Ep 9. Episode 9

The Amber Ruffin Show is a late-night talk show that features comedic monologues, sketches, and interviews with various guests. Season 1 episode 9, titled "Episode 9", follows the same format as the previous episodes, with host Amber Ruffin providing her signature blend of humor and social commentary.

The episode begins with Ruffin riffing on current news events, including the ongoing saga of the Texas power grid failure and the recent impeachment trial of former President Donald J. Trump. She also takes aim at some of the more absurd recent headlines, such as a Florida man who allegedly stole a bulldozer and razed Biden/Harris campaign signs.

The show then moves on to a recurring segment called "How Did We Get Queer Here?", in which Ruffin explores the history of LGBTQ+ rights and culture. This time around, she focuses on the life and activism of Marsha P. Johnson, a transgender woman who played a key role in the Stonewall uprising and co-founded the Gay Liberation Front. Ruffin's mix of humor and reverence for Johnson's legacy strikes a powerful tone.

Next up is a sketch that imagines a world in which the COVID-19 pandemic never happened. Ruffin and her castmates play various characters who are all worse off in this hypothetical non-pandemic reality, including a woman who can't get her mother-in-law to leave her house, a group of friends who are now stuck in dead-end jobs, and a man who laments that he never developed any new hobbies during quarantine. The sketch cleverly highlights the ways in which the pandemic has actually forced people to adapt and grow in unexpected ways.

The show's musical guest for this episode is acclaimed singer/songwriter Valerie June, who performs her hit song "Stay." June's soulful voice and evocative lyrics provide a beautiful counterpoint to the show's signature irreverence.

For the final segment of the episode, Ruffin welcomes comedian and writer Chris Redd as her guest. The two of them riff on a variety of topics, including their shared love of '90s R&B, the perils of Zoom comedy shows, and the ongoing struggle to stay productive during the pandemic. Redd also shares some hilarious stories from his time on Saturday Night Live, making for a delightful and entertaining conversation.

Overall, episode 9 of The Amber Ruffin Show is yet another strong entry in this charming and unique talk show's first season. With its mix of incisive commentary, sketch comedy, and engaging guests, it continues to offer a refreshing alternative to the more traditional late-night fare.