If you only know Craig Ferguson as Drew’s boss on The Drew Carey show, or as the affable talk show host [the one who actually engages in conversation with his guests], then you may be in for a wee bit o’ shock when you play Comedy Central’s Craig Ferguson: A Wee Bit o’ Revolution [which was recorded on July 4, 2008].
To begin with, the subject matter is all over the map [with a throughline on his becoming an America citizen earlier that day]. Ferguson can make a case for Sean Connery as the only James Bond [and dismiss the current lad in a wickedly concise and nasty manner] while noting that he always seems to be playing Sean Connery [Sean Connery as a Russian submarine commander in The Hunt For Red October, for example].
He is also quick to point out how born Americans take their situation, vis-à-vis various freedoms, for granted – and why that’s so wrong. His tale of how he decided to become and American citizen may even be funnier than his riff on Connery. He even steps over the line into Christopher Titus Land when he talks about his ex – though he comes at the situation from an entirely different perspective.
Whether he’s talking about rehab [a simultaneously hilarious and sobering bit] or addressing the topics listed above, Ferguson’s no-nonsense approach is completely winning. His delivery is assured and stage presence is solid – and the accent gives his material an unexpected texture. A Wee Bit o’ Revolution may be Ferguson’s first stand-up special, but it certainly won’t be his last.
Features: Interview With Craig Ferguson; Speech at Boston’s Historic Faneuil Hall, July 4, 2008.
Grade: A Wee Bit o’ Revolution – A
Grade: Features – C
Final Grade: B+
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