Respect Authority

We are all witnesses. We are all laughing, smiling, idiotic witnesses of the death of one of America’s most beloved funny women (women here is plural, and just barely). I’m talking, of course, about Ana Gasteyer. Actually, no, I’m talking about the painful ongoing death of Tina Fey, and no one realizes what’s happening.

Just a little more than a month ago, Tina Fey was the at the toppermost of the poppermost. Years after becoming the first ever female head writer of SNL, then a star of the show thanks to Weekend Update, followed by a successful turn in writing the only watchable thing Lindsay Lohan has ever done, Fey created 30 Rock, the funniest network sitcom over the last year and a multiple Emmy winner. Things were going great for Tina Fey.

Everyone loved her (and not just those among us anymore who are turned on by the ever important glasses/facial scar combo) and she was in the very rare breed of being a female comedian who is actually, legitimately funny (though she still trails Amy Sedaris in that department). Even starring in a not so great movie, and a not so annoying commercial, was good for her because it pushed her closer to becoming a major mainstream star, and deservedly so. Not all transitions go so smoothly (I’m looking at you, Wanda Sykes).

So then what happened you ask?  Why is she dying?  The answer is a two-parter with the first part being very clear and simple: Sarah Palin.
Read More ›