Published on Wednesday, April 8, 2009

tv

Demetri Martin knows what's 'Important'


By BRIDGET ORKFRITZ
Last updated on 04/07/2009 at 7:50 p.m.

Are chairs important?

Popular stand-up comedian Demetri Martin will tell you on his Comedy Central show “Important Things with Demetri Martin.”

Similar to his stand-up act, “Important Things” captures the essence of the lanky, witty Martin as he creates jokes through drawings on his sketchpad. His plays on words are still evident, as sketches of each episode revolve around a word. Episodes so far have been focused on games, coolness, safety, chairs, timing and brains.

The show not only features Martin accompanied by his sketchpad but has short video sketches mixed into his set that focus on the episode’s word.

The clips are funny, but Martin may be stretching himself too far on this half-hour show and should stick strictly to stand-up. His best jokes come while he’s performing for an audience versus appearing in a short video sketch.

Martin’s “acting” within these video sketches will probably become stronger and make the show more complete as it continues through the season. However, it is lacking now.

“Important Things” is still a young show and in time will probably develop into a huge comedic phenomenon, given Martin’s previous success as a stand-up comedian on Comedy Central.

The mop-top comedian’s talent and creativity shine throughout the episodes of “Important Things” as he is capable of creating joke after joke based off one word throughout the entire episode. He’s able to keep his jokes new and fresh by not centering on certain punch lines and becoming repetitive. His randomness keeps the viewer focused and anticipating what will come next.

“Important Things” will help further Martin’s career as a comedian by diversifying his humor. However, he’s at his best when he’s facing the audience with a mic in his hand.

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