âWhose Line is it Anyway?â makes a return
By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer
I remember in the distant past, when it was still somewhat acceptable to have a set of bunny ears perched above the television and the few grainy channels that came through were barely worth watching, there was a certain magical program. A program where everything was made up and its points didnât matter. A perfect blend of improv, music, and innuendo that my innocent mind had yet to fully comprehend, known as Whose Line Is It Anyway?
And then, before I knew it, it was gone. With my snowy television options limited, I was cast into the Dark Ages of having to put up with the disturbingly unfunny Americaâs Funniest Home Videos. But last week, a beaming ray of broadcasting brilliance cut through the comedy smog and delivered news of the resurrection of that childhood memory; Whose Line? would be making a comeback.
After my initial squeals of excitement, I had a horrible thought creep into my mind: who would the cast be comprised of? A dash to my computer led me to the news that Drew Carey was gone, but Colin Mochrie, Ryan Stiles, and Wayne Brady were all returning (sigh of relief).
However, as wonderful as it is to hear that 75 per cent of the showâs regulars are going to be a part of the reincarnation, I have a slight difficulty with the host not being Carey. While he obviously didnât play as large a part in the laughs, as the âmoderatorâ he was integral to the success of the program. No matter how few actual contributions he/she has to make, a great host is keyâand you really canât beat a funny fat man in comedy. For that reason, I have a terrible fear that the new host, Aisha Tyler, will ruin the show for me.
I have no issue with Tyler as a person, but I canât stand her in comedy. I donât find her funny, and I find her stand-up routines atrocious. Sometimes I wish she were more offensive so there would at least be some shock value, but sadly, no. All the more perplexing is that Drew Carey reportedly knew nothing about the popular improv program finding its way back onto the boob tube.
Despite it all, people should be excited at getting a chance to watch Whose Line Is It Anyway? again. Carey or no Carey, the core of the star performers is still there and ceaseless mirth canât be far behind. Look for the show to air with what is said to be a new 10-episode season on The CW this summer.
