Many of us are already gearing up for this coming Tuesday’s ‘Last Comic Standing.’ During the initial selection round the show picked up some undeniably funny comics, as well as some deadwood in my not so humble opinion. Here is a brief profile of a few of the final 12.

The Funny:

Josh Blue – No he’s not simply a human interest element with his cerebral palsy. He’s got talent and has arguably made his way into the final 12 on straight comic merit.

Gabriel Iglesias – More of a ‘comedic act out’ type then a traditional comedian. But it’s a changing world out there, and he is definitely entertaining.

Joey Gay – Above and beyond the name, the guy is funny. Whether he can win or not will not come down to how much comic muscle he’s got [he’s got plenty] – it will boil down to how likeable he comes across as to the viewing and voting public.

Kristen Key – Clever, witty and Self deprecating. Regardless of what you say – I like your tiny behind just fine.

The Not So Funny:

Stella – What, too good for a last name? Do we think we are Madonna now? Or Cher? This is just the middle aged Italian female version of Rodney Dangerfield – Just as outdated in the humor department, but not nearly as good.

Michele Balan – Wasn’t much to see here. I’m hoping that this is more a result of poor editing than NBC’s predictable desire to create the ‘ideal blend’ to maximize ‘household tension’ and relate-ability to their viewers. Yes, I’ sure there is a huge market segment of moderately funny older women watching the show who can relate to her. But seriously, don’t we turn in to see good comedy? If we really wanted this crap we would stash our self respect and flick the channel over to ‘Big Brother.’

The problem with programming execs is that they keep ‘getting in the way of the funny’ – it’s the Rich Vos effect all over again. For those of you just tuning in, Rich Vos was a semi finalist of Season One who was likely cast more of the fact that he specialized in being an asshole than on his comedic ability. Coarse, rude and specializing in jokes targeting his kids and his ex-wife – Vos would have been a sure winner for a reality show called “Last Comic with his Alimony and Child Support Payments Outstanding.�

Yes, the show is funny. And yes I’m a regular viewer. But if they would just drop the cheesy gimmicks and focus on the standup I think that it would be a better show as a result.

The rumors of a new setting for the show have been confirmed - ‘The mansion’ is actually going to be a boat. I guess that while they are trying to ride a bit on the whole ‘Big Brother’ living together voyeuristic experience, they are hoping to spice it up a bit. And that’s fine with me. But if we are going to use these cheesy gimmicks then why not take it a step further?

Instead of a moored yacht, why not give it a ‘Survivor’ twist and make it a raft with a maximum seating capacity of 12. Each week the raft looses a bit of air, and the loser of the weekly comic showdown gets tossed overboard to the sharks. Or the other contestants could eat him.

As a mid season surprise, season 1 contestant Ralphie Mae could get dropped into the raft and the rest of the contestants would have to fight him for the last box of rations. Weighing in at what looks like 400lbs I think that this would make for some excellent viewing…

So, what are your thoughts on the show? Who are you cheering for?