Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 10/21/08 Section: Student Culture

Media Credit: Courtesy of TBS Frank Caliendo, master impressionist.

Have you ever wondered where former president Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky have been hiding?

Well, wonder no longer because they are back.

Not the way you think, though.

Master impressionist Frank Caliendo is reviving them in a segment portraying Bill Clinton's fall in the Monica Lewinsky Scandal.

New episodes of TBS's late night sketch comedy series "Frank TV", starring Frank Caliendo, begins today at 11 p.m.

Since its initial launch in November, "Frank TV" has gained popularity all over the U.S.

Its premiere episode pulled in more than 3.2 million viewers.

Caliendo will be joined by two other impressionists, Mike MacRae and Freddy Lockhart.

He takes on roles such as President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain, John Madden, Jack Nicholson, Sean Connery, Charles Barkley, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Al Gore, Jim Rome, James Gandolfini, Donald Trump and many more.

Some animated segments will be featured in the show, as well as a special election-night episode full of political sketches featuring Caliendo as President George W. Bush.

The show, produced by TBS Production, recently won an Emmy for outstanding costume design.

Caliendo is one of the writers and executive producers of the show.

I don't really watch late night comedy shows, but an advance copy of "Frank TV", kept me laughing and entertained through its entirety.

When it comes to impressions of political figures and famous people, such as Donald Trump, Caliendo is masterful.

Caliendo has a way of bringing back issues that have been forgotten by many as well as incorporating new issues we are facing in the wake of the new election.

Remember a few years ago when President Bush was criticized for taking too many vacation days?

Well, Caliendo has certainly not forgotten.

How about the race issue in the upcoming election?

He is not letting us forget that either.

However, there is one particular sketch that people should be wary about.

I must agree it was funny, but I saw it as a child endan-germent issue.

It dealt with how to quiet down a crying baby and involved the baby being thrown through a ball of fire.

Now it may just be me, but I found that to be very disturbing.

However, that was the only sketch that I did not like.

If you are looking for a new way to look at politics and to get a few laughs along the way, this is the show for you.

You may learn a few things about politics.

Either way you look at "Frank TV" be it a way to get some comic relief or to learn some politics, it will be well worth your time.

I must admit, there is nothing like a master impressionist trying to make our politicians work for their buck by pointing out their faults.

So tonight, turn your TV on at 11 p.m. and watch Frank Caliendo crack jokes at the expense of our politicians and celebrities.

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