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Icon or idiot?
Corporate Line:
There isn’t an “extreme” comedian or comic troupe that doesn’t owe a debt to Tom Green, the original prankster, who fathered the genre back in the day at a community access channel in his home town in Ottawa. It soon grew to a national hysteria when the show found a home on Canada’s Comedy Network in 1997 and from there his star was sprung or flung around the world. This three-disc set looms as the definitive look at the complete catalogue of 26 classic Tom Green Show episodes.
Should we even care?
If you’re a fan of lowbrow humor with occasional flashes of brilliance, then the answer is resolutely “Yes.” Tom Green’s shtick is especially relevant these days with the advent of weekly slapstick/reality shows (Viva La Bam, Jackass and Ali G) and some of the more pessimistic sitcoms out there (The Office, Sons and Daughters). Green helped shape the tone—cranking up life’s quirks and idiosyncrasies to 11. His brand of comedy was often silly and juvenile, but would ultimately prove to be influential.
What’s in this set?
This set features the entire run of Green’s pre-MTV series, the original late night variety show that ran on Canada’s version of Comedy Central during the late ’90s. The show is a hodge-podge of twisted skits, interviews, guest appearances and musical spots. There are some hilarious bits like where Green accosts his sleeping parents with a fire extinguisher, or plays “footsy” with a bemused old lady. Skits like these, and his patronizing interviews with unsuspecting members of the general public are where he shines the most. Another component of Green’s act is his flat-out, idiotic behavior for no apparent reason. At first his asinine fits add to the show’s charm, but after a couple episodes of the DVD, the routine gets old.
The set features a commentary track with Green that provides additional insight into the proceedings. There’s also about an hour’s worth of bonus features with sketches and clips.
Overall:
This release is a worthwhile view for fans of Green’s MTV series (that actually utilized clips from this earlier show). It’s also a valiant do-it-yourself effort from a man that still hasn’t quite gotten his due for his pioneering work in renegade TV.
+ Jim Kaz
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