Craig Ferguson experiments with format and crossdressing

Craig Ferguson has been known to tweak with the traditions of late night talk shows, but this past week...he went stark raving mad!  A truly original talent that has increased his viewership since Conan O'Brien left the 12:35 time slot to Jimmy Fallon way over on NBC, CBS's Ferguson had a wee bit of fun.

Early in the week, he put the usual endtag, "What Did We Learn on the Show Tonight, Craig?" at the very beginning of the telecast.  This nightly segment is a verbal recap of highlights of the episode, but Craig taped it first, therefore not knowing what has (will) happen(ed) that night.  He brought out a prop skull that he later incorporated into the email segment.  Guest, Carl Reiner, was very impressed.

On another night, Craig interviewed the first guest, Eddie Izzard, for two segments.  Then he did the opening monologue.  I knoowwwww!!! 

The most talked about moment of "The Late Late Show" this week was when Rosie O'Donnell appeared in the cold opening lip-syncing Robert Palmer's "Addicted To Love."  Craig and a few of his show's random character actors wore sleek black dresses and danced around expressionless like the models from the famous '80s video.  They also adorned giant red wax lips, also reminiscent of that original music clip.  And then, of course, puppets with wigs sang back-up.  I don't recall puppets with wigs in the original video, but maybe Craig does because who knows what his altered mind may have imagined in that decade? 

Ferguson brings a giddy experimental edge to late night television not seen for a long time.  Some nights it may fail, but other nights you witness magical spontaneity and originality truly worth watching.