Bluetooth Gag #4: Garry Shandling & Kevin Nealon

THE BLUETOOTH GAGS HAVE BECOME SELF-AWARE! This new Internet short from Shandling & Nealon really ratchets things up to the next level. The writers of this one seem to realize that all of America has seen this joke 50 times by now (hopefully here on my blog), so, instead of deciding that we’re all sick of it (which, of course, we aren’t!), they decide go the extra distance in trying to convince you that Shandling is talking to Nealon. “Why aren’t you talking to me?” Wow, that is some downright genius stuff, despite the fact that no one would ever say it over the phone.

Ultimately, I feel like this is a giant leap forward for BT gags. At one point, there are two guys on BT and one on his cell (I could do without that guy, to be honest… it’s BT or nothin’). It even features the historic first moment when the BT guy actually is talking to the other guy (“You’re going in and out… Kevin, you’re going in and out.”). I just thank the Lord that he chose me to be alive during this period in human history.

★★★★★

[See previous posts: BT #1, BT #2 & BT #3]

[Thanks to Steve Andrews for the submission!]

Bluetooth Gag #3: Ameriquest

What sets this version of the gag apart is the violence. While most Bluetooth gags contain a significant degree of awkwardness, few involve death. A brave decision by the people at Ameriquest.

That said, I’m not entirely sure whether this qualifies as a Bluetooth gag. I don’t own a Bluetooth anything (I’m far too frightened to live my life with everyone around me constantly assuming that I’m talking to them… far too much hilarity for my weak heart to take), so I’m not sure whether this guy is wearing a boring old headset (wires are clearly visible) or a true-blue BT. Because of this, I can’t rate it higher than 2 stars.

★★☆☆☆

Bluetooth Gag #2: Lyle the Intern (on Letterman)

David Letterman has been called a legend of comedy, but it must have taken some real balls for him to give this bit the green light. While his dry sarcasm is the perfect fit for the nightly top ten list, it was far from a lock to mesh with a joke as intricate and combustible as the “oh, I’m actually talking on my Bluetooth” gag.

So, did it work? The answer is a resounding yes! The deafening laughs from the audience certainly attest to that.

In the interest of full disclosure, I should reveal that I actually saw this performed live in person (from the second row of the Ed Sullivan Theater, no less). The image of Lyle turning his head and revealing his Bluetooth earpiece still drives me to tears (of joy). Magnificent!

★★★★☆

Bluetooth Gag #1: Keystone Light

I’ve never had a Keystone Light, but it’s most certainly the nectar of the gods. Anything less would be unworthy of using such a hilarious commercial concept. This TV spot actually gives you two (that’s right, two) Bluetooth gags in a mere 30 seconds. The only reason I’m not rating it higher is because they didn’t find a way to stick in the exact same joke 10 or 12 more times.

★★★☆☆