The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 22 Episode 13 Joan Rivers (guest host), Don Rickles, Pierce Brosnan

Joan Rivers, comedic legend and good friend of Johnny Carson, takes the reins as guest host for this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Rivers brings her signature sharp wit and rapid-fire jokes to the stage, immediately setting the tone for a night of laughs.

Joining her as guests are two other comedy giants: Don Rickles and Pierce Brosnan. Rickles, known for his brash and insult-heavy style, is clearly excited to be on the show, throwing out jokes left and right as soon as he sits down with Rivers. Brosnan, on the other hand, is a bit more reserved, but still manages to get in a few good zingers throughout the night.

As is typical for a Tonight Show episode, the guests engage in some light banter and small talk before moving on to more substantial topics. Rivers asks Rickles about the most memorable heckler he's ever had, to which Rickles responds with a story about a particularly ornery woman who wound up becoming one of his biggest fans. Brosnan talks about his experiences filming the James Bond movies, revealing some behind-the-scenes secrets and giving his thoughts on his fellow Bond actors.

Of course, the main focus of the night is comedy, and all three guests deliver in spades. Rivers, as the host, takes on the lion's share of the joking duties, skewering everything from current events to show business to her fellow guests. Rickles and Brosnan get in plenty of jabs as well, with Rickles turning his sights on the audience members and Brosnan deadpanning his way through some surprisingly sharp one-liners.

The funniest moments of the show come during the various sketches and bits that the guests participate in. In one segment, Rickles plays a game called "Pick the Pickle," in which he has to choose the correct jar of pickles out of a lineup by using his sense of smell alone. The gag is played for maximum absurdity, with Rickles hamming it up and Rivers and Brosnan trying to keep straight faces as they watch him stumble around the stage.

Another standout moment comes when Brosnan and Rivers team up for a sketch in which they play game show contestants trying to win an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City. The catch? The questions are all impossibly difficult, and the prize is actually a one-way ticket to the city's worst neighborhood. The two play off each other perfectly, with Brosnan's straight man routine playing off Rivers' manic energy.

Throughout the episode, the energy never flags, and the jokes keep coming fast and furious. Even during the commercial breaks, the trio continue to riff on each other and keep the audience engaged. Rivers, in particular, is a natural at keeping the show moving and making sure no dull moments sneak in.

As the night winds down, the guests take a moment to reflect on their experiences and thank each other for the laughs. Rivers, in particular, seems genuinely grateful to have been given the opportunity to take over for her friend Carson, and thanks the audience for being such a great crowd.

All in all, this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a true classic, featuring three of the biggest names in comedy at the top of their game. Whether you're a fan of Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Pierce Brosnan, or just good old-fashioned humor, this episode is sure to leave you in stitches. Don't miss it!