As David Letterman gets ready to sign off for his final Late Show on May 20th, were keeping a running journal of the mans moods as he goes into his last month of late-night broadcasting.
Were given to understand that David Letterman is not a habitual toker. Sure, like most of us, hes dabbled with Mary Jane; according to a 1994 Playboy interview, the talk show host once went through a six-month period of pot smoking that culminated in eating two post-joint pints of Haagen-Dazs, waking up with a startling thump in my chest, and a panic-induced visit to the emergency room. After that, he said, his drug-experience days were over. So while we have no reason to believe that hell be opening for Cheech and Chong on tour after his retirement, last nights 4/20 episode had quite the weed-addled vibe.
Maybe it was Daves opening monologue, which seemed to jump from basic riffing on the latest sports news Tim Tebow has been on the bench longer than Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the discussion of New York Citys possible decriminalization of public urination faster than you can say, Dude, wheres my vape pen? Maybe it was RJ and Joes highlight reel [ahem], in which the undynamic duo repeatedly took and left the stage to the wistful sound of panflutes. Perhaps it was the new segment, Rick Perry: Master of the Silent Screen, which simply consisted of clips of the former Texas governor gesticulating meaningfully in front of an American flag as wacky cartoon music played in the background. (The bike horn squawks were an especially nice touch.) Or maybe it was the flashback to a February 1995 segment called May We Press Your Pants Please? which culminated in a brown-haired Dave buying a fake Rolex from a guy off the street
David Letterman: Last of the Stand-Up GuysThe 15 Best Whistling Songs of All Time18 Great Bruce Springsteen Collaborations
In any case, last nights show boasted more than a few riotously silly and rather stonery moments, and Dave seemed to be mellow, relaxed and definitely enjoying himself as he heads into his last month. After bantering with Paul Shaffer aboutthe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies (the bandleader sounded worn out from his long weekend in Cleveland), Dave bemoaned the fact that Shaffer hasnt been inducted. Who has been responsible for more rock and roll over the past 33 years than this guy right here? he said. If Paul and his friends are not inducted, I will leave this damn show! We think he means it, people.
This was Letterman in playful mode: During John Travoltas interview, Dave left his desk to greet Travoltas wife, Kelly Preston, and their young son Ben, who seemed reluctant to stay onstage despite the hosts playful entreaties. (I think weve got a place for him on the staff! Dave cracked.) And though he initially seemed to be entering the paranoia phase of a strong high during Amy Schumers appearance it was hard to tell if he was uptight in the comediennes brassy presence, or just had something else on his mind the Comedy Central star gamely kept things peppy. When Dave finally snapped out of it long enough to implore his guest to Do something now that youll regret, Schumer revealed a small blemish on her left thigh. See that scar? she proudly announced to the audience. Thats my vagina! It wasnt exactly Drew Barrymore flashing the flustered host, but the giggle fit that it gave Letterman spoke volumes. What we would not give for a few more years of that double act.