The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 22 Episode 135 Joan Rivers (guest host), David Brenner

Joan Rivers, known for her signature sharp wit, takes over as guest host for this episode of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. In her opening monologue, she wastes no time in poking fun at everything from the fashion industry to Hollywood celebrities. She also takes a few shots at Carson himself, noting his habitual chain-smoking and playful teasing him about his age. Despite her on-stage sassiness, it's clear that Rivers holds great affection for Carson and the show.

Her first guest, comedian David Brenner, also brings his own brand of humor to the show. Brenner and Rivers have a playful rapport as they exchange one-liners and humorous anecdotes. Brenner talks about his travels across the country performing stand-up comedy and shares some of his more outrageous experiences on the road. He also jokes about the challenges of balancing marriage and a career in show business. Rivers and Brenner's lively banter makes for an entertaining start to the show.

Later in the episode, Rivers welcomes actress Linda Gray to the stage. Gray, who was at the height of her fame during her stint as Sue Ellen Ewing in the hit show Dallas, discusses the experience of working on the show and how it catapulted her to stardom. She also talks about her recent decision to move to London and the challenges of adapting to life in a new country. Rivers and Gray have a fun, lighthearted conversation that is both engaging and amusing.

In between guest interviews, Rivers performs several comedy sketches that showcase her trademark humor. One such sketch involves a group of women competing in a beauty pageant, with Rivers playing the role of a snarky pageant host. She takes digs at the contestants' talents (or lack thereof) and their over-the-top pageant costumes. The sketch is equal parts silly and witty, proving once again that Rivers was a master of comedic performance.

Johnny Carson himself makes a brief cameo in the episode, to Rivers' delight. Carson's appearance is met with thunderous applause from the audience, who clearly still hold him in high regard despite his absence from the show. Rivers and Carson engage in some playful banter before the show moves on to its final guest.

The last segment of the show features actor Pierce Brosnan, who was then starring as James Bond in the film Die Another Day. Rivers congratulates Brosnan on landing the coveted role of Bond and asks him about the challenges of playing such an iconic character. Brosnan talks about the pressure he felt to live up to the expectations of fans of the series and shares some behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the film set. Rivers and Brosnan's conversation is both engaging and humorous, capping off a memorable episode of The Tonight Show.

Overall, Joan Rivers' stint as guest host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a success, showcasing her comedic talents and quick wit. The episode's mix of humorous interviews and sketches made for an enjoyable viewing experience, with each guest bringing something unique to the stage. Fans of the show and of comedy in general will appreciate the energy and humor that Rivers injects into every segment of the episode.