Suicide Tonight

A preface notes the latent cruelty and aura of vice around comedy. The modern technique that has comedians attacking the audience brings up the possibility of lawsuits. I pick out some noted stand-ups, talk show host stand-ups, and MC's from present and past and consider how the trials might go. Jackie Mason is his usual belligerent self. Steve Martin reveals traits noted from his past work. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey do a double witness scene, their MC performances under scrutiny. Dick Cavett comes across as the elitist snot. Chelsea Handler does a mea culpa with a plea for understanding. Eddie Murphy sees it as racially motivated. Michael J. Fox gets drawn into a suit by happenstance. Rodney Dangerfield rises from the dead to reveal his tough, mean streets and wounded ego problems.