Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

An upset victory left the winner stunned last night on Last Comic Standing, the NBC summer series that combined a talent contest with a Big Brother factor, as 10 comedians lived together in a house, challenging one of the group each week to an elimination round.

I really was expecting Ralphie May to win, especially when it came down to he and Dat Phan as the top two vote-getters.

When Jay Mohr said, "The winner's name is on this card," people in the audience were shouting, "Ralphie! Ralphie!" So it really didn't seem like Dat had a chance.

But it was him! And when Jay announced it, Dat stood there shocked as ticker tape rained down on the stage and people ran out and started dancing. They began rolling credits immediately.

I'm not sure what sealed Dat's victory, except that in the elimination round his material was more solid than any other time I'd heard him perform. And Ralphie, to be honest, was having an off night. Maybe he would have received more votes if he'd done the set he did last night, talking about society trying to force women to look a certain way. The message was, "Be yourself; you're fine." Maybe Ralphie would have received more votes from women.

But it's clear that Dat Phan is very dedicated, and his work all these years has paid off. He doesn't have to sleep under a desk anymore, like he did before his auditions. It will be interesting to see what kind of show they put him on, since an NBC contract is part of the prize. Will he actually be a major character in a show, or a supporting character? He will also get a special on Comedy Central, which will hopefully showcase a more expanded repertoire.

I sincerely hope that somebody out there has the sense to recognize Ralphie's talent and to give him a second shot at the brass ring. Whether it's an appearance on The Tonight Show or a role in a movie or even a slot on a comedy showcase program. He definitely deserves it. He's got what it takes.

As Ralphie said before, "What it comes down to is just one man and a mike." And he's totally in control with that mike in his hands.

Let's hope this is the beginning of two outstanding careers.

More thoughts on Last Comic Standing:

July 9, 2003 - Really Funny

July 30, 2003 - Comedy Showdown

Copyright 1993-2003 by Alyce Wilson

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