The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes Season 8 Episode 13 Alan Alda
- December 21, 1974
- 22 min
The Carol Burnett Show season 8 episode 13 titled "Alan Alda" features the well-known actor and director Alan Alda as the special guest. Alda rose to fame with his Emmy-winning performance as Hawkeye Pierce on the hit television series M*A*S*H.
The episode begins with Carol Burnett welcoming Alda to the show, who expresses his admiration for the comedienne and the entire cast. They engage in some light banter, joking about Alda's tendency to ad-lib on set, before launching into the first sketch.
In the sketch, Burnett and Alda play a married couple who are attempting to have an amicable divorce, but find themselves arguing over the most trivial matters. Their bickering slowly escalates until they are literally tearing each other apart. The sketch is a masterclass in physical comedy, with both Burnett and Alda showcasing their talent for slapstick humor.
Next, Alda takes the stage for a monologue where he talks about his experiences on M*A*S*H and the impact it had on his life. He touches on the show's relevance to the Vietnam War and the importance of using humor to cope with tragedy. The audience is captivated by Alda's natural storytelling abilities and his ability to inject humor into serious topics.
Following the monologue, Burnett and Alda appear in a parody of the popular TV show, "The Love Boat." In the skit, Alda plays the captain of the ship, while Burnett plays a passenger who is trying to sneak her pet alligator on board. The pair have excellent chemistry and play off each other's comedic timing.
Later in the episode, Burnett and Alda perform a tribute to the iconic comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy. The sketch takes place in a movie theater, where Alda and Burnett play two hapless ushers who accidentally cause chaos in the audience. The duo's physical comedy skills are on full display, with Alda's gangly frame perfectly complementing Burnett's more petite stature.
The show also features several musical performances, including a beautiful rendition of "The Way We Were" by Alda, and a comedic song and dance number with Burnett and the cast.
Towards the end of the episode, Burnett and Alda participate in a Q&A session with the audience, fielding questions about their careers and personal lives. The pair's easy rapport shines through as they answer questions with wit and charm.
Overall, season 8 episode 13 of The Carol Burnett Show is a delightful showcase of Alan Alda's diverse talents. From his comedic timing to his heartfelt storytelling, Alda proves himself to be a versatile performer who can truly do it all. The chemistry between Alda and Burnett is palpable, making for a hilarious and heartwarming episode.