This Script is Hard to Improvise...

I've now watched 3 episodes of "Thank God You're Here".

Here's what I think about it.

Okay, so the producers found a game from the world of Improvisation that they enjoy. The old "put-an-actor-in-a-situation-they-know-nothing-about" bit. The idea is that the improvisers don't know what the set looks like, who is going to be in the scene, and what will be said.

And that would all work, if the other actors were doing a little more improvising when they are SUPPOSED TO!!

Yes, I get it. There's a whole bunch of gaggy gags they have to get to, so they can't have someone coming up with something that's not in the script(!)... For example, they ask Harland Williams, who is playing an Explorer (dressed up as Sherlock Holmes(?)) to show the latest slide show of his findings. He explains that the first slide is the original photo of Janet Jackson for the "Rolling Stone Magazine" spread where she was topless, but that dude was holding her bosoms... Naturally, the little primitive statue in the slide is topless and quite funnily unlike Janet Jackson... But the other "improviser" in the scene continues with the original scripted joke and says "Uh, this statue has magical powers... Uh, what were they again?"

Yes, yes, yes. Here and there, the other improvisers are improvising, but it's moments like this that need to get fixed. There were many examples, but I think you get the picture. I think once the scene begins, everyone should just be spontaneous and see where the scene takes them... It doesn't have to be Pimp-o-mania... Just forcing the special guest to tell jokes.

And perhaps the producers would argue that they are not trying to do a "purist" improvisational show (obviously), and I can stick my opinion where the ratings don't shine, but I couldn't help but notice that the show already got moved to a new time and day...

Oh, and casting. Take true advantage of Dave Foley. I think we have a man who can be a truly harsh judge, not just a sunshine-blower. If Brian Posehn is having a hard time, he's having a hard time. Give it to 'em. He's a pro, he can take it... I'm pretty sure Mr. Foley is on a tight leash. I think it should be loosened.