I used to be the same way. I'd see Awesome Show because I never bothered to turn the channel, and for a long time it just struck me as odd, rather than funny. Then I started to employ a mindset that I normally associate with performance art/art exhibits… to just go with it without expectations (and not to gauge it…

The director of Little Nicky resorting to racist humor, you say? What will they think of next?

I'm gonna give it another try, but I'm also vaguely remembering a weird murder/thriller detour the series took in a misguided attempt to generate viewership. Regardless, my quibble wasn't specifically football-related, as much as it was story-related. The central conflict of this episode (do I choose winning at any…

You're referring to John Mullaney's bit on that song, right? If not, you should check it out.

I think a good portion of that hate is collateral damage from the disdain people have for Gwyneth (pre-"conscious uncoupling")

Hmmm, this is exactly the point at which I gave up on FNL. It's been awhile, but as I recall, (SPOILERS?) the dilemma for the coach is "Do I start the ringer who is much more talented but selfish?" or "Do I start the less talented QB who is a team player"? Which gives us the best chance to win?

What's conveniently ignored in that common defense of SP is that for such supposed "equal-opportunity offenders," South Park sure does take it really easy on those white libertarian types.

I'm not yet up to speed on this little controversy, but I have to say, I thought AV Club was full of funny, sharp nerds. I didn't realize how many racists are here too. Now I'm starting to feel like I'm right at home. Thanks, AV Club!

Thank you. I think you summed it up nicely and reminded me why I try to avoid that place (in addition to the time suckage).

Ayn Rand fanatics and Leno Apologists. Correlation or causation? Hmmmm…. Well, both seem inexplicably angry and seem to contradict what they supposedly uphold to emulate (excellence, humor, etc.)… We'll get the lab on this, pronto!

Was it a gimmick account? Was his/her defense of Michael Bay just as dickish/insecure? Was there plenty of rage, straw men, and ad hominem? If so, I'm sorry I missed it. Dude sounds delightful.

Please, give Leno's writers some credit!
1) Most of them probably aren't such dicks.
2) They don't have the time (or need) to aggressively kick at any kind of contrary opinion.
3) Deep down, they kind of know the criticism is valid. Deep down, Jay (I would imagine) knows this too. After all, when you already have…

Dude, you shouldn't have taken the bait. No need to give your credits. Let him hang himself with his own rope.

Ding Ding Ding. I think you hit it on the nose. Jay's our corporate court jester, slowly narcotizing us, a tribute to the virtues of polished and professional mediocrity. His targets are obvious and safe, and the jokes practically write themselves… like mass-produced artificial cheese. Any kind of meaningful tweak…

I actually saw him live in the 80s. That Jay was a completely different comic. I know it's hard to believe, but his jokes were political and actually had teeth. It really is tragic how he turned into milquetoast mush, but that's what works best for the lowest common denominator, I suppose.

Naw, after you get a little older, you'll look back and see that it was cute.