February 23, 2016 - Debra Messing, Zachary Quinto, Violent Femmes

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Episode GuideEPISODE NUMBER: Season 1, Episode 98 (Tuesday, February 23, 2016)
GUESTS: Debra Messing | Zachary Quinto | Violent Femmes
STAFF CAMEO(s): Meredith Scardino
EXCLUSIVE(s): Violent Femmes - “Blister In The Sun” (feat. Stephen Colbert)
SEGMENTS: Monologue | The Road to the White House | Midnight Confessions V | Debra Messing | Zachary Quinto | Violent Femmes - “Memory”
SUIT REPORT: Navy Suit | White Shirt | Black & Red Striped Tie

Greetings and salutations, Hubsters! Tuesday’s episode was very delightful and enjoyable. We had another staff cameo, more Trump shenanigans, Stephen’s confessions, two entertaining interviews, a fantastic performance by Violent Femmes, and a bonus online performance of Stephen singing with them! You’ll find a link to the performance in this Guide. Let’s dive into the highlights!

During the monologue Stephen announced that as of May 1st, Ringling Brothers Circus will no longer include elephants. This is great news, considering the harsh treatment of these majestic animals. The elephants will be sent to a sanctuary in Florida, but Stephen proposes that the elephants come to the Ed Sullivan Theater. A plush elephant head named Gladys comes into view and Stephen has a heart to heart with her before throwing peanuts in her face! Who is holding up the stick for Gladys’ head? It’s none other than Late Show writer, Meredith Scardino. This is the second day in a row that we were graced with Meredith’s presence. She held up a horse head yesterday. I wonder if this is becoming a trend! It is always a joy to see Meredith and other staff members interacting with Stephen.

The opening graphics for “The Road to the White House” are hilarious! Thank you, Late Show graphics department. This new segment has been witty and very entertaining. It is getting more and more plausible that Donald Trump could become the Republican nominee for president. In my wildest dreams nightmares, I never thought Trump would get this far. After Pope Francis’ statement about Trump on February 18th, The Donald fired back by saying that the Pope would “wish and pray” for a Trump presidency if the Vatican were to be attacked by ISIS. A Vatican spokesperson clarified that the Pope was not personally attacking Trump. It took 400 years for the Catholic Church to apologize to Galileo and only 24 hours for them to apologize to Trump. Is the world upside down, Hubsters? Stephen hilariously stated, “If you beat the Pope - at this point - just paint him [Trump] onto the Sistine Chapel.”

With Stephen’s busy schedule, he rarely has time to be the good Catholic that he is and go to confession. Which brings us to another round of “Midnight Confessions”. Bless me audience, for I have sinned.

  • I tell people I’ve read Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”, but actually I just watched 10 Things I Hate About You.
  • When I’m at karaoke and someone starts singing “Don’t Stop Believin”, I stop believin’.
  • I buy kale and put it in the fridge, and never eat it. Then I start resenting it and enjoy watching it die.
  • If I rescued a shelter dog, I would name it “Shelter Dog”, so everyone would know that I rescued it.
  • Also, if I got two cats, I would name them “Cat One” and “Cat Three”, so everyone felt sorry for me.

Stephen’s first guest was Debra Messing, who was excited for her first appearance on the Late Show. They discussed her show,”The Mysteries of Laura”. I loved her as Grace Adler on “Will and Grace.” Debra is a lot fun! She and Stephen had a good time together.

Stephen then sat down with Zachary Quinto. Stephen is a big fan of Zachary’s performance as Spock in the new Star Trek movies. Leonard Nimoy, who played the original Spock, passed away almost one year ago. Zachary was lucky enough to get to know Mr. Nimoy and spoke very highly of him.

Alternative rock legends, Violent Femmes, performed “Memory” off of their first studio album in 15 years, “We Can Do Anything”, which will be released on March 4th. I was extremely excited to hear them play a little bit of their classic tune, “Blister in the Sun”, and even more excited to watch the full version online. You don’t want to miss the full exclusive online performance! Stephen sings with them and it is glorious!

What are your thoughts on this episode? Join in the conversation in the comment section!

  • tamara

    the web exclusive of Violent Femmes (“Blister In The Sun”) features Stephen singing with them!

    Loved this whole episode - so much joy!

  • Gina

    The whole episode was strong, but I thought Midnight Confessions was particularly so. That segment is really gaining its stride. I have to check out him singing in the exclusive - after work!

    And great guide, Katie! xoxo

  • Gina

    Ok, I watched “Blister in the Sun.” That was so beautiful (*dabs eyes*) I didn’t know the Weber made for such a reliable percussive instrument.

    • It really was a thing of beauty! And a grill as a drum…now that’s good times!

  • Mrc
    • Gina

      Thanks Mrc as always! 🙂

  • Roseha

    A lot of fun moments in this episode, I agree, I also enjoyed the Midnight Confessions and Stephen singing with the Violent Femmes. I looked at the credits at the end and I see they list Meredith Scardino as “Consulting Producer” so she seems to be back for good in some capacity! Loved the elephant segment.

    • Gina

      Thanks for letting us know. Perhaps “consulting producer” is a less permanent position on the show, but at least we know she is part of the team for now! I know Paul Dinello was “consulting” on TCR for a while, and look where he is now!

  • SD

    Is there anywhere on this site (or elsewhere online) where all of Stephen’s Midnight Confessions are listed? I get such a kick out of most of them. I love that this episode recap singled some of them out!

    • Gina

      The episode itinerary on the top of our episode guides are intended to inform you of what each episode contains, usually for later reference. There have been 5 thus far. If you type “Midnight Confessions” into the search bar in the top right hand corner of our site, you will see all the posts (guides) that mention Midnight Confessions.