Ep 3. The Best Of The Mighty Carson Art Players (5/8/87)

The Johnny Carson Show season 4 episode 3, titled "The Best of The Mighty Carson Art Players (5/8/87)", takes a trip down memory lane to highlight some of the best sketches from The Mighty Carson Art Players. This episode is a compilation of some of the most memorable and hilarious moments from the legendary comedy troupe that had been entertaining audiences on The Johnny Carson Show for years.

From the iconic spoofs of classic movies like "Gone with the Wind" to hilarious parodies of current events and pop culture, viewers are treated to a showcase of the range and versatility of The Mighty Carson Art Players. The sketches are interspersed with interviews with cast members, where they share behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insights into the creative process.

The episode starts off with a sketch that features Johnny Carson himself, along with the rest of the cast, in a parody of the popular police drama "Hill Street Blues." The sketch, titled "Hill Street Hicks," sees the cast donning fake mustaches and playing bumbling police officers in a rundown neighborhood. The skit is filled with witty one-liners and physical gags, and showcases the ensemble's chemistry and comedic timing.

Next up is a hilarious spoof of the classic romance film, "Gone with the Wind," titled "Gone with the Windbags." The sketch sees Ed McMahon playing Rhett Butler and Carol Wayne as Scarlett O'Hara, with guest star Burt Reynolds in a cameo appearance. The Molasses Swamp scene from the movie is reimagined as a commercial for a laxative brand, and the cast manages to turn even the most romantic scenes into pure comedic gold.

Another highlight of this episode is a sketch titled "The Ronald Reagan Show," which sees the cast imagining what a show hosted by the then-president would look like. The sketch features a dead-on impression of Reagan by Rich Little, and pokes fun at his folksy mannerisms and penchant for anecdotes. The sketch also includes a hilarious musical number, with Carson and the cast performing a song called "We'll Keep A Welcome in the Hillsides" while wearing cowboy hats and lederhosen.

Other sketches in the episode include a parody of "Miami Vice" called "Beverly Hills Vice," in which the cast investigates a crime in a posh California neighborhood, and "The NBC Exercising Banana," in which a banana (played by a cast member in a banana costume) leads a Jane Fonda-style workout routine.

Overall, The Best of The Mighty Carson Art Players (5/8/87) is a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of comedy television. The sketches are still as funny and relevant today as they were when they first aired, and the behind-the-scenes interviews offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind The Johnny Carson Show. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great comedy and wants to experience a true classic of the genre.