire...

[proReality]

27. I agree

I like him and the show, but there are nights when he seems more like O'Reilly than O'Reilly does and those are the nights I have to change the channel.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

35. So you want a satirical depiction of O'Reilly types..

..to be LESS extreme than O'Reilly types?

What would be the point? Why not just watch O'Reilly?

[Mr_Spock]

42. "Why not just watch O'Reilly"

See, that's how it feels on those nights when I don't want to even be reminded that such horrific evil exists just 18 channels below!

:hide:

[Mr_Spock]

41. See, that's the biggest drawback for me too

I get it, I just hate O'Liely SO much, I can't always find humor in satirizing him!!

You and me both! :hi:

[MrSlayer]

34. I like Colbert better than the Daily Show.

But hey, whatever you're into.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

37. Me too!!

I literally sometimes hope for the Daily Show's half hour to come to a close so that I can watch the Report..:)

[Mr_Spock]

48. Me three!!

Years old?

Heh - I am glad TDS is on first :P

[Beelzebud]

70. I agree! Sometimes I actually skip Daily Show, but never Colbert.

[tishaLA]

90. Me too

I can skip Jon at 11, but I HAVE to be in front of my teevee at 11.30.

[Rowdyboy]

43. Thats what choice is all about. If you don't like it, don't watch. Who

in the world really cares what any of us watch? You hate him and I find him hilarious and fresh. Such is life. You watch something else (or use your time more wisely) and I'll waste mine with Colbert. The endorphins released from my laughter are easily reason enough....

[Mr_Spock]

49. Hmmm, read my posts in this thread. Hate? Um, no.

I want him to be good and I give him many chances - I find his routines to be repetitive & they grate on me at times.

I wasn't directly or indirectly criticizing anyone who like him - just expressing my opinion & wondering what others thought. That's what we do here - discuss things & we often disagree. Is that OK with you? :D

[Rowdyboy]

60. Absolutely okay....

Sometimes I over-react because people can be soooo strident. I mean, its no problem that you don't like Colbert-and, yes, thats what a discussion board is supposed to be about-discussing. I think I'm just reacting to the relentless negativity I see on DU sometimes. Everything is either very black or very white and I don't see the world in those terms.

Sorry if I seemed snarky or worse. Its easy to do in a venue when you never actually see people.

[Mr_Spock]

63. I can relate to what you're saying...

There are days when I'm the one who's seeing nothing but negativity and ripping people for it. I don't blame you. Imagine if we all aligned and actually came together on an issue? We'd be invincible :D No matter what I like most of my teamates here :D

[Rowdyboy]

82. Ain't it the truth!

If we ever could all agree on something,we could rule the world!

[Mythsaje]

78. Be careful with that snark...

I read a thread the other day that suggested the world's supply was getting dangerously low. Please save it for the bloggers so they don't have to try to convert it from righteous indignation, which doesn't burn quite as clean...

:D

[Rowdyboy]

83. I'm sorry if I've been reckless.....I'll do better!

It's good to laugh first thing in the morning! Thanks!

[linazelle]

51. Same concept as the daily show--I guess you didn't like it either

:eyes:

[Mr_Spock]

54. I think most would agree that TDS is quite a bit different than Colbert

This has been stated by many folks here and other places. The "concept" at its root may be based on satire, but that's where the similarities end IMHO.

What's with the eyes anyway? Can't think of anything intellignet to say so you roll your eyes at me?

[linazelle]

59. The concepts are the same. They make fun of politics. Period.

You ask "How many times is he going to call NPR liberal communists? How many times is he going to promote people/concepts 'we' hate as a joke"... Didn't and doesn't Jon Stewart do that every night as well. What's different about that?

You stated that you "expect to read a lot of "I LOVE his show" posts as I did last time I complained about his show..." Why would anybody who doesn't like a show keep watching it? And if you watch, why keep complaining when you know you don't like it?

Seems to me you want to incite criticism of the show as well. But it doesn't look like you're that successful. Yet, you keep trying.


BTW: What other places are you referring to when you say "this has been stated by many folks here and other places"? Again, if you are posting your dislike here and in other places as well, that says to me you are a bit to "overly involved" with this issue.

Let. It. Go.

[Mr_Spock]

61. Hmmm, you want to pick a fight with me for some reason

There's a bunch of good discussion in this thread but apparently you object to even criticizing his show.

OK, nobody's forcing me to watch the show and nobody's forcing you to read & post in my thread.

But we do :D

[linazelle]

68. I don't object to criticizing the show. I question your sincerity

or is it obsession? You are posting here and in other places repeatedly about the show and your dislike of it. What I object to is the whining. If you don't like it, flip Colbert off, like you said you were tempted to do. What's stopping you?

[Mr_Spock]

71. I did post something similar about 6 months ago.

If that is what you mean by "other places". Otherwise I couldn't be bothered discussing his show. Nice how you're sucking me into you silly arguments though.

I don't like your negative characterization of me - apparently you really can't take anyone criticizing the Colbert Report.

I am "whining", this is an "obsession" and I an not "sincere" - lol

What's stopping you from either putting me on ignore or NOT reading my post??

[linazelle]

73. What is stopping you from repeatedly posting the same thing?

:hi:

[Mr_Spock]

74. Hey, I was already planning on using the waving smiley

in my next post to you. Are you clairvoyant?

[stevietheman]

52. Colbert is predictabl...y funny! n/t

n/t

[Mr_Spock]

55. Yeah sames hit differ ent day!

lol

[LouisianaLiberal]

56. TCR is some of the most brilliant satire on TV.

Yes, it drags occasionally, but I don't expect every second to be brilliant. The writing is often subtle, and is consistantly surprising. Please give it another chance.

[Mr_Spock]

58. I still watch it even though I rip on him from time to time...

Secretly I'm hoping that he will see the criticism and improve the show.

I think you would agree that he could come up with a new shtick or two...

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

64. It's kind of a limited shtick to base a whole show on. At least a show

like TDS doesn't lock itself down to one gimmick so they can vary things.

[Mr_Spock]

69. Good point.

I think there is definitely more variety presented in TDS.

[Mythsaje]

79. I think that might be my problem with it too...

at least to some extent. Yeah, we get that he's acting like some RW O'Reilly clone. We get that he's pretending to be an idiot. But I can only watch an idiot for so long, even if they're only pretending, without having to walk away or turn the channel. I just can't do it.

[garybeck]

65. I can't stand that show

All he is is a Bill Orielly satirist. If I want to see that crap I'll turn on Fox. Who wants to see a half hour of The Devil's Advocate? It was funny the first time. Annoying the second time. Now I hate it.

[Mr_Spock]

72. Why do you hate America?

:rofl:

[garybeck]

75. the worst thing about that show is

for the people who "aren't as smart as you and i" watching the comedy channel, they won't "get it." They think he's just a funny host, with a little sarcasm mixed in, and the vast majority of his satire they will take seriously and the net affect is people who don't usually watch Bill ORielly, now they get to watch him.

[Mr_Spock]

76. That's a fear I have as well.

The Freepers supposedly think the show is funny.

This shouldn't surprise anyone here...

So every he time he says NPR is communist liberal propaganda & the government shouldn't pay for that, I see Freepers nodding in agreement.

It's not my fault that Freepers are morons :rofl:

[SeveneightyWhoa]

77. Actually, he satirizes more than just Bill O'Reilly.

He's doing the whole "cable news personality" thing, which of course, O'Reilly is a big part of.

I see a bit of everyone in the show: O'Reilly, Dobbs, Scarborough, even Olbermann.

[REP]

80. Colbert is Brilliant

Not only does he manage to stay in character most of time (especially during unscripted interviews, which must be difficult), he also manages to let enough of the real and likeable person show. He's obviously quite, quite smart, which makes his deadpan mocking of rightwing lunacy even more pointed. His mockery is so vicious and mean that I enjoy it just for that. He didn't back away from aping Alito's weeping wifey and he goes after Cunnigham's crying jag at every opportunity.

Not every show is great; neither is every Daily Show. I watch them both anyway, because the worst TDS/CR is about 100 times better than anything else on TV.

[bdot]

81. I've gotten where I like Colbert's show more than TDS.

[Catchawave]

84. "I LOVE his show" :) n/t

[FormerDittoHead]

85. Colbert is the rational world's vaccine to right wing media.

A vaccine is a low powered version of an illness derived from the thing that can make you really sick given so you can develop an immunity to the full strength version...

...it's not uncommon for people to get sick after taking a vaccine.

Now take your medicine. It's good for you.

(OK, I'm not a doctor, and I REALLY don't give a crap about the facts about vaccines but to use them in a metaphore)

[redwitch]

86. I LOVE his show!

Especially "the word".

[HamiltonHabs32]

88. ...

Word

[redwitch]

89. Aren't you wonderful!

:loveya:

[Beaverhausen]

92. I love Colbert...but my sex life is suffering because of him!

My honey and I love both Daily Show and Colbert...we are watching way too much TV now and not getting enough...well...you know. :evilgrin:

[lectrobyte]

94. I see where you are coming from. I sometimes skip Colbert, I like

him, but other than The Word, which is usually always worthwhile, it does wear thin in places.

I'd especially like a more in-depth interview sometimes, as he does seem to have interesting guests, but wastes time doing the R/W schtick which just isn't that funny after a week or three. I can totally skip the Know Your District congressman interviews, too.

[Mr_Spock]

96. Yep, we're on the same page here...

My hope is that he'll refine the show & emphasize the strong segemnts & cut the less appealing ones.

[SpecialK]

95. Mr_Spock, I know what your problem is...

...you're a BEAR!!!!!

:-)


Of course, to each his own, but I for one need my daily dose of truthiness!!