Ep 8. The Best Of George Carlin (2/4/87)

The Johnny Carson Show season 3 episode 8, titled The Best Of George Carlin (2/4/87), offers a compilation of some of the best stand-up comedy performances by one of the most unique and influential comedians in American history – George Carlin. The episode features selected clips from Carlin's previous appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, spanning over a decade, showcasing his witty observations, offbeat humor, and trademark social commentary on various topics ranging from language and politics to religion and human behavior.

As the episode kicks off, Carson introduces Carlin as "one of the most exceptional comedians we've ever known," and the audience responds with enthusiastic applause. The first clip shows Carlin reflecting on the absurdity of the English language, highlighting words that sound alike but have vastly different meanings, making communication a confusing and challenging task. He then goes on to lampoon the sanitized euphemisms that society uses to avoid taboo words, arguing that the censorship of language restricts free speech and stifles creativity. The audience erupts in laughter at Carlin's clever wordplay and relatable observations.

Another snippet from Carlin's appearance on The Tonight Show features his take on the concept of "Stuff," a ubiquitous but ultimately meaningless word used to describe our possessions. Carlin humorously deconstructs our attachment to material objects, wondering why we collect and hoard so many things that we ultimately don't need. He mocks the obsessions of consumer culture, imagining a future when bored shoppers will enter stores to buy "pre-purchased" already owned items. The segment ends with Carlin's wry observation that "A house is just a place to keep your stuff, while you go out and get more stuff!" The audience responds with laughter and applause, acknowledging the absurdity of our consumer-driven society.

In another memorable bit from Carlin's appearance on The Tonight Show, he takes aim at the hypocrisy of organized religion, highlighting the inconsistencies and contradictions of religious beliefs. He paints a picture of a hilarious yet fictitious god who creates humans just to hate them, demands constant worship, and punishes skeptics with eternal damnation. Carlin argues that such a view of religion as a divine power standing in judgment is highly problematic not only for non-believers but for followers as well, as it creates guilt, shame, and fear. The segment ends with Carlin affirming his belief in a personal god that wants nothing but happiness for all of humanity. The audience laughs and cheers at Carlin's subversion of conventional religious attitudes.

Throughout the episode, one cannot help but notice Carlin's unique style of comedic delivery, which mixes sharp satire with bold assertions, subversive language, and a devil-may-care attitude. He often recites his jokes in a rapid-fire manner, not allowing the audience time to breathe before landing the next punchline. His performances on The Johnny Carson Show are a testament to his exceptional talent as a humorist and his ability to push boundaries and challenge preconceived ideas.

In conclusion, The Johnny Carson Show season 3 episode 8, The Best Of George Carlin (2/4/87), offers viewers a glimpse into the brilliant mind and comedic genius of George Carlin. The compilation of his humorous insights and social commentary from multiple appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a testament to his enduring influence on American comedy. His biting satire, unconventional ideas, and frank observations on language, religion, and society continue to resonate with audiences to this day. The episode is a must-see for any fan of stand-up comedy and all those who appreciate the power of laughter to challenge, entertain, and inform.