The second season ofLast One Laughinghas concluded, and it’s a bold claim, but perhaps the funniest show currently on television. The premise is elegantly simple: ten comedians enter a room, and the last one who hasn’t laughed for six hours wins. Yet, from this simplicity springs a chaotic, brilliant, and often shocking display of comedic warfare.
Beyond the consistent hilarity, the show offers a fascinating glimpse into the minds of these performers. Watching them actively resist laughter, dissecting jokes for weaknesses, is a unique and compelling experience. The unexpected celebrity cameos, like Richard Madeley’s appearance this season, only amplify the show’s unpredictable energy.
However, despite the crowning of David Mitchell as champion, a significant issue has emerged with the show’s structure. While seemingly minor, it threatens to undermine the very qualities that makeLast One Laughingso captivating.
Controversy wasn’t absent from season two. Romesh Ranganathan’s elimination sparked outrage, with many viewers deeming the red card issued by Jimmy Carr as unfair – a “dirty move” in their eyes. This incident highlighted a growing frustration with Carr’s role throughout the series.
Many viewers, including our own TV editor, found Carr’s antics increasingly grating. Yet, his presence, while annoying to some, isn’t the core problem. The true issue lies in the way the finale unfolds, diminishing the show’s initial brilliance.
As Mitchell, Sam Campbell, Bob Mortimer, and Mel Giedroyc battled for the title, the spontaneous energy that defined earlier episodes began to fade. The carefully constructed chaos gave way to a more calculated, less organic dynamic.
The initial episodes are brimming with possibilities – Joker cards, hidden pranks, and the constant threat of an unexpected outburst. But as the six-hour timer ticks down, a strange awkwardness creeps in, stifling the show’s natural rhythm.
Carr and Roisin Conaty’s constant reminders of the remaining time create an artificial pressure, forcing comedians to seek laughter rather than letting it arise naturally. The dwindling cast size doesn’t build tension; it diminishes the show’s vibrant energy.
This ultimately leads to a surprisingly flat conclusion. The competitive spirit that initially fueled the show becomes its own undoing, transforming a thrilling contest into an anticlimactic countback. The focus shifts from genuine amusement to strategic avoidance.
Mortimer, a standout star from the first season, seemed almost eager to concede, even delivering a famously outrageous “randy dolphin” impression to induce a laugh from Giedroyc. His lack of competitive drive felt jarring, a betrayal of the show’s core premise.
The final showdown between Mitchell and Campbell lacked the spark it deserved, resolving in a winner determined by who had caused the most laughter earlier in the competition. It felt less like a triumphant victory and more like a technicality.
Despite this critique, the show’s magic is undeniable. However, the current format struggles to maintain its momentum in the later stages. Perhaps removing the countdown altogether, or implementing stricter penalties for overly defensive play, could revitalize the finale.
Introducing a prize, similar to the charitable donation inCelebrity Traitors, could also inject a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. Regardless,Last One Laughingremains a hilarious show, but one with a flaw that, if left unaddressed, could ultimately prove detrimental.
