Bill Maher: Live from Oklahoma (2018 TV Special)
1/10
Real Time . . . Lost!
14 September 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Bill, because I have a tremendous amount of admiration, respect, and love for you, I offer this critique in a style I'm positive you'll appreciate.

New Rule: "If your comedy blows, stick to the talk shows." Very similar to your saying: "Don't be funny, guard the money." You said this to an unruly political guest who deserved it. As I recall, his bomb was a comedic attempt while insulting another guest. He fully deserved the negative reactions as well. But good advice goes both ways so, I'm glad to help.

New Rule: "We get it . . . more or less" You don't have to explain your references. When you use a good reference and we're laughing, ride the wave. No further explanation is required. Otherwise it's like a form of reverse-heckling. Or, like watching the narrated version of Bladerunner at the peak of a beautifully crafted scene, to have it destroyed by a voice-over. (That's a reference by the way).

New Rule: "Truth in advertising." For example, any of your guests, the politicians, scientists, doctors, not in the entertainment industry, don't have to be entertaining. However, I have every expectation for you to be. If you want to stick to your rant on a singular topic or do an impromptu roast on someone in absentia, then say so upfront. Wait! I may be wrong. The title does say Live from Oklahoma, not Live Comedy from Oklahoma. Sorry, please feel free to disregard this one.

New Rule: "Read the room." Actually this is an old rule. For, every good comedian knows when to pivot to the funny stuff. If you don't remember how, just watch some of your past show's political guests as they try "not" to answer a question. With all those writers, couldn't you spare one to help with some alternate jokes? I haven't seen someone bomb this bad since your gal-pal Ann Coulter on the Comedy Central Roast of Rob Lowe. (That's ref number two).

New Rule: "Network." I'm sure there's an excellent support system for you, so use it. For example, do the LA Show-biz lunch thing with Dennis Miller and Eddie Murphy. They too used to be funny. However, they don't come off looking like a douche. Perhaps they can give you some tips.

Bill, you have one of the most topical and important shows on TV with Real Time. Even when comparing to Jon Stewart and your immediate neighbor, John Oliver. You have an eclectic and stellar collection of guests such as, Seth MacFarlane, Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and one of my favorites, the late Werner Klemperer (Colonel Wilhelm Klink) who had several appearances on Politically Incorrect, and even guest hosted like Seth did. But unlike Jon and John, your talk/news show skills didn't translate to a solo performance. Are you just better with guests that effectively punctuate your run-on rants?

Lastly, 5 starz to Amazon for refunding my purchase of this vid. Excellent service as always. If only I could get that kind of service from theatres.
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