Section 1: Dow Drop, Democratic Debate
Desk Guest: Malcolm Gladwell, New Yorker
Section 2: Charleston hospital worker’s strike
Section 3: Andrew Young, Civil Rights leader
In closing: Who knows how long the strike will go on, I hope it ends soon, but one thing I’ve learned from studying the civil rights movement is the undeniable power of song. So tonight, to close the show, I’m going to dedicate this song to everyone involved in the WGA strike. But especially my writers. (Stephen Colbert) “When Israel was in Egypt land” (Andrew Young) “Let my people go” (Stephen Colbert) “Oppressed so hard they could not stand” (Malcolm Gladwell) “Let my people go”
(Harlem Gospel Choir sings, as Writers’ faces scroll over)
NOTABLE MOMENTS
- All of it.
- Wow.
- Seriously, there are no words. That was the most intense thing I have ever seen on the show.
- Sh*t, that was heavy. I’m so blown away I’m just … damn. That is all.
- Transcript of Andrew Young video can be found on the Colboards.
Fangirl Suit Report: Black suit, light blue suit, purple/blue tie with light blue dots.
In light of the ongoing strike by the Writers Guild of America, we have not been posting links to Comedy Central videos until the issues regarding internet-based ad revenues are resolved. But in this one case, I’m making an exception. Because this has to be seen to be understood.
I am so stunned that I went straight to my computer, looking for a virtual shoulder. The moment I saw the photo I knew it was his father… My guts are wrenched. I may have to cry now.
God bless, Stephen.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
There are no words for that.
Thank you, Stephen. That was beyond amazing.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
p.s. thank you for not summarizing the second half of this show… I agree, there are no words.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I have been refreshing this page for the last 10 minutes, needing others who saw what I just saw, knowing they’d feel the way I’m feeling. Great show, or greatest show? I can’t remember the last time I’ve jumped to my feet, cheering, so many times in half an hour.
What an amazing piece of work. Tonight’s show. And Stephen Colbert.
Dad has got to be so proud.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Oh my god. I wanted to cry. That was beautiful. He handles everything so well, he kept it light, non-cheesy, but still made a powerful point. His writers are very lucky to have him as a boss. Did you see how intently he was listening when Andrew Young was talking about Dr. Colbert?
Well done.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Yes! What they said. Stunning. Amazing. And I agree on making an exception for this clip. I had the same thought. And probably will.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Ok, I did tear up a bit. I wasn’t sure my love of that man could get any bigger, but he just had to prove me wrong. That was really something else. I’m still collecting my thoughts after that. Speaking as an African American woman, who’s mother was involved in the Civil Rights Movement in Maryland, that really hit home.
And then to take the current strike and put that into perspective… just wow. It does all come down to a matter of respect.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
This is the first episode that I’m going to stay up and rewatch at 1:30. I missed most of the Young interview, but everything I did get to see was sheer perfection. I agree that it simply cannot be described.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Anyone who says Stephen’s not living and dying with every minute of this right along with his writers … the man just bared his soul for us, right there in his studio.
That was the about the most moving thing I think I’ve ever seen on television.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
One of the best shows ever…by anyone.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Wow, that was amazing. I can’t believe he let us see so much of Stephen ColberT. Such a beautiful episode.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
ACK! have to wait till tomorrow. *dies*
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
You guys have said it all…
Best show ever, so sad that it was needed. Man, he did that so brilliantly! Kudos, sir, and thank you.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I just watched the show for the second time and I just can’t get over the smile he has on his face by the end of the interview – it’s contagious. Truly, this was just an amazing and inspirational show.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
2nd viewing – Unbelievable. It’s stunning to see him do it again and again – be silly and goofy while making the most profound observations and connections. And he simply glows.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
That was such a beautiful episode. I feel like crying, and I wish I could give a big hug to Stephen & all his writers.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Dang. That was amazing. I don’t think I’ve EVER been into an episode like this one. And that’s saying a lot.
Definitely staying up for another viewing of it.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
truly incredible
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Just want to say thanks for showing us some ColberT, Colbert. That was beautiful and really showed his love of his writers to expose so much about himself and his father. Just lovely.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Oh, I forgot. The Tom Cruise impersonation was dead on! Even more to love.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
How amazing was it to hear Stephen’s “correspondent” voice doing a completely straight, intelligent news report over the Charleston footage. He really can do it all. … DB, I think if Andrew Young can walk through a picket line to do that show, you can post that video. … Truly a transcendent episode.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
That was just absolutely wonderful. The entire second half of the show was beautifully conducted and engaging, while the ending truly had me laughing. Thank you for sharing that with us Stephen. A tip of my hat goes out to everyone involved in this episode, well done.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
God I hope we get a taping report from this episode because I would love to hear what Stephen looked like while watching the segment about his father.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
That episode was just incredible. Wow.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. Wow. I’ve been trying to think of another way to put it, but all I’ve got is: WOW.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Wow… he combined an eloquent introduction to his guest, the most intelligent commentary on the Civil Rights movement this MLK day has seen, a stirring look at a little known moment in Civil Rights history, perspective on the current WGA strike and a moving love letter to his father in one single segment and managed to add one helluva funny punchline to it as well, all without breaking character.
Anyone who didn’t catch tonight’s episode really missed out on something special.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Missed the show last night but checked out the video on CC (sorry! I couldn’t wait!). That was Classic Colbert in the best sense–funny, informative, moving, ironic. The footage of the Hospital workers strike and hearing Andrew Young today was a wonderful way to honor Dr. King. Young is one of the last of the civil rights giants–how wonderful to hear him comment on a struggle today. And the choir–when Stephen, backlit!, started to sing I was laughing with tears in my eyes. I love it that the other author was there, really singing too.
Wonderful television. Wonderful men.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
PS: Academy of Television Arts & Sciences GIVE THIS MAN AN EMMY!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
There are no words. I wanted to cry and hug the guy!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
This episode was simply exceptional on all fronts (already mentioned above by fellow Fans). Thank you, Stephen.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
If this doesn’t get Stephen an Emmy, I don’t know what will.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Amazing episode. Dare I say, best episode ever? No words can do it justice, especially the closing.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Thanks for putting up the videos. Anybody else notice little Stephen’s eyebrows? I missed it last night on the big screen. Too funny.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Hahaha, yeah I saw that.
Also: the one time I skip the last five minutes of the show it turns out to be something fantastic. Gah.
Thanks for posting the videos.
This is a worthy exception.
Fantastic episode.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
The way that he honored his father’s memory was really touching. I think Stephen is also a “southern gentleman from NY”-he has that wonderful combination of qualities. I hope he can work things out for his writers.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
So moving. Everybody involved in the strike needs to sit down (together, in one room) and watch this episode!!! :D That was really courageous of him to show so much of his real self, since I think he much prefers to wear his character. Thank you Stephen! We all love you!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I don’t think there’s anything left to say — you’ve said it all.
It was simply a beautiful expression of compassion, respect, and gratuity for all of his writers and their hard work and dedication — it couldn’t have been more eloquently put together and presented to millions. It was just the right combination of seriousness and comic relief that it’s even hard to put into words. He wore his heart on his sleeve and let us into his life for a few minutes to show the world, and the writers, how much he cares. There is, truly, no one in the world like him. (And how great was it to hear Stephen sing again? *sigh*)
TCR Writers: You guys are a very lucky bunch, and if last night’s show isn’t an indication about how much you’re missed by Stephen and the fans, then I don’t know what is (I’m sure, though, you guys probably already knew that even before watching last night’s show).
Last night’s show was so touchingly beautiful — thank you, Stephen, and to the staff, guests, and gospel choir who appeared on the show to make it all possible. If this doesn’t get an Emmy, then I’ve completely lost all faith in awards shows.
And I can’t express how happy I am that I ran with VerdureVenture’s idea and have it on VHS (even though I already watched it 4 times last night).
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I was so overwhelmed, I actually had a hard time sleeping last night… and it’s hard to describe to non-fan friends why I am emotional today. It’s not just me, right? Are we overreacting just because we are “it-getters”? Does anyone know non-fans or casual watchers who were moved by this show?
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
btw — for those who haven’t seen Stephen’s MySpace page lately, he (or whoever logs in as him) has posted 2 video clips from last night’s show, something I have never seen before on that page. (His page is myspace.com/truthecution — don’t be fooled by imitators.)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
MySpace has always confused me; I’ve always been too terrified to get one … how on earth can you tell what’s legit?
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
@LeeQuick:
Please note: As far as I have been told and seen, while there is an official Facebook page for “The Colbert Report”, there IS NOT an official (or unofficial) page by Stephen on MySpace.
One of my HUGE peeves online is people who claim to be Stephen. One such sleaze even conned someone into sending them hundreds of dollars for their website under the guise of being “Stephen”. There are sites and AIM chatters and MySpace pages all claiming to be the “real” Stephen – and I’d think a father of three quite frankly would not have that kind of time.
So while satire is the highest form of flattery, to me there’s a huge difference between someone writing like Stephen and someone claiming to be Stephen. And I *do not* approve of the latter. At all.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
There are many episodes of “The Colbert Report” that make me feel warm and fuzzy, but this was the warmest, fuzziest episode of them all. :)
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
@ LeeQuick,
Nope, it’s not just you. I watched it like 4 or 5 times last night, and I cried every time. I think last night was majorly HUGE for us “It-Getters”, probably because we know what a big deal it was for him to talk about his Dad like that, and that he did it for a good cause. I was so moved by it all…how could anyone NOT be?
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Yes, what Lisa said. Incredible work.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
LeeQuick–Oh, no, it’s not just you. This is like the 6th time I’ve checked NFZ this morning because I just can’t get this episode out of my head.
When I saw Stephen speak at the 92nd Street Y last year he referred to his show as “The Joy Machine” and a more apt description I couldn’t conjure. I’ve never been a “fan” before, but I unashamedly declare myself one for Stephen. He and his show make me happy like nothing else. Much of my admiration can be attributed to his immense talent, but the core of what makes me a fan is the man’s innate decency. Sadly, such a rare thing today, especially on television. Long may he reign over The Nation!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
@DB:
Of course I have no proof, but I feel strongly that the above mentioned myspace page is maintained by Stephen or someone affiliated with him. I’ve been watching this page for months, and the logins and updates always make perfect sense (i.e. updates were much more frequent after the strike started=more time on hand).
But caveat emptor, as always, when dealing with the Internets.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
@ imoldfashioned,
Yes, yes, yes! Exactly! Nailed it!!
Even just commenting about all this makes me want to run home and watch it again…and again…and again.
I hope members of the AMPTP saw last night’s show (and feel exceptionally guilty), and I hope some of their little minions are even reading this now…return to the bargaining table and give the writers a fair deal!
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
I’ve only just seen it, pure brilliance…i think I may have to watch it again now!
Thank god for Stephen Colbert, he makes my day =D
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
Did anyone notice that when he brought up the writer’s pictures during the song, he brought the picture of Frank Lesser in last, almost like he was making like he forgot to include him, but then faking him out at the end? Do you think he did that as a joke, or was it just timed weirdly?
Oh, and yes, I agree, probably one of the best episodes ever.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0
@ ‘Striking Writer’,
If you could please use the “contact us” form and/or send messages to our direct e-mail addresses (available at the “About” tab), we would like to discuss your comment to this entry (not posted here) via e-mail.
Shout Out (Hey!):
0