Dick Cavett’s intellectual and conversational style made for a very different kind of show. His monologue felt like a mini version of his own talk show, and he brought a dry, witty presence to the sketches. The highlight was a brilliant sketch where John Belushi, as an eagle, slowly dies on stage, a piece of performance art that was both hilarious and strangely captivating. The show was clever and understated, relying more on wit than slapstick. It might not have been the most laugh-out-loud episode of the season, but it was one of the most interesting. Ry Cooder’s bluesy guitar was a fantastic musical choice, fitting the episode’s cool, intelligent vibe perfectly.
Season 1, Dick Cavett, Jimmy Cliff, C
