Comedy Central Presents (TV Series) Richard Jeni (2002) User Reviews

One of the most overlooked comics of all time...

[A_Different_Drummer · 10/10 · 24 November 2013]

Let's start with the ultimate spoiler. Jeni suffered from a mental condition which, we are told, caused him to take his own life. According to reliable sources, he felt that he had been overlooked by the industry to an unfair degree. This reviewer agrees. This reviewer, who, in the 1980s, sat in on LA auditions of comics for HBO, believes that this was one of the greatest comic talents of the last century. Most comedians, even the good ones, excel only at part of their craft. For example, you can have comics whose delivery is better than their material (very common) and also comics whose material is better than their ability to deliver it. You can also have comics who are funny but never completely connect with the audience. Worst of all, you can have comics who, through trial and error, and "sticking with what works," end up working only a narrow band of the comic spectrum -- for example, complainers, observers, mimics, political commentators, women who do mainly suggestive material, comics who only do "blue" material, etc. Not criticizing any of these people, just pointing out the obvious. Jeni really could do it all. His material was top notch and his delivery was as good or better. He connected with the audience in moments. He did not restrict himself. He could do social commentary, mimicking, tell jokes, observational humor, the whole gamut. His takeoffs on infomercials were inspired. HE DOES A SCENE WHERE A GUY AND GIRL MEET ON A BLIND DATE where he not only does the two characters "in voice' but actually breaks into song. And makes it rhyme. This is not only hilarious on its own but possibly one of the funniest bits of the last century. If you have never seen him, this is your chance. He will be missed.