I first heard of Tom and Jon when they emcee'd the Matador at 21 bash in Las Vegas, which I attended last minute. I liked their bits, and followed the internet trail to the Scharpling and Wurster CDs. Coincidentally that same year, my family binge-watched all 8 seasons of Monk during Christmas break (great family show, btw), so the Scharpling name kept coming up. It eventually led me to the Best Show, itself, taking me a couple listens to "get" the rhythms and idiosyncrasies--and I fell in love. Like all the rest of you, it has become One of My Favorite Things.
There's a pure joy in the whole show. In an era where "edgy" comedy takes the now-easy routes of sex and race, this show always felt...is 'wholesome' the right word? Sure, Jon's characters have their awesomely seedy sides--but that seediness is always more danced around than revealed, with perfect precision. I get so sick of comics who think they are "pushing the envelope;" it's copycat. Boring. Get back in the envelope! What Tom and Jon do is so wonderfully original. While I'm sure some of it can be chalked up to limitations imposed by traditional radio, ultimately it's Tom's exquisite sensibility--the fundamental kindness and I daresay righteousness--beneath the radio persona that really makes this show so meaningful, strange, and special.
Not to mention the regular dissing of The Band, Zappa, etc. that fell like manna upon my ears.
Looking forward to what the future brings. Come on, some mover and shaker has got to see there's money to be made, here! Give Tom a deal! We will support it!
Best Show for life!
