REVIEW: 1004 - The Mummenschantz Conundrum

The final night of CONAN's Premier Week is completed, and we've had a lot to laugh about, to remember, and to add to our CONAN Dictionary of Time.  The water's just fine, so everybody grab your swim trunks and dive on in to Episode 1004 - "The Mummenschantz Conundrum."

As for the title of this episode, according to Answers.com, Mummenschantz is translated from German as a disguise or masquerade.  My guess behind the title of this episode?  The writers liked the sound of the word "Mummenschantz" and wanted to see how Andy Richter would deal with it.

BEST MONOLOGUE JOKE:

"CONAN: According to a new survey that just came out, 1 in 10 men use the internet to look at porn. The survey has a margin of error of 9. It's a little bit off.

ANDY: Unless there's a couple of blind guys in there, it's 10 of 10." 

SKIT OF THE NIGHT:

"Basic Cable Stars Welcome Conan" - In a moment that can only be described by a photo, the best part of this skit was clearly the Hoarder from the A&E show, HOARDERS, who stopped by to welcome Conan to basic cable.  However, there was more frightened staring then actual well wishes, but it was still humorous to watch.

Watching the "Hoarder" standing in between Bruce Jenner and the King Crabs from Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch was comedy gold.  It's one of the great moments in Conan's shows where everyone involved wonder exactly how they got to this point in their careers.  I must confess that the Hoarder had my attention throughout the skit, including when Bruce Jenner tried to get through his line without being distracted by sharing the stage with a paranoid hoarder and 4 King Crabs.

GUESTS:

Michael Cera - Not an overtly funny interview, but Michael Cera was able to bring a few moments of joy to the evening.  Mostly, his reenactment of chasing down a cab by using his fingers and the CONAN mug was quite humorous.  Adding Conan's smiling face to the shot added another notch to the comedy belt around the episode's waist.  This episode was dressed quite fashionably, I might add.  I'd even go as far to say it was dressed as well as 2 Bitches.

Missing from this interview: Michael Cera's version of Too $hort's 2 Bitches, which he performed at L.A.'s infamous Key Club.  The description of the evening leading up to this performance was an interesting story, but not one that I thought was worthy of the time spent getting to the point.  Perhaps more interesting was the comparison of Michael Cera and Jesse Eisenberg.  The two could play each other in the story of their lives.

Julie Bowen - I love Julie Bowen.  Correction: I love Julie Bowen even more then I loved her before this interview.  My only gripe with this interview was that there was not enough of it (more on that in a bit.)  When Julie walked out from behind the curtain, I knew we were going to get a moment of physical comedy from Coco.  Her outfit simply showed too much leg for Conan to ignore.  We were treated to a signature Coco reaction: the "jump out of the host chair and pace around behind the desk" move.  Too much leg, topped with short shorts, and paired with sexy high heels proved to be Kryptonite to Conan's resolve.

To get back on track, Conan asked about her children (twin 18-month-old boys), whom Julie affectionally referred to as "the smart one" and "the fatty."  Conan attempted to get her to learn her children's real names, but I think the comedy damage was done.  I want to be a fly on the wall of the Bowen household in a few years time when the kids are old enough to realize Mommy called them out on television as John, "the smart one," who locked his brother Gustav, "the fatty," in the clothes dryer.  "Gee, thanks, Mom.  As if isn't hard enough to fit in at school, but now kids know me as the Fatty who gets locked in a dryer by my twin brother is smarter then me."

COMEDIAN:

John Dore - The interview with Julie Bowen felt rushed to leave enough time for this comedian (I use that term lightly) named John Dore.  I highly disagree with this decision.  Having not heard of Mr. Dore before (I'll call him John when he earns my "Comedy Trust"), I was willing to give him a shot.  I mean, snagging the slot of the first comedian on CONAN during his premier week must mean he's good, right?  Right?  Nope.  Not at all.

After finding out he's had not one, but two, specials on Comedy Central, and his own show on IFC and The Comedy Network in Canada, I tried to like him.  I really did.  I wanted to find something to chuckle at, something to smirk at, even something to keep my attention, but nothing worked for me.  From the lame jokes to the annoying stares at the audience to the way-too-long set up for a chance to have water poured on him, Mr. Dore should have been a gentleman and given his time to Julie Bowen.  Plus, if you want to see how to properly use water in a bit for laughs, see Tom Hanks.  THAT was funny!

THURSDAY OPENING CREDITS EASTER EGG:


According to Bley (THE CONAN Blogger), there will be a change in the opening credits each and every Thursday.  This week, the CONAN Blimp flew over Anytown, U.S.A. (unless someone really knows what city that is) and popped on the moon, getting stuck on the tip of the crescent and hanging there.  The family, that usually jumps out of the car and walks into the house on the Monday-Wednesday openings, fell out of the CONAN Blimp and held on for dear life.  Well, as much as a cartoon figure can worry about their "life" anyway.

Aside from the lackluster guest at the end of Episode 1004, Conan finished his Premier Week with a great showing of what's to come in the weeks, months, and perhaps even *fingers crossed* years ahead.  I know that with time, CONAN will turn into what we know to expect from Coco and Co.: a highly funny show that will keep his core audience of 18-35 year olds tuning in night after night.  All of which will be delivered in a mixture of insane skits, witty monologues, and memorable guests.

CONAN on TBS may be done until Monday night, but All Things CONAN is a 24/7 train picking up steam.  This weekend, we'll take a look at the ratings from Premier Week and what it means for Coco, along with a look at what's in store for us next week via guests and musical acts.  Plus, much, much more, so come on back now, ya' hear?