Proposal: No celebrities for, oh, say, 3 weeks...

[not that James]

First, let me say that I love those moments when Patton Oswalt, Paul F., John Hodgman, Zach Owlifianakis or any of the other members of the Best Show Comedy Mafia call in or visit for an extended period of time and let us all in; giving us a chef's-table-view, if you will, of the high-end comedy sausage being made.  I mean, I bought my Patton Oswalt tickets for October about 2 months ago, and I've been checking the calendar daily ever since...

That said, I've gotta say that the six-hour celebrity marathon, instead of completely sating my Best Show cravings, actually made me feel a little hungry for the old-school, classical model of the Best Show.  I mean, this is getting to be a pretty regular thing.  Aimee Mann and Patton pay a visit.  Paul F. Tompkins co-hosts in studio.  The Mike Show hosts Kevin Smith...

Is it just me?  I like the suspense of wondering "Is this going to be a three-hour dud?", "Is PBR going to call?" , "Where's Fredricks?", and certainly not least, "Is Julie drunk, AGAIN?"  This week's show, which was certainly back in the classical mode, was like a homecoming party for a high-school I wish I had attended.  I was home again.

It's probably above my paygrade to even suggest such a thing, but here goes anyway.  I propose that for the next three weeks the Best Show goes "NO CELEBRITIES".  No Mike Show, not even a Julie Show, no extended interviews... Just the MAN and the microphone, and all you crazy nutballs I've come to love so well.

Humbly submitted,
-Not That James





 

[orator]

 I like both the old-school and the celebrity stuff, so it doesn't matter that much to me. But I will say there is lots and lots more old-school stuff in the show's history, so maybe Tom has earned some time with celebrities.

 Oh, and the proposal itself is ridiculous. You don't tell The Best Show what to do. The Best Show tells you what to do.

[Pidgeon]

Whatever I hear every Tuesday night, I always like.

[Jake from Memphis]

I understand the sentiment, but I laughed harder during the 6 hour show than I have in ages.  Whether or not the show is "true to form" the comedy just gets better.

[not that James]

Okay...  so that's 3 votes emphatically against, and immediately...

[nec13]

Personally, I don't have a preference. I've enjoyed listening to the likes of Martin Short, John Hodgman, and Lisa Jane Persky over the last few weeks. But I also enjoy the shows like the one from this past Tuesday, when Tom just interacts with the callers.

However, it is Tom's show and he can do whatever he pleases. So my opinion is ultimately irrelevant.

[Chad from Oregon]

Creeps who try too hard aside, everybody who calls is a star.

[JonFromMaplewood]

Creeps who try too hard aside, everybody who calls is a star.

Suddenly paranoid. 

I propose that for the next three weeks the Best Show goes "NO CELEBRITIES".
 

It takes stones (or perhaps masochism) to get on the FOT board and make show recommendations, NTJ, because you know - no matter how measured and sincere your suggestion - people are going to come down on you like a one-ton shit-hammer. I sensed the best intentions in your post, so I really hope you are spared!

Personally, I like the variation in the Best Show. I like how Tom might have thirteen guests one week, no JW call another, break into a "go shop for a coffin" fugue state for 30 minutes another, and so on.  It is so easy to fall into a pattern, and Tom never allows that to happen.  So NTJ, there may be five consecutive weeks of guests coming up, or maybe none. I'm happy not knowing, and I hope you can take some enjoyment from that as well.

Best,
Jon

[Julie]

Tom is best without celebrities. The end.

[not that James]

Hey Julie!  Can I say, most sincerely, you have shown an amazing growth trajectory over the last several months?  I used to cringe when you called.  Now, I think to myself, "Oh cool, it's Julie!" 

Best of luck to you, my friend!

[nec13]

Hey Julie!  Can I say, most sincerely, you have shown an amazing growth trajectory over the last several months?  I used to cringe when you called.  Now, I think to myself, "Oh cool, it's Julie!" 

Best of luck to you, my friend!

You used to cringe when Julie called the show? Really?

[not that James]

What can I say?  I think it's clear from even this thread that I am a peaceful man, offering nothing but love, but yes, Julie used to drive me nuts.

[nec13]

I think it's clear from even this thread that I am a peaceful man, offering nothing but love, but yes, Julie used to drive me nuts.

Indeed you are, good sir.

[todd]

Any suggestion that amounts to "less PFT" should be punishable by DEATH.

[Matt]

Any suggestion that amounts to "less PFT" should be punishable by DEATH.

Hear that, VH1 executives? (shakes fist)