On Notice: Best of 'The Colbert Report' in 2008

IT'S BEEN A busy year for Stephen T. Colbert.

He had a spider named after him, introduced Ben Franklin to the Roomba, and kicked the crap out of Jon Stewart and Conan O'Brien. He's also cheated death, denounced the movies that are destroying America, appointed some Alpha Dogs, and wagged his finger tirelessly Monday through Thursday, all for the benefit of our great nation.

Here's a look back at a few of the 2008 highlights of "The Colbert Report" (and check out all the rest in the show's excellent video archives at Colbert Nation).

» 1. End of the Writers' Strike
It's hard to deny that Colbert did the best out of any of the late-night comedy shows when it came to dealing with the strike. Everyone was flying by the seat of their pants, but Colbert let his improv background and natural talent take over and lead him to the front of the pack. That said, it was a huge relief when the writers returned — thanks especially to Kevin Bacon and Mr. Met for their hard work.

» 2. Cookie Monster
Of all the agendas Colbert rails against, there is one he is vehemently in favor of: the pro-cookie agenda. When Cookie Monster stops by, Stephen gives him the business about his sudden interest in "fruit." "Me like the Robert Downey Jr. of cookies." OM NOM NOM.

» 3. RAAAIN!
Colbert has many, many rivalries, most of them imagined. After trying last year to beat Korean pop star Rain with his own R&B music video, he invites the Kid Jong-il over for a dance-off. Unfortunately, Stephen's DDR machine can't handle the heat, and the dancin' in Korean has a tragic end. OK, so has anyone actually heard of this Rain guy outside of The Colbert Report? He was clearly padding the Time 100 list with fake votes.

» 4. Colberto Reporto Gigante
In one of the best interviews of the year, Colbert's Mexican counterpart Esteban Colberto sneaks across the border to interview anti-illegal-immigrant pundit Lou Dobbs, and thankfully he didn't forget his chicas. Dobbs pushes his new book, but the real stars are the show's editors and Colbert's Spanish. Lavender isn't a bad color on him, either.

» 5. The Portrait
That's right: You stood in line to see it at the National Portrait Gallery, you went to see it again in the "American Treasures" exhibit, and now you can see it forever at the American History Museum. And you won't even have to wait by the bathrooms! Stephen Colbert's portrait belongs to America ... although you still have to fork over $9.99 for one of your own.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

» 1. Rush Fails at Rock Band
This was bonus material and therefore not eligible for a top 5 slot, but it really should have made it onto the show. Rush plays "Tom Sawyer" on "Rock Band" — and fails. Neil Peart is clearly insulted by the five-piece "drum" set.

» 2. The Christmas Special
Also available for purchase on DVD, Colbert's old-fashioned Christmas special features Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Jon Stewart and John Legend. And a long-standing feud with bears is resolved ... kind of.

» 3. Feist
Colbert wears the sparkly Feist outfit, but the shot lasts only a second, for better or worse.

ON NOTICE

» Bill O'Reilly. There has been little rivalry lately between Colbert and Papa Bear, and it's the only thing lacking from an otherwise brilliant year for the Report. O'Reilly needs to stir up some more trouble (although he did some of that in 2008 with some hilarious old footage that resurfaced).

» Read our review of "The Christmas Special."

Written by Express contributor Afton Lorraine Woodward
Photo courtesy Comedy Central

Posted By Express at 11:55 AM on December 22, 2008 Tagged in Arts & Events , Television

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