Top Ten ‘Colbert Report’ Prop Malfunctions

One thing is certain about Stephen Colbert – he is as funny and graceful in failure as he is in success. His Emmy losses have been a source of endless amusement (“Manilow!“), and losing to Rain brought us the wonderful dance-off that is definitely one of the funniest thing the show has ever done.

While we hope with all of our hearts that Stephen and the ‘Colbert Report’ writers win the Emmy this year, we can take solace that no one can turn a lemon into sweet, refreshing lemonade quite like Colbert. No matter who gets what statue this weekend, it will end up being brilliant in the end.

To keep us amused this weekend as we wait for the Emmy awards to start on Sunday night, No Fact Zone brings you some of the smaller glasses of lemonade that Stephen has served up to us, the Top Ten ‘Colbert Report’ prop malfunctions. The videos are after the break – enjoy!

h/t Jenny with a Y for helping me dig up some of these long-lost vids

10) The roulette wheel

During the writer’s strike, everyone wondered how exactly Stephen was going to fill 30 minutes every night until the writers got back. He got his answer in this sketch – malfunctioning props.

9) Droids

I was quite disappointed that I couldn’t find anything descent at the Sharper Image bankruptcy sale in my local mall. But I take comfort in knowing that I’ll always have the malfunctioning R2D2 droid.

8) Manischewitz wine

Poor Stephen’s desk. Between this wonderful prop flub and the beer that toppled, his desk must smell like a brewery.

7) Axe Body Spray

Seeing as how I graduated from high school in 1989, I’m well over the age of the Axe Body Spray demographic and have never had the pleasure of being overwhelmed by the scents that “will make beautiful women dry hump [you] in elevators.” But seeing Stephen’s reaction to the scent is pretty much all I need to know about the product.

6) Catholic incense censer

I love any and every reference to Catholicism, but this one is exceptionally cute considering he claimed to be an altar boy for 11 years. I’m not sure if that’s Stephen or “Stephen” making that claim, but it’s amusing just the same.

5) Mousetrap

While the grit-off challenge was amusing, the mousetrap releasing and scaring the bejeezus out of Stephen was much, much better. Waiting for that thing to go off was a real nail-biter.

4) Radio channeling John Lennon

I love British accents, and one on Stephen is just lovely. If you want to hear more of Stephen speaking with that accent, check out this episode of the Dana Carvey Show.

3) Inflatable Condom

The genuine startle that Stephen shows when the condom exploded made me jump a little the first time I saw it. But his graceful save after the “pop” is just a thing of beauty.

2) Blender

We’re used to having bears as the #1 threat in the ThreatDown. But when the bears start attacking I Am America (And So Can You!), that’s more than Stephen can stand, and he fights back. Unfortunately, the bears aren’t through with him yet. Althoughhe finally gets it to work, the original malfunction is amazingly funny. (Also funny? The massive phallus used as a prop in this sketch.)

1) iPod Nano

The malfunctioning iPod Nano in this ‘Colbert Platinum’ segment is, ironically, pure comedy gold. I think what sealed the deal is when, in making an attempt to stifle his giggles, Stephen gingerly scratches his dimple in thought. Adorable! And quite funny, to boot.

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