Flipping the channels yesterday. Not a big fan of NFL football and had all I could take of CNN's reporting on events in Europe. Don't usually watch standup shows but saw "Lost in Translation," a comedy performance by Trevor Noah at Comedy Central. Looked like it may have preceded Trevor taking over Jon Stewart's spot on The Daily Show.
Noah did an extended bit on driving his car down an LA freeway and getting stopped by a cop. He assumed the worst, pulled over for Driving While Black, and described his panic as the cops roof light's flashed. Noah describes being confused particularly when the officer started giving him commands over a loudspeaker. The bit had a freshness to it, not to mention a happy ending. The police officer let Trevor Noah off with a warning even though he had been speeding down the highway!
My observation on Trevor Noah, maybe he's just what we need in this day of media inundation-- somebody he grew up in a slightly different media environment than the American audience. Noah naturally conveys an air of innocence in his performances. My thought was "this guy must have had great parents." I don't see the typical comic's angst in his schtick. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for comic angst. That's where the great stuff comes from-- and so the real worry... Is he too healthy?
Trevor Noah has a great smile and a lightning quick mind, the other credential for being a quality comedian. We participate with him as he absorbs America, absorbs fame and takes on a huge assignment. I'll start checking his Daily Show with greater frequency.
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